On Sunday, we talked about the situation of the people who first heard Jesus say that they are “The Salt of the Earth” and the “Light of the World.” They were beleaguered and oppressed. Massive powers in the world dominated everything. Rome was in charge.
When they woke up in the morning, they did not have a sense that they could change the world. Much the opposite, probably: they knew the world could change them.
Rome regularly reminded them of their power. Often, there would be great military parades and spectacles, so that all people would remember that Rome had conquered and wasn’t interested in backing down.
Furthermore, Rome perfected a heinous method of execution so that would-be rebels would be dissuaded from their schemes: crucifixion. The message was clear: Rome is in charge and you’re simply a cog in this grand machine of progression. Get in line and shut up.
We live in a different world, but likely you at times feel similar: like you’re just a cog in the machine of our society. It is all too easy to get suckered into just going through life without a holy sense of our mission to Love God and Love Others. It can feel like we can’t make a difference.
This is why Jesus assigns powerful metaphors to each of us: As you follow Jesus, YOU are Salt. You are Light. Not on our own, of course.
Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit which empowers us to be his witnesses:
“…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NASB)
Today, I invite you to pray every hour to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How about at :07 minutes past every hour? Set an alarm or a reminder and 7:07, 8:07, 9:07, etc say a simple prayer asking God to fill you with the power of his Holy Spirit. Then, expect to be used by God.
Prayer
Make this prayer your own:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I ask you to fill me today with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I give you access to my life. I give you permission to lead me and guide me. Help me to know your will and your way today. Amen.