Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus began to explain the parable of the seed and the sower to His disciples by saying, “the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience”, and in chapter eight and verse sixteen of his book Luke shared how Jesus said, “no man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel” where we read:
No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed;
but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
The verse reads, “No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed;” Luke began with the words, “no man” or “not one person whether male or female”, “when he has lighted a candle” which means “at the time and moment that person has kindled, set or fastened fire to a lamp or that which is placed on a stand or candlestick” “covers it with a vessel or “hide or veils the candle with a household utensil, domestic gear or chosen instrument”, “or puts it under a bed” which means “or sets the candle in place or lays it beneath a small bed or couch”. Luke shared how Jesus referred to a person who “lights” a “candle” but does not “cover it” with a “utensil” or “hide it” beneath a “small bed” or “couch”.
The verse continues, “but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.” Luke added the words “but sets it on a candlestick” which means “however places and fixes in place the candle upon a lamp stand or candelabrum”, “that they which enter in” or “so people who come in or make entrance into a dwelling place” “may see the light” which means “are able to discern, perceive and have the power of seeing the illumination and brightness from the candle”. Luke shared how Jesus referred to the way a person puts a “candle” or “lamp” upon a “lamp stand” or “candelabrum” so people who enter their homes or dwelling places may be able to see.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus continued His discourse concerning the “seed” sown with the illustration of a “candle” or “lamp” not being hidden. The purpose of a “candle” or “lamp” is to bring “light” for people to see. Those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ are like “lamps” or “lights” within the world, and their relationship with God is not to be “hidden”. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they are “illuminated” or “lit” with His “holy fire”, they are to be “the lights of the world” so others may come to know Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “for nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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