Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Parable of the Lamp, part 2: Fastening the Fire (Luke 8:16)

"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. (Luke 8:16 NASB)

In the overview of this parable, we saw that it follows closely with the Parable of the Sower. The Parable of the Lamp deals with what we do with the truth we are given. The "lamp" referred to in this verse refers to a hand-held oil lamp, representing our believing hearts, held safely in the Hand of God. Its fuel, being supplied in the form of oil, is representative of the Holy Spirit.

We turn first to the lighting of this lamp. In fact, not only is the fuel for the lamp (the oil) supplied by God, but also the fire. The  word translated as "lighting" is haptō, and indicates a fastening of the fire to the lamp. The wording seems a little odd, but the idea of fastening fire to the lamp implies that the fire is not temporary but enduring. 

When God fastens the fire of His love to our hearts, it is supposed to stay fastened. This parable implies a personal responsibility in maintaining the fire. God supplies the fuel and the fire. We maintain the flame. 

Later in this parable we find the instructions of Jesus to "take care how you listen".  Listening to the Word of God and that Still, Small Voice is what helps to keep the fire burning brightly. Tomorrow, we will look at how we treat that precious fire of God in more detail, but today, consider the fire of God in the lamp of your life. Has it been firmly attached? Is the fire flickering and in danger of going out or is it burning brightly for all to see?

Today pray that we and our loved ones will cherish and maintain that fire of God in our hearts so that we can be the salt and light we were intended to become.  
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Terrorist prayer focus: Nasir al Wuhayshi
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Link to last night's post: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/07/parks-and-responsibility.html

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