Burning Basket

  "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act."

  Since Tuesday's post, the image of the light smothering basket has been forefront in my heart and mind. It's a far better metaphor than a cage. The upside down basket contains the light of a life that has been covered up for decades. But no more. 

  Beams of light shoot out from between the weavers and stakes forming the sides. It starts as small, pencil sized rays. The light scorches the basket where it leaks out. It starts to turn edges black before they ignite and glow. There isn't any flame, just the red, glowing, consuming brilliance. It dances its way along anything that it can consume, leaving nothing but ash in its wake. Ash flakes from the disintegrating basket drift upwards on the heat from the fire within.

  The more it burns, the more the light coming out grows and grows until the basket is nothing but a pile of burnt remains illuminated by an uncontainable light.

  It's a prayer and a promise in imagery. 

  It's often said that our faith is the light we carry but I think the source is far deeper than that. Our light is also the life the Lord breathed into our being. It only shines brighter with the Lord fanning its flames, breathing on it anew for His glory and delight.

  I've often had bonfires in my back yard, burning yard trash over a couple of days. The second day's fire rarely requires a match. It only needs the ashes stirred up to expose embers that have been smoldering overnight. Some fresh fuel and patient blowing and the flames to burst into life.

  My fuel is a battered, cracked and stained old basket. 

  

  I've also had a bit of an epiphany about today's verse as well. I thought Jesus was talking about church leaders when He spoke about false prophets. But it's bigger than that.

  There are wonderful people who have the gift of prophecy, who speak God's love and life over someone. 

  False prophets are those whose words bring death and destruction. Not literal death, but death to dreams and hopes and the gifts God gives all His children. They do not serve God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. 

  They build baskets. They slap something over the gaps when even the smallest ray of light dares to shine through. They rarely work alone. Basket builders know each other's handiwork and will take over  construction and maintenance with delight. In fact, they seek out people who are already inside of one. It makes their job much easier.

  And we also seek basket builders when we think that's where we belong. So dear Lord, this morning I offer a repentant heart for having looked to basket builders for my identity. Forgive me for not looking to You. In Jesus' precious name, AMEN!

  "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, all the time!" 

  A long forgotten children's song has taken on a far richer meaning. 

  Then there's another verse, "Don't you go and (blow a puff of air) my little light!" 

  AMEN to that!