Leading worship 20th July 2008

Let your light shine

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us that we are 'the light of the world' (v14) and so, he instructs us to 'let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.' (v16).

God, in his infinite superabundance, continually outpours revelation of himself in the universe around us. "Let there be light", Genesis 1 records God as commanding, 'and there was light'. This light was more than simply the absence of darkenss, it was the light of revelation - as we look at creation, we see something of God's essence, as the things made reflect the nature of their Maker. Romans 1 says, 'What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.' (1:19-20) Or Psalm 19 reminds us that 'the heavens declare the glory of God ... day by day they pour forth speech ... their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of ther world.' God is in the business of revealing himself to his creatures.

We watched a video that allowed us to consider these thoughts (see below), and we sang some songs that allowed us to reflect on and respond to our Creator God.

We will magnify
Indescribable
You're the word of God the Father

These songs reminded us of the God whose glory is revealed in the universe around us. And they also brought us on a journey to the point of considering that the world around us is not the only way that God has revealed himself to us.

1 Cor 4 says this: 'For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkeness' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the glory of God...' not this time in the vast galaxies and supernovae which he has created, but '...in the face of Christ.' Jesus, the God-man who walked on this earth, was the true light who brought light to every man. He, and not some inanimate star, is the true light of the world. And so we sang of this God who stepped into darkeness to make us children of light.

Light of the world (Here I am to worship)

And finally we responded. As God has shone into our hearts, so we must shine for him. No one lights a lamp and then hides it.

You have called us

Alistair Hamill