“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
– Matthew 5:15
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a bushel. Do you know what that means? If you’re not familiar with ancient oil lamps, the oil is put in the top opening and the wick is put in the other opening, which is similar to a candle. It was typical for desert homes back then to have fifteen to twenty oil lamps around the house at night. Getting these lamps to light could be challenging; it’s like trying to start a campfire without matches or lighters. Whenever the last person of the house left for the evening, they would leave one lamp lit and cover it with a bushel, which was a container that measured dry goods. When they returned home, the house was cold and pitch dark. They simply took the bushel off the one lamp that was still lit, and used it to light all the other lamps in the house, and maybe light a fire as well. So basically, this acted as an ancient light switch. And boom, the house is full of light! Friend, Jesus is speaking to us through this image. Sometimes we are like this lamp, but we have the bushel on, and the world is dark. But all you need to do is take the bushel off and watch what happens to those around you. Many of us don’t see ourselves that way. We think we are just blown-out lamps, but the Lord says, no, you’re already lit, you’ve already got everything you need! I encourage you to see what God can do when you take the bushel off!
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Prayer
Father, help me not to hide my light, teach me how to make use of what I already have.
Reflection
How does your light provide illumination to those around you?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I do not think I have any light. I am not sure about that. Do think so barely. Satan got me thinking there is nothing. He is in me running my life telling me to do things.