I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus commanded, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”(Matthew 5:16).The Greek word “houto,” translated “so,” is a demonstrative adverb giving content and describing the verb “shine,” meaning “this one,” “in this manner,” “on this wise,” or “thus.” “Houto” is the first word in the sentence in the Greek text. This Greek word takes all the content of the preceding verse and places it into the “shine” to which Jesus calls us. The verb of the sentence is “shine” and is an imperative. Jesus commands us to shine in the exact same manner as the lamp on a lamp stand. The lamp on the lamp stand fulfills the purpose to light the house. Our purpose is to answer God’s call to be the “light of the world.”
Jesus emphatically calls us to be “the light of the world,” which is a call to be who Jesus is. The challenge to be Christ-like has always been somewhat uncomfortable for Christians. His standard of living, manner of loving, and flow of learning is so high; who could come close to such achievement? But this reaction only highlights our misunderstanding of His call. Jesus Himself called us to this level of “light!” The call is unrealistic unless the pattern by which God accomplished it in Jesus’ life becomes mine. He embraced His helplessness in humanity and was filled with the nature of God. He did not do what He did because He is God, but did what He did because He was a helpless man filled with God. Now He calls me to this same state of existence. I can be filled with the Spirit of Jesus. What a privilege! I am a Jesus pusher!!!