Joshua & Rhodé van Oord | Youth Leaders Celebration Church Huizen
A city on a hill
We love the image that the Bible presents about us Christians and the local church. We are the ‘salt of the earth’. Jesus himself says these following words in Matthew 5:13-16 ESV.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “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 a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
We are essential in God’s eyes. Salt is the only thing that makes all other ingredients work together in a meal. We are created to be salt to other people; and when we help those around us see the world in God’s perspective, God’s kingdom and eternity perspective, everything finds its place and all ingredients come together rightfully. Bringing Christians together and pointing to Jesus again and again is our goal as His followers. And if we don’t try to be the image of God, what are we doing?
We hope that it stands out to you that God is extremely proud of you. He has chosen you to be the beacon of hope that the world so desperately needs. But standing out brings great responsibility. If you put a lamp in a dark place, that is the only thing that stands out. People will think things, they’ll talk about you and maybe hurt you. But through all of this, God is asking you to stay strong. A city on a hill will be noticed easily. The city needs walls and a solid foundation to withstand storms, conquests and other evil. But God has given you everything that you need for your task, including your church family. He will never bring you into a situation that you cannot handle.
Especially in this time, where the church (not the building) has never been more local, we encourage you to pray and ask the Lord what you can do on the hill He has placed you on. We are not suggesting that you should be the next super Christian or light a forest fire in metaphorical terms, but maybe you can be a candlelight. Ask God what you can do for the people around you. And… go do it! Be the salt. Be the light! You are ready and called!
RESOURCES
WORSHIP
🎶 The Blessing – Kari Jobe
BIBLEPROJECT
🎥 Acts Playlist
📕 Study at home “Witness”