The question this week answers "I know where the Kingdom is. But what does that make me?"
"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son." — Colossians 1:13 (NASB 1995)
Key word transferred — "methistēmi" — to remove from one place toanother; a change of domain, allegiance, and address
You're not a citizen of darkness trying to live in the light. You're a citizen of the Kingdom — and you've been there longer than you might think.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." — Matthew 5:13–14 (NASB 1995)
Key word / cultural note "salary" — from the Latin "salarium" — Roman soldiers were paid in salt. Salt = value, preservation, purpose.
Jesus didn't say become the light. He said you are the light. The question isn't whether you're shining — it's what's covering you
"nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and itgives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a waythat they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." —Matthew 5:15–16 (NASB 1995)
Key word "lampsatō" — to blaze, to shine forth with intensity; not manufactured light — released light
You don't have to become something new. You have to let go of whatever's been covering what God already put in you.
You don't just belong to the Kingdom. The Kingdom belongs to you — and it expects something from you.
