Needed: Light and Truth

Oh, send out Your light and your truth (Psalm43:3). This is the earnest prayer of a true disciple. Even in the midst of troubled times, which is evident from reading the two Psalms together (Pss. 42-43). They were surely a unit as can be seen by the refrain: “Why are you cast down . . . For I shall yet praise Him” (42:5; 11; 43:5). Indeed difficult times call for the real deal. No substitutes will do when desperation sets in. The heart-attack sends one running for the coronary expert, no mere novice will do. So when spiritual ills prevail, the believer relies on and is hungry for the Word of God: Send forth Your Light and Your Truth!

Today, we are following a false hope as we listen to many teachers and self-appointed prophets that are doing anything but manifesting God’s light or truth. They are experts in the ways of the world. Their theological degrees are awarded after majoring in marketing, psychology, and methods to build the 21^st century church that resembles the false worship of Ezekiel’s days. I am amazed at how his book speaks to the contemporary church situation. In a nutshell, the Lord says, "for you have not walked in My statutes nor executed My judgments, but have done according to the customs of the Gentiles which are all around you." (Ezekiel 11:12). This is why He will bring judgment. In chapter 13, he addresses the prophets who speak visions of their own hearts. No light and truth in them I am afraid, just as many famous preachers in our own setting. This is just as it is in the churches today. They have borrowed the pagan practices for doing church, which reflects their hearts. As Ezekiel says, their idols are in their hearts (14:1-5). Also the preachers (prophets) are to blame because they are lying to the people (13:9). And the people love to have it so!

In the midst of all this, there is a hope for a small remnant: see (Ezekiel 6:8; 9:4; 12:16; and 14:22). It is always thus with the Lord. His light and truth will reach those appointed few, and that indeed is the heartfelt prayer of every true disciple: Oh, send out Your light and Your truth.”