The Eve of Destruction ∙∙

The Eve of Destruction ∙∙

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. – 1 Thessalonians 5:4

1 Thessalonians 5:2-9

 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night.

 3 Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape.

 4 But you, brothers, and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.

 5 For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.

 6 So then we must not sleep like the rest but stay alert and sober.

 8 But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and, as a helmet, our hope for salvation.

 9 For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Eve of Destruction” was written by P. F. Sloan in 1964 during a highly tumultuous period in American history. It stood out as one of its era’s most direct and provocative protest songs. The iconic rendition by Barry McGuire has resonated for decades. Interestingly, it has been linked to Bob Dylan, whose compositions became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements of that time. Dylan’s influence on American culture and music has endured for six decades. In 2020, Bob Dylan marked his return after an 8-year hiatus with the release of “Rough and Rowdy Ways.”

In a rare interview published by the New York Times in June 2020, Dylan was asked, “Do you think of this pandemic in almost biblical terms? A plague that has swept the land?”

Dylan responded, “I think it’s a forerunner of something else to come. It’s an invasion for sure, and it’s widespread, but biblical? Do you mean like some kind of warning sign for people to repent of their wrongdoings? That would imply that the world is in line for some sort of divine punishment. Extreme arrogance can have some disastrous penalties.”

“Maybe we are on the eve of destruction. There are numerous ways you can think about this virus. I think you just have to let it run its course.”

Are we on the eve of destruction? Is a return to a “normal” way of life in America even possible? Only the Father knows for sure! The children of the King should be alert. We should walk in light, not darkness, guided by the light of biblical truth.

The Scriptures are unequivocal: the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back. His return is considered imminent because it could happen at any moment. Indeed, He will set up His kingdom on earth as prophesied in the Old and New Testaments. This is the blessed hope of each child of the King.

Matthew 24:30 The sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

REFLECT & PRAY

No one knows precisely when the Lord Jesus Christ will return. However, it is paramount that we do not delay in carrying out the tasks assigned to us by the Father until the final moments.

Father You have invited each of Your children to participate in Your kingdom work. Encourage our hearts and minds to say “Yes.”

INSIGHT

We are called to anticipate His return, to be expectant, but not to set specific dates. It has been approximately 2000 years since the Lord Jesus Christ promised His return. He is right on schedule, just not on our schedule. He is on the Father’s schedule. He is never in a hurry, but rest assured, He is always on time.

In a world where many walk in darkness, mock, ridicule, or even deny the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:3-4). The signs associated with the second coming are likened to the labor pains of women during childbirth (Matthew 24:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:3). It will be a period of suffering and travail. The warning signs will increase in frequency and intensity. Ultimately, these perturbations will culminate in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in judgment. The travail will give birth to the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth.

Paul presents us with an odd paradox. “He repeats that the coming of the day will be sudden. It will come like a thief in the night. But he also insists that there is no reason why anyone should be caught unawares. Only the person who lives in the dark and whose deeds are evil will be caught unprepared. Christians live in the light – and, no matter when that day comes if they are watchful and sober, it will make them ready. Waking or sleeping, Christians are already living with Christ and are therefore always prepared” (Barclay).

Ezekiel 33:10-11

 10 Our rebellious acts and our sins have caught up with us, and we are wasting away because of them. How shall we then live?

 11 I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but prefer that the wicked change his behavior and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil deeds!

Bad choices lead to bad outcomes. As people reflect on what is happening right before their eyes, it may be a pivotal moment, creating a major paradigm shift for those who choose wisely.

The children of the King are to live in the light of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must live “with eternity’s values in view” (Wiersbe). Our priorities should be the priorities of our King and not our own. We are to use the time that remains wisely. It is essential to utilize the remaining time judiciously, making the most of the opportunities for service the Father provides. Our tasks will not reach completion before His returns! So it was for the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and so it will be for us. Our mission will not be accomplished before He returns.

Matthew 10:23 I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Are we on the Eve of Destruction? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.

Eve of Destruction

The eastern world it is explodin’

Violence flarin’, bullets loadin’

You’re old enough to kill but not for votin’

You don’t believe in war, what’s that gun you’re totin’

And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin’

But you tell me over and over and over again my friend

Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction

Don’t you understand, what I’m trying to say?

Can’t you feel the fears that I’m feeling today?

If the button is pushed, there’s no running away

There’ll be no one to save with the world in a grave

Take a look around you, boy, it’s bound to scare you, boy

And you tell me over and over and over again my friend

Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction

Yeah, my blood’s so mad, feels like coagulatin’

I’m sittin’ here, just contemplatin’

I can’t twist the truth, it knows no regulation

Handful of Senators don’t pass legislation

And marches alone can’t bring integration

When human respect is disintegratin’

This whole crazy world is just too frustratin’

And you tell me over and over and over again my friend

Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction

Think of all the hate there is in Red China

Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama

Ah, you may leave here, for four days in space

But when your return, it’s the same old place

The poundin’ of the drums, the pride and disgrace

You can bury your dead, but don’t leave a trace

Hate your next-door-neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace

And you tell me over and over and over and over again my friend

You don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction

You don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction

¯\_(ツ)_/¯9-07-2

© Dr. H 2022

Reassurance for the anxious ∙∙

Reassurance for the anxious ∙∙

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. – Psalm 94:19

Psalms 94:16-23

 16 Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers?

 17 Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of death.

 18 I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me.

 19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

 22 But the LORD is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide.

 23 God will turn the sins of evil people back on them. He will destroy them for their sins. The LORD our God will destroy them.

Have you ever had a fellow worker defend you when you made a mistake or your performance was subpar? Perhaps, in doing so, they put their own reputation at risk. They even defended your lapse to a customer or even management. They shielded you from criticism. Perhaps they even took responsibility for your mistake.

If this has happened in your life, it probably made a profound and lasting impression on you. Trust was affirmed, and your bond strengthened.

Who supports you when you need it most? Who has your back? For every child of the King, the answer is wonderful.

“God is an ever-present comfort, even when our emotions bounce off the wall, and our hearts zigzag in a thousand directions. God wants to calm our anxieties, but even before that happens, He comforts us in our distress” (Stanley).

Many of our enemies are inward, harmful negative attitudes and emotions. Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future or the present become our adversaries. They grip us. Fear and anxiety are like muggers lurking in the dark, waiting to strike and harm us.

They pounce without warning. Our feelings go into overdrive. We begin to churn inside, and our rational thoughts are smothered. Our anxious thoughts explode within us. Any contentment or sense of assurance and safety vanishes. Negative thoughts overwhelm us.

There is tremendous news. As children of the King, we have the opportunity to switch gears. Our Father is ever present, tenderhearted, and lovingly concerned about us.

We have total freedom to share our anxious thoughts and feelings with Him. In some marvelous way, we are able to have a catharsis. We calm down, become centered, and return to tranquil thankfulness.

REFLECT & PRAY

In the midst of our anxiety, the Father’s consolation produces joy to lighten our burden.

Father thank You that we can pour out our hearts to You, sharing our negative thoughts and emotions. You know our thoughts before we say a word. You know where we are coming from. You respond by pouring out lovingkindness and sweet comfort.

INSIGHT

Psalm 94 models how we can pour out our hearts to the Father. The psalmist is in great anguish. His emotions are raw. His thoughts are running wild. He laments, pours out his heart, and seeks the Father’s protection and consolation. Those who seek to harm him are close by. But wonderfully so is the Father. He is present to console and comfort. The psalmist asks a rhetorical question.

Psalms 94:16 Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers?

Who has his back? The psalmist exclaims in beautiful Hebrew poetry, which will be heard for millennia to come.

Psalms 94:17-19

 17 Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.

 18 I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me.

 19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

The Hebrew word translated as comfort or consolation is tantrum. Tanchummeans to reassure or console. The root’s origin seems to reflect “breathing deeply,” hence the physical display of one’s feelings, usually sorrow, compassion, or comfort (TWOT).

Psalm 94 laments the present reality that the wicked are in control and oppress the children of the King. They have no fear of the Father. At the same time, Psalm 94 recounts the Father’s greatness and omniscience. The psalmist praises the Father as he recalls the Father’s steadfast, loyal love (hesed).

There’s something wonderful concealed just below the surface. On the one hand, the Father is revealed in all His greatness and power. He can come to the aid of all children of the King. But on the other hand, His comfort effervesces with sweet cheer. The Father’s comfort is like a soothing touch.

The Hebrew of Psalms 94:19 reads, “When my worries are many within me, your comforts cause my soul to delight” (UBS).

Not only are children of the King upheld by the Father’s steadfast love amid their adversity, but their anxiety is exchanged for a sweetness of solace and heartfelt gladness. “From my sinful thoughts, my vain thoughts, my sorrowful thoughts, my griefs, my cares, my conflicts, I will hasten to the Lord; he has divine comforts, and these will not only console but actually delight me. How sweet are the comforts of the Spirit!” (Spurgeon).

Imagine for a moment a traveler lost and alone in a desert, parched with thirst. He is desperately seeking water to quench it. A stranger finds him and provides the necessary refreshment. But instead of water, the fluid is the most marvelous, best-tasting nectar he has ever tasted. His thirst is quenched. But remarkably, his anxiety is replaced by the delightful sweetness of the delicious nectar.

As the children of the King, we can experience a total paradigm shift. Rather than being shackled by bitter cares and anxiety, we are offered sweet solace in our adversity. We can see our present circumstances as an opportunity for personal growth in our spirit. It is, in fact, part of the Father’s child training and discipline.

Psalms 94:12 Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions.

For each child of the King, the question becomes, “What am I supposed to learn from this, and how do I respond properly to Your gracious intervention?”

The Father’s omnipotent kingship guarantees His final victory over all who oppose Him, even if they are members of His own people (who ought to have acknowledged His rule!). It is always worth being on Father’s side (ESV).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-07-2

© Dr. H 2024

Bible rubble ∙∙

Bible rubble ∙∙

I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. – Matthew 16:18

Daniel 3:17-28

 17 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

 18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath . . . giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.

 21 Then, these men were tied up in their trousers, coats, caps, and other clothes and cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire.

 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar, the king, was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Were it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.”

 25 He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!”

 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire.

 27 The fire had no effect on the bodies of these men, nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.

 28 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own god.

In moments of sorrow and turmoil, the Father has a way of making Himself known in profound ways. This was precisely the case in March 2002. Amidst the clearing efforts of the south tower’s last remnants at Ground Zero, a firefighter rummaging through the wreckage stumbled upon an extraordinary find: a Bible melded into a chunk of heart-shaped steel and concrete rubble.

Shocked and in awe, the firefighter immediately took his discovery to Joel Meyerowitz, a photographer and archivist tasked with documenting the Ground Zero aftermath. Meyerowitz reflected on the encounter, saying, “This shredded, burned, and rubble-covered Bible came to me from the loving hands of a fireman.”

How is that even possible? How could the paper pages and cover of the Scriptures remain intact in an infernal hot enough to melt steel and decompose concrete?

This is reminiscent of the three Jewish young men who were thrown into the fiery furnace and came out alive, unscathed. Only the cords that had bound them were burnt up and destroyed.

Perhaps the Father dispatched the same angel of the Lord to preserve His open Bible in the midst of the fiery conflagration at the World Trade Center.

The story has a dual message. The first is that the Father will work miraculously to preserve His word, which He has done through the ages.

REFLECT & PRAY

I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. – Matthew 5:18

Father the tasks You set before us as mere humans often feel difficult, daunting, and contrary to our nature, and seemingly impossible. Forgiveness is probably at the top of the list. Every child of the King is familiar with the words that Lord Jesus Christ uttered on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Father, I want to be a forgiver with extreme memory loss.

INSIGHT

The second message carries a more personal and intimate significance, one that should resonate deeply with every child of the King.

Meyerowitz was utterly speechless when his eyes fell on the visible Bible verses. The exposed page belonged to the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew. The paragraph header specifically addressed Retaliation. The words of the Lord Jesus Christ in the King James Bible were clearly marked in red letters.

Matthew 5:38-39

 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

 39 But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

After the 9/11 attacks, most Americans were furious and wanted revenge. It was like Pearl Harbor all over again.

Tragedy and loss on the scale of 9/11 is not the exclusive domain in which anger dwells. Far lesser adversities cause us to want to lash out, fight back, seek revenge, and retaliate. It is only natural.

How should the children of the King respond to injury and offense?

The ancient law governing such matters is the Lex Talionis (law of retaliation). It dates back to at least the era of the Code of Hammurabi.

The Lord Jesus Christ references this law, quoting the well-known principle “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (cf. Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:21).

Matthew 5:38-39

 38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

The Law of Talion served a dual purpose. It affirmed the right of aggrieved individuals to seek compensation or justice and set limits on the scope of retribution proportionate to the offense committed. The concept of seeking redress for wrongdoing was preserved within this framework.

In contrast to this approach, the Lord Jesus Christ counsels his hearers: “Do not resist an evildoer.” The Greek term translated as “resist” is anthistēmi. Anthistēmi means to stand against, resist, oppose, or refuse to yield, whether in deed or word (cf. James 4:7; Galatians 2:11; Acts 6:10).

In this context, it explicitly denotes refraining from retaliating against those who harm or wrong you. Do not adopt the stance of an adversary seeking vengeance. Do not insist on asserting your rights as the offended party (Gardner).

The Father beckons every child of the King to a higher standard. Regrettably, we often refuse to take it. Rather than repay evil with evil, we are to forgive, turn the other cheek, and leave vengeance to Him. He implores us to let go of grudges, forgive, forget, and move forward.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 2-01-2

© Dr. H 2024

Safe in the Father’s hands ∙

Safe in the Father’s hands ∙

Humans plan their course in their hearts, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9

2 Kings 8:1-6

 1 Elisha had told the woman whose son he had brought back to life, “Take your family and move to some other place, for the LORD has called for a famine on Israel that will last for seven years.”

 2 So the woman did as the man of God instructed. She took her family and settled in the land of the Philistines for seven years.

 3 After the famine ended, she returned from the land of the Philistines, and she went to see the king about getting back her house and land.

 4 As she came in, the king was talking with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God. The king had just said, “Tell me some stories about the great things Elisha has done.”

 5 And Gehazi was telling the king about the time Elisha had brought a boy back to life. At that very moment, the mother of the boy walked in to make her appeal to the king about her house and land. “Look, my lord the king!” Gehazi exclaimed. “Here is the woman now, and this is her son – the very one Elisha brought back to life!”

 6 “Is this true?” the king asked her. And she told him the story. So he directed one of his officials to see that everything she had lost was restored to her, including the value of any crops that had been harvested during her absence.

After three days of relentless rain, the ground was thoroughly soaked, a common occurrence in Chris’s area that barely registered on his radar. With the weather clearing up to a sunny morning, Chris was going about his usual routine, gearing up for work. He was ready to head out after tending to his morning necessities and enjoying breakfast. Chris pulled the car out of the garage and realized he had left his cell phone on the kitchen table. Leaving the car idling, he stepped back inside to retrieve it. In that brief moment, a startling crack and a massive thud echoed; a large tree had toppled over, crushing his running car beneath. Had Chris not returned for his phone, he would’ve been flattened inside the now squashed car.

Could this have been a divine intervention, sparing Chris’s life? Was this delay orchestrated for a reason? The answer is a resounding yes. There are no coincidences in the kingdom of God; nothing happens by chance. The Father still had plans for Chris on Earth, but His dream and purpose for Chris had not been fulfilled. Throughout history, there are numerous accounts of such divine interventions in the time-space continuum to accomplish His greater purpose.

It’s important to distinguish between being providentially hindered by the Father and procrastination. Procrastination stems from delaying, postponing, or putting off something. It is often self-defeating, leading to self-sabotage and adverse outcomes. Unlike divine delays, which serve a higher purpose, procrastination usually brings about more harm than good, with any immediate gains overshadowed by long-term repercussions.

Every moment is in the Father’s hands in the grand tapestry of time. He has the authority to influence, shape, and control history and turn it as He wishes. “Life is never an unbroken string of joyful blessings and extraordinary miracles. We live on a fallen planet where bad things happen. Yet God calls us to trust Him with the end of the story as well as its beginning” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

Our lives are better off in the Father’s hands than in our own. We can trust the Father as the superintendent of all of the moments of our lives.

Father thank You. Help me to be Your faithful servant and trust You for all the seasons of my life.

INSIGHT

The Father is always at work. He has actively intervened in human affairs throughout history to accomplish His purposes. In fact, He is orchestrating history. The Father invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

The Father is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He does not ask us to dream our dreams for Him. He does not invite us to set magnificent goals and then pray that He will help us achieve them.

When He approaches us, He already has His own agenda. He desires to get us from where we are to where He is working. He leads us from being self-centered to being God-centered. When the Father reveals to you where He is working, that becomes His invitation to join Him in His activity. When He reveals His work to you, that is the time to respond to Him (Blackaby).

This is precisely what happened to the woman whose son the Father had resurrected through the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37). After the resurrection, a famine occurred in the land, and she left the country. When the famine was over, she returned. She went to the king of Israel to beg him to get her land back.

The Father had been behind the scenes at work all the time, orchestrating these events. At the very moment, the king of Israel conversed with Elisha’s servant, Gehazi.

2 Kings 8:5 Gehazi was telling the king about the time Elisha had brought a boy back to life. At that very moment, the mother of the boy walked in to make her appeal to the king about her house and land. “Look, my lord the king!” Gehazi exclaimed. “Here is the woman now, and this is her son – the Very one Elisha brought back to life!”

This little cameo provides a glimpse behind the scenes of the Father working to accomplish His purpose. You can’t make this stuff up. Her request was granted.

As children of the King, we don’t know what He is up to or what the next episodes of our lives will bring. However, what we possess is immensely more valuable: a relationship with the King Himself, who has revealed His heart and loyal love towards us. Because of the Father’s gracious kindness and omnipotent power, He can transform any circumstance for the good of all children of the King.

What is the Father’s motivation? He delights in guiding the children of the King to the best possible outcome of their lives, showcasing His deep commitment to their well-being.

Psalms 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts, people plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

As children of the King, we must take this by faith and trust in the Father and His good intentions for us. Our goal should be to follow His plan rather than make our own plans independently.

Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 20:24 The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

“The surprise comes in discovering that in the realm of planning daily activities, where humans believe they are in control, God’s will is most intimately at work. God works through the mental processes of human thought to bring about his desire.”

“Such an arena of God’s activity appears insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But if the search for wisdom is an activity of the mind, then it is in the mind of human beings that God is most directly active. Through human thought, which fears the LORD, the individual is brought into an encounter with the divine. Humans think God directs. Even when plans are meant to do harm, God uses them to bring about good (cf. Genesis 50:19-20)” (Bland).

Beneath the surface is a delicate equilibrium between divine intervention and human effort.

The LORD arranges the course of one’s life. Every action falls under the Lord’s watchful guidance and superintendence. “Though a person might map out their road meticulously, the execution of such plans hinges on their alignment with the Father’s plan and intentions. “It’s a misconception to believe in having absolute autonomy, to dictate outcomes in every scenario without bounds, aiming to actualize one’s desires . . .” (Waltke).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-26-2

© Dr. H 2024

A lamp to my feet ∙

A lamp to my feet ∙

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Ps 119:105

Psalms 119:106-114

 106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.

 107 I have suffered much, O LORD; restore my life again as you promised.

 108 LORD, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.

 109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

 110 The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.

 111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.

 112 I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

 113 I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.

 114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

In ancient times, electricity remained a mystery, its potential untapped. Electric lighting, as we know it today, was lacking. Instead, throughout the Mediterranean region before the time of Christ, they used terra-cotta oil lamps.

Clay lamps are among the most common pottery pieces found by archaeologists in Mediterranean dwellings and tombs dating from 1500 BC to 800 AD. These lamps, simple and economical to produce, served as portable light sources akin to candles or modern flashlights. They held significance in religious rites and were commonly found in burial chambers.

The traditional lamp design in ancient Israel featured a small bowl with a pinched lip to hold a flax wick, resembling a flattened teapot. These lamps were typically filled with olive oil, which was plentiful in the ancient Near East and made excellent fuel for lighting.

Exodus 27:20 Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.

In Hebrew, two terms are employed to denote a lamp or lampstand. The primary word for terra-cotta lamps is “ner,” appearing 49 times in the Old Testament.

The second term, usually translated as lampstand, is “menorah.” A menorah typically refers to a seven-pronged candlestick or lampstand. The Father instructed Moses to position a menorah in the holy place of the Tabernacle. This term occurs 42 times in the Old Testament.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Left to ourselves, we often don’t know which way leads to life and which way ends in death; we remain in the dark. But God’s Word provides us with a searchlight to cut through the darkness and lead us to safety” (Stanley).

Father my desire is to pursue You wholeheartedly, with all of my heart, soul, and mind. I aim to embody the teachings and truths found in Your Word.  I want to get this right, but I know I will make missteps and fail. Guide me one step at a time along the path You have chosen for me.

INSIGHT

But there is more!

During nighttime journeys, individuals would attach small lamps to their feet to illuminate their way. The lamp could only provide enough light for only one footstep at a time. This modest illumination revealed only the immediate path beneath their feet rather than being able to see the whole route in front of them. With each stride, the light advanced, allowing travelers to see just one step forward into the darkness, guiding them gradually on their way.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This provides a beautiful word picture of how the Father leads and guides each child of the King. A lamp to my feet means “a light that lights up the path I walk on” (USB). We walk by faith and follow the Word of God. Each step we take in obedience illuminates the next. Eventually, we arrive at the destination the Father intends. When David composed the Psalm, the Scriptures available to him were primarily the Law of Moses. The Torah served as a guide for ethical decisions and provided information to help discern the will of the Father.

“Two familiar biblical images combine in this verse: life is a path, and God’s Word is the light that helps us follow the right path” (Wiersbe).

The Word of God provides light for the path of life. The Psalm is written in Hebrew poetry, which rhymes ideas rather than sounds. My feet and my path are synonyms referring to the psalmist’s conduct, that is, his behavior and way of life.

We inhabit a world often shrouded in darkness, where it’s commonplace for individuals to navigate through the shadows, growing used to the absence of light. However, Lord Jesus Christ emerged as the light of the world, offering illumination so that we need not tread in obscurity. The Father empowers us to walk in light by engaging with and adhering to the Word. Step by step, the Father faithfully leads us through His Word.

Matthew 7:7-8

 7 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.”

“But I believe that the desire to please you does, in fact, please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me on the right road, though I may know nothing about it.”

“Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone” (Thomas Merton).

Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-24-2

© Dr. H 2024