SCRIPTURE: Luke 8:16-18
Jesus makes the following points:
1) What we are is meant to be seen, not hidden.
2) Our secrets (that which we keep hidden) will one day be revealed.
3) Those who listen to God (i.e. are open to Him) will be blessed, those who refuse lose their blessing.
Many of us are hiding something, hoping that it will go away, or not be exposed.
But hiding closes us off to God, keeping Him at a distance, refusing His diagnosis and help.
God wants us to open up to Him, to be honest and real, so He can help us.
Opening up like this is scary, it seems like we will lose everything.
But being exposed is not optional, one way or another these things will be revealed.
Better to do it with God, and with His blessing, than resist God and miss out.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this is scary. Opening up to You is one thing, but being exposed before others? Search me, God, and lead me into Your better life, the ‘more’ You have in mind!
Observations/Application
I am reminded about a story of Max Lucado about the candles in the closet – refusing to let their light shine for various reasons. When sharing of myself with other people – opening up – we are afraid that what we share they might not like. And if I have shared my inmost thoughts, what else can I share when they don’t like me? Scary thought not to be loved by those you share your life.
But God knows my innermost thoughts. In Christ I am a new creation and can let my light shine for He knows those hidden breaks/cracks – the areas of life I am afraid to share. There can be no shadow of darkness with God. All is in the open. In Him I am whole and can therefore be a light in both word and deed.
Prayer
Help me on my way Lord.
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine.
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine.-
Let it shine, let it shine
Let it shine.
– Hide it under a bushel, NO!
– Shine all over (your town)
– Don’t let Satan blow it out
– Let it shine ’til Jesus comes