This blog concerns only a few verses of scripture, yet this passage from Mark 4:21-25, contains much that we need to reflect on and put into practice in our daily lives.
1. Just as a lamp, verse 21, is not meant to be hidden away but is to give light to a room, Christians are to be openly visible in the darkness of this world. We should not attempt to be Christians in secret.
Back in Jesus’ time on earth Joseph of Arimathea was a believer in secret, John 19:38. Eventually, after Jesus’ death, he realized he could be a secret disciple no longer.
2. ‘Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open’ verse 22.
What are we hiding that should be brought into the open? Are there specific sins that you have been hanging onto or trying to keep hidden, that need to be brought to God’s light and dealt with?
3. Jesus often prefaced or concluded teaching with the warning, ‘if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear,’ verse 23.
Do we really hear what Jesus is saying, hear his warnings or only want we want to hear? Do we only read those passages of God’s Word which are comfortable or that appeal to us? Or do we read the full counsel of God? A bible reading plan that takes us through the bible in a year or two is a good way to ensure we are not reading the favorite passages all the time and neglecting other passages of Scripture. Here are a couple of such plans:
M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
4. Jesus urges us to ‘consider carefully’ what we hear, verse 24.
Do you read God’s Word carefully and think about it, allowing it to impact your life? Do you act on what you read or just skim over it? Do you have your bible open in church, checking what your pastor is teaching against what God’s Word says?
5. If we are sparing and begrudging in giving to God and in giving time to others, we can expect the same sort of treatment in return, verse 24.
You don’t measure something unless you intend to use in some way. We are meant to use the experience and knowledge we have to help others find the light and live in the light.
6. God is a gracious giver. He delights in showering his blessings on those who apply and use His light. The more we seek to use and apply what God has taught us, the more He will reveal of Himself and His ways. What is given to us is not just for our use, but to be used to help others.
What are you doing with the gifts, blessings, knowledge, talents and experiences God has given you? Are you using them to help others? If we fail to use it, God will not continue to bless us and give us insights into His Word, verse 25.
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