Mark – God is On Our Side!
We like to hike in the woods, put together a camp site, build a fire, cook over the open fire, eat, talk or just be quiet and listen. What we do not like is getting up in the middle of the night, especially when it is cloudy, to answer nature’s call. It is a bit scary trying to find the path, in your pj’s, to the bathroom with only a small flashlight in your hands. You imagine, if you are like me, all the ways you could be hurt on the way. You watch for animals and creepy people possibly lurking in the shadows. You breathe a sigh of relief when you see the light of the bathroom up ahead. You really relax when you open the door to more light. Ah, all is well. You have arrived. You take care of business and now you have to make the trip back through the woods, back to your campground. Light is a very important asset as we “find the path” and understand the journey. When others are with us, we share the Light they might not have in their own hands as they journey to find the path, too.
Mark 4, NLT
Parable of the Lamp
21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. 23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
GOING DEEPER…
In this parable, our Lord used a common object (a lamp) in a familiar scene (a home). The lamp was a clay dish filled with oil, with a wick put into the oil. In order to give light, the lamp had to “use itself up”; and the oil had to be replenished. If the lamp was not lit, or if it was covered up, it did the home no good. The apostles were like that lamp: they were called to shed God’s light and reveal His truth. But they could not “give out” without first “taking in”; hence, the admonition of Mark 4:24–25. The more we hear the Word of God, the better we are able to share it with others. The moment we think that we know it all, what we think we know will be taken from us. We must take notice of what we hear (Mark 4:24) as well as understand what and how we hear (Luke 8:18).
Our spiritual hearing determines how much we have to give to others. There is no sense trying to “cover things up” because God will one day reveal all things. I now remember what a great speaker told a crowd of listeners many years ago…”You cannot take a person farther down the road than you have been yourself.” What that means is you cannot speak God’s Word into someone else if you have not first been in God’s Word yourself with understanding for what God is telling us. Does that mean we know it all? Oh, no, of course not. BUT, it does mean that we KNOW where to go for help. We can tell others what has helped us along the way. We KNOW Who has the answers. We have the LIGHT in our hearts and hands to point the way. We point them to Jesus!“Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
“This is the secret”, says Paul, “Christ in you!” Jesus’ Light is in us! (Read Colossians 1:27!)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-15, NIV
So…SHINE!
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior,Help me to carry Your Light boldly and carefully so that others may find the path to You. Help me to understand clearly what you are saying to us so others will know where to go for salvation and help. Continue to transform me.
In Jesus Name, Amen
And we’re singing…
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
AND…
In this world of darkness
We are given light
Hope for all the dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And He died to save them
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ
Carry the Light
Count them by the millions
Blinded slaves to sin
Inside they are dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And His heart is breaking
Carry the light
Carry the light
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 
Great couple
LikeLike