20 "But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams." 21 Jesus went on: "Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don't you put it up on a table or on the mantel? 22 We're not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open. 23 "Are you listening to this? Really listening? 24 "Listen carefully to what I am saying - and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own.
In relating our need to grow closer to the image of Christ every day,Jesus relates it to a seed that, when taken care of will produce not just fruit, but a bountiful harvest. This is illustrated as He shares the parable of the sower earlier in the chapter and he gives a warning that equips us to follow through on this great truth about growing as a believer. Remember this, Jesus is the light of the world and His light is very powerful. So powerful that it shines through those who follow Him also. That light needs to be able to grow brighter and brighter in each of His followers and if we will embrace His truth and trust His will, we will shine brightly in our world and lead many to Christ. This is one of the foundational truths for those of us who are disciples (learners-followers) of Jesus Christ. In verse 21-22 Jesus shares some Christlike Common Sense that we should all understand. You don't put a light under a basket if you want it to shine. No Duh!! He goes on to say, "if you have ears that want to hear the truth then you will hear this message. I'm listening. Are You? We live a in a world of information that gives us plenty of "light dampening truth" that we should not listen to at all. To listen to a little, compels us to listen to a lot, and before long our light weakens and almost goes out. In verses 24 and 25 Jesus gives us a warning that we must heed. Don't even listen to advice that takes you away from shining brightly and effectively. This advice can come in the form of well meaning direction about not following Christ too much, or it can be so blatant as to say, "It's not worth it to live all out for Christ." In whatever form it comes in, we must always have an inclination to let His light shine in every area of our life.
Paul spoke to this in Ephesians 4 and following....7 And so I insist - and God backs me up on this - that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. 18 They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself.
So the truth is this - Don't follow those who are in the darkness any more. Follow Christ and let His light shine through. Then you will have some depth in your life and in your thinking, instead of being empty-minded.
What is luring you away from faithfully serving Christ? Weigh it heavily and then get rid of it and your light will shine brighter than ever before and that is just the beginning. Satan is a liar and it is his plan to snuf out all our lights. Don't let Him do it. Embrace the truth of Christ more and more as you live your life. Let God "light you up!!"
The pilgrimage continues...
David Warren
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