"Being the Light of the World: Sharing the Vision and Serving Others"
Scripture:
"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."— Matthew 5:12-14
Introduction
Today, we are reminded of our calling to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects God's love, compassion, and truth. President Samuel Macokebe of Jehovah Saints in Tanzania recently shared a powerful testimony about sharing the vision of God's kingdom and serving those in need. His story serves as an example of what it means to live out the teachings of Jesus in a practical and impactful way.
1. Sharing the Vision of the Kingdom
President Macokebe visited a different church to share the vision of the ministry. This act reflects the biblical principle of spreading the good news of the kingdom and encouraging unity among believers.
Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Sharing the vision of God's kingdom is not just about words; it is about inspiring others to join in the mission of advancing the gospel and living lives that glorify God.
Application:
Be bold in sharing your faith and the vision God has given you.
Encourage and collaborate with other believers to advance God’s kingdom.
2. Serving Others in Their Time of Need
During his visit, President Macokebe encountered a woman who was sick. The church prayed for her and provided financial assistance to help her access medical care and buy food. This act of compassion reflects the heart of Jesus, who calls us to care for "the least of these."
Matthew 25:35-40: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
James 2:15-17: "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
The $60 given to the woman may not have been enough to meet all her needs, but it was a demonstration of love and compassion. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact when done in the name of Jesus.
Application:
Look for opportunities to serve those in need, even if your resources are limited.
Remember that no act of kindness is too small when it is done out of love for God and others.
3. Being the Light of the World
The actions of President Macokebe and the church embody the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:12-14. As believers, we are called to shine the light of Christ through our words and actions.
Isaiah 58:10: "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
Galatians 6:9-10: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Being the light of the world means reflecting God's love and truth in a way that draws others closer to Him. It is not just about what we say but how we live.
Application:
Live in a way that reflects God’s love and compassion to those around you.
Be intentional about letting your light shine in your community through acts of service and kindness.
4. The Reward of Faithfulness
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:12 to "rejoice and be glad" because great is our reward in heaven. When we obey God’s commands to love, serve, and share His vision, we store up treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
When we live as salt and light, we glorify God and make an eternal impact.
Application:
Focus on living for eternal rewards rather than temporary recognition.
Trust that God sees your faithfulness and will reward you in His perfect time.
Closing Scripture:
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."— Matthew 5:16
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for reminding us of our calling to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Help us to live lives that reflect Your love and compassion. Give us boldness to share the vision of Your kingdom and to serve those in need. May our actions bring glory to Your name and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
As we leave here today, let us commit to being the light of the world. Like President Macokebe, let us boldly share the vision of God’s kingdom and serve those in need with compassion and generosity. Remember, every act of kindness—no matter how small—shines the light of Christ and stores up treasures in heaven. Go and be the light!
Conclusion: Join Us in Bringing Hope to the Homeless
At Jehovah Saints, we are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ by providing safe shelters, warm meals, and hope to those in need. Our mission to build homeless shelters around the world is inspired by Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
This is more than just a project—it’s a movement of love, compassion, and transformation. With your support, we can expand this mission and provide a place of refuge for countless individuals and families who are struggling. Together, we can make a difference and shine the light of Christ in the darkest corners of the world.
How You Can Help:
Pray for our mission and for the homeless communities we serve.
Spread the Word by sharing this initiative with your friends, family, and church community.
Donate to help us build more shelters and provide essential resources for those in need.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to changing lives. Click the button below to make a contribution and be part of this life-changing mission.
Thank you for your generosity and for standing with Jehovah Saints as we answer God’s call to care for the homeless. Together, we can build not only shelters but also hope, dignity, and a brighter future for those in need.
God bless you!
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