“He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” 24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Mark 4.21-25
We have a responsibility to the care for the ministry put before us.
Yesterday I spent time with Bishop Jones and his wife Mary Lou in their Dallas home. Bishop Jones is one of the active bishops of the Global Methodist Church which consists of 7300 congregations spread across 19 Annual Conferences in dozens of countries around the world.
At one point recently, Bishop Jones was given an opportunity for retirement. He is nearing 70 and could have called it quits, thrown in the towel, stepped down from office. But he and Mary Lou decided to invest into a new and faithful denomination. This year alone he has ordained hundreds of clergy, traveled all over the globe, and spoken to tens of thousands about the saving grace and loving message of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I read this passage in Mark about putting lamps under bowls and those who have given some and have been faithful will be given more, I think about this man of God. A living and righteous apostle working unto the Lord. Not hiding his gifts but sharing them with all he sees. He is receiving his reward by being faithful to the Lord.
We all have been given the light of Christ. And as such, we share that light with others. We do not hold it or horde it for ourselves but we offer it to all who are in our path. Tomorrow I travel to Zimbabwe, Africa with a group of pastors who not only to share the light of Christ but to receive a measure, even more, of what the Lord has for me. Pray for me that I might be a conduit of his love and grace. Pray that I might be a bearer of this light and that all I meet might come to a knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
For this is our calling — we hand it down from generation to generation. Sharing the light of Christ with the all so the world might know.
”Lord Jesus, the battle that rages is real but you have won the victory. The gift of eternal life has captured me as has a relationship with the Son. Come now Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me communicate your word so all might find hope and life in your name. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen