The Light of the Lord

“Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Isaiah 2:5

I’m a pretty practical person, so abstract image like this can frustrate me.  I want to know what this looks like TODAY, for me.  Clearly this is an invitation, but what is the Lord inviting me to do?  How do I walk in the light? 

Light can only be understood in terms of darkness.  The word used here is the same word used in Genesis 1 when God said, “Let there be light.”  It is translated light, morning, day, or my personal favorite, illumination.

If the Lord desires for me to walk in the light, I should AVOID walking in the darkness.  Throughout scripture, light and darkness are used as illustrations or analogies for good and evil.  In John paints a vivid picture for us in his gospel:

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:4-5

“There was the true light which, coming into the work, enlightens every man.” V 9

“And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”  John 3:19-21

“I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Light is grouped with life, truth, and deeds ‘wrought in God.’ Darkness is associated with evil.  I still wanted a little ‘light’ shed on this for me ;-), so I went to The Message.

^19-21 “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

Oh, how this resonates!! Living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so I can see God at work!  Walking in the light is very much walking in the truth.  It is not always easy or pleasant to seek the truth.  Many times our natural response is to hide, to avoid exposure especially of things that are painful.  But the longer I follow Jesus, the more convinced I am that Satan is the one who is behind hiding and secrets.  I think the Lord is always for bringing things into the light, for in the light is LIFE.