Monday, 4 May 2020 Isaiah 2:1-22
"O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord." -Isaiah 2:5
Walking in the light is an expression used by the prophets and writers of old to convey the message of a life pleasing to the Lord of heaven and earth. The above quoted verse from today's reading aptly stands in the middle of two themes. From verses 1-4 it describes the reign of God's kingdom among the nations and from verses 6-22, we have the imminent judgment spoken against the wickedness of the people. Hence if we relate both the themes through this verse, we see an emphasis to walk in the light of God due to the coming judgment. This was a grand theme for the preachers of old and up to the 18th century they preached a general theme, 'Sinners in the hand of an angry God.'
Throughout the book of Isaiah, we see this pattern. But it is interesting to note that there are other areas where the basis on which the believer is called to walk in light is on the love and mercy of God. Weighing all the options, we see that, one way or the other they are an incentive to walk in the light. On one side there is the love and mercy of God and on the other side, we have the just God who will punish the sinners. Unless both are balanced, we will not be walking right. The doctrine of the righteousness of God and the love of God are the balancing factors for us to walk upright according to the light given through the illumination of His word. So let us be clear on this aspect at the very beginning of our walk with the Lord.
This is the balance mentioned by Apostle Paul when he wrote in Romans 6:1-2:" What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" The verse itself sets both the tones very clearly. A loving tenderness and a warning! Both keep us safe from any erroneous presumptions.
What does it mean by “walking in the light?” We need to qualify the word 'light' by adding 'light of salvation.' This will make it clearer. We who were once darkness were called to the saving grace through the gospel. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8). Now we have to walk in the newness of life we have received from God. Sin darkens our state but obedience to God's Law, illumines us and our ways. Or in other words, it sets in us a pattern to live righteously and pleasing to God. This is done through the illumination of the Word of God to our souls by our beloved Holy Spirit.
Let our day start by sitting at the feet of the Lord who will illumine our souls to walk in the light of His word. By serious meditation and prayer we will be able to walk in the light. Once we walk in the light then we will become a light to the dark world. So let us walk in obedience to the Word of God and hence walk in light of the LORD!
Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I submit myself to walk in light; please give me the illumination required from Your Word through Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.