Let It Shine

Luke 8:16-18 NIV: “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”

The topic here is light. Jesus told us that He is the light of the world. He was telling us that He is the source of enlightenment, or wisdom and understanding. He passes this enlightenment to us then gives us the assignment to pass it on. He told his disciples, “you are the light of the world, so let your light shine before men so they will praise your Father in Heaven”.

If I get up in the night to find my way to the bathroom, I flip on a light switch. I do not want my bare foot to step on a wandering spider or any other critter that might be sneaking around in the night. When the light comes on nothing is hidden, all is brought out into the open. I safely come and go. (No pun intended).

Jesus wants us enlightened for several reasons. There are things we don’t need to be stepping on the darkness, things that could harm us. His enlightenment provides safety, a light to our path. Also, our enlightenment leads others to His light.

Jesus adds one more interesting thing about this light that He gives. It multiplies. When He is the source of the enlightenment it grows and grows. And he cautions those who find a source of light somewhere else, it will be extinguished.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine let it shine let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine.