April 12

Mark 4:21-34 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifested; nor is anything secrete except to come to light." (Mark 4:21-22)

Observation

The light is to shine, it is not to be hidden. The lamp is there to brighten its surroundings, not to be kept hidden. It is the function of the lamp and the light. And it is also true that there is nothing that can be kept secret -- hidden. Eventually it will come to light and to understanding. This word, Jesus is speaking to the disciples, whom He has called as the light of the world. Thus, Jesus is reminding His disciples, that we are to be shining, being in an open environment and strategically positioned, letting the world receive its light, its message. We are to tell the message, not keep it hidden nor being quite. It is to be shared.
We might not fully understand everything of the Kingdom of God, but it's a sure thing. The Kingdom of God comes and bears fruit, although we don't understand fully how. Although it might look so small initially, but it grows and becomes the most productive. Thus, we are to continue to pay attention to what we are hearing; the more we do, the more we will gain understanding. Thus, resulting in a greater understanding.

Application

As a disciple of Jesus, how much have I made myself available to be seen by others of God's good work within me, i.e. openingly sharing His blessings and grace in my life. How much have I been intentional in placing myself in relationships/places that everyone could benefit the light of God within me? Although I know that I am the light of the world, but I think there are many times--if I am not mindful of-- I place myself in a corner, under a basket, or under a bed. Which seems so ridiculous, but that's what I often end up doing. Not shining, not positioning strategically. Not doing the job of brightening the rest of the room. Often just being comfortable knowing that I know Jesus and I am a follower of Jesus. But nothing more. I am out to be manifested, I am out to be on the stand.
I want to be intentional, making every effort in all situations I come in contact with today, to be a lamp on a stand.

Prayer

Oh, Lord, help me to be intentional to be Your light today in all the errands that I will be doing, people whom I will come in contact with, the conversations I will have with people.
Help me pay attention to what You have spoken to me this morning and act upon it throughout the day even in small mundane things, knowing that it will bear fruit. In Jesus' name, Amen

--yanahn