Faithful on Fridays Blog

Light: Part Three

John’s gospel includes four nuances of light since He’s always stretching us to think in spiritual realities: physical light, spiritual light, prophetic light, and eschatological (end times) light. We’ve discussed the first two, let’s delve into prophetic light. What did the prophets foretell?

Job understood the promise of the light of life which we know was Jesus,

God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light. Yes, God does these things again and again for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. Job 33:28-30

The Psalmist wrote, 

For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 56:13

Other prophets promised a great shining light: Jesus.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2 

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8

But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2 

John the Baptizer’s father, Zechariah, prophesied;

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. Luke 1:78-79 

Simeon held the infant Jesus and blessed God saying,

… for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 

Jesus declared Himself to be the prophet Isaiah’s light,

… the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Matthew 4:16

John was undoubtedly familiar with these words spoken in Scripture who were waiting for that light. He echoed the prophets,

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

Jesus’ life connects heaven to earth. Prophetically He was pictured as the light of the lampstand found in the Tabernacle and Temple. God spiritually manifested Himself in that place, but when Jesus arrived on the scene He appeared in the flesh. He connected the Old and the New Testaments for us,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

John’s upper story of light is Jesus.

Psalm 119: Seventh Octave

Psalm 119:49-56 is the seventh octave or section that we read today focusing on God’s memory. We know that God doesn’t remember our sin after salvation; He casts them into the depths of the seas (Micah 7:18), forgotten forever. However, there are some things that God promises to remember and that’s the request of the Psalmist: remember. “God, remember Your Word to me that caused me to have hope and comfort.” 

God has given us many promises that we’re encouraged to ask Him to remember:

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33 

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 

But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 

And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him.

1 John 3:22 

Those promises are God’s Word to us! They tell us to believe and trust Him. The world doesn’t depend on God for anything; they trust themselves. Not so with believers in Jesus Christ; our trust is in His character revealed in His Word. When God instructs us, we obey. When we need His help, we ask for it. When we’re weak, He gives us strength. That’s the higher life. That’s kingdom living.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 

The names of God highlight aspects of His character which in turn gives us a glimpse of what He’s like; as we remember and declare them our faith is strengthened. 

His names are a blessing to us (Ps. 119:55) because they remind us of Who He is. They are like songs in the night (vs. 54).

In the Old Testament He’s called,

Elohim, God the Mighty Creator. 

El Shaddai, Almighty and powerful, needing no one.

Yahweh, our God who lovingly covenants with us.

In the New Testament:

Pater, our Father.

Kurios, our Lord, full of authority and supremacy.

Theos, the only One, true God.

God’s Word and His names are blessings (vs. 56) that bring hope and a place of confident expectation that He’ll be there for you; He will be who says He is. Remembering God’s promises remind you that He’ll be faithful to fulfill them … in His time. That’s the hard part.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; Psalm 63:5-6 

Light: Part Two

When you think about the creation story you probably don’t go to the book of Job, and yet God gave great details there when describing it throughout chapters 38-41. For example, God commanded the earth to rotate and revolve around the greater light (the sun) creating time and seasons.

“Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night’s wickedness? As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal; it is robed in brilliant colors. The light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence.” Job 38:12-15 

John used this powerful metaphor of light when describing the Messiah and His forerunner. 

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:6-9 

It wasn’t physical light he was describing but the spiritual, upper story illumination we receive in our hearts and minds. John was heavenly minded and repetitive as he told the Jesus’ story from that perspective. Just as the darkness of night moves into the light of day, our hearts and minds gain understanding as the Spirit guides us into truth. It’s like that speech bubble in cartoons that pictures a light bulb showing a person understands. The Spirit shines a light in our darkness or confusion like that, slowly moving us into the light of insight much like morning appearing at dawn, daylight ending a long night.  

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You. Psalm 139:11-12

You’d think everyone would want that true light of Christ, and yet some still refuse to admit they need help, and they remain in spiritual darkness.

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. John 3:19-21 

If you need the light of God simply ask the Holy Spirit to shine in your heart bringing understanding of His love, His care, and forgiveness. God’s presence will rotate your night into morning as you revolve around Him through every season of your life. Remember, joy always comes in the morning.

Psalm 119: Sixth Octave

Marriage is considered by the Church to be a covenant. It’s undoubtedly a legal contract, but so much more. It’s a declaration of love, for better or for worse, and showing loyalty in difficult times. Marriage on earth is the lower story picturing our eternal marriage, the upper story, with our Heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. His covenant, which now includes all believers, is described in one word: chesed. This word describes God as loving, kind, compassionate, and merciful; that’s covenant love. Even when we turn away from Him; His chesed is steadfast, loyal, unswerving, and enduring. This is lifelong love: a marriage covenant.

For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10 

Psalm 119:41-48, our sixth octave, begins with this theme: come to me. The Psalmist’s cry is for God to open the doors of salvation to receive that covenantal love. He desires it, he needs it, and he believes in those promises even when he can’t explain them. Jesus confirmed His salvation and covenant love when He said:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 

The Psalmist uses all six of those vital words that we began with in the first octave: 

1. God’s rules, judgments, or decisions (vs. 43)
2. God’s laws, instructions, or teachings (vs. 44)
3. God’s precepts or our responsibilities; what we should focus on (vs. 45)
4. God’s testimonies or what we’ve continually witnessed from Him (vs. 46)
5. God’s commandments, His commission or assignments (vs. 47)
6. God’s statutes or what He wants me to do (vs. 48)

The Psalmist’s words are sprinkled throughout this section and give the heart of the message. His desire is to receive all that God has for him personally. My question for you, dear reader, is this: do you also have that desire? Do you trust God, in His chesed or covenant love, to lead and guide you into a deeper walk with Him? Will you echo the Psalmist?

Let Your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your promise; Psalm 119:41 

I pray for our hearts to be open to all God has for us, whether we understand or can reason it out. I pray that He will open the gates of His Salvation and pour out His Holy Spirit in new and refreshing ways. We can never reach the limit of all God has for us, but we can go deeper and wider in His covenant love. Lastly, will you lift up your hands in submission to Him (vs. 48), receive your commission (twice he says that you’ll love), and meditate on what He wants you to do? I know He’s speaking to you right now and nudging you; will you pray with the Psalmist, “Come to me, O LORD?”

Light: Part One

I love the concept of the lower and upper stories of Scripture. The Bible is a fascinating book that reveals truth at both levels: our physical and spiritual life. A great example is light; let’s consider both the lower and upper story beginning with Genesis 1. 

Historically, God instructed Moses to write this book of beginnings after he lived for years in the Egyptian culture. It was full idolatry with Ra being the ‘creator of the universe’: their power deity of the sun. They believed Ra daily traveled across the universe; when he closed his eyes, it was nighttime and when he opened them it was daytime. In that way he ruled through darkness and light. That’s how Moses grew up, yet Elohim, Creator God, chose him to write the truth of creation. That’s the lower story. When you read Genesis 1:1-5 you’ll see the creation of ‘light’ mentioned five times, however, ‘darkness’ was already covering the earth. Why did Elohim create darkness first?

The lower story of darkness often describes chaos, destruction, or death; it’s the absence of light and God’s presence. When the Spirit appeared Elohim spoke light into our world. In the upper story God used darkness as a springboard for light, His presence, into our world. Even today Jewish people begin their day at sundown when darkness falls, 

And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. 

What a beautiful lower and upper story to consider; with God, there’s a boundary between light and darkness (Job 26:10). However, He wasn’t finished with light for our world, He spoke even more into the heavens by creating the sun, moon, and stars to keep the light separated from the darkness. He called it good or beneficial for us, proving it with a lower story (Ex. 10) when Moses declared such a thick darkness over Egypt that it could be felt. God’s people did not experience that darkness because they had Elohim: Light. 

The Apostle John began his gospel account in a similar way, using the upper story of creation.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

You gotta love this mystical writer of the gospel as he continually uses this upper story to point us to Jesus, the Light of the World. If you’re experiencing any chaos, destruction, or death in your life, darkness, it helps to remember that God’s Presence is available to bring light (revelation) into your situation and dispel that darkness. You can simply ask Him and He’ll respond.

Psalm 119: Fifth Octave

Many years ago God placed in my heart a burning passion to work with special children. I completed that assignment and retired after twenty five years. Being a seasoned teacher didn’t qualify me as teachable, a humble heart does. My desire is to be a teachable teacher, not of children anymore, but of the Bible. My prayer, along with the Psalmist, is to always have a heart to learn and therefore grow in Christ. Come along with me today as we focus on verses 33-40: the fifth octave of Psalm 119.

The Hebrew word that sets the tone for these verses comes from the the root word to throw, shoot like an arrow, or even rain. That’s what teachers do; we throw it out there and hope you’ll catch it. We shoot our arrows of knowledge and truth aiming at the bull’s eye. That’s the prayer of the Psalmist, “Teach me, O LORD,” and that should be the prayer of a believer in Jesus Christ.

This raining down of God’s Word into our lives (vs. 33-35) is a lifelong process. That’s why the writer stated he would keep it to the end. He desired to understand what God required of him (a statute) and put it into practice with his whole heart or with all that he had; he was in it for the long-haul. I like that. When God leads us in His path (our commission in life) we find joy and delight knowing that we are pleasing Him and joy increases over time. That’s a love relationship, not bondage or legalism, but sincere, heartfelt love. That’s freedom.

In verses 36-40, hope you have your Bible handy, there’s a request for an eager heart; one that is inclined and constantly looking up. Walking up an inclined path requires more energy and strength, but it’s always worth the effort. The Psalmist realized what God had repeatedly done for him (testimonies) was more important than worldly possessions which have no spiritual value … and he’s willing to work for it. The Lord wants to be your center and He will give you life, His kind of life, the higher life that’s full of abundance, peace, joy, and things the world cannot offer you. 

It’s perfectly acceptable to ask God to confirm His promises to you, He even enjoys it, but we also need to be willing to accept His correction or endure consequences when we’ve missed the mark. Again, it’s a lifelong process. Make us teachable, O LORD.

The Psalmist completed this soul-searching prayer with a bold statement. Behold or pay attention to this: I have a burning desire to know God and have Him renew my life. Let that be the prayer of our hearts this week: I want to be teachable, I want to know God more, in a deeper way. If that’s true of you today be assured that He hears you and He will answer. His relationship with you is one that He cherishes.

Psalm 35:11-28

Have you ever been in a situation when you proved you were a good friend, however, your friend turned against you anyway? You know you didn’t do anything wrong, you didn’t deserve the harsh treatment, but regardless … it happened. King David felt that way, as we close this lament (vs. 11-16), and grieved that he was being lied about and laughed at: it wasn’t fair. When those troubles arise your best bet is to begin your warfare, like David, by being honest with God. He already knows your circumstances, but He wants to hear it directly from you.

This king knew better than to hide his feelings from God, so he admitted his depression and simply asked, “How long?” That’s the million-dollar question and it’s a good one, however, God doesn’t usually give you a timeframe. He’s looking for faith and trust in His decisions for your good. Can you do that? You can, and it’s vital that you do, since every time we have to trust God with circumstances outside our ability to change them, it builds our faith. It’s not fun, it’s not enjoyable, but sometimes God deems it necessary.

Last week I explained the phrase, “let them”, which David used 15 times in this Psalm, to mean an intense and commanding desire for God to do something. He now (vs. 19-25) changes his perspective, “don’t let them”, in other words, “Here’s what I don’t want.” In case God didn’t understand what he wanted, he clarified it with the negative: what he doesn’t want. 

When David gets to the heart of the matter his desire is actually vindication. He wants to be cleared of accusations, blame, or doubt from his people. He wants to be justified in his actions as king, and only God can do that. In His righteousness, the LORD will defend David and put others to shame for their unjust treatment. You don’t want to be on the opposite side of God because it’s a spiritual principle that you will harvest what you plant, or in our vernacular, ‘what goes around, comes around’. 

So David closed this lament with hope that his people will delight in his righteous ways and decisions, and be glad that his enemies didn’t win. That’s a good attitude for us as well. We can rejoice with people who are finally vindicated and declare, like David, “Great is the LORD, who delights in blessing His servant with peace!” David ends with promising God that he’ll give his testimony of His righteousness whenever and wherever he can. He’ll shine the light on God and boast of His divine character he’s now experienced in a different way. Isn’t that just like God? Inexhaustible in goodness and care for His people.

This has been a different kind of warfare Psalm written at a low point in David’s life, and yet so transparent into David’s soul. May we all experience God’s vindication when we need it and testify of His love.

Psalm 119: Fourth Octave

Open your Bibles to verses 25-32, the next section of eight verses, and as you read along, God is speaking to you every week. The fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet is daleth; it aligns nicely with our sound ‘d’. The first word that begins this section is dabqa translated as ‘to cling, stick to, or be joined to’. English idioms or expressions come to mind when I think about sticking to something: stick with me, stick around, stick to it, or stick to your guns. This section is about being sticky, but specifically, what are we sticking to?

The Psalmist writes that his life is sticking or clinging to the dust. Even though God breathed life into dust and created mankind I don’t think that’s the direction he was heading in that statement. Dust is symbolic of sorrow and grief, that’s not where we want to hang out. However, let’s face it, we all get depressed; we’re all disappointed with life at one time or another. The question is: will we stick around there? 

The writer shows us that honesty with God is vital to victorious living (vs. 25-26). In his lamenting the Psalmist acknowledged his emotions, asked for help, and God responded. No counselor could come up with a better plan; tell yourself the truth and ask God for help. We see that word ‘statute’ or ‘decree’ again which simply means ‘what we should do’. “Lord, what should I say or do here?” We also see the word ‘precept’ again (vs. 27): what we should pay attention to. “Lord, where should my focus be to get out of the dust?” He decided to focus on the wonder of God, who He is, and what He’s done. Good advice. 

Verses 28-30 (see why you need your Bible?) are cries for help, however, he knows where his help will come from: God’s Word, that’s where your strength will come from as well. This writer realized a choice needed to be made; will I stick to the dust or will I stick with God? The God who is full of wonder and miracles wins out in verse 31. This author has made the choice to trust God and be joined to Him as in a marriage partnership (Gen. 2:24). Our earthly marriages, wonderful or challenging, depending on the day, are only pictures of our sticky relationships with Jesus Christ. If you’re going to be sticky with someone, clingy, let it be the Lord; He created us that way and I think He likes it.

I love the way this fourth octave is completed. “I will run…” God’s commands bring victorious living; we should run toward them … not away from them. His instructions will set our hearts free to be who He has destined us to be. Nothing less. If you’re going to be sticky and clingy, don’t let it be to the world’s ways; they only bring you down. Stick with Jesus and let him set your heart free.

Psalm 35:1-10

The Book of Psalms contains a vast array of writings to encourage us in all seasons of life. Sometimes the waves of life lift you up, sometimes they bring you down, and sometimes life is on that even keel with good balance. King David experienced all of that and yet he wrote this prayer to the LORD when he was frustrated, and tired of seeing his enemy in triumph. It’s not supposed to be that way for God’s people. 

So, what does he do? He called on God to come and fight his battles for him. He’s physically and emotionally exhausted, therefore he asks God to step into warfare on his behalf. He knows the ‘battle is the LORD’s’ because he’s seen it before, but now he’s voicing his strong desire for God to stand up for him with His divine weapons drawn. On the other hand, this is personal to him so he voices his prayer, 

Say to my soul, “I am your Salvation.” Vs. 3

When those waves of life bring you down you can do the same thing; “God, remind my soul that you’re my Savior; I need to hear it again.” ‘Your Salvation’ means David needed reassurance that God remains his Rescuer, his Deliverer, his Protector, his Vindicator, and his Provider … so tell me again, Lord.

Apparently David felt that encouragement since the next verses take on a new ‘mood’: 15 times in this Psalm he used the phrase, “Let them …”  The King has moved on from a humble request to an intense and commanding one; his desire is for his enemies to experience God’s wrath. “Let them …” means he wants God to take action against his enemy. Read his urgent requests in verses 4-8: he’s not kidding. He asked God to issue orders for shame, dishonor, a turning, disappointment, dispersement like wind-blown weeds, and dark, slippery paths for his enemies as they pursue His people.

He called on The Angel of the LORD, Jesus Himself, a Man of War (Ex. 15:3; Is. 42:13; Jer. 20:11) and the Captain of heaven’s armies to show up and fight for him. They’re in hot pursuit, they’ve set traps and dug pits without cause, conversely, this new mood is for God to turn things around and let it all happen to them. And when it does, David will rejoice with singing and dancing, declaring, “Who is like You?”, a God of justice who takes cares of the poor and needy. There’s no God on earth that loves His people like Yahweh and fights for them until victory is won.

Remind yourself this week if you’re experiencing spiritual warfare in your life, that people are not your enemy, that’s the lower story, Satan is. We fight our battles with His power living in us, His strength and confidence, and our strongest weapon: The Word of God. When you feel surrounded, helpless, or hopeless seeing the enemy win, then pray like David and declare Psalm 35:1-10.

Psalm 119: Third Octave

Open your Bible to Psalm 119:17-24 as we continue with the next octave or eight verses. The Hebrew word that sets the tone for this section is ga’mol. It’s a great word because it’s meaning is reward and God’s goodness: He rewards those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6) and enjoys doing good for us (Luke 12:32). The opening line is a request to experience God’s goodness in a big way. The Psalmist acknowledged being a servant of God and the desire to live the higher life, kingdom living, as he practices what he preaches. What a qualifier. If we want good things from God we need to look at ourselves and be honest: do we walk the talk? Actions do speak louder than words.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me. Psalms 103:2 

The next verse is another request, a desire for God to give clarity as he spiritually sees His wonderful teachings. His ways bring wholeness, joy, and peace: the higher life. That means he must forgive, obey His instructions or commandments, and spend time getting to know His goodness. 

The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. Lamentations 3:25 

The Psalmist knew that life on earth is temporary (vs. 19-20), we’re just passing through, so to speak. Our eternal home is with God, residing in heaven, and then we return to this renewed earth with Jesus (2^nd Coming). His request is for God to reveal his individual mission. Commandments, the word used here, are not the Ten Commandments, they’re God’s commission or charge for us: our purpose on earth. He’s overwhelmed with desire to understand God’s righteous ways and complete that mission. 

The LORD is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. Psalms 25:8 

We’re reminded in verses 21-23 of our enemies who won’t understand our desire to please God; it’s foolishness to them. We may experience mockery, scorn, or contempt, but our eyes stay on the prize: God’s goodness. How do we fight those spiritual battles of depression, rejection, anger, pride, or fear? Our strategy is simple: meditate on His Word every day. His testimonies counsel us, show us how to respond to life circumstances, and what we should say in stressful situations. 

The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 

God’s Word is our instruction manual and should us bring us delight. When we’re unsure of what to say or do we find the answers in His Word. His Word is designed to counsel you, that’s the kind of therapy you can count on, and it’s free … don’t miss your appointment.

O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with You. Psalms 125:4