“This Little Light of Mine” – MARK 4:21-23

Do you ever marvel at the ability of Christians to marginalize deep spiritual truths to the realm of “kids’ stuff”? The greatest example may be the song “Jesus Loves Me”, the foundational truth of salvation – yet, that “just” a children’s song.

Another is “This Little Christian Light of Mine”.

Here, Jesus teaches as He does elsewhere (Luke 8:16, Matthew 5:15) that our influence must be seen in order to be felt by others. If you will notice, however, Jesus may have intended a double meaning. While the teaching is basically the same as elsewhere, the context demands we apply its meaning differently. Such is the nature of the “two-edged sword” of Scripture (Hebrews 4:12).

Remember Jesus had just stated His purpose in teaching through parables (Mark 4:11-12). Just as you would not take a lighted lamp into your home just to hide it under a basket, the Father would not send the Son (the Word of God) into the world to conceal His mission forever. With Jesus, there would be an unveiling at the appropriate time. Spiritual understanding in some would grow through the parables, His teachings and His warnings. Some would not “see” until He had risen from the grave.

Make no mistake … Jesus did not come to confuse or hide His message of grace, faith and salvation (Mark 4:22).

In another way, this parable applies to us. Like the thorns choking out fruit (Mark 4:18-19), a bushel basket “chokes out” the light. Only in rising above this life (lamp on a lamp stand – Mark 4:21) can we overcome the distraction of this world and allow Christ to work through us for His purpose. The Lord’s church (lamp stands in Revelation 1:20 and the 7 letters to the 7 congregations) is the vessel in which His wisdom and glory are shown forth into the dark world (Ephesians 3:10, 20-21).

Why would we accept His life-giving light of grace through faith and then hide it away so that the blessings we have are unable to bless others through us? Is it “just” for children to say, “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”?

Another facet of this parable is important to consider. Fire can be the source of tremendous harm, or great good. A fire that warms us and preserves life on a cold, winter night can become a raging fire that engulfs a home and kills the people living there. The fire emanating from this lamp is not a weapon with which to burn others. It is meant for great good, not harm. It’s not child’s play.

The light must shine, not scorch!