An unexpected power outage last night brought out the candles and oil lamps once again in our home. This morning I couldn’t help but light the oil lamp and watch the flame as I arrived at my secret place to meet with the Lord. So here I sit, by the light of that one lamp, staring intently at the brightness of a single flame. Why is it that the light draws our attention? Instead of being consumed with all the darkness surrounding it, we are drawn to give all our focus to that one source of light. The power of its attraction is undeniable. It reminds me of another light.
Jesus came to be a light in this dark world and He too drew people’s attention. Everywhere He went crowds flocked to see Him. They listened intently as He spoke, drinking in each word He said. Those who continued to stay focused on the Light spread His message around the world for all to see and hear. Today, we who are believers in His message are also light bearers. We carry His flame in this world darkened by sin.
Are we keeping our lamps filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit as we await the return of the Bridegroom? Are we burning brightly for Him so that others are drawn to know Him? Do people see Jesus in us? Matthew 5:14 says: “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT)
When we make spending time in His presence a priority, He will abide [make His dwelling] in us (John 15:5) and in so doing will enable us to bear much fruit for His Kingdom. A lamp left unattended will be ineffective at drawing others out of darkness into the light. We must keep tending to our lamps by filling our minds with the Word of God, by communing with Him in prayer, by repentance and confession of our sin as the Spirit reveals it, and by keeping a song of praise on our lips and an attitude of worship in our hearts. Only then will we be able to burn brightly for Him in this sin darkened world.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some lamp tending to do today. God bless your day as you spend it with Him.
Jennifer
