All scripture references, unless otherwise noted, are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. The Hebrew and Greek meaning of the words mentioned are from Strong's Hebrew Greek Dictionary.
The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16 in what is commonly referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount," Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (I want to focus on verses 15-16). Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." According to Mark's gospel the Lord said in Mark 4::21-23, "...Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
I always thought of the bushel being a bushel basket, like I got when I bought some peaches years ago. I always wondered how a bushel basket would endure the candle's flame. The Lord's words in this portion of Matthew were, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Then in Mark the Lord's words were, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." In Luke He said, "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." Someone may not see any significance in the difference between one writer and another. But I do.
(In both Matthew and Mark the meaning of the term bushel is, "μόδιος modios (pronounced) mod'-ee-os Of Latin origin; a modius, that is, certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil): - bushel." Luke used a entirely different word, Strong's meaning of the word vessel is, "σκεῦος skeuos (pronounced) skyoo'-os Of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specifically a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]): - goods, sail, stuff, vessel.")
As I read in Luke's gospel the meaning of the scripture became clear to me. In Luke 8:16-18 the Lord Jesus said, "No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." It wasn't a bushel basket after all, it was a vessel that would endure the flame He was speaking of!
I don't want hear the Lord Jesus say to me, "...I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (See Matthew 7:21-23) To me there is much significance in what Jesus said. After I turned to the Lord Jesus in 1965 the first words that He spoke to me was, "Read My Word and Start in Matthew." I have read His word and am reading it still some 55+ years later. My friend, the Lord Jesus loves us and wants us to be with Him throughout eternity. But in this life He wants us to be His witnesses. We must repent of our sins and obey the gospel. Thus the title of this post. Repent, turn to God in faith, find someone who will baptize you in Jesus name and let God fill you with His Spirit, you will be eternally grateful to Him. Then you can let your little light can shine also
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