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Strategically Placed

"You are the light of the world. A city built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Do you ever wonder why cities are where they are? Think of the biggest cities in the world, and you'll find that most are near a major body of water. Someone strategically placed these cities in specific locations to transport goods and people. A few other cities are not near a major body of water, but they have multiple highways nearby. For example, I'm writing this from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, right on the historic Route 66. This was the first road that connected Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California.

In His first recorded sermon, Jesus tells his disciples, "You are the light of the world! A city on a hill cannot be hidden." This is because, back in the day, cities were strategically placed on top of a hill so they could be seen from miles away (and so they could see intruders from miles away). He then talks to his disciples about how people strategically place candles in their houses to give off the most light.

Essentially, Jesus is telling his disciples, these normal guys who do not have any special skills other than they are followers of Jesus, that just like governments strategically place cities on hills and just like people strategically place candles on stands in their houses, YOU are strategically placed as well. Think about it. You have been strategically placed in a specific family and a specific group of friends, classmates, teammates, coworkers, or neighbors. Why? He finishes by saying, "Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Someone was strategically placed in your life -- a friend, teacher, family member, or someone else that invested in you. This person either built a relationship with you, discipled you, invited you to church, or maybe they were just there for you when you needed someone. Guess what!? Jesus was telling his disciples, and he is telling you and I, we are strategically placed! We are going to be the reason that someone glorifies God! So the next time you "randomly" sit next to someone in class or "randomly" work the same shift as someone else, know that you have been strategically placed in these not-so-random circumstances with an opportunity to let your light shine!

God, open my eyes to see the people you have strategically placed in my life today, and give me the courage to shine and give you all the glory!

Reflection:

Who has been strategically placed in my life to help me glorify God?

Who is someone that I can make an intentional effort to encourage in the ways of Jesus?

Brett Bradley
Professor, SNU School of Education