Let’s explore the parable of The Lamp and discuss how Jesus applies the light to; letting our light shine, hidden shadows coming to light and the light within us…
Let Your Light Shine
The Lamp
Matthew 5:14–15 (KJV)
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
We Are The Lamp
Jesus seems to be telling us that we are the lamp and we have been given the word of God, the light of the world. We are not meant to waste the gift of the word by hiding it away. He is encouraging us to Let your light shine for the kingdom and to God be the Glory.
Light The Path
The path is lit by that light. Those who can see are guides down the path by sharing the light in the darkness. The more we share the light the brighter the light becomes. The light gets stronger and the path becomes more clear.
But if the light is kept in the shadows the path becomes darker. It slowly begins to dull the light. It shines weaker and weaker. And the darkness overtakes the path. The way is no longer clear. And many are lost by the wayside.
Spread The Message
So we must become disciples of the word and take it openly out into the world. We must spread the message of salvation and light up the path. We must keep the light at it’s brightest lighting the path for all to see the way, the truth and the light…
Hidden Shadows Come into Light
The Lamp
Mark 4:21–25 (KJV)
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Truth Becomes Light
Jesus teaches that all those things you keep hidden will eventually come into the light. All hidden things will be revealed. Truth becomes the light. We are the Lamp. The truth will shine more brightly. Jesus is speaking to us about judgement and truth. At some point all will be known before God and we are accountable. So be responsible with how you keep God’s word and keep the truth in the light.
The Light of Knowledge
In the parable of the Lamp Jesus also warns that you should keep listening. It suggests that the more you listen and learn the more enlightened you will become.
It is your sole responsibility to seek out the light of knowledge and hear. However, for those who ignore the light of knowledge, even what they understand may be lost.
He says that how you hear or learn is up to you. However, you will only be given the light of knowledge based on your direct efforts. You are responsible for how you hear. And the measure of what you are given is in direct correlation to what you have chosen to hear.
Just Rewards
Those who do not choose to devote the required energy to the effort will not reap the available benefits. As they are distracted by the workings of the world they may also lose what little they have heard already. Or if they have chosen to hear but not heed the words It may be taken from them…
Is Jesus warning us that God will reward us based on the choices that we make? The blessings based on the heed of his word. And given our just rewards based on the successful dissemination of his Word? Sharing the light of his knowledge throughout the world. The Glorious Word of God.
Luke 8:16–18 (KJV)
16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
The Light Within
The Lamp
Luke 11:33-36 (KJV)
33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
Focus on Jesus
Jesus is talking about how what you see influences what you become. Fixing your eyes on the way the world takes you distracts from God’s plan for you. There is an incredible evil in the world. Leave the evil alone, never partake of it. Or the darkness will fill you. But if you stay focused on the light of the Spirit it will fill you with an inner love that will shine through. We are the Lamp. The calling, to light up the world.
Eyes on Gods Word
God’s word is the light that will enter through the eyes. The word that is the light will illuminate the body.
Keeping our eyes on the word will keep the light shining bright within us.
The light will shine so brightly that evil will have no place. If we focus on pleasing God through following his word we will be filled with the light of the Spirit. And filled with the Glory of God.
Accepting the message of Jesus as Lord and Savior illuminates the truth. It gives us the light to illuminate the path and be a guide to others.
Avoid the Shadows
Rejection of the message dooms us to remain in the dark. Dooms us to stumble down the path led by the way of this world. Led by the enemies destructive goals in place of the light.
Don’t fall prey to the shadows. Fix your eyes on the things of God and not the things of the world. Or the darkness will fill your lamp and the light will be dimmed until it is snuffed out.
Hey!… You!… I left the light on for you!…
For the Love of God,
Sparks
