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Mark 4 English Standard Version (ESV)

A Lamp Under a Basket

²¹ And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? ²² For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” ²⁴ And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. ²⁵ For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

 

REFLECTION

1. In Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus taught us: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
2. However, in this paragraph, it is talking about all of our secrets – good and bad – being revealed.  What is the connection between keeping good deeds and qualities, and having all of our secrets revealed?  Does this motivate us to be quiet about the good works that we do?
3. Continue the meditation from yesterday to be willing to be a quiet and hidden disciple of Jesus.  Lord, help me so that I will “not let (my) left hand know what (my) right hand is doing” (Matt 6:3).

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, Your Word is sharper than all swords, it can divide my soul and spirit, and reach the most secret place of my heart! I know how filthy my heart is, and I know how unwilling I am to repent! I have many sins that others do not know, but You understand better than me! Even my self-deceitful and hidden sins are well known to You, and in front of You I am inescapable! Lord, I am willing to confess these hidden sins to You today, and I am willing to sincerely repent, asking You to forgive all my sins! Please walk with me every day, keep edifying me, make my life like light to show Your glory in this dark world. Amen!

 

HYMN

Take My Life – youtu.be/agROj9nTQP4