There was Always a Lamp

Scripture: No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16

Observation: Jesus begins the "sermon on the mount" with the beatitudes, then follows them with this metaphor about light. He will follow this by clarifying that he has come to fulfill the law and prophets, and that all must continue to obey the law and act in righteousness. In this manner, Jesus is clarifying that the instructions, laws, and precepts of the Lord - given to Israel - remain intact, and Jesus as Messiah is here to reinforce and fulfill the related promises.

The lighted lamp is of course the gospel, but it has always been the gospel of the Lord, given to Israel. Their original gospel was that the Lord is loving and just, available to provide blessing to all, and Israel as the nation of priests was to spread that message to all. To some degree they did. And the metaphor should not have been lost on the audience, as a great lamp was a centerpiece of the tabernacle, which transitioned into the temple that is on a great hill, where holy activities are apparent for everyone from all nations to see.

Now a new lamp will be lit in Israel, and this new light will go out to the entire world. Those who carry it must have certain characteristics, alignment to the ways of the Lord, righteousness that is founded in love rather than memorization, and a willingness to tell others all about it.

Application: There was always a lamp. As the light of the world, Jesus was there at the creation, throughout the history of mankind, and still with us today. He has told us about the light of truth and of love. Now he expects us to exemplify that love and that truth through our behavior, as a way of putting the light on a lampstand to shine upon others.

I have the light. Do I shine brightly enough? Am I well placed on a lampstand? My guess is I am regularly one of the other, but not often both. By my improved behavior, I must turn up my brightness, and by my bolder faith I must better position my lamp. We Christians are the direct continuation of God's plan with Israel, and I must do a better job as part of the nation of priests.

Prayer: Lord, it is an honor to be a Christian who serves you and desires to serve you better. May I do so. May I place the light of Jesus on a lampstand, and give light to all around me. Amen.