The Lamp That Is Lit
(5 minutes)
"No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light." (Luke 11:33)
In this new year, our Kingdom family is committed to one thing: being lovers of His presence! And we know that our love for His presence only grows as we descend into the truth that He has always been and will always be a lover of our presence.
What does this mean for us as we venture into 2024?
Let's remember these words from the message on Sunday: "You don't have to worry about where you're going to be; you just have to worry about being lit." Pastor Tim unveiled the heart of all of our plans for this year. This year isn't going to be about striving. We aren't called to worry about gain, increase, or getting ahead in any area of our lives. Jesus has made it clear that the lamp that is lit will be put in the exact place it ought to be, on the lampstand where it will be radiant and provide light for all to see. We simply have to prioritize being lit. Jesus has promised us that if this one thing is taken care of, He will take care of the rest. We only have to focus on being lit.
So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God's kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. (Matthew 6:33)
When you hear "just focus on being lit," you may begin questioning how that is supposed to happen. How do I even do that? Well, the Kingdom is always relational, never transactional. This isn't about finding a formula that works. This is about discovering how to dance in a relationship with our Bridegroom King. Being lit is about constantly chasing a person. Being lit is about making intimacy with Jesus the main thing. Pastor Tim said this on Sunday: "You just stare at the One that's full of light, and He will make you full of light." So don't make this transactional. Don't fall back into that old, religious pattern of law-keeping. That's the old wineskin. This new wineskin is about being joined relationally, being connected in life-union to Jesus, and letting His love nourish our hearts. Rules and laws are useless in this love affair. Pastor Tim said this so well: "Don't believe anybody who tries to tell you that they disciplined themselves into purity. That doesn't work."
The beautiful thing about this Kingdom way of life is that you can finally stop worrying about where you'll end up. When the lamp is lit, it is placed exactly where it should be. So many of us have strived to be in positions that Abba never called us to be in. We climbed ladders He never intended for us to climb. We worried ourselves into situations where we didn't fit. And we wondered why it felt awkward or uncomfortable! We let fear dictate to us where we ought to be. And we did it all without being lit. Can we be honest with Abba and ourselves and admit that it didn't work? We may still be operating in places that Abba hasn't called us to be. Can we let go of how we thought it should be, so we can inherit the position that He has reserved for us once we are burning with love for Him? I can tell you this. What Abba has in store for you is better than anything you could ever ask, think, or imagine. So don't settle for what you can come up with!
As we take the walk with Abba today, let's commit ourselves to being lit in this new year. Let's commit to constantly chasing after our Bridegroom King. Let's let go of the things that we have strived for so we can inherit what Abba has specifically set aside just for us.
If your spirit burns with light, fully illuminated with no trace of darkness, you will be a shining lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live. (Luke 11:36)
This is Abba's heart for us. And He's not saying this to us because it can't happen. He's not saying this to us because it's something we can never achieve this side of heaven. Can you see this happening in 2024? Can you see yourself burning with light, fully illuminated with NO trace of darkness at all? Can you see yourself as a shining lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live? Abba can.
Abba, how could it be? How will this happen?
You just stare at the One that's full of light, and He will make you full of light.
Beloved one, are you ready to shine?
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Worship: "I See Heaven" by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Honor: Give Online to The Wilderness Place
Share With Us: We would love to hear how you're encountering Abba in your daily walks. Don't hesitate to share what you're hearing, seeing, or sensing in His presence. Email us here!
