Whose Light Are We Reflecting?
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 22
Luke 11:29-54 (NIV)
By Alvin Tay, Chairperson, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 11:29-54 (NIV)
Have you seen Wesley Methodist Church being lighted up at night? I have, and it was a beautiful and lovely sight. But I often wonder. When outsiders see that light on the hill, what do they perceive of us as a church? Do they see the Light of Jesus? Will they experience the Love of God when they step into our church?
In today’s passage, Jesus said: “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light” (v33).
He added: “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness” (vv34–35).
Later in the passage, Jesus criticised the Pharisees’ obsession with outward ritual purity (the outside of the cup and dish) while inside they “are full of greed and wickedness” (v39).
This passage serves as a powerful call to intentional discipleship, urging us to cultivate inner spiritual purity, allowing the Light of Jesus to transform our entire being, rather than just our outward behaviour.
While reflecting on this passage, I happened to be reading the book, ‘Lead like Jesus’ by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. The authors talk about the four domains of leading like Jesus: Heart, Head, Hands and Habits. They said, “The internal domains—the motivations of your heart and the leadership perspectives of your head—are things you keep inside or even disguise if it suits your purpose. The external domains—your public leadership behaviour, or hands, and your habits as experienced by others—will determine whether people will follow you. When your heart, head, hands, and habits are aligned, extraordinary levels of loyalty, trust, and productivity will result.”
When I was the editor of a daily newspaper, I often worried about having to project a positive image to my subordinates. I found it stressful trying to project what I am not. Nowadays, especially now that I am retired, I just try to be myself. What you see is what I am. Of course, being myself or being authentic doesn’t mean I am free to show the ugly or sinful side of myself. Rather it means changing my old sinful ways and be a better disciple of Jesus, day by day. For me, it’s still a work in progress.
In Vision 2035, we seek to be a Light on the Hill, a Church in the City. With God’s guidance and empowerment, we hope to be a welcoming, missional and caring church. This will also enable us to fulfil the Great Commission— to go and make disciples of all nations—and to obey the two Great Commandments—Love God and love our neighbour.
I pray that come 2035, when people see the light on Fort Canning Hill, they would not only see a beautiful church but would also exclaim, “That is Wesley Methodist Church. A Welcoming, Missional and Caring Church!”
[ Reflection Questions ]
- When outsiders see Wesley Methodist Church lighted up on the hill, what do you think they would say of the church? What would you like them to perceive?
- Jesus says we should be more concerned with our inner character than our outward behaviour. How would you ensure that your inner character is aligned to your outward behaviour?
- WMC seeks to be a Welcoming, Missional, Caring church over the next 10 years. What is the one thing you would commit to do to help the church fulfil that vision?
