Necessary Lighting

Life is a journey!

I know this sounds cliche’, and it is, but we must remember this.

Developing disciples in 2025

As I stated a couple weeks ago this is a major theme I have this year. It is nothing flashy no edgy and trendy. Yet, it is rooted in the words of Jesus.

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This is our mandate from Jesus!

Disciples follow the path of Jesus.

We do not create a new path but follow the old and narrow path of Jesus.

Scripture is the necessary light we need.

We cannot go on this path without having the appropriate lighting. Flashlights now have lumen ratings, the higher the lumen the brighter the light. Josiah & I with needing a new flashlight.

On this journey darkness will come.

Part of Psalm 119 reminds us of this truth. Though not in our text today we must always remember when reading Scripture to look at the greater context. Sometimes we take Scripture out of context, and it may be true, but it was probably not what the writer meant. Philippines 4.13 is a prime example.

Scripture is eternal, just like God.

I don’t know what comes to mind when you think of the word “eternal” but it is an important concept. For the Psalmist this truth provides many things for him. Having a high view of Scripture like this is important. The Bible is not just another book to read it is the Words of Life.

We must consume Scripture—for it tastes “good”.

There are different ways to consume: quick, slow, savoring, distracted and much more. We can have bite size and then we can have meals where we must cut and it is too big. Sometimes we eat alone and sometimes we do it together, both are needed.

Scripture helps us choose the right path.

We have many choices in this life. Sometimes maybe too many. It would be much easier if we had fewer choices but this is not what God has done.

The right path is lined with obedience to Scripture.

Not only does it help us choose the right path, it is not just about getting on the right road it is about obeying the Words of Jesus. Sometimes life and the journey of being a disciple has curves and such. We cannot just get on “autopilot” and hope we make it safely.

Scripture guides us to Jesus, the Light of the World.

The point of Scripture is to have us see God. Jesus is God. He is the Light of the World.

Example of the power of light from the movie “Woman and the Sea”