불을 켜 두어라(LEAVE THE LIGHT ON)

💙 불을 켜 두어라

 ✝  마태복음 5:13 - 5:16 

“ 너희는 세상의 빛이라 산 위에 있는 동네가 숨겨지지 못할 것이요 “[마태복음 5:14]

어느 호텔 체인의 광고를 보니 어두운 밤에 작은 건물이 하나 서 있고 그 주변에는 아무것도 없습니다. 영상 속에 빛이라고는 호텔 현관문 가까이 있는 작은 등에서 비추는 불빛 밖에 없습니다. 하지만 그 등불은 방문자가 계단을 올라가 호텔에 들어가기에 충분한 밝은 빛을 비추고 있습니다. 광고 문구는 이렇게 끝을 맺었습니다. “당신을 위해 불을 켜 두겠습니다.”
현관의 불빛은 지친 여행자들이 멈추어 쉴 수 있는 편안한 곳이 지금도 영업중임을 알리는 환영의 표시와도 같습니다. 그 불빛은 지나가던 사람들에게 어둡고 지친 여행길에서 들어와 쉬라고 초대합니다.

예수님은 그를 믿는 사람들의 삶이 환영하는 불빛과도 같은 삶이어야 한다고 말씀하십니다. 주님은 제자들에게 “너희는 세상의 빛이라 산 위에 있는 동네가 숨겨지지 못할 것”(마태복음 5:14)이라고 말씀하셨습니다. 믿는 우리는 이 어두운 세상을 밝게 비추어야 합니다.

주님이 우리를 이끄시고 능력을 주실 때 “[사람들이] [우리의] 착한 행실을 보고 하늘에 계신 [우리] 아버지께 영광을 돌릴”(16절) 것입니다. 그리고 우리의 불을 계속 켜 두면 그들은 마음에 환대를 느끼고 우리에게 와서 세상의 참된 빛이신 예수님에 대해 더 알고 싶어 할 것입니다(요한복음 8:12). 
지치고 어두운 이 세상에서 예수님의 빛은 항상 켜져 있습니다.
당신의 불은 켜져 있습니까? 
오늘 예수님이 당신을 통해 빛을 비추실 때 다른 사람들이 보고 그들도 주님의 빛을 비추기 시작할 수 있습니다.

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당신은 오늘 예수님을 위한 빛을 어떻게 비출 수 있습니까? 
예수님을 비추지 못하게 막는 장애물이은 무엇입니까?

<예수님, 빛을 밝게 비추어 사람들을 주님께로 이끌 수 있게 도와주소서.>

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[마태복음 5:13 - 5:16 ]
13. ○너희는 세상의 소금이니 소금이 만일 그 맛을 잃으면 무엇으로 짜게 하리요 후에는 아무 쓸 데 없어 다만 밖에 버려져 사람에게 밟힐 뿐이니라
14. 너희는 세상의 빛이라 산 위에 있는 동네가 숨겨지지 못할 것이요
15. 사람이 등불을 켜서 말 아래에 두지 아니하고 등경 위에 두나니 이러므로 집 안 모든 사람에게 비치느니라
16. 이같이 너희 빛이 사람 앞에 비치게 하여 그들로 너희 착한 행실을 보고 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지께 영광을 돌리게 하라

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💙 LEAVE THE LIGHT ON

 ✝  Matthew 5:13 - 5:16 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”[ MATTHEW 5:14 ]

A hotel chain’s commercial featured one little building standing amidst a dark night. Nothing else was around. The  only light in the scene came from a small lamp near the door on the porch of the building. The bulb cast enough illumination for a visitor to walk up the steps and enter the building. 
The commercial ended with the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on for you.”
A porch light is akin to a welcome sign, reminding weary travelers that there’s a comfortable place still open where  they can stop and rest. The light invites those passing by to come on in and escape from the dark, weary journey.

Jesus says the lives of those who believe in Him should resemble that of a welcoming light. He told His followers,  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (MATTHEW 5:14). 
As believers, we’re to illuminate a dark world.
As He directs and empowers us, “[others] may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (V. 16). And as we leave our lights on, they will feel welcomed to come to us to learn more about the one true Light of the World—Jesus (JOHN 8:12). In a weary and dark world, His light always remains on.
Have you left your light on? As Jesus shines through you today, others may see and begin radiating His light too. 
-KATARA PATTON

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In what ways can you shine your light for Jesus today?What can prevent you from shining for Him?

<Jesus, help me to shine brightly so that others may be drawn to You.>

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[Matthew 5:13 - 5:16]
13. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty [again]? It is good  for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15. "Nor do [men] light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who  is in heaven.