The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
“Let” is a small word that explodes into countless possibilities. Three little letters, one syllable but the potential it contains, wow! Like a small explosive that makes a big bang, this small word once understood and utilized brings forth results like dynamite.
The word “let” is used 1,219 times in our Bible, it’s used 300 times in the New Testament. In fact, 23 of the 27 last books of the Bible use it. In the month of March there are 23 working days (Monday – Friday) so perhaps it would be a good use of our time to visit one usage of the word a day, each from a different New Testament book. If you have never considered this small word; hold on. There is much to receive.
According to Websters 1828 dictionary “Let” means: “To permit; to allow; to suffer; to give leave or power by a positive act, or negatively, to withhold restraint; not to prevent.” This word means more than permission, it is the unleashing of power to allow. For example, consider the beginning of today’s verse: Let your light so shine before men… Meaning to permit your light to shine, allow it to shine, suffer it to be so, give it power to shine, do not prevent it from shining.
This phrase contains an inert energy or an unspoken reality which is this, you have light in you. If you are a child of God, there is light in you. Jesus said so. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12) Of John the Baptist it was written: He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (John 1:8)
Those who have this light in them should let it shine. But how is it shown? Through good works. The good works of God as given in His Word and being performed by His believers are bright lights in a dark world pointing the way to God through Christ. To perform these good works a person must let them be performed. Good works can be let or they can not be let. If they are let others will see them. If they are not let they will not be seen. The power of good works begins with a soul that is willing to let their light shine before men.
Notice finally if a person lets their light shine before men, our Father in heaven is glorified. The glory of good works belongs not to the person doing the good work, or even the good work, but the glory is the Father’s. Many times, a good work such as handing out a gospel tract is rejected, ridiculed or otherwise rebuked. But the very act of trying to let others know of the Gospel of Christ is a good work; the mere doing of it brings glory to the Father.
Nonetheless, the Bible Edge for today is this: you have the power to let or not let the light of good works be shown on earth. Meaning you have it within your power to glorify your Father in Heaven through letting your light shine through good works as found in His book. This is your power, use it powerfully.
William Howe, Ph.D.
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