The Holy Book says, the path of the Just shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. This same Just would walk through the valley of the shadow of death and expect tribulations in the name of the One he has believed in. The one who promises the Shining Path.
So, what exactly is this Shining Path?
The preceding verses before Proverbs 4:18 refer to the Path of the wicked.
Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of the wicked and drink the wine of violence. — Proverbs 4:14–17 KJV
Therefore, we can define the Shining Path by what it is not. I would say it is the Path that is not filled with manifestations of wickedness. A Shining Path is not necessarily characterised by a bed of roses, soft life, or ease. It is the Path directed by wisdom and filled with the manifestation of righteousness, regardless of how the outlook is perceived.
We can term the travail in Gethsemane and the sorrowful walk of Jesus Christ to Golgotha as part of the path that shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. And this really happened, as the story ended with resurrection.
Look at the route King David had to take before he became King of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) and then King of Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). It was a nomadic lifestyle to preserve his life, yet it was a Shining Path — a Shining Path with rough edges.
You know you have been anointed by God. You can sense the call of God on your life. Yet, it probably isn’t moving the way you thought it would—take consolation from David. It is still the Shining Path.
Joseph’s story from his father’s house to the pit, to Potiphar’s house, and his demotion and ‘de-reputation’ back to the Prison were all part of his Shining Path to becoming the Prime Minister; lord over Pharoah’s house, and ruler of his substance (Psalm 105:21).
The Shining Path will always end in glory. It is guaranteed.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and have been called according to his purpose — Romans 8:28.
If we agree that the various experiences of these patriarchs are examples of the Shining Path, then let us look inward and review our journeys.
The rejection we receive for being different just for the sake of Christ. The sacrifices we need to make so that the flesh does not rear its head. Our lifestyles, which we continually review to ensure we do not conform to the world.
Refuse to be ‘woke’ and trendy in order to please the audience of one. Accept that you might be tagged as ‘odd’, ‘boring’ or ‘uninteresting’ by people and even dear ones. Experiencing these things explains how we die daily.
The Shining Path is the Path to die to flesh so that God’s Glory will be revealed in us.
The duty of wisdom is to shape us into God’s image through instructions in righteousness, and our duty is to esteem wisdom and adhere to its instructions. Wisdom is our prized possession. When the Path becomes discomforting, remember the end is definitely glorious, and do not give up.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. — 2 Corinthians 4: 17–18 KJV
The scripture above sums it up, what happens within us during the journey is more important than what we see on the external. The afflictions will not always be there. There will be time to smile, relax, and truly enjoy.
Let us not magnify the affliction more than we ought, but change our perspective and regard it as a refining tool.
God defines the path. Emotions, as good as they are, do not define the path: He says the route a Just Man takes is THE SHINING PATH.
Be comforted. Keep going, the prize is at the end, not at the start or midway. As Christians, our assurance is this: it can only get better!
Rachael TAY
@raytymy