“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16, NIV84)

Sometimes Jesus said the most profound things in the simplest way. In this verse he reminded us that lamps are for lighting rooms. It would be useless and silly to light a lamp and then hide it in a jar or put it under a bed. We can all see that we understand this simple analogy and so conclude that we are good. Kinda like, as long as I get it I must be OK. To this we must be careful. Jesus isn’t doubting our ability to get the analogy. What He really wonders is, if we can so easily understand the error in lighting a lamp and then putting it somewhere where its light can’t be seen, then why do we do this in our everyday lives?

Jesus was reminding us that we are the light of the world. He put His Spirit in our hearts and we are to shine like lamps in a very dark world. So, why don’t we?!?!?! Why, on many days, is it impossible to tell the difference between us and the rest of the world? Why do we take our lamp of faith and hide it so the world does not see its light? Ouch! Now a simple analogy is about more than our assent (understanding and agreeing with it). It is about our actually living it! We are called to be in the world but not of it. We are called to “let our light so shine before men that they might see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.” Peter says that we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation … that we might proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous LIGHT!” (1 Peter 2:9)

Friends in Christ, God has left us on the planet so that we might let our light shine to any and all whom God causes to cross our paths. We need to take seriously this calling and be honored to serve our Savior in such a way. Today and always, stoke that lamp of yours, set it somewhere for all to see and let it shine!!

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church