Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalms 119:105 NIV
To begin to even understand what today's extract says, let's look at a simple definition of a lamp: a device for giving light. That is what it is: a device. It is not the light itself, but it is the receptacle, the bearer or the helper of light, giving support to and allowing the light thrive. For those who still remember, we grew up with such things like lanterns, with wicks soaked in kerosene. We still had to light a match to set the wick ablaze, and then the lantern itself will give light to the whole house. As I read the extract for today, I learn that the Word of God is also like this lamp, having the wick in it, with the ability to give light, but also requiring that a match or some kind of spark to be introduced, so that light, which is the purpose of the lamp, might become a reality.
The harder bit is to define light. Let me just put this down: Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It has a wavelength which can be seen by the human eye. When light hits an opaque object it makes a shadow but when the light hits a transparent object, it passes through it almost completely without making a shadow. Did you notice that light was not really defined, but its form and properties are mentioned. That is the amazing thing about light: you cannot fail to notice its presence or absence, but you cannot really define it or limit its scope. This is where it gets interesting: by the world's standard, it seems that one cannot serve as the other. The lamp cannot also serve as the light. One bears the other, so that the other can be seen.
God's Word serves as both the lamp and the light. How would this work? God's Word is the receptacle and the device that bears the light. God's Word is also the light. That is deep. The Word of God is the tool God uses to bring change into a man's heart, shining his light into all the hidden recesses of that heart. The Word of God is also the light that shines on that man's heart so that all that man is is laid bare. Did you notice the impact of light when it hits an opaque as well as a transparent object? When my heart is opaque, full of pretence and hypocrisy, there will always be dark spots or shadows but when my heart is transparent before God, the light will pass through completely without making a shadow.
How's my heart? Is it a place that the Word of God can reach or are there too many distractions leading to deception? Is my heart the place where all sorts of falsehoods and lies find expression or am I totally sold out to God so much so that there is no room for shadows? God wants to guide and guard, but he will not go against the exercise of my own freewill. I need to walk right, and I can only do that when I have the lamp and light of God providing the guidance and leadership that I need. Without guidance, my feet will go astray, as the flesh in me naturally seek out that which is of the flesh. Light cannot be hid or ignored; with God's light in and with me, I have all I need to make a success of life. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment