Mark 4:21-23
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? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
One of the surest signs of a cult or false religion is how often its leaders put lamps under bowls. Cults operate in secret, and they keep secrets even from their own followers. Any religion or ideological movement that doesn’t trust people with the ideas they are supposed to believe shouldn’t be trusted by anyone. Our faith has no secrets. Jesus came to disclose truth and to proclaim good news and to shed light on the wonderful wisdom of God. He put the lamp of the gospel high a stand for all to see, and He expects his followers to do the same.
It’s tempting to hide who we are and what we believe. After all, the world doesn’t always like Christians. Those who live in darkness often resent the light. That’s why, when we put the lamp of our faith on a stand, we need to do so in love. Letting your light shine before others shouldn’t be a way to judge or criticize, nor should it be done to make yourself look holy. Instead, we disclose the truth and wisdom of God for sake of helping others and as a way to show love to those in need. We believe God’s word and the message of Jesus is actually good news that brings people encouragement, hope and joy. Yes, some will reject our message. Some will hide from the light or even try to cover it up, but our calling is to bring the good news out into the open where it will cut through darkness and guide those seeking truth to new life.
We may also face the temptation to shine our light into people’s eyes in a way that blinds them to the truth. When someone has spent all their life in the dark, it can be shocking, even painful, to suddenly see a flash of light. Sometimes, we might push too hard or share our faith with so much enthusiasm it may sound too good to be true. Some people need time to let their eyes adjust to the light and to let their hearts adjust to the good news of Jesus. We put his light on a stand and let it shine all around, trusting that the Spirit will open the eyes and hearts of those ready to put their faith in Jesus.
Father, the light of Your truth has saved me from darkness. Thank You for leading me to new life through the good news of Jesus. Show me how I can spread Your light to others so they can find life in Jesus’ name too. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
