The parable of the lamp documented in Luke immediately follows the parable of the soils, in which Jesus finishes by explaining the meaning to His disciples and states that many will not understand because He teaches in parables.
Parable of the Lamp
16“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 17“For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18“So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”
It can be fascinating to reflect on the parable of the lamp and potential applications of it. In one sense we can take from the context in Luke that it represents the true understanding of scripture. Though it may often be hidden to many, God wants the truth to be revealed and shared with others. It will take action by some to explain the truth of scripture with reverence and boldness so that others may understand it. These people, such as Jesus’ disciples, essentially put the lamp on the lampstand so as to shine the light to others.
Of course we can also see the opposite true… many who do not truly understand scripture or wish to reject God act in such a way as to stop or distract people from understanding the scriptures properly. They are those who would work against God’s will and put a shade or cover over the lampstand.
Perhaps if we extend the parable a bit we could also say that those who genuinely understand the truth of the scriptures, but choose not to share it are like ones who see the light but refuse to put it on a lampstand. They act as if God only wants them to keep his truth secret for a small audience.
Let us take care not to overlook another part of the scripture, “for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”
We should ask the Lord to help us be obedient to Him and to live fully according to His desires for us. Let us pursue Him wholeheartedly. Let us live our lives in such a way as to elevate the truth of the gospel to a lampstand… boldly demonstrating through our actions the truth of God’s word.
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