As we read this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, we might be puzzled. Somewhere in the back of our minds, we remember Jesus saying that HE is the light of the world, and we would be right. In the gospel of John, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Here in Matthew, Jesus tells us that WE are the light of the world. Really?
The Peachtree Music Ministry has spread great joy through the years, but never so much as is found in Ross Johnson. In 2011, Ross joined the Peachtree Youth Choir for our production of Godspell. He had one line at the end of the first act: “You are the Light of the World!” His speech therapist worked with him for months on that one line, and he was awesome. To this day, when Ross and I see each other (after he has joyfully conducted the 10:00 a.m. organ postlude), he says to me, “You are the light of the world!” and I answer, “No, YOU are the light of the world!”
Ross demonstrates the abandon of pouring himself unapologetically into the glory of how God has made him. Ross has shown me a fearless trust in God’s creation. If I believe God created me, then I am that lamp. Regardless of the failures I want to hide, God has made me for His purpose. He wants me to show His glory.
Jesus has lined it out for you in the Sermon on Mount: YOU are the light of the world. God made you perfectly. No hiding today—now go get ‘em!
(This devotion is shared with permission from Ross Johnson’s family.)