Light in Darkness
DAY FOURTEEN
PONDER THIS ENGRAVING
MEDITATE ON THESE VERSES
John 1:4, 5, 9 | Psalms 27:1 | Psalms 18:28 | Job 29:3 | Job 24:3 | Isaiah 42:16 | 2 Samuel 23:29 | Isaiah 58:8 | 2 Corinthians 4:6
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. Psalms 112:4 –– Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Psalms 33:4
POETIC REFLECTION
The faithful Christian walks in darkest gloom,
As though enclosed in some monastic tomb;
And clouds of darkest night surround his head;
A pall, like that which canopies the dead;
His path lies through the palpable obscure,
Nor can he yet discern an open door;
Yet he’s resolved to penetrate his way,
Nor doubts but darkness will be turned to day:
To Christ he prays, the light of mortals here;
And Christ, the light of mortals, shines out clear,
Full on his path, pours down the heavenly light,
And on he goes with vigor and delight.
DEVOTION OF INTERPRETATION
The engraving represents a Christian walking through a dark and shadowy vale, wherein is no light; the mantel of darkness encircles him, the pall of grave has enfolded itself around him. Nevertheless, his path runs directly through it; he knows not what dangers may lie in the midst; he knows not when or where the end may be. No chink, outlet, or open door presents itself to him, yet he is determined to persevere; it is the path of duty.
Addressing himself to his work, he addresses himself also to his Master; he calls on Christ, whose he is, and whom he serves; the Savior shows his bright and glorious countenance; the light of his glory falls full upon the traveler; the reflection irradiates his pathway, all is light. He goes on his way rejoicing in the Lord.
Every Christian must at times pass through the valley of tribulation. Mental anxiety, sickness, loss of friends, poverty, persecution and death, with many other things, make the materials of the valley of tribulation ye must enter into the kingdom of God. And John the beloved, looking with wonder at the glory of some who were seen before the throne of God, was informed by the angel that they were those who had come out of great tribulation.
But Christ is the light of the world, the Sun of Righteousness, the source from which all intellectual and spiritual light is derived. Wherefore God our heavenly Father says to us, Awake thou that dwellest among the tombs, and Christ shall give thee light. But to the Christian passing through the dark valley of trouble, he says: Arise, shine, thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen on thee. To the disciple of Jesus this light indeed belongs, and much he needs it in his pilgrimage. To him it is given by promise. To the upright there ariseth light in darkness; light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. The light of knowledge, the light of consolation, the light of holiness, and the light of eternal glory are the Christian’s inheritance, in and through Christ Jesus. Without Christ all is darkness, wretchedness, and death. With Him all is Light, Life, Love, and Peace.
Stephen was a good man, yet had to pass through the valley of tribulation. Perhaps he was more highly favored than any other man in similar circumstances; probably this was on account of his being the first Christian martyr––the model for all succeeding martyrs. He looked up through the clouds of persecution that surrounded him, and saw “the glory of God and Jesus;” he could not keep silent; “Behold,” he cried, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” The glorious light show in him, and through him, and around him; he looked as an angel of the Lord.
In darkest shades, if he appear,
My dawning is begun!
He is my soul’s sweet morning star,
And he my rising sun.
The opening heavens around me shine
With beams of sacred bliss,
While Jesus shows his heart is mine,
And whispers, I am his!
My soul would leave this heavy clay,
At the transporting word,
Run up with joy the shining way,
To embrace my dearest Lord. ––Watts
Barber, John Warner, 1798-1885. Bible Looking Glass: Reflector, Companion and Guide to the Great Truths of the Sacred Scriptures, and Illustrating the Diversities of Human Character, and the Qualities of the Human Heart.
Philadelphia, Bradley, Garretson & Co., 1861