“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” Luke 8.16-18
If you’ve been to the Holy Land, and have a context about the type of lamps that were used in that day, Jesus’ illustration would make complete sense. The “lamp” was a portable oil-fed clay jar with a wick inside. The wick, which soaks up the oil, would burn continuously until the oil ran out. The type of lamp to which Jesus was referring was a sort of candle that would illuminate the room in which it was used. It would put off good light but it’s nothing like what we have today.
Just as the lamp illuminates a room, every crack and every corner, so the light of God’s love reveals everything, nothing can be “concealed that will not be known or bought out into the open.” In other words, God sees everything just as a lamp brings light to the entire space. This light reveals the truth and knowledge of the Word of God.
And in v. 18 Jesus gives a warning that we “consider carefully how you listen.” “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even that they think they have will be taken from them.” I think this pertains to knowledge. “Whoever has ‘knowledge and the truth of God’ will be given more,” etc.
The Message Translation puts it this way, “We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
The light of God’s love illuminates hearts of people, it transforms us into people who freely love, give, share and show kindness. We do not keep the goodness of God hidden from others but we share this with abundance to all we meet.
Let’s share and shine the light of God’s love to everyone we see today. Let’s cling to this “light” knowing that God will direct our paths to reflect his glory and share his grace.
“O Lord God, you are good. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I might reflect your in all things. Come now, fall upon me, bring revival to my heart and your word to my ears. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen