Like prideful fools, we stumble in the dark, trying to find our way on our own, refusing to shine the lamp which we have been given to guide us through the darkness of this present age. I often take my two youngest sons (ages 3 and 5) on an evening walk through the neighborhood near our home. We embark on our pilgrimage most often in the late evening at just about sunset. As we leave the house they never fail to remind me of their favorite part of the trip. “Don’t forget the flashlights dad!” Though the light from the late afternoon sun still shines, they know that darkness will soon fall and there are few pleasures more satisfying to them that being privileged to use their dads big metal flashlight!
In my office I have a framed page from an original 1611 King James Bible from the book of Psalms. Specifically, the page contains Psalms 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (KJV) This framed Bible page is much more to me than a piece of mounted history. It is placed strategically in my office so that I can easily view it as I sit at my computer, surrounded by books and Bibles, in study. It reminds me to remain faithful to the Word of God. It compels me to stay within biblical boundaries as I interpret and apply the Bible to the lives of people, like a healing ointment to our wounded souls, through teaching and preaching.
Psalms 119:105, though, has a much broader application than only to Bible teachers. God’s Word is faithful. God has given us the light needed for navigating the darkness of this life. When we apply the contents of the Bible to our life, its truth bears out as true. It makes a practical difference. God’s Word is trustworthy. During Jesus earthly ministry He quoted and alluded to the Old Testament. Then He gave authority to His disciples to pen the New Testament under the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He cited the Old Testament, gave empowerment and authority for the New Testament and then became the only person in history to die and rise again – validating His authority and securing the trustworthiness of the Bible.
Friend, the Bible is not merely the opinions of man; it is the Word of God. It is not a book of the Church; it contains the truths upon which the Church is built. Of all of the gifts God has given to us, none is more beautiful than the ability to know what He is saying to us today in His Word. Today, if you feel like you are walking in darkness, if the cares and concerns of this world have darkened your path, shine the light of God’s Word upon your travels through this often dimly lit world! It is my hope that there, within the pages of the Bible, you will find revealed the one true light of the world – Jesus Christ!
Religion offers a way to enlightenment. The Bible reveals Jesus, the Light of the World! Philosophy points to the possibility of truth. The Bible reveals truth, the Truth of God in Christ! Teachers honestly attempt to point us to a better way. The Bible reveals that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! (John 14:6) As you embark on the next leg of your pilgrimage through this oft dim world, allow me to remind you, as my sons so often remind me on our evening walks. Don’t forget the light!
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