Hanukkah Day 6: A City on a Hill

Passage: Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Pondering:
As someone who grew up in church, when I heard teaching about doing “good works,” it always seemed to be in the context of doing good deeds or “being good, ” as opposed to being “bad.” But I believe the original language expresses something deeper. 

The Greek word here in Matthew 5:16 for “good” means excellent in its nature and characteristics, genuine, approved; competent, able, such as one ought to be; praiseworthy, noble. It doesn’t seem to be implying right vs wrong or good vs bad at all. 

Where have we heard these words like excellence and praiseworthy before? In Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

What we think about and dwell on is very important. Our thoughts determine our words, which determine our actions, which determine our habits, which determine our character, which determines our nature. I don’t think Yeshua is telling us to be “good little Christians,” but rather to live in such a way that people are drawn to His light in us, which draws them into His heart. He is calling us higher. 

When I was in high school, someone once asked me why I seemed so happy and joyful all the time. I told her, “It’s because of my relationship with Jesus.” She saw something in me she wanted, and it gave me an opportunity to share the gospel with her. My “good behavior” wasn’t what drew her in. In fact, that is what caused some people to pull away, make fun of me, lie about me and call me names. It is the peace and joy that flow from someone who pursues the higher things and His heart that attracts the hurting, the lonely and the lost. 

The Festival Lights is so much more than a celebration of the rededication of the temple. It is a reminder of the many forms which light can take. We put the light of Yeshua on display every time we honor Him with our thoughts, our words and our actions. 

Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling us to higher things and higher places – higher realms in You. As we light the sixth candle tonight, remind me of what it really means to be a city on a hill, to boldly and unashamedly live a life that brings honor to Your name. Your light in me will not be hidden or apologized for or snuffed out. Your light brings life, so teach me how to walk in the light that brings life to the hurting ones around me. Every part of me belongs to You. I love You. Amen.

Worship Song: Jesus Have It All by Jeremy Riddle

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