“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
Jesus moves from seeds to lamps—from sowing the seed of the Gospel to revealing things that are hidden and will be disclosed. He implores His disciples to listen and says that those who have been given much will receive more, while from those who do not have, even what they have will be taken away.
It makes me think of the four soils and the seeds. Some of these seeds, although they were not ultimately producing much good fruit, were initially growing. Could even some churches that appear to be growing actually represent the seed on rocky ground? And could even what they have be taken away?
It always amazes me to know that the Rev. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, was preaching before he truly knew the Lord. It was not until his Aldersgate experience on May 24, 1738, that he felt his heart “strangely warmed,” met the Lord in a personal way, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and received assurance of salvation from sin and death. He is a perfect example of seed that was first sown on poor soil and then, after encountering the Lord, began to produce amazing fruit.
So what’s the connection with the lamp analogy in verse 16, and how does it relate to sowing seed in the previous verses? I believe the fruitfulness of the seeds planted on good soil is like a lamp set on a stand—it is meant to be displayed for all to see, not hidden under a basket or bed. A fruitful and faithful follower will shine like a lamp, revealing God’s goodness to others. They will produce fruit, and more will be given to those entrusted with the hope of the Gospel.
It is vital for us to listen carefully to God’s Word, to receive the seed on good soil, and to produce fruit for the Kingdom. Even though the devil seeks to snatch it away—whether snatched by birds along the path or choked by thorns—if we hold fast, we will receive a heavenly reward that far surpasses anything this world could offer.
“O Lord God, the Christian life is a marathon. Holiness is not a sprint but a long-distance race of endurance. And yet, we do not run alone. For You are with us. Your Holy Spirit guides us, leads us, and loves us. Come now, Lord, protect Your people. Call forth Your goodness and rain salvation down upon all Your children, that we might be all that You have called us to be. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.