Glory: Light and Heat

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.” (Psalm 19:7-9)

Wait a minute? Wasn’t David just describing the heavens? Wasn’t he just writing beautiful poetry about the sun? Did someone change the channel on the psalm? Now it’s all about the law and statutes and precepts and commands.

glory_350Nope, same story. David is expecting us to make the connection between God’s glory in creation and his glory in Scripture. If you’re impressed with the sun – and who is not? – then you should be astounded by the Law. David is talking about the Scripture he knows, which would have included the first five books of our Bible. Specifically, he’s describing God’s instructions to his people Israel.

These revelations of God’s heart tell us about God just as his creation does. They revive our souls, teach us wisdom, and bring us great joy. Why? For those called to live under God’s Law at the time, it showed how the Creator of life intended for life to be lived. And living life as he designed it is the best life there is. Just as the sun helps us see what is hidden in the dark, God’s commands in the Law lit up dark roads, showing what to avoid and how to stay on the path.

Think: What other connections can you find between the beauty of God’s creation and the beauty of his Word?

Pray: Thank God for showing you his heart on the pages of your Bible. Ask him to give you the courage to follow his commands to you for your good.

Do: Off the top of your head, write down three commands from the Bible, instructions to you personally, that light up your path by telling you what to avoid and which way to go.