Light and Lamp

The Bible uses key word pictures to help us understand theological ideas both difficult to understand and those rather simple. In these word pictures, we learn and can better apply truth to our daily living. This is true related to many of the psalms and various proverbs.

Lamp and Light

In today’s text, the psalmist teaches, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Notice how he identifies the Bible as providing light from two different perspectives– light for a path and light from a lamp. Light, here, emanates from the Word of God. What else does it do? Light eliminates darkness. Evil and evil works both are identified as darkness.

In the New Testament, those who are saved walked in light with God. Those who are not saved walk in darkness. Saved people are also warned to not walk in darkness as an unbeliever would. Light brings help, produces strength, and guides us along the path of life.

Notice the sources of the light provided to the follower of Jesus. God’s Word provides light as a lamp and light to the path. What is the difference between these two lights? The light for the path provides a general direction for life. A path goes before you from where you are today in life until you arrive in heaven. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, and bumps along the way. The Bible generally provides light to that path. We know where we are in the journey; however, we cannot make out the features of the path over a large distance. We can only see for a limited distance. Yet, the Bible provides us that light.

The Bible also is a lamp for our feet. In other words, the Bible provides us light for the next step. Similar to a flashlight, this lamp of God’s Word helps us see the necessary next step as we anticipate the longer path ahead. Guidance for the decision you need to make today comes from the Word of God. The Bible warns us to stay on the right path, make sure our foot is planted well, and to watch every step. The light makes it clear to see the middle road of faith which helps us keep from going to the left or to the right, helps us walk faithful instead of faithless, and helps us walk in wisdom instead of folly.

God provides the light; We must use it.

God provides us the light from His Word. However, we must be the ones to use it.

Just like a lamp plugged into the wall, a flashlight with fresh batteries, or a flood light wired into a house, none of the lights work unless we turn on the power. We have a responsibility.

God provides us a lamp and a light for our next step and the path of life. We must use it as God intended. In other words, it is our responsibility to read it, consider what it says, seek to apply it to our next step, and seek to understand the greater path.

Whatever you face today, wherever you are, and with whomever, God’s Word provides you help. Even right now, when you are not sure where to go or what to do, God’s Word provides you help. God graciously provides a lamp for the next step and a light for the greater path.

This means that today, all of us need to read His Word and seek to apply it as He intended. Happy reading (or listening to it, if you prefer)!