Dusk gave way to darkness across Victorian London. The horse-drawn cab carrying Charles Spurgeon clattered towards the bottom of the hill. A single light appeared up ahead. Then another. And another. Ascending, one by one, to the summit. A lamplighter, invisible in the gloom, was igniting the wicks of the streetlamps.
Public preacher, author and activist for the poor, Spurgeon was a well-known figure. Yet he was deeply stirred by the influence of the humble, unknown lamplighter. “I do wish,” he wrote, “that my life may be spent igniting one soul after another with the sacred flame of eternal life.” Significantly, he added, he himself should remain, as far as possible, unseen.
It is natural to want to be noticed for the things that we do. Yet the unseen lamplighter’s influence beautifully illustrates what it means to live as “the light of the world” (v. 14). When we’re prepared to turn the focus away from ourselves, others “will see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (v. 16). What a privilege that our lives have been infused with the self-giving nature of Christ’s love and grace so that others may be drawn to His distinctive beauty through us (v. 16).
We bring Christ’s presence to everyone we meet. May we gently dispel any darkness of fear or unbelief by shining His light into their lives, rather than seeking to focus on ourselves.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
How have other believers’ good deeds drawn your attention to God rather than to them? How can you keep the focus on God when you serve others or stand out in some way?
Forgive me, Jesus, when I seek praise for myself. Inspire me as Your light-bearer to turn other’s attention to You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The concept of light shining in the darkness is one of the primary themes of John’s writings, but it also has a strategic place in Matthew’s gospel. After Jesus returned from being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Matthew records the launching of Christ’s public ministry by quoting the words of Isaiah the prophet: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16; Isaiah 9:2). These words provide the context for His instruction in today’s Scripture text about being a light to others.
Bill Crowder
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