Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
To comprehend this well-known verse, it is imperative to first grasp how the Word of God illuminates our path. In his Gospel (John 1:1-14), John articulates, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.” We affirm that God expressed His Word to bring forth the universe and all within it. Furthermore, John elucidates that due to the creative power of the Word, “in Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” Here, the Word is personified, and John subsequently explains that this Word “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” We have witnessed His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The light (Jesus) shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John testifies that Jesus is the true light who provides illumination to everyone. The Psalmist, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, spoke of this phenomenon, albeit without complete understanding, regarding how the Word enlightens one’s path. At times, when one does not fully comprehend a concept, even in the absence of complete understanding, the opportunity to experience it may arise. This action of God is often referred to as God’s grace. However, today, we have been given grace not only to understand this but also to experience it.
The Light Shines In The Darkness
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5 (NIV)
When considering the concept of light, one often relates it to the sun’s rays, while darkness is typically associated with the night. However, the light and darkness referenced in scripture pertain not to these physical manifestations but rather to the dichotomy of truth and falsehood. The Apostle Paul articulated that although creation itself bears witness to the existence of the Creator, individuals became futile in their thinking, resulting in the darkening of their foolish hearts (Romans 1:18-23). Furthermore, in another instance, Paul conveyed that
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
Hence, the phenomena of light and darkness transcend mere visual perception; they easily influence our minds and cognitive processes. In other words, our minds are predisposed to accept falsehoods while dismissing truths. Jesus came to transform this understanding and illuminate us with the truth. When Jesus commenced His ministry, the Bible asserts that
The people living in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. – Matthew 4:16 (NIV)
When God transformed the heart of Saul, he perceived a light from heaven that flashed around him; however, the individuals accompanying him did not observe the light, but they did hear the sound (Acts 9:3-7). This illustrates that Jesus is the light that illuminates the darkest recesses of our thoughts. Saul mistakenly believed that persecuting the followers of Jesus constituted a service to God. Despite having studied the Scriptures under the esteemed rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem and receiving comprehensive instruction in Jewish law and scripture, he remained unable to dispel his misconceptions regarding the Messiah. Neither extensive study nor abundant knowledge equipped Saul to embrace the path of Jesus. Only Jesus, the light transformed him to get rid of the falsehood and to embrace the truth.
The Difference
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,
declares the LORD. – Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
The light we contemplate resembles a flashlight that illuminates our path in darkness. However, God elucidates that His thoughts and His ways differ markedly from our own. The light that God consistently refers to, embodied in Jesus, represents an intangible act. There exists no concrete evidence for this light, much like there is none for the path it reveals. Numerous men of God have testified to witnessing this light during their initial encounters with Jesus, fostering a collective expectation of an extraordinary light to guide them out of darkness. As evidenced in the life of Saul, these individuals may mistakenly interpret the transformative light as a mere earthly phenomenon.
God reconciled mankind through His Son, Jesus, for our transgressions, granting us forgiveness. However, this forgiveness lacks tangible evidence. Jesus serves as the pathway to His Father, guiding us on an unseen journey. Although Jesus, the source of hope and faith, leads us, we are unable to see Him or His Father. The spiritual blessings conferred upon us—namely, love, grace, hope, and faith—cannot be seen, yet they can be certainly experienced. Thus, following Jesus transcends mere adherence to visible laws or traditions; it is rather about traversing an unseen but a certain path. The Word acts as a lamp for our feet, illuminating the route we must navigate, even though it remains invisible.
An Image In A Mirror
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. – 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
The Word of God serves as a mirror, reflecting the glimpse of God, love, hope, and faith, guiding us toward the unseen footprints of Jesus on the journey to His Father’s Kingdom. To cultivate this reflective image, religion has established numerous rituals and traditions; regrettably, many believers become ensnared in such forms of worship, thereby neglecting the genuine path. The book of Hebrews elucidates the reasons why individuals often fail to comprehend the true path in the subsequent verses, which are self-explanatory.
The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings —external regulations applying until the time of the new order. – Hebrews 9:8-10 (NIV)
The Eternal Life
Jesus said; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10b (NIV)
As mankind lost its eternal life, God sent His Son to restore it, which is why Jesus came to offer life in abundance. During His time on earth, Jesus proclaimed that the structures hindering individuals from following the path would be dismantled, and this indeed occurred. He referred to His Body as a temple, stating that if it were destroyed, God would raise Him on the third day, signifying His Holy presence. Consequently, hope emerges for all who follow Jesus towards His Kingdom, as the same Spirit that resurrected Jesus from the dead will also revive those who possess that Spirit within them (Romans 8:11).
Understanding the calling of Jesus, it is essential to set aside the former tabernacle, for the new covenant has now been established. As Jesus articulated,
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (NIV)
It is a summons to each of us to set aside all distractions and to follow the one who can guide us to our Heavenly Father. Therefore, we must cast off every encumbrance and the sin that so readily entangles us in order to pursue the path that leads to our Father, who has granted us forgiveness for our transgressions. Should we continue to rely on that which is visible, we risk overlooking the true tabernacle, which is not constructed by human hands but by God Himself. Consequently, let us direct our attention to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The apostle Paul’s words urge us to abandon such visible and transient forms of worship in order to attain the unseen tabernacle, which is eternal.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Jesus entered this world to enlighten the minds of all individuals, allowing them to relinquish undesirable habits and to adopt virtuous choices that are enduring. Consequently, the true light, as proclaimed by John the Baptist, has arrived on this earth to illuminate all (John 1:9).
The Jordan Valley 
Reply