“No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” – Matthew 5:15 (NRSV)

Have you seen the television commercial for Centrum Silver vitamins that declares you will be able to see a candle flame from a distance of ten miles? I must admit that claim intrigued me and upon “googling” the subject I discovered that others shared my curiosity. One website made some assumptions and indicated mathematical calculations were involved. 1) It’s a standard beeswax candle, similar to one put in a jack-o-lantern. 2) The candle has been burning long enough to melt wax and put out maximum light. 3) Its totally dark so that no light competes to affect your vision. 4) The air is very clear, without suspended dust or water vapor. And, 5) Your eyes are dark adapted and your pupils are fully dilated. For complete information the reader is referred to: http://heimhenge.com/skylights/2014/05/19/qa-the-distance-from-which-a-candle-can-be-seen. The claim has been declared as believable and still I find it to be amazing!

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to His listeners, “You are the light of the world.” His words apply to us as well. He followed that statement with the one printed above and we could well imagine how a single light source could illumine a small Biblical times home. He follows that statement by bidding us to let our light shine before others so that they may give glory to our Heavenly Father.

If a candle flame can be seen from a distance of ten miles away, just consider what a great difference we can make through our good works. Just think of the positive influence we can be in the world. It is no wonder that Jesus declared His disciples to be the light of the world … to bring light and so dispel darkness. We can and should make a difference, but let us always remember: Soli Deo Gloria!

Prayer

Almighty God, Jesus said “I am the Light of the world.” To His disciples Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world.” We thank you that the love of Jesus has shown into our lives making it possible for us to shed the light of His love in our world. Keep us faithful in being lights of the world and always giving you the glory. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.