Light my path

By Rick Jackson

Centuries ago, in the time of King David, a songwriter penned these words in reference to the coming of Jesus Christ. ‘The entrance of Thy Word gives light. It gives understanding to the simple” Psalm 119:130. The psalmist employs the word ‘simple’ but was not aiming this tune at any particular intellect. The ‘simple’ truth is each of us needs external input if we are to gain ‘understanding’ in just about every area of our lives.

Surely each one of us could testify about some instance where a teacher, preacher, coach or parent has brought a word of instruction which has lit up to us a new or better way to proceed.

I think back to the search for my first car. You may relate: Saturday mornings searching the car guide and in the afternoon inspecting vehicles (the car I want always just outside of my budget). Whilst I am dodging used car salesmen, my Dad finds a car that he feels is suitable. It is mission brown, four cylinders, low kilometers and is a Ford! “A good first car” he says! (“What is he thinking?’)

Needless to say the story doesn’t end well. I purchase a Holden HQ wagon with a big six and ‘3 on the tree’, a classic….. a classic bomb! Admittedly it is fun to drive, when I can afford the petrol! But the truth bites me somewhere between the tail shaft falling off and me catching some local youths stripping it for parts. “It’s just an abandoned car” they politely explain. It’s sitting outside the front of my house! I feel sad watching my HQ being towed away. ‘Good riddance to the old bomb!’ I am rueing not listening to the words of my Father; words with the intent to illuminate a better way for me.

Jesus came proclaiming “I am the light of the world”. The light that He speaks of is not one of personal glory but of the Father’s life for all. As a 12 year old Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business!”. The primary work of any parent is their offering to their children. Jesus once asked “What father among you would give his child a stone if he asked for bread, or a serpent rather than fish?”

“None,” was the answer. If our natural Fathers seek to give us what is good how much better must be what our Heavenly Father desires to give us?

There is a prayer Jesus gave us that most will know. It is the simplest of prayers, yet I would say by far the most significant. (Matt 6) The prayer begins “Our Father in Heaven”. Typically I have to pause here. This is Jesus, the Son of God  expressing “He isn’t just My Father, but yours also”. He is not a distant creator but a Father who through his Son has opened to us an understanding of a better way: His perfect will for us.

Rick Jackson