Lamp and Light
Words have the power of life and death. God's word has the power to light the path before you to purity and through faith redeem your soul.
“The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family...So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family.”
Numbers 2:2, 34
We all start from somewhere. None of us come into existence without an origin story nor a family into which we are born. Each clan and family had their own banner and distinct standard. How have you been influenced by your family of origin? What was your relationship like with your family and how have the attributes of that family shape your perspectives? What habits or standards come from how you were nurtured and what is part of your God given nature?
While we start with a physical family of origin, it is important to learn that we are all part of a larger family. The family of God. Through Christ we are adopted sons and daughters and there is a process to learn what it means to be part of the holy family. How does being part of a larger family fit change your perspective on how you approach others and treat others?
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Save me, for I am yours; Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.”
Psalms 119:9-11, 14-16, 30, 35, 37, 57, 71, 73, 94, 105, 133, 151, 160, 164, 175
Psalms 119 is 176 verses of David's testimony about how he experiences the word of God. This psalm is so much more than David reciting ritualistic prayers, rather he is expressing how the word has come alive in his life. It is deeply personal. A word has power in by how it is received. David not only studied the word, but he learned to love, trust, apply, and pursue all that could be gained from it. Read over some of the truths he shares and respond to whatever impacts your heart.
David has learned that the word of God is not something he is forced to study, but something that brings salvation to his soul. He understands that as he pursues God, he finds the freedom he longed for at the depths of his being. How much time do you spend reading the word? Would you like God's light to lead the way to the places that you are uncertain of the journey? Would you like to experience more freedom? God's word will lead you if you have faith.
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart."
Proverbs 17:3, 9, 27 NIV
The process of forming and shaping precious metals into their highest value comes through an intense process of refining. Metal literally goes through the refining fire and with great care the Maker shapes the metal. How is the Lord refining you?
Wisdom says that the Lord always comes back to how He is refining your heart. He made you and knows you. He knows where you are sanctified and where you are sinful. He wants to help purify your life with His holy word so that you experience a life of gratitude. When we see all we are going through as something that God will use for our good and for the good of others, we can learn to be grateful for the way He is forming us through our trials. Can you sing a song of Thanksgiving for whatever is challenging you most today?
“The Lord is righteous, yet I rebelled against his command. Listen, all you peoples; look on my suffering."
Lamentations 1:18
Lamentations is said to be written by Jeremiah. A prophet who lived to share God's word. In this passage, he is publicly declaring the truth that the nation of Israel has fallen short, but God is just. The beauty of this confession is that it does not leave the people without hope. Yes, sin has consequence. Yes, sin causes suffering. But, God who is rich in mercy and unconditional in love does not leave the people without hope.
Ask the Lord to reveal if there are any areas in your life that are not in alignment with His righteousness. Consider how God's word promises that confession can lead to freedom.
“As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God...There is no fear of God before their eyes...Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith."
Romans 3:10-11, 18, 20, 22-25, 27
Paul calls all people to the carpet. For anyone who thinks they are good enough to be right with God, Paul has a message, you are not. All fall short of the glory of God and the goodness of the individual efforts of keeping the law only result in consciousness of our own humanity.
For the any person who has been the rebel or feels too far gone, Paul has a message, you are not. All are justified freely by the grace of Jesus and forgiven by the shedding of His blood on the cross.
What do we find? The living Word, Jesus Christ, is the lamp for our feet to take a step of faith, and the light unto the path for all people to return home to the family of God. Jesus came to reunite, redeem, and restore all people to right relationship with God. It is not about what you have done right or wrong. It is all about what Jesus has done for you so that He can work through you.
The word is given to us to purify our lives and prepare our hearts for more of God's presence. We wave a banner of love as the standards of the new covenant are revealed that allow us to walk in the freedom we find in our faith in Jesus Christ. For that we should a few simple words, thank you Father, for you are good.