Luke 11:33 and Luke 11:34 are two great metaphors that have great application for today. The problem is that we have way too many spiritual cowards! I know this is an intense statement but the article is about not being a coward so why would I beat around the bush here? You may qualify as a spiritual coward if you have adopted any of these thoughts when Jesus has clearly shown you the heart of a matter. I can’t do anything about it. No one would listen to me. The political fallout would be too intense if I said anything. What if I’m wrong? Everything always works out for the best. If you are using this rationale in all likelihood you have become a spiritual coward. Remember, the key here is that Jesus has shown you the heart of a matter you are obligated to act. Also realize this doesn’t give you any additional authority, make you a vigilante or excuse good manners. The point is one cannot turn a blind eye to a problem when you understand the right thing to do.
Let’s begin by examining the two metaphors in the opening paragraph; different but in separately linked.
Luke 11:33 “No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. [1]
Here the lamp is the Word of God. When you have the light, God’s Word, and refuse to use it, it is the same as hiding it under a basket.
Luke 11:34 “The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. [2]
Here the problem is about perception, not a lack of light. Here you don’t need more light you need a heart to believe whatever truth has already been communicated to you. When your eye is clear, your body is full of light. When it is bad, your body is full of darkness and you behave like a spiritual coward because you refuse to act on the Truth of God’s Word. Self interest and/or preservation get in the way of accurately applying God’s Word.
In short in Luke 11:33 the lamp is God’s Word. In Luke 11:34 the eye is the lamp. When the lamp is God’s Word it is unchanging, always accurate and without error. When the lamp is your eye your motivation or perception determines if you are filled with light or darkness.
One’s greatest desire should be to speak up for Jesus. Know the truth of God’s Word and allow it to impact your life and the life of others. When we hide it in under a basket or refuse to allow it to direct our thoughts and actions we miss the opportunity to be a Spiritual Warrior, someone God can use in a mighty way for His glory!
[1]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Lk 11:33.
[2]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Lk 11:34.
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