Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

There are many Christian songwriters out there, and we all have our favorites. Mine is Amy Grant, for she was the first Christian artist that I heard when I was young. I was introduced to her music by my band director because he was playing it in his office after school, and I asked who it was, and he shared her music with me. He more than shared her music with me; he gave me the cassette tape, and I listened to the entire tape over and over again. Even to this day, I still play the songs from that album to inspire me or meditate with.

One of her songs that is on that album is “Thy Word”.  Amy Grant displays her poetic talents in writing this song. She describes God’s word as a light to keep her safe when she is afraid and feels she has lost her way. The lyrics continue as she sings that she will not forget God’s love, yet her heart is forever wandering, but she calls on Jesus to guide her and to keep her close to the end. Can you relate to these words? The chorus is, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” You may recognize it as a scripture from Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is a Davidic Psalm written in the form of a poem, like most of the Psalms are. This one, however, is probably the most poetic as its 176 verses are broken down into segments.  Nelson’s commentary best explains the breakdown of the poem. For each of the 22 consonants of the Hebrew alphabet, eight verses begin with that letter. 22 consonants with eight verses is 176 verses. Within the psalm, eight words for God’s Law occur over and over: law; testimonies; promise; precepts; statutes; commandments; judgements; word. The Psalm elaborates on the application of the Law of God to both daily life and Israel’s destiny.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105) simply says that God’s Word is a light that guides the living. God’s Word is true and should be followed. From the perspective of the Old Testament, His Word was law, and is law, and will always be law. The law is a guide that we should follow to stay on the straight and narrow path of the Lord. The law, however, is not salvation, for the law brings awareness of our sin (Romans 3:20), but now, by dying to what once bound us [sin], we have been released from the law (Romans 7:6). Our salvation does not come by law, but by grace, for it is by grace we have been saved through faith, and it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

That being said, I tell you that it is the hope in the Word we must believe, for it is the promise of God to set you free from the bondage of sin when you come to Him humbly and confess your sin and repent, and faithfully believe in Him and in His Word. How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to His word (Psalm 119:9). Amy’s final line to the song truly says it all, “You’re the light unto my path.” Christ is the Light that lights the righteous path.

Last week, the little lambs walked through the days of Moses as he prepared to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The story focused on the ten plagues that God sent down over Egypt, with each one proving that none of the Egyptian gods had power above the one true God of Israel. This week, we will return to the New Testament and learn about Jesus setting the example of the importance of baptism. 

I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, but if I do not, may the Lord bless you with peace and joy, and may He strengthen you, comfort you, and heal you when you are in need.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)