Shed Some Light On the Subject

"Shed light on the subject"
If you were an artist or photographer this phrase could mean something different to you than if you were not. If you were to tell an artist they needed to shed light on a subject they will actually do it. They will add light so that the subject they are trying to capture is revealed even more. They will literally add light so that the focus of their art is better seen.

To non-art type people, shedding the light on something is a little different, but not too much. If we shed the light on a situation then we are seeking the truth in a certain situation. Light is almost never used as a metaphor for bad things. Light is synonymous for goodness, purity and truth. God created light before anything else because it is good (or maybe it's good because it was first...it's the chicken or the egg debate).

Christians are called to be light in the world. Jesus called us to be light in Matthew 5:14-16 (a continuation from yesterday).

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Verse 14: Jesus is talking to his disciples. He tells them that they are the light of the world. They are called to be different. Then he uses an interesting analogy. He says that a town on a hill cannot be hidden. If you were to build a house on the top of a hill, then everyone will be able to see it. If you were to build your house in a valley, or behind a hill, then only people with certain vantage points will see it.

Jesus is telling them (in two different ways) that they are called to stand out. They are called to be different and to be seen by everyone. They are called to stand out, not to hide.

Verse 15: You have to remember that Jesus knows we are thickheaded people and he knows that the only way we are going to understand things is if we are told them multiple times in different ways.

So Jesus tells the disciples again how to live. This time he gives another analogy. He talks to them about lamps. He reminds them that when people light lamps they don't hide them, that would be a waste. If you light a lamp you want the light to be used. So instead of hiding the light away in the closet, you would put the light out and up high so that everyone could see and use the light.

Verse 16: So this is how we are to live. We are supposed to be light. We are to stand where everyone can see and not try to hide. We are to supposed to shine for all to see, not run from the world. We are supposed to be goodness and truth in the world.

We need to be the light so that we can let others see, but also so that our actions will all bring glory to God. God created life and called it good and Jesus told us to be light. We are supposed to bring glory to God in all that we do. We are supposed to be pure and good and if we are these things then we will bring glory to God. This is our call, our goal, our purpose!

Speaking of light check out the beautiful Northern Lights time lapse below. They are so awe-inspiring.


Aurora Timelapse. Fire in the sky. from Anna Possberg on Vimeo.