Proverbs 4:18, The Path of the Just
February 16, Proverbs 4:18
John 14:15-27; Phil. 3:12-15 “Come to the light; tis shining for thee. Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me.”
The Path of the Just
Here is one of those precious gems in our Authorised Version. It is God’s path, not the path of the just, that is here compared to the sun’s movement across the heavens. Arnot makes the vital distinction, that the sun is a figure, not of the justified but of the Justifier. This grandest object is used to describe the Highest in all His glory. Christ is the Light, and Christians are but the reflectors. “The just,” says Arnot, “are those whom the Sun of Righteousness shines upon. They who were once darkenss are light not, but it is ‘in the Lord.’” What a blessing to know that one is walking by the Light of the World!
- Its Coming: The path of the just (v.18a). The path of the just has a joyous beginning, for the just are converted sinners. Their new life in Christ is like the breaking in of the dawn. At first there is only a glow across the eastern sky as the sun begins to pierce the darkness of nature’s night. It seems so frail as those first beams of light begin to sweep the horizon. The outcome, however, is never in doubt. The sun advances surely and steadily, and next moment the eager watcher beholds the Glorious Lamp of Heaven, the Sun, and the dark night is no more. A new day has suddenly broken forth in all its brilliance. As the sun is always in its place at the appointed hour, so the Sun of Righteousness arises with healing in his wings (Mal. 4:2). His glorious work of justifying His elect will never fail. For the just, all doubt have flown because The Light has lightened forever their darkness. In proportion as the earth turns it comes under the influence of the sun and dark and cold flee away. This provides an apt figure of the coming of salvation. In his darkness, the sinner is secretly drawn by the love of Christ, and as the light increases he finds himself in the presence of his Lord. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee (Isa. 60:1).
- Its Growing: Is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (v.18b). The converted are also the commanded. They now obey the commands of their diving Commander. Clouds sometimes hide the sun but cannot blot it out. The Sun of Righteousness is always behind the darkest clouds. As the Light grows brighter so will the just increase in light. We again refer to Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian runs from the City of Destruction. He meets Evangelist who gives him a Parchment-roll (Bible). “Then he said, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder shining light? He said, I think I do. Then, keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto; so shalt thou see the Gate.” Evangelist said in effect, “Make for the light you do see, and by and by you will come to the gate you do not yet see.” The only path to further light is to use the light already given, and more light will break on you. That path is not to be complained of, as it leads to Heaven and Home.
Thought: Remember, Christ lives to help you live like Him.
Prayer: Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord.