Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. The lamp under a basket is the absurd image of hiddenness applied to a community called to shine. The purpose of lighting a lamp is to give light; the purpose of being a disciple community is to give light to all who are in the house — the whole household of humanity. The lamp on the stand that gives light to all in the house is the image of the community whose public life makes the kingdom visible. Philippians 2:15 describes believers shining as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life — the lamp language of Matthew 5:15 becomes the stars-in-the-night-sky language of Philippians.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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