Positioning the Lamp of Light

Are you an active listener? One time, while explaining the importance of internalizing his message, Jesus said: “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, in order that those who come in may see the light” (Luke 8:16). A little later he says: “Therefore, take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall more be given and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away” (Luke 8:18).

So what’s Jesus’ point in this somewhat familiar but perhaps puzzling passage of Scripture? Well, in the context the lamp or light is the message of Jesus. And the one positioning that lamp is the hearer of that message. As with any message, the one hearing it is responding in some way, shape, or form. He is either actively listening, passively dismissing, or actively rejecting the message. The very sobering thing that Jesus teaches here is that those that do not actively listen will eventually be denied the message completely. In keeping with the word picture the lights will go completely dark. Why? Well, as the saying goes, “Truth received brings light, truth refused brings night.”

What about you – are you actively listening? Are you internalizing the message of Jesus and letting it illuminate the nooks and crannies of your life?

Something to think about from “The Kingdom Perspective.”

“‘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. For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 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.’”

~ Luke 8: 16-18