Stumbling in the Dark

I read this morning that God’s Word “is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). When that was written, in ancient times, folks didn’t have flashlights. To light up the night, they used torches – as they did when the leaders of the synagogue, arrested Jesus in the garden. Torches were not always suitable – casting too much light.

It brought a memory back to me.

Some years ago when my family and I visited the Holy Land, our guide showed us a small oil lamp that could be attached to your shoe or sandal to light your path. That’s what the Psalm is referring to: “a lamp unto my feet.” Its light only spread as far as your next step. You couldn’t see a long way down the path. You had to tread carefully as you navigated the path, not going farther or faster than your lamp shown.

It’s a good illustration for me. Jesus is that lamp – that light. He said, “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

I know if I am walking into a dark place, I look for a light switch and if there isn’t one, I look for a candle. And if I see a light in the distance, I am comforted and head towards it. I have to respond to it either by heading towards it or turning on the light switch or lighting the candle.

Isn’t that what we all want – light? We live in a darkening world…we see people stumbling aimlessly into each other, into unsubstantiated claims by self-proclaimed prophets, into lies and false promises, into one relationship after another that do not satisfy… walking in darkness.

We have closed our ears and eyes.

It is sad. Especially since the one true Light is inviting us into a personal relationship with Him. He has issued an invitation to us: “Come unto me all ye that are burdened and heavy laden…”(Matthew 11:28-30). We have to respond to that personal invitation. Have you?