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WORD THAT ENLIGHTENS
Psalms
119: 1-11
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the
heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
(Psalms 119: 8)
The purpose of education is not merely to acquire skills
and knowledge, but is an enlightening experience, preparing a person for
a mature and godly life. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said that
"Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern
the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the
fiction." Through Psalm 19, David establishes the fact that the
revelation of knowledge of God which leads to the fear (reverence) of him
is the foundation of thit enlightening experience to equip a person
towards maturity.
Revelation of God through
his creation: In the first part of this Psalm (vs. 1-6) David speaks of
God who reveals himself through his creation, frequently referred to as
"natural revelation". The wonders of this universe and its
unchanging order, dynamically proclaims the glory, might and infinite
wisdom of an intelligent designer in whom we can trust. As the Apostle
Paul says in the book of Romans (ref. 1:20-21), the invisible attributes
of God, such as His eternal power and Godhead are clearly seen and can he
understood, through His creation. Therefore, we are called to glorify God
and be thankful to Him, without any excuse to do otherwise. Although some
perished in their own vain imagination and darkened hearts because of
their failure to acknowledge Him, many have found their way to eternal
life through this revelation.
Revelation of God through his word: David then
speaks about the law of God (vs.7-9) as perfect, trustworthy, true,
righteous and pure, which represents the character of God. These commands
have the power to restore our soul, give joy to our hearts, enlighten us
and help us to have an enduring reverence for the Creator. As the Apostle
Peter says in his 2nd Epistle (1:3-4), through the Word of God and
knowing Him, God has given us all things that pertain to life and
godliness as well as that which is necessary to become partakers of His
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in world as a result
of lust.
Response to God's revelation: True revelation always leads to action. David speaks
(vs.10) of the Lord's commands as being more desirable than fine gold and
sweeter than honey. For a true believer, the Word of God has the highest
priority because it is valuable and is enriching to him or her. Then
listeners should become doers of the Word, and as the Psalm says (vs.11),
the Word will instruct and illuminate those who live accordingly, for
whom there is a great reward.
Prayer:
Our dear Lord, thank you for revealing
yourself to us through your creation, your Word and ultimately through
your son Jesus Christ. Help us to yield to your Word and grow in the
knowledge of Christ, being transformed day by day. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The law of the Lord reveals the heart of the Lord.
Christian
Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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