The Tired Traveller

Good morning.

The last few days we have discussed being light. If you have not read the previous two messages, it would be good to do so before reading this.

Why did Jesus mention both the city on a hill and the lamp in a room? The city on the hill consists of many lights (the lamps in the rooms) all in one body (the church). The light can be seen from a distance and give direction, drawing the tired traveller to it, giving him hope.

Imagine a man in Bible times walking through the wilderness at dusk. As night falls, he thinks he is drawing near to the city, and having walked all day, he is not in the mood to set up camp once again. He stumbles on in the moonlight.

As he crests a hill, his gaze is drawn to the brightly lit city on a hill in the distance. After a day of heat and dust, he warms to the sight, and hope surges within him. A warm bath followed by a soft bed sounds much better than a mat on the stony ground.

As the church, we should bring hope to the world. After some hard years of hopelessness and hardship, the unsaved should experience a church brimming with good works. The expression of the gifts and fruit of the Spirit will draw the sinner and give him hope like lights shining from a city.

Jesus also mentioned that the city was on a hill. John 12:32 says, “‘But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.’” In John 14:12, Jesus said, “‘I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.’” With these words, He elevated the church or body of believers to a higher level (on a hill), since He lives within the believers. We as the church represent the Almighty. Our conduct should cause the world to look up to the church and not down as it often does today. If we act in Jesus’ power, doing greater things than He has done, the power and love emanating from us will draw the world up to Jesus. This will inspire awe of Him and the church rather than contempt.

The Lord Jesus knew that it is easy to disappear in the crowd and let others do the work of the ministry. He therefore also mentioned the light in the room, which represents the individual. Light bathes everyone in the room in its warmth. In the window, light draws the lonely one who looks for comfort and support.

As Christians, we should influence others by causing them to desire to learn from us. We should bring them light and answer their questions. Our light and our gifting bring comfort, support, and development to others. Our encouragement, teaching, and mercy will flow to the one in need.

In order to be effective, we need to develop our gifting. A teacher should know the Bible well, attend Bible classes, and be tuned in to the voice of the Holy Spirit for new revelation. He should make use of every opportunity to teach. A giver probably has the gift of making money. She should learn all she can about business and be tuned in to the Holy Spirit for creative ideas to both make money and give it away. Prophets need to learn from other prophets how to hear from the Lord as Elisha did from Elijah. In order to lead, one needs to seek opportunities such as becoming a home group leader. All the gifts in Romans 12 are linked to skills and effort on our part. Obtaining these skills is essential service to the Lord and evidence of our love for Him.

Lord, please motivate my heart to be the light I should be, to develop my gifts and make effort to serve you productively.

Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.

Please pass this on if you think others may benefit by it.