Parable of the Lamp

Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 4:21-25

We have a children’s devotional that we go through with our son, and one of the lessons is, “the bible is like a flashlight; it helps us see in the dark,” and I love the practicality of that truth. Our world is dark. Each time we leave our house, we are confronted with the brokenness and sin that plagues the world around us. As believers, however, we have access to a flashlight. Psalm 139:12 says, “Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Jesus is the light of the world, and as those inhabited by his spirit, we, too, become a light to those around us.

If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what He is like. We must be careful not to hide our light. Things like complacency, resentment, fear, embarrassment, stubbornness, or disobedience can become like bowls, shielding our light from those around us. What bowls have hidden your light?

Spend some time in prayer this morning as you ponder this parable. Is there anyone who you need to share your light with?