What We Think We Have

Luke 8:16-18 (ESV)
¹⁶ "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
¹⁷ For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
¹⁸ Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."

This parable was spoken to Jewish ears. They had been chosen by God to reveal His light to the world, but they had not done such a good job of it. Jesus says here that the will of God will not be thwarted. It will not come back empty, but will be made manifest, the light will prevail.  

The warning is to take care what one does with the Word. For those who happily receive it, and act accordingly, the fruit of the Word will multiply endlessly.  Those who reject the Word, who reject Jesus, will lose everything. The Jews were confident they had it made as the chosen ones of God, but that was only what they thought. God was doing a new thing. 

This parable applies to us today. What we think is not as important as what God thinks.  He will judge in the light of His Gospel.  His Word will guide us into that light. Let us not rely on what we think we have, but what we know we have in Christ. 

Let us not put our trust in ourselves

But in the God of our salvation