Delight in the True Light

For this mornings exhortation, leading into our time of confession, I want to us to reflect on a phrase from the beginning of Psalm 1. The Psalm starts by saying:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2)

I want to spend a few moments on the third negative description here. Blessed is the man who does not “sit in the seat of scoffers”.

Scoffer is not a word we use very often, if really ever. It is a provocative and intense word. Even saying the word isn’t very pleasant; “Scoffer”. A scoffer is someone who belittles, ridicules or mocks another. Scoffing is the visible and audible fruit that stems from the roots of pride and arrogance in our hearts. It comes from a heart that thinks someone to be a fool, and can’t help but say it as well.

Maybe you have never let your prideful thoughts spill out to someone in person, or through a keyboard, but we all stand closer to the scoffer than we would like to admit. The description of the scoffer “sitting in a seat” is very fitting for at least 2 reasons.

First, sitting is often used as a description of what kings do when they rule and judge their people.  They sit on their thrones declaring rules and judgements. And that is what the scoffer does, he sits on his pretend throne and acts like a king. The scoffer acts like he, on his own, knows what is best. 

And we do this as well. Do we expect others to live in light of our convictions, our opinions, our preferences, or our rules? Do we judge and condemn others in light of our expectations, even if only in subtle and slippery ways in our hearts? Whether it be how other families celebrate holidays, or parent their kids? How others spend their time or money, or the interests they pursue? Or maybe even how a church runs their Christmas Eve Service?

We can act like we now what is best in all of these things.

Second, sitting is illustrative for either rest from work, or a lack of work. Jesus, having endured and conquered the cross, is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, having accomplished his work. Others are seated when they should not be. Scoffers do not work, and labor, and serve, but sit and critique. They critique, and condemn others for their work, while they will not lift a finger themselves.

And we can be like this as well. How much effort do you put into the things that you critique? Whether it be your family, your church, or maybe your work? After all, you have to step back a few paces if you're going to throw stones at something. And does your critique of something further reinforce your inactivity in it? In our pride we would rather critique something, or someone, then put in the work to help or serve.

And as we do these things, we may not be as loud and blunt as a scoffer, but we are sitting in his seat.

We may even say true things, but from a sinful heart. Satan can say true things. But Christ came as the true light that gives light to all things. And He came full of grace and truth. And in his light do we see light. He is the king that came to serve, and not to only sit. 

We all can speak truth, but there is only one who is true. There is only one who says the right things, at the right time, from the right heart. Jesus is the revealing and redeeming light of the world.

Delight in the law and light of Christ. Marvel at His justice and mercy, His truth and grace, His Holiness, and His kindness. We can only see because of His light, and it is a light that is full of grace and truth.

So as plainly as I can put it, don’t be like the scoffer, don’t be anything like him. And come and delight in the true light that is Jesus.

Pray with me.

Father, our artificial light of personal judgement is actually darkness. We often judge blindly based on our own preferences and opinions. Because of our prideful hearts we are swimming around in the dark. Father, we don’t want to stay in darkness. Cast light into our hearts so that we may see and turn from our sin. Christ you have invited us to confess, to come into the light, to be forgiven and changed by your grace and truth. Help us all in this moment to step into your light, as we confess our sins in silence.

Father, thank you that we don’t need to be the light, but merely come into the light. Thank you that we don’t need to be the physician, we just need to come to the physician. Thank you Jesus that even though we were far off, you have brought us near, even though we were guilty, you have forgiven us. We want to live truly. Thank you that you have sent your Spirit to teach us and help us. And help us now to be strengthen by your grace in the coming moments as we worship you. Jesus, we pray this in your name. Amen.