This little light of mine – A lamp on a stand

Lenten Devotions

A Walk through the Book of Luke

March 11, 2023

Luke 8:16-18

A Lamp on a stand

“This little light of mine.”

During my years in ministry, I sometimes led a Wednesday morning chapel service for the children in our school.

One of their favorite songs was “This little light of mine.”

Let’s take a few moments to read it or sing it aloud if you know the tune. 😊

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood

I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine all the time, let it shine.

Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine

Harry Dixon Loes – 1920

“This Little Light of Mine is a simple yet powerful gospel Christmas song, which speaks to the importance of sharing our faith in others and letting our light shine in the darkness.” (Christmassongsandcarols.com) 

Interestingly enough, in today’s reading/parable, Jesus shares much the same lesson as the song does.

************************The Point*******************

Let’s take a few moments to read today’s lesson from Luke 8:16-18.

“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. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 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.” Luke 8:16-18

When Jesus talks about lighting a lamp, He’s talking about God’s word. We should never hide His Word as followers and believers in Jesus Christ. God’s word is meant to be shared, not hidden from people.

As followers of Jesus, we are to let God’s word shine. That means we share it with everyone who will listen. We do this because God’s word gives people hope. We live in a dark world full of hate, wars, and evil. God’s word brings light to that dark world.

In our reading, Jesus said,

“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.” Luke 8:18

When we listen to and believe what Jesus says and teaches us, we will gain even more understanding of His plan for salvation. But those of us who decline to listen to His Word lose even what we already have. When we don’t listen, we put greater and greater distance between the Savior of the World and us.

As for my family and me:

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine

Amen