Thoughts on Luke - Day 34

                                             
                                                       Luke 8:16-21

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. ¹⁷ For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. ¹⁸ Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
¹⁹ Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. ²⁰ Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
²¹ He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”


       If there is any question on which soil are the Children of God in the previous passage, compare vs. 21 - “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”- brothers of Jesus = Sons of God = putting God's Word into practice , with vs. 15 - "good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop" = producing fruit with God's Word.

       In the midst of this soil analysis, however, is an underlying theme of "hearing". The word "hear" occurs 8 times between  vs8 and 21. In fact, I grew up singing a song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna' let it shine" which is taken directly from this passage and may not even, in context, be talking about me shining for Christ and being unashamed. If that were the case, why wouldn't Jesus say, "Be careful how you shine"? Rather He says, "Be careful how you listen." There are plenty of other passages that tell me to shine, but this passage seems to be relating to Jesus' truths being taught about the Kingdom of God and how He cannot keep them under wraps. Jesus talked about cloaking them in parables in the previous verses so that only those who really desired to know the truth would find it. He uses the word "retain" in verse 15 which means to keep and hold onto . He uses "produce a crop" in verse 15 which means to demonstrate the word taking root in your life by an inside out change. We start looking and behaving like Christ. The "putting into practice" in vs. 21 means to do it. The Greek word is basically "actions which have a life of their own"

      Putting this all together, I think Jesus is saying, "I am and I have the light. I know the truth and I can't hide it. Everything you need to know, I am revealing. The question is how badly do you want it and do you think my teachings are the pearls that I say they are. And do you think that I am worthy enough to consume your every thought, or did you just come here for a show. If you did, you got the show but nothing else. If you believe I am from God, then do you want God bad enough to meditate on my words and seek the truths that God is trying to communicate to you through them. Then when you understand them, are you willing to let them come inside and change you into a new person? If so, then you get it. You are sons of God. You are born again by the Word of God."

     In this day and age where teachers are telling us that the post-Christian era doesn't believe the Bible is reputable, therefore try not to use it in witnessing, this chapter has been telling us that it is the Word of God that germinates the heart, takes root, and saves people. It is a supernatural work done through a supernatural word by a supernatural God which produces a change in lives. Those that reject it are the ones whom the devil has hardened their hearts. We can't win people to the Lord through intellect, that will only take you so far. To believe that Christ's blood had to be spilt because blood and death is what takes sin away from us who deserved to die for our sins - that is from the Bible. That can't intellectually be arrived at. That is the leap of faith intellect can take you to but not through without God's word. Memorize God's word. Use it in witnessing. It is alive. It is powerful. It is the seed that transforms.

      God, thank You for Your word which I have gladly received and it has saved my soul and changed my life. Amen