218. Light for the Way
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path.
The promise is that the Word of God will be light for us, in us, all around us, and especially, in front of us. The Word, with its Law and Gospel, will unerringly guide us and lead us in the right way to go that will be real good and lead us daily and hourly to eternal life. The Law shows us the only right way to live that brings blessings; unfortunately, it also shows us our sin and our failure to live accordingly, and it shows the cursed consequences of disobedience.
The Gospel shows us our Savior from Sin and the blessed consequences of forgiveness and grace. This Law and Gospel message is the light that keeps us on the blessed path: The Way is Jesus (“I am the way”). Jesus does not show the way or even lead us on the way. The Word of Law and Gospel is the light that shows us the Way, which is Jesus Himself. The Law shines its light on the self pointing to the need for Jesus; the Gospel shines its blinding light on Jesus and what He does for us.
The way that leads to life is “strait and narrow” (strait means narrow). And alongside that way are many enticing and seductive exit ramps that lead to death and destruction; that way is wide and broad. It is because of these tempting seductions away from Jesus the Way that we need this promise of Light from the Word: When we lose the way the Spirit uses the Word to put us back on the Way (Jesus).