June 16

Hidden Lights

Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand? — Mark 4:21 BSB

No one would think of lighting a lamp and then hiding it under a basket. People always set a lamp where it will give the most light. It would be absurd to cover it so that its light couldn’t shine. Yet many people do just that with their Christian lives. Jesus uses the image of a lamp to describe His followers. When we believe in Him, He lights our lives with His own light. There are differences in brightness—some Christians are like small candles, while others shine like great lamps. But even a small candle brings light to the darkness.

The point Jesus makes is that this light must not be hidden. Yet some Christians do hide their light under a “bushel.” They keep it so concealed that it doesn’t shine at all. Some hide it under the bushel of imagined modesty or humility, saying they don’t want to put themselves forward. Others hide their light under the “bushel” of timidity or fear. They’re too shy to pray in public, to lead their family in worship, or to share the gospel with a neighbor. Some can’t even bring themselves to confess their faith in public or to offer comfort to someone in sorrow.

Others hide their light through inconsistent living. Their imperfections and sins dim the light of their knowledge of God, like a dirty glass chimney dulls a lamp’s shine. There are many lamps hidden under bushels that should be shining brightly, bringing hope and light to others.