Parable of the Lamp, Part Four:

"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)

The lamp has one purpose only. It is not as a repository for oil, nor a storage site for flames. The lamp exists for one reason, and that is to give light. There is a reason the lamp is placed in a prominent place, Jesus explained to His disciples. It is so that the light given by the lamp will be dispersed in such a way that those who come near can see the way. 

The word translated as "see" is blepō, and is used to mean both physical sight and mental understanding. Seeing the light of the lamp (the work of God in our lives) can help others to understand with their heart what it is they are to do with their own light. The same word is sometimes used to describe understanding obtained through experience. 

Putting it all together, we find that "seeing" the work of God in our lives can help others to understand with their hearts how God would have them shine, and also help them to emulate that "shining" in their own lives. The critical part of this process begins with our shining, and requires that we actually dispense the light of God. We must be certain that what we are dispensing on the lamp stand is worth emulating. 

There is a lovely outcome from our shining on that lamp stand. If we allow the light of God in us to shine in such a way that others see it and emulate it, the glow of the lamplight can combine so that it is both increased and expanded. As the area of light expands, it encroaches on the darkness, for darkness and light cannot coexist. 

If darkness overwhelms and fills a place, it is not a fault of the darkness. That darkness is simply doing what darkness does best. It fills the void created by the absence of light. When darkness fills the void, it is because the lamp intended to shine has failed in its responsibility. 

What is most required to dispel darkness is light, and when light shines brightly, darkness flees. We must understand this principle if we are to understand how such darkness can fill our land. We must do our part, and shine from the lamp stand on which God has placed us. 

Dwight L Moody's most famous quote came from words spoken to him by Henry  Varley. "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.” Mr. Moody allowed his light to shine so brightly that thousands of people were brought to Christ through his influence, and God can do the same with us, if we are willing. 

Pray today that the light we dispense will be worth emulating and that God will use it to transform the lives of those closest to us as well as all who come near.