About a month ago, I wrote about God's Word guiding us through life just as a needed lamp lights up someone's path in the darkness. That Word of God can be so helpful, life-giving, and encouraging but in order to reap the benefits, we will need to read it and treasure it as something that is very precious. But after that, what do we do with it? Will we hog that lamp and use it only for ourselves?
God's Word says in Luke 11 verse 33 that "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light." This is a challenge for you and I. Are we letting this lamp not only light up our own life, but also shine into the lives of others?
Our first responsibility should be towards our own families. For example, in Deuteronomy 11:19 we are commanded to "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you lie down and when you get up." No easy task! I talk to my children about God's Word, but I am not sure I do it to that extent. Especially when I lie down at night; I don't think I share Biblical truths with my children while I'm lying down. In fact, when one of my children happens to interrupt my going to sleep, I can get quite grumpy!
But it doesn't stop with just our families. In verse 18 of Deuteronomy 11 it says we need to bind the Word on our foreheads. Verse 20 even says to write God's Words on the door frames and gates of our houses! I think that means that wherever we go, and whenever people come over to our houses, people should hear about and see evidence of, the gospel in us and our families. Whether or not they accept it is not our problem, but they should be getting to know about God's Word through us. This is a humbling thought.
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Hello Mare,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your posts as they often bring back great memories but more importantly reminders. I can't stop thinking about you and Yonson (John) at this time of year as Labour day weekend is fast approaching. We both know what means and I will never forget Camp Lamp 1998 as I am sure both of you won't either.
Thanks for reminding your readers the importance of why God's holy inspired inerrant infallible authoritative Word should be in our lives. I once heard someone say, "If you were the Gospel, what translation are people reading?" In the present times we are in never has generation needed to hear the Gospel then now in a clear conscience way. May the Lord equip his elect to be bold and fully relying on Him to equip us.
How are you and your families doing? Has Rebecca and her fiance set a wedding day yet?
Please pass on our love to all and the happy couple remain in our prayers.
< Peter