#46 Luke 8:16-18 No One Lights a Lamp and Then Hides It
On November 21, 2021 by Amy BurginJoy:
Episode#46 Luke 8:16 – 18
Welcome
Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.
Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin.
Amy:
If you are anything like us, you desire God’s presence and divine direction every day of your life. This podcast makes space for that. We offer few words of our own here and make room for Christgazing, the act of looking steadily and intently at Christ. Each week we read a passage from scripture several times and create stillness after each reading that we might be still ourselves and know God.
We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke.
Pour Out Your Heart to God
Amy:
Before we begin, take the next minute to give God the things stored up in your body, your mind, and your heart. Maybe it is gratitude, anxiety, excitement, grief, hope, joy, exhaustion, or peace. Whatever your body feels, your mind thinks, or your heart desires, name it and bring it to the Lord in these next few moments.
What Does This Passage Say About God?
Joy:
As I read today’s passage, consider the question, what does this say about God?
Luke 8:16 – 18 Jesus said, “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.”
Again?
Luke 8:16 – 18 Jesus said, “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.”
Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage say about God?
[Pause and know]What Does This Passage Say About People?
Joy:
As I reread the scripture, consider the question: What does this passage tell you about people?
Luke 8:16 – 18 Jesus said, “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.”
Take the next minute to answer the question: What does this passage tell you about people?
[Pause and know]Lord, What Would You Have Me Know or Do Today?
Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”
Luke 8:16 – 18 Jesus said, “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.”
Take the next minute to ask God, “Lord, what do you want me to know or do today in response to this passage?”
[Pause and listen]Blessing
Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. May you carefully listen to him today, and know him more.
One Response
Amy:
When we read a book, we often identify with a character. I have always personified and identified with the lamp described in this passage. The familiar children’s song, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, often came to mind. I see you and me as lamps with the light of Christ inside us. Wherever God places us, we will shine solely by being connected to him. It is not wrong to relate to the lamp, John 5:35 says John the Baptist was like a lamp, but as I brooded over the passage this week, I found another angle to the illustration.
Psalm 119:105 says, God’s word is a lamp. God’s word is a lamp to our feet and lights up our path. Today’s passage teaches me that Jesus does not speak in parables to make understanding problematic for people. He does not withhold or hide Truth; instead, he puts it out, on a stand so that all who look and carefully listen can see and understand. Psalm 25:14 even says that the LORD confides in those who respect and listen to him.
Now, I think of a different song titled Pieces by Amanda Cook when I read this passage. It says God does not give his heart in pieces, nor does he hide himself to tease us. We can know him well.
Closing
Amy:
You can find a transcript of this episode at amyburgin.com, which includes a link to Amand Cook’s song Pieces. Joy and I will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, remember with us, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.
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