Radiate: 14 Devotions to Reflect the Heart of JesusSample

City on a Hill

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. MATTHEW 5:14 NLT

We know that Jesus is the Light of the world. If He had not come to save us, we would never experience goodness, and only darkness would exist. Because of who He is and the fact that we are His children, we are now considered the light of the world. We have been entrusted with the same life-changing, world-altering divine holiness that Jesus exuded, and as the Gospel of Matthew mentions, this light, or “city on a hilltop,” cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).

Sometimes we reject the notion that we were created to shine. This is usually because we reflect on our own mistakes and see the frailness of our humanity and doubt whether we are worthy. However, because we are children of the Creator of light, this light that we radiate is woven into the core of our being. When a city is located on a hill, the landscape of its existence makes it stand out. Nature sets it apart. It is taller, closer to heaven, and raised up because of where it was placed. If that city experiences brokenness, destruction, or disobedience, is it still on a hill? Yes!

The same is true of our identity in Christ. Living mercy and tangible grace in motion—that is us. We may desire to hide from ourselves because of our struggles, but we have been placed on higher ground. We may feel unseen by God during hard seasons, but just as Matthew says, how could such a place be hidden? Our confirmed identity as heirs of Christ offers us an unshakable promise—to be light in the darkness. It is not our performance that provides true light; it is our remaining in the steadfastness of God’s character that ensures it. The reality of being on a hill can be difficult and great because, well, we are on a hill. This means that we are exposed and seen at all moments. This is no mistake, as we are called to live in the light—giving air to our weaknesses because that is how a watching world sees the strength and faithfulness of God.

We are a city on a hill. No matter the past we have endured, the socioeconomic background we come from, or the current state of our affairs, God has not changed His mind about us. Set apart, raised up, and able to light up the whole world if we trust in Him.

Hey Jesus, thank You for positioning and placing me on solid ground. I see You at work in my weaknesses as You fight for me. Remind me of my identity, a city on a hill, meant to shine light on the watching world. In Jesus’ name, amen.