This is a beautiful parable, so I chose to set it apart from the others. We don’t put a light under a bushel or bed for sure. At least I don’t. Perhaps a lamp shade, but that is only to protect our eyes from the direct light.
In other places in the Bible, this same parable (or one similar) goes on to say that we need to be like the light. We need to shine with the love of God pouring out of us. We are not supposed to hide our faith or who holds our allegiance. We are God’s children, and we need to shine! How bright are you shining?
Here in Mark, however, the parable takes a little different direction. The light reminds us that the truth that will be revealed. Things we try to hide from view, sinful behavior for example, will not be hidden forever. There will be no secrets. God knows our every move, he sees our hearts. There is no hiding from God. We should always keep that in the front of our minds. If we did, it would benefit our actions, our words, and our decision making.
Then Jesus adds here, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more.” That is some promise. I don’t know about you, but it really makes me want to be more attentive to the words of Jesus. I want to be listening for the voice of God. Listening is key. We need to be still and be listening.
Sometimes it’s hard to listen, isn’t it? There are so many voices that can clutter our minds. The noises and distractions that surround us are sometimes deafening. Silence is sometimes hard to find.
I feel sorry for those who don’t listen, whether by choice or by circumstance (they don’t know Jesus). Jesus says, “But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” How tragic. We need to stay connected. We need to be listening. Our relationship with God and others depends on this.
I can do better at listening, how about you?
Let’s pray. Father God, forgive me when I forge on ahead of you. Help me to slow down and wait for you. Open my ears that I can hear, and open my heart so I can listen and obey. I thank you for the ability to write and share with others, and I pray that you will use my words to help others draw closer to you. Help us all to listen intently as we grow closer to you. Guide my path today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
In light of the time of year I am first writing this, it is very appropriate. My friends in the field are busy with harvesting the crops that they planted earlier in the season. The farmer in our parable today is God, and his seeds are producing another kind of crop.
