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.

My current invitation from the Lord

^{Song of Solomon 2:10-13}

10"My beloved responded and said to me,
'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along.
¹¹'For behold, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone.
¹²'The flowers have already appeared in the land;
The time has arrived for pruning the vines,
And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.
¹³'The fig tree has ripened its figs,
And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance.
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along!'"

This passage speaks to my heart. It is an invitation to hope. It is encouragement. It is a reminder that in God's eyes I am beautiful and cherished. I am stunned to think the King of the Universe loves me so.

21st Century Paraphrase of Psalm 23 (from a woman’s perspective)

My Lord shepherds me, continually leading and guiding me, taking care that my needs are met.
He invites me to the quiet of the soul spa where I can lay back and unwind without guilt. He massages my soul until I relax and am at peace.
He insures I follow the ways of truth, justice and holiness. His motives for my right living are simple and pure: ALL for the glory of God.
In the midst of anxiety, depression, grief, panic, despair, or when the world is closing in, Jesus is with me. I can choose to fear or to cling. He lends His walking stick for me to lean and wields His rod to drive away attackers. I rest easy in His presence knowing I will be supported, strengthened and defended.
You escort me to a lavish banquet, and the others present simply do not matter. You pull out my chair and seat me like royalty. My glass is never empty; the feast satisfies me beyond measure. The abundance overwhelms me.
You pour upon me excellence, generosity, virtue – the best part of all that is right – tempered by and with regard to my failings. You grace me with compassion, kindly forbearing and restraining judgement or punishment, not once but every day of my life.
Forever I will seek the presence of God and remain where God dwells.