Today’s Reading, Luke 8-9
Focal Scripture: Luke 8:16 “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light.”
The purpose of light is to get rid of the darkness. It doesn’t matter if you are going into a room to look for something or if you are walking in the woods trying to find your way back to your campground. The great part of a light is that it just doesn’t help you on your journey. A light can be seen by anyone that is close by because it pushes back the darkness. Light draws people and animals towards it because it brings warmth and it brings peace.
In today’s reading Jesus tells his hearers that nobody hides a light after it has been lit. Instead when a light is lit it is placed on a lamp stand to give light to everyone who enters the room. So what is Jesus explaining to the people? He wants them to know that the change they have experienced needs to be shared with everyone. He wants them to know that his presence is not something that needs to be hidden. Light is good. Light exposes sin and guides others to truth.
What is your light like? Does it shine so others can see it and be guided by it everyday? Or do you not want anyone to know that you have a light for others to see and use. The point of today is to bring to your attention that light is not intended to be exclusive. Light guides people to a destination. Light is more powerful than the darkness.
To many professing believers hide their light. Either because they are ashamed of their new life or because they don’t understand others need to see what has happened to them personally. I know it is scary to put yourself out in the open. It brings ridicule and it brings judgement. However, our light has to be shown to others. Why? Because we have the only news in the world that can save somebody’s soul for all eternity.
I challenge you to share your light. You can do this by treating others with respect. It can happen by loving those who are unloveable. It even happens in the way you speak to others and about others. Light is intended to be used for good. Our light should never be hidden because it shows others the change we have experienced on the inside.
If you’re a believer you have a light. Can others tell you have one? Are they drawn to the light you possess? If not it is time to examine what type of light you are giving off to other people.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Luke 10-11
