16 “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light. 17 For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and brought to light. 18 Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”
Luke 8:16-18
“Well, you can’t un-see that!” Have you ever heard someone make this statement after seeing something that made a strong impression on them? The statement implies that whatever has just been seen was either repelling or compelling. The latter really requires a response to do something with what has been revealed.
A few weeks ago, I had coffee with a friend, and we were discussing a certain cause. She asked if I would watch a video meant to inform others about the cause, and I agreed. And then she said “Are you sure? You won’t be able to un-see it.” She felt that once I saw the video, and its message was revealed to me, I would be obligated to respond and do something to help.
In the parable in this passage, Jesus gave a similar warning to the disciples. Having seen the truth of God’s Word and His revelation through Jesus, the disciples were either going to be repelled or compelled, and Jesus wanted them to know that their response mattered. They could either try to hide what Jesus had revealed to them, or they could set it on display for all to see. By displaying it properly, more revelation would be granted to them. Like Pastor Mike Glenn says, “The reward for good work, is more work!”
Having the truth of God’s Word revealed to us always requires a response. Truly knowing Jesus requires that we let our lives display His love through us. Sometimes this means that we must stop doing or start doing something. In choosing to display our light, our relationship with Him continues to grow as He reveals more and more of His truth to us.
There is no hiding the Light of the World. This passage affirms that according to God’s plan, Jesus certainly will be made known to the World, and His light both illuminates and exposes. Jesus is giving you the opportunity to partner with Him, be changed, and help change our world as you display His light. As it says in Acts: 26:16, “Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me and tell them what I will show you in the future.”
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What has God’s Word and His light exposed or illuminated for you today?
- Spend a few moments in prayer and ask God to help you to properly display His light before all men. What do you sense Him asking you to do or not do in response?