When
reading this passage we were struck that we are called to reflect the one who
has called us. In verse 15 and 16 it says “But just as he who called you is
holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am
holy’. We are called to reflect the living hope that we have received, the
inexpressible joy, the inheritance we receive. All the things we see in the one
who called us we are called to reflect.
This
challenge then brings us to the life and character of Jesus; we are called to reflect
the one who called us. The Good shepherd who goes after the one, the man who
stops to talk to an adulterous woman, the man who walked in such power that
crowds of thousands followed him to hear what he had to say.
‘You are
the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people
light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it
gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine
before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven.’ Matthew 5:14-16
We are
called to show the works of the Father through the way we live our lives, we
are called to do good deeds in order for our Father to be praised. Let us be
like the one who has called us, we have living hope, an inheritance that can
never fail and we are shielded by God’s power . The promises within this
passage alone, let alone the whole of scripture, should inspire us to walk
forward knowing that all things are possible for God.
(member of the staff team)