Meditation: What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about God's kingdom?
Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light (Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105).
Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light (Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105).
God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him; they will not lack what they need to live as Christ's disciples, and they will shine as lights to those who hunger for God's truth and wisdom. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed."
The following reflection is courtesy of Presentation Ministries (c) 2013. Their website is located at presentationministries.com"Is a lamp acquired to be put under a bushel basket?" —Mark 4:21
Are the benefits you receive from reading the Bible and this book "to be put under a bushel basket or hidden under a bed?" (Mk 4:21) "Is it not meant" for you to share what you have learned? (Mk 4:21) "Let him who has ears to hear Me, hear!" (Mk 4:23) "Listen carefully to what you hear. In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides" (Mk 4:24). The more you share your faith, the stronger your faith becomes. If you want to understand the Bible much more deeply, share God's word much more often. If you let your light shine, your light will become brighter. "For God, Who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). Share the Word of God more; shine more. Share Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I be "a bright light" that "will shine to all parts of the earth" (Tobit 13:11).
Promise: "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near." —Heb 10:25
Praise: St. John Bosco never gave up on any of the young people with whom he met, but always saw an opportunity for God's grace to be revealed.
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