No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put 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 they think they have will be taken from them.

–Parallel Verses:
Hebrew 4:12-14
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

I was recently talking to a friend who went to an Anaheim Angels game. He lives in Southern California, but is originally from Chicago, and he is a huge White Sox fan. He wore his White Sox jersey to the game and got peanuts thrown at him (in fun) by his colleague. Now, if he was afraid to don the jersey in an opposing stadium, for fear of ridicule, we would probably call him a “fair weather fan”.

The parable of the lamp on the stand is a powerful one. What we have been given, in Jesus, is a powerful light in life. Jesus declared in John 8:12: “I AM the light of the world.” And he said to his disciples in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Taken together, Jesus is the light of the world and for those who have accepted him as Lord and Savior, we become this brilliant spiritual light. How do we do this? We let the light of Jesus (and his impact on us) shine through and be on full display, like putting a lamp on a lampstand. What is the quality of and depth of conviction behind our faith – if we hide it? Surely we don’t want to be known as “fair weather” Christ-followers! So we must be transparent in living out our lives and let others see our flaws, scars, holes, and ugly spots; and then also let them see the one who heals us and makes us pure in heart again – Jesus Christ! Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Lord, teach me to receive my new identity in you as a Christ Follower. Who cares what the world thinks? Then I can be bold in my faith and put on display the great works you have done in my life! This light – the light you give that TOUCHES AND HEALS ME – it shines in the darkness! It shines and dispels the dark and sinful places in this world. It is powerful and it penetrates, coupled with the truth of your Word. THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE!