Read Psalm 119:129-136
“Shine”
The things that God has said are so wonderful that once we
have heard them we treasure them and hold them close (129)! Those whose hearts
are hard like a well-worn path do not take time to listen to understand much
less allow the word into their hearts. Jesus said such words are like seeds
snatched away by hungry birds (Matt. 13:4,19; Luke 8:12).
I could have chosen “wonderful,” “keep,” or even “turn” as
my focus word today. However, I settled on “shine” because of verses 130 and 135,
The
unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple…
it imparts understanding to the simple…
Make
your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
and teach me your statutes.
The idea of the “unfolding” of his words intrigues me. It
captures the idea of the process of how God chose to reveal his word. As Josh
McDowell and others have noted, the Bible is unique. It didn’t happen all at
once but over 1500 to 2000 years, was written by around 40 different authors
(inspired by the Holy Spirit), in different places, vastly different times and
circumstances, expressing different moods and emotions, on three continents, in
three or four languages, covering hundreds of controversial subjects, and consisting
of a number of different literary styles. Yet there is a wonderfully consistent
quality to it. It is like one epic tapestry, where each narrative, command,
letter, or psalm is woven together to reveal the heart and plans of God
revealed in history.
Eugene Peterson’s vivid paraphrase (The Message) has “Break open your words, let the light shine out”
But while I like its vividness, it seems to lose some of the richness of the
idea of “unfolding,” Theologians refer to this unfolding of God’s plan and
purpose throughout the Bible as “progressive revelation.” Jacob did not have
the revelation of Moses, David, or Isaiah, etc. In the last book of the
Bible, we see Jesus as the “lamb that was slain” who takes the scroll sealed with
seven seals and opens them one seal at a time as God’s plan for the end
times was revealed (Rev. 5-6).
It is in our taking time to be available to the word of God
that the Spirit unfolds it for us in a way that “imparts understanding!” But
this time spent is not merely with a message, or an important mission, as
though the word was a thing. Rather there is a remarkably relational statement
here as the psalmist uses verse 135 as a parallel, but instead of using one of
the more direct synonyms for the word of God (e.g., word, law, rules,
testimonies, etc.) he uses the term “your face.” Do we see the face of God in
the scriptures? We should.
Moses's face glowed after spending time in the
Lord's presence. Jesus' face while praying, at the transfiguration, was
"altered, and his clothing became dazzling white." (Luke
9:28-29). It is in spending time in the presence of the Lord that
something of his radiant glorious love is communicated to us so that we not
only learn his statutes but we shine a bit too.
O Lord, we live
in a dark world made all the darker by our persistent self-focus. I as that as
we spend time reading, thinking, and praying your words that such darkness may
be banished from our hearts by the light of your great love! I pray that your
love would shine through us, especially this week in our divided nation. Lord,
when others our quaking in fear, or frantic in their pursuits may your words
make us steady (v. 133) and dependable. May our hearts be broken with what
breaks your heart (v.136) but keep us from the exhaustion of discouragement by
the strength of your joy! Your word is wonderful because it reveals your steadfast
and beautiful love for us! Wow! 
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