Sermon # 3 - Let Your Light Shine Series

It is recorded in Mark 4:21, Jesus said to them, "Does anyone bring a lamp into a room to put it under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lamp stand? (GW)

As we meditate on the questions Jesus asked while here on earth, we realize that these questions were asked to help people understand or comprehend some profound truths. The above mentioned question is the one that we will study in this chapter.

The significance of Mark’s Gospel

The Gospel of Mark has an eminent place among the gospels. The one who wrote this gospel was John Mark, who was an assistant to some prominent leaders in the early church. While most people find it intimidating to be a helper, and look for opportunities to get ahead of others, John Mark was a willing helper to Barnabas, Paul and later to Peter in their ministry. The Gospel of Mark is a fascinating or action-oriented one, which does not contain much teachings of Jesus, but beautifully records in detail the wonders, and miracles that Jesus performed. It was probably the first gospel that was written, and the word ‘immediately’ occurs frequently throughout this gospel. The Gospel of Mark is written in such a way so as to motivate a new believers to be strengthened in their faith in the Lord Jesus. As John Mark humbly served alongside other leaders, the Lord blessed him, and honored him to be the one who wrote the first recorded gospel.

The question Jesus asked

The question Jesus asked as recorded in Mark 4:21, Jesus said to them, "Does anyone bring a lamp into a room to put it under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lamp stand? (GW)

The purpose of a lamp as we all know is to give light, and if it has to function well it needs the following components. 1. A wick 2. Oil and 3. Someone to light the lamp

1. Wick in a lamp – must have no impurity

A wick by itself is something that can actually burn out in a few seconds, but for a wick to burn for long hours it needs to be soaked in oil. Also for a wick to burn well it needs to free of any sort of impurity. I had an experience with a friend who invited me for a barbeque dinner. We were all excited, but after long hours of trying to combust the coals, he just couldn’t get them to burn and was totally exhausted. We inferred then that the coals did not have the ingredient to make it ignite.

So also, if there is sin in our life or any sort of defilement, we will not be able to shine for the Lord as He intends for us to.

The testimony about John the Baptist

We read in John 5:35, He was a burning and shining lamp (ESV).

This is the testimony about John the Baptist, that he was a burning and shining lamp. John the Baptist separated himself from the world as unto the Lord, was rid of all uncleanness and wandered in the wilderness preaching about the Kingdom of God. He was such a shining light that people thronged to hear him preach, though there is no record of any miracles he did, they repented, got baptized and had their lives transformed.

To burn implies that there is no impurity, but to shine signifies fulfilling the very purpose of the lamp, which is to give light to everyone. The burning can be equated to the zeal one has to serve the Lord in various ways, but the shining signifies our personal testimony, and witness before others.

It is good to be zealous for the Lord, but is far more important to have a good testimony, especially among those who are not believers. Wistfully, one of the reasons why many have not yet entered into the Kingdom of God is because of the failed witness of those who are called by the Lord’s name. No wonder then that many are eager to follow Jesus, but shun the thought of being associated with the believers of Jesus. Our testimony must be evident in our family, our work place and in society.

We read in Psalms 104:4, You make your angels winds and your servants flames of fire. (GW)

The Psalmist explains the truth that the Lord makes his servants flames of fire, who will burn and shine for the Lord. In order to be holy, the Lord has graciously granted us the Holy Spirit of God who enables us to live this holy life.

2. Oil in the Lamp – signifies preparation

The second important ingredient for a lamp to burn is the oil. A wick on its own when lighted will turn to ash in a few seconds. However, when this wick is soaked in oil, it can burn for many long hours. So also, when a person is filled and anointed with the Holy Spirt of God, and functions in the strength of the Lord, they can shine for the Lord all the days of their lives. God is looking for those who will love, and serve Him like John the Baptist, who will shine forth as a great testimony to the Lord.