Lust of the eye or light to the eye?

Psalms 19: 8b - The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Singapore is colloquially known as a “fine city”. Certainly it’s the best city in the world in one sense but the innuendo suggests that there are so many rules, that you are bound to break at least one in a day. From crossing the road to spitting to chewing gum, everything is incessantly regulated. I have no qualms about our rules, in fact that’s one of the reasons our streets are relatively crime free. Being the conservative I am, I welcome such restriction to civil liberties for the important payoffs of peace and security.

But for many, rules are bondages, stifles personal space, undermines democracy and restricts individual liberties. It induces fear and guilt.

“There is always an ulterior motive, as in the case of repressive regimes,” so say the liberals.

That’s exactly the set-up the devil snared before Eve when he tempted her in the Garden of Eden.

• Genesis 3:5 - “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

"God had an ulterior motive".

• Genesis 3:6 -  When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye….

Sadly, when Eve succumbed to the “lust of her eyes”, her eyes were indeed opened but to devastating consequences not only to the first couple but to humanity as well.

(Paul goes on to expound the challenging effects of the law in his masterpiece in Romans but that is not the subject of my mediation this morning)

David on the other hand sees the positive impact of the law. It radiates, give light, it enlightens the eyes. It’s like an “Ahh moment” when you read the scriptures and something pops out for your present situation. A revelations and encouragement, like you have not seen before. 

Look at some of David’s “wow moments” with God’s Word.:

God’s Word is not a chore but a delight.

• Psalms 1:2 - but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

God’s Word gives directions when the eye is not able to see the way ahead.

• Psalms 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

God’s Word gives insights and revelations.

• Ps 119:130 - The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Delight in God’s words leads to prosperity

• Psalms 1: 3 - and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Hiding God’s word in one’s heart is the antivirus software for sin.

• Psalms 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

But such encounters and revelations can only come when there is a consistent meditation and intriguing affiliation with God’s Word. It does not comer with a lackadaisical flirtings in hastiness.

What was my last “Ahh moment” with the Word that enlightened my eyes?

We will do well  to take heed the advice of the wise man in 

• Proverbs 4:7-9: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”