Night walk

As I began my walk down the country road, the swelter of the day had faded into a mellow summer evening. To the northwest, the sun had left behind multi-hued veils of crimson, its last rays fanning through a bank of rumpled clouds.

On the darkening horizon to the southeast, I watched a glowing orange crescent swell into a perfect orb and float magnificently into the heavens. By the time I arrived at my turning point, the world was glazed with silver. The moon peered loftily through a stand of black-limbed trees, surveying its dazzling effect on what had loomed dim and mysterious only moments before.

I stood transfixed in that silent panorama of waning scarlet, blue velvet nightfall and luminescence. The words of the psalmist echoed in my heart: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers . . . what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3–4).

That night walk became a scriptural odyssey. I gazed at the silent, glittering chorus of stars, which once sang while He created. I thought about the two great lamps of the heavens, a “blaze” and an “ember”. I marvelled at their Maker, Jesus, who said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Laser surgery, which repaired the torn retina in each of my eyes, has given me new appreciation for the gift of sight. Infinitely more precious is my inner vision of the Lord Jesus, who has healed me of spiritual blindness and who lights my path with His presence day and night. 2 Corinthians 4:6 states, “God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 also reminds me that “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Therefore, while personally claiming and celebrating the radiance of Christ, I must also grieve, pray and shine for those who see Him only through a fog or tunnel, through dark glasses, from behind an obstacle, or not at all.

From time alone with God on a quiet night walk, a final verse of inspiration speaks eloquently: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Ruby J. Cleroux is a member of Vauxhall (Alta.) MB Church.