"A Lamp on a Stand" - 16 x 20 inches acrylic on canvas
Painted for my Collectors Club, November 2021
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 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.” Matthew 5:14, KJV.
“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? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light” (Mark 4:21-22, ESV).
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In the parable of the lampstand, Jesus was speaking to an audience (during a time) who valued the use and purpose of an oil lamp. These types of lamps were not simply used as means of décor, only to be stationed at a bedside table. Instead, they were formed from clay and carried throughout the house. These lamps used costly and pure oils to fan a flame and heat a home. Anders states, that during the first century in the middle east “people used very small oil lamps which could easily fit under a small bowl. But the idea of lighting a lamp and putting it under a bowl is absurd. Not only would it be a waste of light, but it would also be a waste of oil” (Noren, Anders. Truth Applied, 2021). Similarly, just like the lamp followers of Jesus should be bold and open to profess their faith. Thus, contending for the oil to keep burning and shining bright for all to see your “good works,” so that all can bring glory to your Father in Heaven. Our lives bare witness when we put into practice what scripture teaches, such as: pray without ceasing, give generously, forgive without reproach, love unconditionally, bearing one another’s burdens etc.
The Oil:
The Oil is symbolic to our time spent in the Presence of the Holy Spirit. It is practice and discipline that must be maintained. The Oil is refreshed and purified when we are in communion with Him. For we cannot reflect His light if we are not refined and renewed with the new oil.
The Basket:
Baskets are often used to hold or carry items. However, in this case, they held a negative connotation. The basket in this parable was used to snuff out the light. Thereby limiting one’s influence to be effective for the Kingdom. To combat this threat, believers need to be aware of their own baskets that could be limiting their witness. These basket coverings can act as a weapon to short circuit one’s assignment.
The Light:
Jesus is our representation and beholder of the light. He is the light and the oil. However, he has commissioned us to be salt and light as ambassadors of Him.
The Stand:
Stands were needed in times of old, so that light could illuminate an entire room. Similarly, one’s faith must stand firm, proving to be true and tested in all seasons. Not only must we build strength, but we must continue to occupy positions of high and low regard, never to chase a title but simply to spread the name of Jesus and bring others to Him.
Original artwork, acrylic on stretched canvas. Wrapped edges are painted white. Adding a beautiful custom frame will give your new painting added elegance, but is not necessary if you prefer the raw edge look.
