Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:13-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. Verse 14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. Verse 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Verse 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Verse 17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Verse 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Verse 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Devotion
In congregations I served we sometimes had a lay leader wrap up the baptismal liturgy with the charge “Let your light so shine!” From congregations in Wisconsin, California and Missouri, babies, toddlers, teens and a few post-teen adults received this profound commissioning. How many people and in what extending circles of interest across callings and industries have shined forth this glimmer of hope, light and life? We know it is all to God’s glory and my own ELCA denomination’s mantra begins by acknowledging that it’s “God’s Work.” Yet we are not incidental. My first Bishop, as I prayed over a call to his synod, sent me to prayerfully consider saying, “God’s Spirit won’t call you where God’s grace cannot sustain you.” And by God’s grace go ahead and celebrate the value added in exercising your faith through your hands, voice, presence, tears, knowledge, gifts, skills, education, and experiences.
Prayer
We need you, God of grace and glory, in the midst of difficult days where life-giving daylight is short, to assure us that your work is being done through human hands across your earth. Empower your children, baptized or not, to shine with your light. Amen.
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