Mark 4:21-25
In reading this passage, Jesus’ question in v.21 jumps out at me, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? What a great rhetorical question! No one would ever answer “Yes” to this one. If a lamp was put under the bed or the basket it would have one of two results. The first possibility is that the lamp would go out and would no longer shine forth any light. The second possibility is that the lamp would catch the basket or the bed on fire. How appropriate to apply this image to the Christian life and witness of the Gospel. If a Christian tries to hide the light of the Gospel in their life, they will either quench the Spirit and smother the new life within them; or, they will find that they can no longer contain themselves—as Jeremiah learned long ago,
Jesus continued his teaching by pointing out that nothing was going to be hidden. He also continued to encourage those who have "an ear to hear" to do so. Do I have an ear to hear today? Can I apply the parables to my life honestly and with a heart desiring to be more like Jesus, to trust and obey? We must be careful to listen in order to understand correctly. For it is with the measure that we really hear what God is saying that he will speak to us and guide us. Here, the context of the measure has nothing to do with material things, but with a heart that is carefully tuned in to God's station.
And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Comments:
In reading this passage, Jesus’ question in v.21 jumps out at me, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? What a great rhetorical question! No one would ever answer “Yes” to this one. If a lamp was put under the bed or the basket it would have one of two results. The first possibility is that the lamp would go out and would no longer shine forth any light. The second possibility is that the lamp would catch the basket or the bed on fire. How appropriate to apply this image to the Christian life and witness of the Gospel. If a Christian tries to hide the light of the Gospel in their life, they will either quench the Spirit and smother the new life within them; or, they will find that they can no longer contain themselves—as Jeremiah learned long ago,
Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. (Jeremiah 20:9)
Which will it be? It is a fearful thing to tempt the Lord in this matter. However, God knows the hearts of his people and I believe that he will gently blow on their lives until they burst into the flame of holy, faith-filled, zeal!
Jesus continued his teaching by pointing out that nothing was going to be hidden. He also continued to encourage those who have "an ear to hear" to do so. Do I have an ear to hear today? Can I apply the parables to my life honestly and with a heart desiring to be more like Jesus, to trust and obey? We must be careful to listen in order to understand correctly. For it is with the measure that we really hear what God is saying that he will speak to us and guide us. Here, the context of the measure has nothing to do with material things, but with a heart that is carefully tuned in to God's station.
v.25 "For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."
There is a further application of the lamp analogy and the parable's purpose. If we have a burning lamp the Lord will cause it to continue to burn brighter and brighter as we follow him faithfully. If we have a lamp that is not burning any longer but has been tucked away under any convenient basket or bed, then even that lamp will be taken away from us. Why should God waste a perfectly good lamp? Further, how could anyone sleep with a lamp under their bed? Well, that is what too many seem to do, although they really shouldn’t sleep too soundly knowing that they have to give an account before God.
These parables remind me of the 1970s short film Music Box. While we might not be confronted by singing angels in the middle of the night, I am thankful that transformation is not something that we can hide for long!
These parables remind me of the 1970s short film Music Box. While we might not be confronted by singing angels in the middle of the night, I am thankful that transformation is not something that we can hide for long!
Lord, if I have not been displaying my lamp appropriately then please cause it to burst into flame, rather than go out, that the wraps of this world might be burned away and my testimony might provide light and heat to many.
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