DON’T
HIDE YOUR CANDLE!
Luke
8:16
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.
The
analogous candle is a familiar Biblical example of the life of the believer. We have been
set ablaze by our faith in Christ and in Him is “no darkness at all” (1 John
1:5). That a man would light a candle and then cover it with a vessel, or
put it under a bed is foolish. Yet it is clear that Jesus sees us doing exactly
that with the candle of our life.
A
most interesting word
in our scripture today is the word “vessel.” It sometimes means “household
goods” or “stuff.” Oh, I see it often! A talented believer sometimes has his
light hidden beneath the accumulation of his stuff.
The word is also used to designate the
human body
as in “he is a chosen vessel.” How often is the light of the gospel
dimmed by our indulgence of the body’s needs or the concern for the body’s
safety? We do not speak for fear of enduring some deprivation of accustomed
pleasure. We will not venture far to share the gospel for fear of personal
safety. The light has become darkness.
Luke
11:33
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.
Jesus
again, as recorded by Luke, says that it is unthinkable to place a
lighted candle in a secret place. Now, the word that is translated “a secret
place” is the Greek word krupte (kroop-tay) and means “a place
concealed or a private place.” How often is the gospel hidden simply because it
is viewed as my very own private light? The nature of light makes this
thought even more ridiculous. Light can’t be privately held. Once you turn on
the light, it shines upon all.
The
believer is a candle
to all and has been set ablaze by his faith in Christ. His design and purpose
is to shine so that others may see the light. If we hid ourselves under
material stuff our light becomes darkness. If we keep our light selfishly
private then no one will see.
Matt
5:16
16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Dear
Lord, set me on fire and put me in a prominent place that I may give light to
those in darkness. Amen
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