Above are two links to the
text in this blog post – one from the New
International Version and the other from The Message. I’ve included both versions, because verse 25 tends to
make one tilt their head – as it relates to the NIV (well, at least my head
tilted). Yet, it’s important since it ties in verse 24.
While I'm continuing with
the "Storytelling" series, if I were to give this particular post
another title, I think it would be THE TRUTH.
What does "the truth"
mean? Can the truth be hidden and remain unseen forever? Is the truth meant to
actually be seen or heard? How dangerous can the truth be?
Run from it, put a lid on
it, blast it from kingdom come,… the truth is the truth and it will eventually
come to light. Keep it a secret for as long as you can, but ultimately it's
going to be revealed.
In my personal worldview,
no one can keep a secret from God. How about the first book of the Bible for an
example with the story of Adam and Eve? Their first instinct is to hide (the
truth) after doing something wrong. Doesn't the same hold true for us?
Relating what I'm writing to
a lamp on a stand in these verses…
When I was in Israel in
late 2004, I bought a couple of antiquities – one was an Early Bronze juglet
for oil and the other was a Helenistic lamp. Now these items are from a
longgggg time ago -- the juglet from estimated 3100 BC - 2800 and the lamp from
350BC - 280 BC. The lamp is pictured below, and its actual size is small, as in about three-quarters the size of my hand (in length).
Do you see the spout on the
clay lamp bowl? It was made to hold a wick. The bowl would contain a few ounces
of oil serving as fuel (the oil being kept in the juglet).
It gives one perspective, as
yet again in the parable Jesus is providing his listeners something in which
they can relate. Everyone has a lamp at their home -- so they can see.
For me… I think Jesus is
giving the crowd a foretaste of what's to come if they accept the truth of his
ministry. In a way, he's saying, "Don't hold back on the good news. Be
open with it, live it, share it." But… not everyone is going to accept it.
The good news (the truth being shared by Jesus) is dangerous -- especially to
those in power.
So Jesus is telling us to
let our light shine. Which is the tie-in to verses 24 and 25.
In considering these
verses, the onus is placed on each of us to act first. For example, to learn,
we must study. The more we study, the more knowledge we gain. To love, we must
love first. To have friends, we must be friendly first.
That's why, "With the
measure you use, it will be measured to you -- and even more."
Then there's verse 25. In
the NIV, it seems to come across (to me) a bit harsh -- as if the rich get
richer and the poor get poorer.
Hence my inclusion of The Message which puts it another way --
"Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess
impoverishes."
Isn't that THE TRUTH? Have
you ever experienced this?
For me, I can relate to it
this way. Every mission trip / project in which I've participated, I return
home juiced -- my heart filled to the brim with love, thankfulness and blessings.
All I do is give of myself for a few days so the lives of others may be better.
In turn, I receive so much more than I could ever imagine -- from the people
whose homes and lives have been rebuilt as well as from those who have
contributed to sending me forth (financially or by other means) and are supporting
me (with love and prayer). By my act of giving, others give. The act of
generosity begets generosity.
In combining the two
verses (24 and 25),…
We must act but never be
satisfied, because whatever we're satisfied with will quickly slip away. Like
with our health, the only way we can get stronger or healthier is to make
important changes (i.e. -- exercising, change of diet, being active). Like with
a skill, the only way we can keep ahead is to learn more techniques, be
involved, try new things. Otherwise… we'll be left behind.
Another way to look at it
is… as we discussed in the study group… consider the things we possess
(literally, figuratively). Are they merely for our pleasure, our use, for me,
me, me, me? Or are they to be shared and enjoyed by others? To impact lives in
positive and meaningful ways?
Whatever the truth may be
for us at this time, what are we being called to do? I agree with Jesus. We are
being called to shine our light and to give so the world might truly be
impacted in amazing ways.
NEXT…
This life we live; everything
has a beginning
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