Living in the Spirit
October 31, 2014

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers. — 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) Can’t you just envision Paul remembering this verse from the Hebrew Bible when he wrote his letter to the Thessalonians? I have sang this verse since I was a child so when it pops into my brain it has a tune with it and starts with the word “thy” rather than “your”. I cut my teeth on the King James Version.

I don’t know whether the police actually use flashlights when they enter empty buildings or not but that is how it is displayed on police TV shows. It makes sense though. By controlling the stream of light while scanning all about them, the police will not be readily seen and they may cause limited vision for anyone they meet because of the bright light in their eyes. It provides a greater opportunity to ferret out the situation with the least amount of danger.

Paul is telling the Thessalonians and us that we have been gifted with the light of God’s word which acts in a similar way as the flashlight in an empty room. It gives clear definition to our purpose and guidance regarding how to achieve it. “The word” not only includes scripture but also the life of Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

Prayer: Thank you for your Word. Let it be our beacon in a troubled world and grant us the courage to follow its path. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.