The Lamp of the Body

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” (Luke 11:33-36 NIV)

Jesus transitioned from His discussion about signs to a discussion about light. Matthew Henry includes these verses as part of the section concerning signs. At first glance, the two passages seem discordant, but, on closer inspection, they are not.

The "sign of the Son of Man", the resurrection of Jesus, would be the only sign they would be given, He told the crowds. It would be the sign that made the truth about Him clear. His truth, then, is like a lamp that gives illumination to those who are uncertain. 

The word translated as lamp is lychnos and indicates a small, hand-held oil lamp like the one in the photo above. The lamp gives just enough light for the one holding it to see the next step or two. The word translated as "lights" (as in "lights the lamp") is haptō and is a word that indicates "fastening" or adhering the flame to the lamp.  

This idea of adhering the light of Christ (hapto) has been discussed in previous posts and you can read them: here and also here.

Jesus reminded his listeners that a lamp, once lit, is placed on a lampstand to provide lamp to all within the room. In that same way, the light of Christ, His truth, has not been hidden away. It is not obscure or so difficult that it cannot be understood. His light is available for all who will have it. 

We will consider allowing the light to fill our lives tomorrow, but for today, let's focus on our desire to have the light. Do we want the truth of Christ to fill our being? Are we willing to allow Him to illuminate every corner of our lives with His truth? If we are honest, there are times when we'd rather snuggle into a little darkness. It is when we allow the light into every area of our lives, dispelling the darkness, that we find joy infusing our being. Our temptation is to embrace the darkness, at least in part, but our call is to the light. It is a struggle, and one we will battle until we enter eternity, but it is a struggle we must win.

We must have the light of Christ, for it is only through His light that the cold darkness in our soul can be replaced with the warmth of His love. For today, let us choose the light of Christ, His truth, and pray that those we love will choose His light for their lives, as well.

Waiting Well: Keep your lamps lit

"Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You, too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." (Luke 12: 35-40 NASB)

"Keep your lamps lit," Jesus told his disciples. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:22), He said, "The lamp of the body is the eye; if therefore your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light." The word translated as "clear" is haplous, and refers to singleness of purpose. 

"Keep your lamps lit" implies that the fire can go out; our ardor can dim. How do we prevent this dimming of our light? We've studied this before. In Luke 11:33-35, the word used to describe lighting the lamp is hapto, which means "to fasten". In a way, the light of Christ, the flame of His love in us, should be attached to our hearts, stuck like glue. You can read more about this lamp of our body, fastening the fire, and serving faithfully every day by clicking on the links. 

In this passage, I believe Jesus is saying persevere in faith with singleness of purpose and devotion. Don't let your ardor for Him cool. Don't get distracted or race after the things of this world.

It's our responsibility to "tend the fire", to keep the flame burning. Bible study, prayer, worship and obedience to His Still, Small Voice all help to keep our fire burning. Is your flame flickering? Is it in danger of going out? Be still before our Lord. Open your Bible and stay there until you have fresh encouragement, fresh hope, fresh fire.

Do what it takes to keep your flame burning.

Be ready. 

The King is coming.

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Our Father, forgive the flickering flame of our faith. Kindle in us the fire that only comes from closeness with You. Help us to shine our light in such a way that others are drawn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.