We weren’t meant to go through life alone which is why God gave us one another! Let your light shine! We shouldn’t be self-focused. Jesus simplifies commands: Love God wholly, love neighbors. Today, let’s shine Jesus’ light in our marriages and families as dedicated dads. Let’s be the dads who shine the love of Jesus into our wives, kids, and world! Finally, let’s be the dads who shine the hope of Jesus to everyone we come into contact with today!
Topic: Greater and Lesser Lights
Verse of the Day: Matthew 5:14
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Firstly, let’s be the dads who accept and receive the call of Jesus to be light in this dark world! Secondly, let’s embrace this calling to radiate in our marriages and families, glorifying God. Finally, as dads, let’s not conceal our calling but elevate it, shining brightly for all to see, like an unhidden town on a hill.
Greater Light: Jesus Christ
John 8:12 - "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
Application:
As fathers, we can emulate Jesus, the ultimate light, by following His teachings and example. By living out the principles of love, compassion, and selflessness, we become a beacon of light to our families and those around us.
Lesser Light: Moon Reflecting the Sun
Genesis 1:16 - "And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars."
Application:
Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we, as fathers, can reflect the light of Christ. By spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, and seeking God’s wisdom, we become vessels through which God’s light shines into our families.
Answering the Calling of Matthew 5:14
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Application:
This verse calls us to be intentional about our faith. As fathers, we can answer this calling by actively demonstrating God’s love through our actions, words, and attitudes. By being present, supportive, and leading our families with integrity, we become a living testimony of the transformative power of Christ.
Finishing the Week Strong: Ephesians 6:10-11
Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Application:
To finish the week strong, we need to rely on the strength that comes from our relationship with God. By putting on the “whole armor of God,” including virtues like truth, righteousness, faith, and prayer, we can stand firm in our role as fathers, effectively countering the challenges and temptations that may come our way.
Remember, as fathers, our goal is to point our families toward the ultimate source of light – Jesus Christ. Through our actions, we can lead our wives, kids, and the world around us to see the love, hope, and glory of God.
So, let’s remember as today’s devotional shares that most lights get their power from another source. The Bible shares how there are two sources of light, a greater and a lesser. Similar to the Sun which is greater in the sky and the Moon that reflects the light of the Sun in the dark of night, we need to realize Jesus is the source of light, the greater and we are to reflect that light into this dark world we live.
Jesus is the light of the world:
John 8:12 (ESV) - "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"
In this verse, Jesus makes a profound declaration about His role as the light of the world, offering guidance, truth, and life to those who follow Him. This metaphorical use of light emphasizes the transformative and illuminating nature of Christ’s teachings and presence in the lives of believers.
Jesus calls us to be the light of the world:
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) - "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
In these verses from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his disciples to be a positive influence in the world, letting their light shine through good deeds and righteous living. The purpose is not to bring glory to themselves but to point others to God and give glory to the Father in heaven.
Jesus is our source to keep us shining, so let’s avoid getting stuck in a spiritual eclipse where we allow the world to get between Jesus and us, leaving us in the dark. Like a light, let’s stay plugged into Jesus so we can shine throughout the day! The requires that we spend time in God’s Word, that we pray so that we stay connected and continue to shine as we walk throughout our days.
