The Road That Glows

The Old Testament uses two words for “road” or “path.” The first one is the Hebrew word derek, which is based upon the word for “foot” and means a road made by continual walking. It is used 709 times in the Old Testament. The other Hebrew word for “path” is orah, which also means road or path but has the meaning of a particular direction, as in the way of life, or the way of death. It is used 58 times in the Old Testament, primarily in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs. In those books it describes the choice of a particular way of life, or the direction of one’s life.

         In Proverbs 4:18 the word orah describes a road that glows, “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” The word “light” in that verse is the Hebrew word or that you learned yesterday. This verse says that the direction the righteous walk gets brighter and brighter with each step they take. More on that thought in a moment.

         Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Jesus did not come to show you the way; He came to be the way. He did not come to teach you the truth; He is the truth. He did not come to help you with life; He came to be your life. And through faith in Him, He is your life, the truth, and the way to the Father. Every step you take in Him and with Him, He becomes brighter and brighter in you, with you, through you, as you, before the Father and the watching world around you.

         But taking a step in Jesus requires faith. The New Testament calls this walking by faith, “…for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. When you walk by faith you hear Jesus and His invitation, “follow Me.” As you hear Him, faith is created in your heart and you take the first step toward His voice, and light shines for your next step similar to the way the headlights on your car shine on the highway. You can’t see the destination, but you can see enough to keep moving toward the destination.

         Now, back to the thought in the paragraph above on how the path gets brighter and brighter with each step you take. As God’s word is heard more and more, faith grows stronger and stronger, which shines brighter and brighter in you, with you, through you…you know the rest. The light and glory of Jesus Christ brightens your day, regardless of what is happening around you.

         Today, spend time in the word of God. Listen prayerfully and humbly as you read. Know that God’s word creates faith in your heart as you do. Your steps will shine with direction and purpose. When you do come to a fork in the road (temptation), and you will, quote your verse for the day and the light of the obedience of faith will guide you through the tempter’s voice and keep you on the path of the righteous. Hallelujah!!