Let Your Light Shine

“And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” (Mr 4:21 AV)

 

Sounds kind of obvious.  Using a candle as an illustration becomes even more dramatic when one considers what would happen if an open flame was put under a bushel or bed.  Light is not meant to be hidden.  Light is meant to be the center of attention.  Note here the candle is put into a candlestick.  Not merely on the table, but in an elevated and central position.  This light is meant to have the maximum input and greatest influences wherever it appears.  Jesus is talking to His disciples.  The reference is clear.  They are not meant to be a wallflower.  They are not meant to be hidden from view.  The light of the glorious gospel of Christ is meant to shine forth and be the most prominent influence wherever it may be.  Elements of darkness may surround that light.  But as long as there is a flame, that flame should be the most noticeable thing there.

There was an incident many years ago which my daughter-in-law will never let me forget.  Aren’t children precious? 😉  I picked up this flashlight that, for its size, was tremendously powerful.  I forget how many lumens, but at the time, it was the most available.  This is from a guy who used to have a flashlight running on ‘D’ batteries and the most one could hope for was a warm yellow glow.  Anyway, this flashlight was so powerful you could see things six hundred yards away.  No bigger than a pepper grinder, this little lantern could light up a cornfield.  I used to say I could shine it all the way to the moon.  This is where my daughter-in-law comes in.  Every time a discussion of light, or a flashlight, comes up, she says it (whatever the light source is) could illuminate the moon.  Pray for me! 😉 What this started was a lumens war between my son; this daughter-in-law’s husband.  Two years later, he went a bought his own sun torch.  I remember the first time I saw him use it in the deer woods.  I thought the light source was a train.  I could see that flashlight and the all-powerful light rays a mile off.  These lights are definitely not made to be hidden.  I believe they could shine through solid rock!

The light of the gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared.  But more importantly, it is meant to be the most prominent influence in whatever setting it finds itself.  I cannot help but think of praying for a meal in a public place.  When we pray, do we pray that all around us hear?  Why not?  When we get on an elevator, do we share how good God is to us?  Why not?  When at a family function or a public event, do we talk of the LORD so that others cannot help but notice?  Why not?  Our light is not meant to be hidden.  It is meant to be the most prominent influence in our immediate surroundings.  If it is hidden, it will do great damage to that which it touches.  But if it is loosed, it will bring hope to those who are looking for it.