and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
The antiphon for the Introit on Sunday was Psalm 119:105. This important verse in the longest Psalm is one that you may have memorized at an early age, (although you may have forgotten the reference).
We all have experienced darkness but we almost never experience darkness in the same way as people who lived in Bible times. It may be dark when you awaken in the middle of the night but with the coming of electricity, light is only the flip of a switch away. Children have night lights. Cars have head lights. Cities have street lights. Even stores that close at night keep their parking lots lit and security lights on in the store.
Since we can’t fully experience the darkness of an overcast moonless night, we can’t fully experience the gift of light. There are so many references to light in the Bible that are not well appreciated because we take light for granted.
Close your eyes for a moment and mentally transport yourself into a first century home like one that Jesus and his disciples may have lived in. It is night time. There is one oil lamp burning in a niche in the wall. This is your only source of light. Now with that image in your mind silently repeat to yourself, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
You may begin to see how the Psalmist treasures God’s word. Without it we are lost in a sea of darkness and despair. There is no hope of finding your way. It is no wonder that the world is filled with so much trouble when people live in spiritual darkness.
We thank God for the treasure of His holy word. It is a light that illumines our sin, Christ’s cross, and His love for us. It shows us clearly the path of righteousness that Jesus’ followers want to take.
Pray that God would move us and our loved ones to more deeply embrace the light of God’s word and live according to it.
Today’s prayer is the collect from Sunday:
O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Antique bronze oil lamp with the "Chi Rho", a Christian symbol (replica)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Oil_Lamp_Christian_Symbol.jpg
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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