“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.” “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 8:16; 11:33-36
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus was careful to instruct His disciples on lamp tending, the importance and whats and hows of owning and emanating His indwelling light. They were no longer living in darkness and had a charge from their Sovereign to shine distinctively in the dark world. He who was the Light of the world would not always be with them, and they needed to understand their obligation. New life meant new purpose and power. (Micah 7:8-9; John 8:12; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 1:5)
The purpose of burning a light is to reveal, to expose, to show the way. Practically, to cover that light would be to nullify its very purpose. So as Christians, we need to be good and careful lamp-tenders. We need to monitor our intake. Ingesting and applying God’s promises and hope will make for output matched in vibrancy and purity. What do we allow into our eyes and minds? What we watch, listen to, converse about, and read have an effect on the light within. What do we foster and welcome in to stoke a bright burning flame? (Luke 12:35-36)
As for illuminating the world around us, how are we reflecting, in countenance, conversation, action, the Lord’s brilliant love, mercy, peace, and joy to others? What are we doing to expose our workplaces and neighborhoods to the light of the gospel through intentional involvement and interaction, by earnest prayer? Can others recognize divine glory?
“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)
Lord, keep me singing of and shining with Your light and life wherever I am, that You be known and adored.
As the rain and snow 