Divine Light and Human Flares

Isaiah 50:10-11 gives two options for those want guidance. One is to
depend on the leading of the Lord even though it is darkness around.
The other is to light up one's own flares and find the way through.
"Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant?

Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of
the LORD and rely on his God.
But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming
torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you
have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will
lie down in torment."

Flares don't last long and they light up only the surroundings. Since
it lights up the darkness for a while and then dies out, those who
venture into darkness with them may find themselves deep in darkness
when the fuel of the flare is gone. Such people may end up groping in
darkness.

The other option for those who are in darkness is to trust in the
Lord. Trying to walk in our own light is another word for self-
reliance, which rejects the role of God in our life. This invites
trouble. However, venturing into the darkness knowing God is out there
is faith which honours God.

Nothing illustrates this aspect better than a poem by Minnie Louise
Harkins (1875-1957), which my friend sent to me recently.
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.
'And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the
hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'
So I went forth and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And he led me towards the hills
and the breaking of day in the lone East.

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