Fountains and Light

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Scripture:

Psalms 36:7-9

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

Observation:

This Psalm on the steadfast love of the Lord is an encouragement to all. We sing about this in church and praise the character of our God. In doing so, sometimes we miss out on the end of this passage where there is a reference to the “fountain of life; in your light we see light.” This is section has a meaning that draws us into an understanding of the Triune God. These are prophetic words regarding the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, the one who is the fountain of life will come, and in him, through the power of the Spirit, we will receive light. That light will make it possible to see the One who is the generator of that light, the Father. The steadfast love of God is revealed in the activity of the Triune God, bringing us life, salvation and an on-going relationship with the Father. 

Application:

The passages on light this week have been challenging. Walking in the light of Christ on a daily basis is the call for every believer. Embracing and living in fellowship with the Triune God is made possible through the coming of the Messiah and the sending of the Spirit. 

I’ve been holding conferences on Holiness in Africa these days. These have sparked wonderful conversations among our leadership, as we seek for ways in which we may fulfill the mission that God has laid on the Church. As I preach and teach, God continually speaks to me about the places in my life where I may not be comfortable with his light shining. I think that we all must be willing to confess that there are painful and dark corners that we would love to keep hidden away. At the same time, if we are to live Spirit-filled lives, those hurts, wounds, disappointments...they all need to be given over to the Lord. The great healer, the physician, wants to anoint our wounds and gently lead us in the light. 

Jesus, the fountain, will sustain us through this spiritual journey. As we walk in the light, we are drawn toward the light, and the reflection in us becomes greater. God is glorified in and through his people who reflect the holy love found in our Triune God. This is the steadfast love of God which sustains on the daily journey of faith. 

Prayer:


Lord, may your light shine. Amen. 

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