I. Prov. 4:14-19, John 1:1-9
Light: 1.Something that makes things visible. 2. An illuminating
agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, a beacon. 3. Daybreak or
dawn. 4. A gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes. 5. The state of being
visible, exposed to view. 6. Spiritual illumination or enlightenment.
7. A person who is a shining example. 8. To cause to brighten
with joy or animation.
II. Verse 1-read
A. "There's a light 'long the pathway, it's guiding me home." Job 33:28, Psalms 27:1, 36:7-9, Proverbs 6:23, 13:8-9, John 8:12, II Tim. 1:10 In the pathway, which is our life, that we follow on this earth, we must have a guide to prevent us from saying, doing, or thinking those things that will separate us from our Lord and result in a loss of eternal life. Jesus is the light that has been freely given to us by God to guide us. How many of us would imagine that we would take an extended trip with no knowledge of where we were going or how we could get there. It is sad that this is how most people live their lives: lost, hopeless and purposeless. Jesus can give us purpose, hope, and be our guide.
B. "Leading to that eternal day." Isaiah 60:19, Gal. 6:8 This light that is from Jesus, but originates from the Father, not only can direct our path in this life, but will carry our souls into an eternal existence with Jesus and the Father.
C. "And it beckons me on when the pathway seems dark,"
Proverbs 2:10-18, Isaiah 42:16, John 1:5, Eph. 4:17-19. Life will
often seem to leave us with no way out of our problems, trouble,
and trials. The darkness that seems to overwhelm us from these
can not triumph over the light of Jesus Christ!
III. Verse 2-read
A. "When the way seems so heavy the burdens to bear" Psalms 38:1-15, Matt. 11:28-30 (see also II.C)
B. "Then I think of my Savior on Calvary there" Luke
23:33, Matt. 10:38, I Cor. 1:18, Gal. 6:14, Eph. 2:14-17, Phil.
2:8,Col. 1:18-20, 2:14-15, Heb. 12:2 There are many aspects of
the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus that we can think about. His
agony that he endured for us, the sacrifice of the Father, the
hope we have because of the sacrifice, and the eternal life that
awaits us because of the cross.
IV. Verse 3-read
A. "I am happy today and I'm nearer my home" John 13:16-17, Acts 26:2, Rom. 14:22, James 5:11, I Peter 3:14, 4:14, II Cor. 4:18 If we are not happier in this life after we have found Jesus and are not anticipating our home with him, should we not examine our attitudes and our lives?
B. "Just over the way is the mansion above" John
14:2
V. Chorus-read
A. "He is guiding me home, there the harbor I see." Psalms 61:3, 3:3 A Harbor represents shelter and a shield from the sea and its perils. We have tugboats in this world that guide large boats into the harbor. With out the power of the tugboat and the maneuverability of the tugboat the boats would crash into the docks. Jesus guides us through the perils of this life, if we allow him to.
B. "Till I'm safe in the fold" Matt. 18:11-14, Luke 15:6-7 Jesus is the loving shepherd. He died so that all lost sheep may be returned to the fold. Only the light of the shepherd can properly guide us into the fold of God.