LIGHTS IN THE WORLD (1)

“...children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as LIGHTS in the WORLD” – Philippians 2:15b

The Father’s Mission for us His children is to SHINE as LIGHTS in the WORLD: “That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Phi.2:15). Yesterday’s Capstone Capsule unveiled the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle of Moses. The function of the seven-branched candlestick in the Holy Place was to cast light on the object that was immediately opposite it, the golden table of showbread. The showbread represents Jesus Christ, who said: “I am the Bread of Life...I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world (Jh. 6:48, 51).

The whole purpose of the candlestick was to illuminate the table of showbread, a remarkable picture of the Church of Jesus Christ. The candlestick was the sole source of light in the Holy Place. The Church is the sole Light in the world. However, just as the candlestick can give light only when it is filled with oil and set on fire, the Church gives light only as we’re filled with the Holy Spirit and set on fire by God. Like the candlestick casts light on the table of showbread, the church has only one “object” upon which to cast light – Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life! This is our primary purpose on the earth. Everything else we may do is secondary. We are the light of the world”!

As Lights in the world, we’re to live without grumbling or disputing (v.14). This makes us “blameless and innocent” (v.15). The goal of not grumbling or disputing is not to boast, but to live in a way explicitly different from the depraved world we find ourselves in. All true Believers are children of God (Jh.1:12-14). However, to live without fault or blemish as God's children requires diligent effort and leaning on His Grace. Believers are to be in the world, not of it (Jh.17:14-15). We are called to stand out as exemplary “Lights in the world.” Paul's words echo Jesus’ words: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt.5:16).

We are members of the human race but have become citizens of heaven (Phi.3:20). We were born dead in sins but have been made alive in Christ and become children of God and joint heirs (Rom.8:17; Eph.2:1). As we trust Him in every circumstance of life and hold fast to the Word of truth, we would manifest as His blameless and innocent children, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation – to His Praise and Glory.