Daily Devotional | God’s Presence in a Dark World

Even a small flickering candle can dispel darkness in a pitch-black room. Though a candle’s flame may be insignificant compared to a high wattage halogen bulb, it can still pierce the darkness, providing light and warmth.

Matthew 5 is the start of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus established the ethics and principles for kingdom living. He, like Moses in the book of Exodus, goes up a mountain to receive a new body of instructions and deliver it to the people of God. Jesus gathered the crowds around him and called them to radical discipleship.

Jesus says that His followers are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matt. 5:13–14). These two metaphors help explain how God’s presence within His children can influence and transform the world. Once salt is added to food, it cannot be removed. Salt’s distinct flavor permeates the food, and even when you cannot see the grains of salt any more, you can certainly taste its effects. The same effect can be produced by a lamp. Its radiance can be seen from great distances, illuminating anything within sight.

We are to be salt and light. As the salt of the earth, we are called to season the society we live in so that when others meet us, they not only sense God’s presence within us but also get a “taste” of God’s kingdom on earth. As the light of the world, we are called to dissipate the darkness around us. God’s illuminating presence within us can point others to Jesus who is the ultimate “light of the world” (John 8:12).

Go Deeper

How are you doing as “salt” and light”? In what specific ways are you lighting the way for others to see Jesus? What concrete steps can you take today to enhance and preserve the culture around us with God’s love and mercy and making His presence known to a lost and dying world?

Pray with Us: Loving Father, as the world becomes darker, Your light shines brighter. Show us how to be “salt” and “light” to people around us. May we have the courage to share with others Your illuminating presence within us.

BY James Coakley

Dr. Jim Coakley is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. He earned his BA in Pastoral Studies from Calvary Bible College, his M.Div. and Th.M. in Old Testament from Grace Theological Seminary, and his doctorate from Covenant Theological Seminary. Jim is the author of 14 Fresh Ways to Enjoy the Bible (Moody Publishers). He and his wife, Gayle, live in the western suburbs of Chicago and have two adult children and three grandchildren.