Originally posted on thejaggedword.com
Wandering around in the darkness, I wish I knew the way to go. Every once in a while, I see a glimmer of light and I run towards it. I know what the light looks like, but I don’t always see where to follow. The tiny spark is sometimes so very far away. In the cold dark night, the light may seem to go out, and I can’t see it at all. Where do I look to find this light?
Wandering around in the hectic Christmas hustle, I wish I knew the way to go. Spend less money, spend more time. Abandon commercialization rather strive for handmade love to light up the true meaning of the season. I know what the light of Jesus looks like, but I don’t always see where my steps should follow. Too many choices, too many distractions that pull me away. In this non-stop world, the light seems to be hidden, and I can’t see it at all. Where do I look to find this guiding light.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Psalm 119 answers: Your Word is the light to my path. This tiny light is like a candle, breaking through the darkness all around. Our way is lit, our path is clear by the Word of God. But it’s not as simple as just knowing the right things to do. It’s not as if we can just follow the “right path” and keep ourselves on the straight and narrow. Certainly, God’s word makes clear what is righteous and what is wicked. But His judgements are not the source of light to the path of your feet. It’s natural to imagine the light shines to show us the right things to do so we can walk the right way, but it is so much more than that.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Jesus calls himself the Light of the World. He is the one who illuminates the path of the righteous. He is the Light by his perfect work – his life, his death, his resurrection. He is the only righteous one who ever satisfied the good and absolute standards of the Almighty Judge in Heaven. So, just when we thought our path was lit up by following the rules and commands of God, the Father sent His Son to walk this path – and to be the one true Light.
The light of God’s Word shows up when we least expect it. Last week we considered the exposing Light of the World, one that highlights the dark places of our sin and shame. Today, the guiding Light of the World glows on the path ahead of us, yet it’s not a way that we would ever choose for ourselves. This light that Jesus shines is a path of submissive love, of sacrifice and suffering. The light that Jesus shines points to a twisted bloody cross that he did not deserve. The light that Jesus shines radiates from an empty tomb and victory over death. This is the light that shines for you.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
God’s Word has spoken this merciful guiding light into your life. But it’s nothing like a “what would Jesus do” candle that shows you the way to live. You have been following the Light since He chose you to be his own. God’s Word reveals that Jesus’ birth, life, suffering, death, and glory is the illumination of your path. His love, mercy, and forgiveness is already glowing in your actions and on your steps. When you wonder which way to go and where to follow, remember the Light of Life and love already given to you by Christ alone.
CONSIDER:
When do I rely the Law and commands of God to make me righteous?
Read Romans 3:20-24. What does the Law of God do for you?
Read Romans 6:3-8. What does your life in Christ look like now?
PRAY: Lord, we believe Christ is the Messiah – our Savior. By Your Word, this truth dwells in each of us. Continue to reflect Your LOVE and goodness in our lives, as Jesus the Christ revealed and reflected Your LOVE for us.
Cindy Koch 