I read an article recently about a business man who discovered the stone used in the city of Jerusalem and is making it available in America.

Denver, Colorado – Gill Lobel loves Jerusalem and its beauty so much that he has decided to bring part of its history and mystery to the United States. Owner of a construction company in Denver, Lobel visited Jerusalem often as a child, always admiring the stone in the buildings and the legendary “Wailing Wall”. Then on a trip a few years ago, Lobel realized that the very stone from which Jerusalem is built was an affordable and beautiful alternative to granite or marble. Now, with the uncertainty of peace in the region, he feels strongly about bringing part of Middle East history to America as his Jerusalem Stone Company offers unique stone slabs and tiles to consumers, dealers and the clergy. Jerusalem is known as “The City of Gold” for its shining hues as reflections of the sun on the stone create a golden glow across the entire town. Since 2000 B.C., stone from specific quarries has been used to build the famous resilient city. Even today, the building code in Jerusalem regulates that all new buildings must use the stone in construction or at the very least, as a façade in order to keep the city’s historical uniformity.

The composition of the stone is dolomite – a type of limestone made over millions of years of ocean water, sand, and shells coming together to create beautiful golden stone in bone, gold, grey and rose hues.

This image of being a “city” that sparkles with light would have been very colorful in the mind of the audience.  Then Jesus says that the city is “set” on a hill. It is “strategically” placed.  When cities were built, they were built in strategic places to provide the most security. The most potential for commerce or political alliance, or availability to surrounding territories.    Jesus is saying that just as builders, kings, architects set cities in certain places… and just as homeowners “set” lights in strategic places to illuminate the whole home… So God has strategically placed you and I in specific places in life to “shine light.  Imagine what that means, if it’s true.

• I have been strategically born in America, vs other placed in order to shine my light to others.
• I have been strategically afforded wealth, influence and opportunity that is the envy of the world… SO THAT, I can illuminate others.
• I have been educated and gifted with talents and opportunities.. SO THAT, I can be a conduit to illuminate others.
• If I live in a particular neighborhood… Work at a specific job… And wrestling with a challenging parenting issue…  A health issue…  I am “strategically” placed here right not, SO THAT, I can illuminate others.

If that is true, and I believe it is… All of life has meaning and purpose.  Imagine what your life would be like if you believed, “I am here in my current situation (Good, bad, or ugly) in order to serve a purpose of giving love, care, concern to others… and.. Most importantly…

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

This is key… Many of us do good works.. so we look good. Or to “feel good about ourselves.”  or to “be known as “that kind” of company or person.  But that is actually self-centered goodness and light… It will never connect you to your real purpose in life.   Jesus says, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE before men… in front of others… SO THAT… THEY may see your good works… and “glorify” or “give weight” to the God that is in you. Our good works create a taste in people’s lives to “check Him out.”   To say it another way

PEOPLE ASK ABOUT THE MOTIVATION OF PEOPLE WHO ENGAGE IN ILLUMINATION

When you live in such a way that people ask about your illumination? (Your good deeds) and they want to know your motivation?  And it’s not:  “its’ the right thing to do”, or “I feel good when I do it”, but rather, you are able to articulate the motivation as “I have a God who loves me and forgives me and motivates me to love others the same way…”  It’s in those moments, and in that way of living… you find your real meaning and purpose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DFO7mCdkx0

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