DON’T HIDE YOUR CANDLE!

 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

 

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 clay pot or bushel basket or put it under a bed is foolish. Yet clearly 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 the deprivation of some 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 hide 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