One of the Spiritual disciplines we talk about the most is spending time in the Word; reading the Bible, listening to messages, and daily study. We also talk often about how hard it can be to fit time in for this as well as just forgetting.
Well, I was reading a section today that speaks into this. In this section of Mark, Jesus has been teaching through parables as the crowds continued to come to Him. It says….
“He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4: 21-23
What is Jesus saying?
The lamp is God’s truth. It is the light to the world. Today, in the church age, we have the Bible which brings us the light. It is the lamp and a beautiful gift from a relational God who wants us to know Him, His ways, and His heart.
Now, what do we do with it? Do we place this gift under a bowl or bed? Do we squash and hide the light and not partake of it? That would be insane, wouldn’t it? But isn’t that what many of us do as we claim we are too busy or too overwhelmed in the darkness to partake of some much needed light?
No, what should we do with the lamp? We put it on “it’s” stand! We place it in it’s proper place! In the open, raised up, and allowing it shine into our lives and the lives around us!
Why? He states that what we do not know yet is meant to be know! God wants to be known! He wants his Truth to be known! He wants others to see the Word through you and shining in the world!
On top of this, He wants us to hear what He is saying and not just let it pass….. “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” Mark 4: 24-25
We take the Word for granted but Jesus warns us not to do so. Those who partake of His truth, will receive from the Word even more than what they put into it. However, if you neglect the Word, the truths, hope, and encouragement from it will be lost to you.
Are you in the Word? Is your church in the Word? I pray you partake from it so you may be full!
About Tom Hypes
