Don't hide the light

Luke 8:16-18 (NLT)
16 “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
18 “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”


Jesus often taught in parables, which was a story to illustrate in simple terms a principle. Here the parable is about a lamp. When covered or hidden it cannot be seen, but put out in the open it can be seen by all. Jesus was making the point if Biblical teachings are put away or the talents to use them was put aside; then no one benefits. It is like the lamp which is hidden; the light remains in the dark. Those who do not listen are like those in a room where the lamp is hidden. Something purposeful is given, but those who are close do not receive benefit and the benefit is taken away.


All around us are alarms to warn us. There are smoke detectors to alert us to fire and smoke. Backup sensors on cars alert us when something is behind the vehicle. But these alerts provide no protection if they are ignored. The Bible provides us with many warning about we should live life, but if we ignore them then it is as if we have hidden what we know. And if we don’t warn others who do not know better, then we also have hidden what we know. Let the Lord’s light illuminate your life and the life of others.