Jesus said we are salt and light of the world – salt to flavor the world, and light to shine into this dark world (Matt. 13-16). Just as genuine light will automatically shine. These are natural attributes for salt and light.

Isa. 60:1 is a Messianic passage and has implications for the Church today. The Church of Jesus Christ has His light and is indeed His light. We do not strive to become His light. Like the natural attributes of salt and light, disciples of Jesus Christ will shine very naturally.

We must, however, place ourselves where this light will shine most effectively. Therefore, we must ARISE to be able to shine effectively. Jesus warns us against covering our light. Instead, we should position ourselves so that we become as obvious as a city on a hill. When we ARISE & SHINE, people will see all our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16).

I pray that this graduating class will go boldly to dark places where the Light is most needed. Light shines brightest in the darkest places.