A City on a Hill

Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, May 8, 2025

Today's Text: Matthew 5:13-16

Key Verse: Matthew 5:14 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

One late night, I was returning from a working visit to Canada and I flew into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). I was greeted, first by an incredible desert scenery as we approached landing. That view then transgormed quickly into that of beautiful mountainous neighbourhoods full of hundreds of well lighted interwoven highways and endless city going over the curvature. In that moment, I literally felt the power of lights and heard the Holy Spirit expounding the message of today's text in my heart.

A Christian is called to be a source of light and guidance for others, This truth is rooted in Jesus' saying itself. He says, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In religious and spiritual contexts, light is a symbol of truth, goodness, and God's presence. Darkness, on the other hand, represents ignorance, sin, or the absence of God's grace. Being "light" suggests that believers are called to not just shine, but to also be a center for light, illuminating others and drawing them towards God.

By implication, as believers, we are to live lives of faith, love, and good works, so that our actions and inactions reflect God's light and influence others towards God. This is a lifestyle witness to our faith, helping those in need, demonstrating kindness and compassion, and living a godly life. These are all ways that believers can live as "light" in the world. Just as a city set on a hill is visible to all, we as Christians are called to be a beacon of hope and light in the world. Our lives should shine brightly, reflecting the love and character of God. Being a city set on a hill requires us to live out our faith boldly and authentically, letting our good deeds and actions glorify our Father in heaven.

We demonstrate our faith through our actions, just as a city on a hill is seen from afar. Our kindness, compassion, and integrity should make our light shine, drawing others to God. Unfortunately, many Christians and churches are hiding their light under a bushel, failing to impact the world around them. Jesus' expectation of us us that our light would shine before others, so they may see our good deeds and glorify God. This requires us to be intentional about living out our faith, sharing God's love with others, and being a witness to His goodness.

Action Steps: Be intentional about living out your faith, letting your light shine before others. Strive to be a beacon of hope and love in your community, reflecting God's character. Pray for opportunities to share God's love with others and be a witness to His goodness.

Quote for the Day: "Our lives should reflect God's love and character sp evidently that it is enough to illuminate the world around us." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being Your light in the world. Help me to shine brightly, reflecting Your love and character. Give me opportunities to share Your goodness with others and be a witness to Your love — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Philippians 2:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, and Isaiah 60:1-3.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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