Mother Theresa once said, “To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.” The same applies to life. Unless we continue to learn, to grow, to excel, to know, we will stagnate and become just an empty lamp waiting …
There are several Bible verses that refer to lamps. Proverbs 31:18b tells us ‘her lamp does not go out at night’. This is not a reference to the night-light we use to get us to the bathroom in the middle of the night because our bladders are shot from childbirth or our bodies are aging. The night lights of ancient times were kept lit so a weary traveler would know a welcoming home. The use of lamps in this verse suggests we are not only to be hospitable but ready to be hospitable.
Psalm 18:28 tells us we do not keep our own lamps burning. God does. That is a truly interesting statement. When we have reached some maturity in our life walk with Jesus, we start to learn that our lives are all about Him. He is not only the Light of the World but the individual Light of our lives. As we grow, more wicks are added to our lamps making us a brighter and brighter light. (Ancient people added more wicks to their lamps to create a brighter glow.)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is another well-known lamp story (Matthew 25:1-13). The point of this parable is obedience. The virgins who were not prepared, had to go and get more oil. When they returned they could not enter the feast because the doors to the banquet were closed. (I really doubt anyone could have heard them knocking with the celebration that was going on.) Had they followed the instructions to keep their lamps trimmed and full they would have been attending the feast of a lifetime. So will we, if we continue filling our minds with His Words and Ways.
Heavenly Father, how humbled I am when I realize You are the One filling the lamps. Oh Lord, fill mine to overflowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Let my lamp continue burning brightly until I am finally admitted to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. In His perfect Name make it so.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
This is something I forget to focus on at times: “He is not only the Light of the World but the individual Light of our lives.” I see the big world picture, but overlook the importance of letting Him be my personal light. Thanks for this important reminder!
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I’m glad this was helpful to you! You’re right we so often focus on the big picture that we forget the personal side of our relationship with Him.
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Yess! May we go deeper into His glorious presence daily! Experiencing the depths of His love that keeps the fire in our hearts burning. Then we can truly show the world what love looks like! Great post!
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Amen, amen and amen! This is an ‘if-only’ for me. If-only everyone would spend time with Him what a different place this world would be.
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Love this! Excellent post! We can only be God’s light as we “continue filling our minds with His Words and Ways.”
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Thank you, Kathleen! I find it interesting that so many who say they are Believers choose to be illiterate in His Word.
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Great points and wonderful verses! Thank you for sharing! May we keep putting the oil in the lamp!!
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Thanks! I’ll keep the light ‘burning’ until I enter the Banquet Hall. Can hardly wait to meet you there.
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