Reveal What Can't Be Seen

“He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” (Mark 4:24b). Jesus often used parables to teach the disciples. In them were deeper meanings to seemingly simple truths. Many of the parables could clearly be considered as “common sense."In the gospel of Mark, Jesus asked an obvious question, “Do you bring a lamp to put it under a bowl or bed”? Common sense suggests, why would anyone do that. A lamp is meant to illuminate and to reveal what can’t be seen and putting it under a bowl or a bed does not accomplish the purpose of a lamp. Jesus juxtaposed a lamp, the light, to convey that the word of God is a light, a light that should not be hidden. His word illuminate’s truth and truth should not be hidden but clear for everyone to see.Our brain is actually what translates what we hear and it is prudent that we exercise godly discernment when responding to others. The writer of Proverbs encourages, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;” (Proverbs 4:5-6). When we talk less we are less likely to jump to conclusions. Listening using the wisdom of God’s word will truly make us wise indeed.May we all seek to be quick to hear and slow to speak.