Basking Under the Candlestick

# 344a - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:21 “Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?

I like the way the Lutheran commentator Lenski translates this verse. He says, “And He went on to say to them; Certainly the lamp does not come in order to be placed under the peck measure or under the bed. Is it not in order to be placed on the lampstand?”

When I hear the phrase, “the lamp does not come,” I can't help but think of the incarnation of Jesus. Remember, one of the ways we gain a richer understanding of parables is to look for Jesus in them. He is easy to find in this parable, for He is the Lamp brought to this world.

Joh 8:12 ¶ Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

This Precious Lamp, the Son of God, was “incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary and was made man.” He would ultimately be placed on the candlestick of Calvary for all the world to see. And what were we to see? We were to see the depth of the love of God!

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. And this light would attract sinful men in need of God's love.

Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Why not spend a little time, right now, basking under the light of that candlestick, taking in the love of God for you! It's the only way to start a day!

I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.