It is plainly ridiculous to waste the light of an oil lamp by putting it under anything opaque.  That would defeat the object or purpose of having the lamp.  Light has the purpose of shining in the darkness so that people can see themselves in their environment and be able to work safely and productively.  This is another of Jesus’ parables.  The 'light' is the truth about Jesus, 'showing the light' is explaining the gospel, 'hiding the light' is stopping the truth about Jesus being heard, believed and obeyed (Acts 26:17-18).  Reading the Bible's accounts of Jesus' words and ministry enables us to see ourselves and the world in which we live through God's lenses, so that we can worship and serve Him.

Jesus and His gospel was God's secret (Mark 4:11) - hidden until the first Pentecost but now it is freely available to all.  God's way to heaven is to be broadcast, like the seed in the parable of the Sower.  Why do you think that you have been let into the secret?  Is it just to be saved and personally related with the God who made you?  Yes ... but more than that. You have been given the secret to share with others so that they too may believe and be incorporated into God's family.

So why do we creep around with the Gospel truth locked behind pursed lips?  Why are we so 'careful' that we don't 'put them off'?  The truth is that they are already 'off' and will remain 'off' until the Gospel message is spoken to them and the light of Christ switches them 'on' by the power of God's Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).  Some may say that unwillingness to share the Word is shyness or fear, but if it is so obviously meant to be seen openly, is it not fear, disobedience ... or worse - collusion with the enemy?  It is Satan who obscures, but Jesus brings everything to the light.  Occult simply means 'hidden'.  If we hide what is meant to be seen openly, are we not unwittingly conspiring with Satan and his occult schemes?

Jesus was training His disciples to understand the priorities of His Kingdom, so that they would be His witnesses when filled with the Holy Spirit (and that was a life or death choice for them).  What about us?  The Lord is training us every time we read the Bible; the Scriptures are not simply interesting information but dynamic truth (2 Timothy 3:15-17) which we are called to release into a truth-starved world.  Speaking of Jesus may not make us popular, but we will not usually have our lives threatened - so let's make 'sharing Jesus' a daily priority.  Do we also have ears to hear?