The Path Of The Just Is As The Shining Light
“The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”—Prov. 4:18
Since the fall of man, there is no other way of being made just or righteous, but by the righteousness of the man Christ Jesus. Just Noah, righteous Lot, meek Moses, faithful Abraham, patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, all were sinners in themselves, but ‘their righteousness is of me,’ saith Jehovah Jesus. Is. 54:17. Hence the Lord calls his people righteous. They are really constituted so in his sight. This truth should ever dwell in our minds: it is the foundation of all delight in God and love to him. Hence we are comforted in the way of truth and holiness. For Jesus, who is our righteousness, is also our light to direct our steps, and our path wherein we walk. He is the light of the world, the light of life, and the way to God. Hence we are exhorted, ‘As ye have received the Lord Jesus, so walk ye in him.’ Col. 2:6.
Our faith in Jesus is no new-fangled doctrine, but the same as was from the beginning. Christians are not left to the darkness of nature; they are not led by sudden, transient flashes of light; but by the clear, steady shining of truth upon their minds. Their walk, in the path of truth, is consistent and uniform. Like the dawning light of the morning, the light of truth first breaks in upon the soul, and gradually increases brighter and brighter: so we see more clearly, believe more strongly, love more fervently, hope more steadily, obey more delightfully, and long more ardently for the perfect day. Though at some seasons, when vapours and mists of nature’s corruption arise, and the night of affliction and desertion overtakes the upright soul, he may be in fear, lest he should never hold out and see the perfect day. In such seasons, he is too apt to lend his ear to a whisperer, who is ever ready to dis hearten him. What with his corrupt heart, Satan’s suggestions, and men’s false doctrine, he is thrust sore at. He may fear, lest he should fail and perish for ever; but God’s power and truth will support him.
If the comforting Spirit had not left another word of proof in the whole Bible for the perseverance of the just, this one is sufficient. Wisdom hath spoken it; neither men nor devils shall reverse it. Every justified soul shall enjoy the perfect day of Jesus’ meridian glory and salvation in his kingdom. Till then, “the righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9.
By grace I see the shining path
Which leads to perfect him;
Jesus my light, my life, my way,
Will bing me where he is.
Oh blessed, joyful, perfect day
Of endless light and love!
Press on, my soul, nor stay thy course,
Till thou shalt reign above.
M.
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
