Tuesday, August 27, 2019
LET YOUR CANDLE GLOW!
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. In the case of the
candle under the bed, it is also dangerous. 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 all his valuables.
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.
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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