Luke – Doors Wide Open!
Luke 8, New Living Translation
Parable of the Lamp
16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.18 “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”
HOLY PAUSE!
We cannot receive The Light of the world, Jesus Christ, into our once dark hearts, enlightening our minds and flooding our souls and then try to cover Him up with continuing in our selfish ways. Once the Messiah has entered in, He’s in. It would foolish and impossible to hide The Light of Salvation.Listen as we read this out loud, slowly…”“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed.” Lamps gave light because of oil being set on fire. Consider how dangerous it would have been back then to put even a small amount of fire under a wooden bowl or under the mattress made of straw! Imagine Jesus telling this example with explaining how foolish it would be to try to keep the light hidden. In the process of covering up the light, your fire might go out or, worse yet, you could set your house on fire! It is not only foolish but dangerous to hide the Light. In the best of circumstances it is crazy to receive The Light and then do your best to cover up the fact that you know Christ!
I am reminded what Jesus said later to his followers, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26) I do not think I could handle the shame of hiding The Light of my life, can you?
Are we ashamed of knowing Christ? What does our behavior show?
Do we hide knowing and living for Him at work, in our family gatherings or with our group of friends while socializing? Are we afraid of that conversation of saving grace?
“For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.”
The Light of Jesus in us should be at the front of our thinking, be seen by our smile, and reflected in our eyes! The Light of Jesus should be glorified in our behaviors as we journey in a dark world without Him.
Don’t hide Him! Let what you have SHINE!
“A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.”
Jesus is The Light of the world. He came for all. All need to see The Light and be guided by The Light. There is nothing worse than finding your way in a dark room, bumping and tripping over obstacles that cause bruises and brokenness. Put The Light where it can be seen by all.
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior,Lord, you have promised that more understanding of what you are saying will be given to those who are listening. I’m listening, Lord. I am convicted, challenged and corrected by Your Word this morning. Help me to live in ways that please You and glorify Who You are. May Your Light shine brightly in me today. You cannot be hidden! You are God and I am not.
In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.
Sing with me…SHINE (by Newsboys)
Shine.
Make ’em wonder whatcha got.
Make ’em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored.
Shine.
Let it shine before all men.
Let em see good works and then
Let em glorify the Lord.
