“They are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away…”
“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.”
“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Luke 8:15-18,38-39; 11:33-36
In the beginning God created light, punctuating the chaos and dissipating the darkness with its ineffably sublime glory. And from the beginning, light benefits and compels those drawn to its brightness and warmth. Jesus the Light of the world brought order into man’s darkness, then assigned His disciples the life task of shining His light of uncanny love, wisdom, and power in the world to spread His kingdom. (Genesis 1:1-4; Luke 9:1-2; 10:1-3; John 8:12)
Before determining to spread light, it’s important to be ignited. Charging into a day in our own strength and wisdom, we will soon fizzle, depleted and exhausted. But drawing near to the Lord, taking in His personality and truth and way of thinking through His word and focused praise and prayer, will stoke into flame His Spirit. Holy desire will burn long and bright in light that is far-reaching and fruitful. (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18b; James 1:5; 4:8a)
When are we deliberately listening to and connecting with Jesus to ignite His light within? Once lit, how carefully are we staying filled? Whom in our workplaces, communities, and neighborhoods are we attracting to Christ’s light by declaring what God has done? Whom are we inviting to come near by winsome interest, compassion, attention, days and service of purpose and significance? How clearly do I convey biblical truth and present His gospel? (Luke 10:38-41; Ephesians 5:18-20)
“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.” ~Old Irish, translated by Mary Byrne (1905)
Oh Father, please keep my lamp burning bright to reflect Your greatness and glory to all I see. (Luke 12:35)
As the rain and snow 