Third Sunday after Epiphany (Ps) January 22nd

Psalm 119:97-112
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 119:97-112). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path." Jesus Christ has shone his light upon the path that is set before us. He has meditated repeatedly on the Law of God. He has pointed us back to the truth God has set down for generations. He has reminded us that we are called from our wicked ways. He has called his people to be holy as the LORD our God is Holy. Jesus even said that if you are not more righteous than those self righteous hypocrites you are not worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The truth should be stated that none of us are worthy to come before the throne of God. God is the most perfect and righteous judge. The Psalmist writes that he meditates on the Law of God. He even says that he does not forget the Law of God. He is not led astray. But we are not like the Psalmist. I see the snare before me and think I can just walk right through it. I listen to the word of God and feel transformed and renewed but still fall into the same snare again. I am not righteous. I live in darkness and struggle to walk upon the path.

But like the psalmist we return to the Law of God. We return to hear the word of God tell us about Abraham's mistakes. We are reminded that even Moses was not allowed into the promise land. God would not let David build him a Temple but left it to his Son. Solomon even reminds us there is nothing new under the sun. All have fallen short of the Righteousness God requires of us.

Jesus Christ was the Light that shines into our hearts and minds. Jesus shone his light upon the path so we could see. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law perfect. He did not come to abolish or eliminate the Law but to fulfill the Law on your behalf. He is the one who clothes you with his righteousness. He has made you clean and pure and Worthy as he calls you into his Kingdom. He has claimed you to be his very own with his holy and innocent blood shed for you.