Day 215: Use it or lose it – Luke 8 vs 16 – 21

16-17 Jesus said “No one lights a lamp and covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed - but he puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light. For nothing is concealed that will not become evident, nor hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

19-21 Now His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. And it was reported to Him, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” New American Standard Bible. (New Living Translation link)

Did you ever start something in life, then lost interest, and ended up where you'd forgotten much of what you'd learned at the start? It happens with hobbies, musical instruments and even a foreign language. In a similar way the first 15 verses of this chapter were a story Jesus told of the different outcomes in the lives of people who were privileged to hear his teaching. Some were not interested at all; others started off the journey of putting his words into practice but gave up because of troubles that came along, or because things in the world looked more attractive. And what did Jesus warn that the sad end result of losing interest in his words would be? (vs 18)

This is probably what vs 16-17 were speaking about. In the same way that people don't hide the light of a lamp, so Jesus did not bring his message into the world for it to be left unused. And time will ultimately reveal what those who heard the message of Jesus did with it.

But that's not only true for those who rejected and ignored his message – it also applies to those of us who profess to have believed and received it. If God's word has brought wonderful light into our lives then he surely doesn't want us to hide it away. On another occasion Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16) We are to put Christ's words into action every day in our interaction with others. Time will show whether we've done that - or if we were hearers only.

What can verses 19-21 teach us about the importance of obeying Christ in all things?

I'd say that one lesson is that those who put his words into action are more precious to Jesus than all others in the world. The apostle John tells us that there was a time when Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in who he really was, so perhaps they were looking for him now to try and dissuade him from the things he was doing. The verses also show the foolishness of 'worshiping' Mary. She needed Jesus' words as much as we do. But the main point is that Jesus said that all who love him enough to do what he taught are his true family.

This may sometimes lead to arguments in our own families or our circle of friends. They may not like our loyalty to Christ and the changes he brings about in our life. But Jesus told his disciples about that too. He said: “Your enemies will be right in your own household!’  If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.” Matthew 10:36-38

May we take vs 18 to heart and build upon the things he has already taught us - and may we seek with all our heart to put his words into action every day of our life. That’s what makes us his family.