“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light.” —Luke 8:16
All of us enter this world with darkened hearts and minds. As Christians, we’re the ones who have a lamp of understanding. We see things the rest of the world is blind to. Praise God, our eyes are opened to the truth! God not only lights the lamp, but He puts it on a stand so others might see.
This verse comes just after the parable of the sower. The good soil, Jesus explained, represents the people who receive truth and hold fast to it. The truth germinates in their hearts over time, and then the seed grows and multiplies (Luke 8:8, 15). So, seed spreads. And light spreads.
We’re the ones responsible for the spreading. We should willingly and cheerfully cultivate lives that shine out into the darkness around us. Yet the true strategist behind all our shining is God, for He strategically puts us in the very place from which we shine out.
Make it Personal
Where has God strategically placed you so you can shine the light of the gospel to others?