Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Word of God. Lamp to the Feet. Light to the Path

Galatians 1:11-17
V11 For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin;

The conclusion of the creation account in Genesis 1 states, “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” However, we see that human beings, the crown of creation, through the willful act of disobedience, sinned against God and brought darkness into God’s good creation. This pattern of sin and disobedience continues throughout human history. We, therefore, live in what feels like a dark world or dark existence. We see death, destruction, disease, devastation, and all kinds of evil surrounding us to the extent that sometimes we question the meaning of all this. St. Paul reminds us of 2 Corinthians that the darkness is due to our unbelief. “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).  
In such a dark circumstance, it is not all hopeless. God tells us that His Word is the lamp unto our feet and a light for our path. This light cannot be manufactured duplicated in any way. Paul says the gospel that was proclaimed to me is not of human origin. The source of this light is and can only be God. In the path of life, we can stumble over sin if we don’t have the light of the Word of God to guide us. We sing on Sundays, “May your light reveals the sin in our hearts.” It is through God’s word that the hidden traps on our path will be revealed. 
The divine truth that God’s word is a light was ultimately fulfilled in and through the incarnation of the Eternal Word becoming flesh and bringing light to this world which was in darkness. Jesus is described in John 1:9 as, “The true light, which enlightens everyone.” Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. 
If we are willing to put our trust in and follow Jesus Christ who is the embodiment of God’s light, we will not walk in darkness. Any time we deviate from the example lived out by Jesus himself, we are veering into darkness. 1 John 1:6 reminds us, that we cannot be in fellowship with God while walking in darkness. Once we are living a light-filled life, we will be a reflection of God’s light to lead others to Christ. 

 

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word which is indeed the Light of the World.  As we enter into the Christmas season, we thank you for sending your Son to reveal the light to this world darkened by sin. Enable us to walk in the light and live as children of light in fellowship with You. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.



Vivin
            The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island

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