“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
When Vicki and I led mission trips to France over a decade ago, we were told by Jerry and Carolyn that the French keep their Christianity very personal and private. That might have sounded odd but the adage that we are 5 years behind Europe came through again. Jesus in these verses gave his followers a hint of what the Great Commission and Acts 1:8 would specify. They are to proclaim the gospel to the end of the earth, making disciples. In the lifetime of many of his hearers, it would become dangerous to do these things for fear of persecution. This fear would not be shared by all.
Here we are, 10 years after France and 4 years after Covid, in an America that has become even more individualistic and private, extending even to their faith. Many will keep it under wraps so they do not offend their worldly friends. Still more will not even go to church, choosing instead to keep it “personal”. I can only think that Jesus takes this personally, that people would choose to live outside his body and hide the light he gave at such great cost. Today, may we ponder the jars we put over our light and get out the stand.
Dear Lord, thank you for the light in darkness. Help us to shine brighter instead of dimming our light so no one notices we are yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church