He's in here with me while I work on a Bible study lesson on John 8. And as always, he's teaching me. Such a spiritual dog. I think it's John Piper that says something to the effect that when we live out the truth of the Word, we can "adorn" the Gospel. That's what Moses is doing--adorning two of my favorite verses from this wonderful chapter.
"...I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (v.12) Moses is a light seeker. He loves, loves, loves to discover patches of sunlight and then just do what he does best: rest. And when he gets tired of resting, well, then he sleeps, waits for his next meal or snack, and then continues resting. It's a tough life.
The only exception to this rule is the yard... which Moses seems to detest despite the fact that there is ample sunshine pouring down upon our desiccated grass. His goal in life is to remain indoors with the family he loves, seek out--if possible--a patch of sunlight, and then rest, eat, sleep, and repeat. He daily accomplishes his goal beautifully--we are so proud. And thankful.
And thankful that Jesus is my Light. Wherever He is, there is Light. Even in the most profound darkness, even in the hardest, darkest times of our lives, we can be certain that He will always give us "patches of sunlight" to warm us, to guide us, to help us, to strengthen us. Thank You, Jesus.
Moses also "adorns" v.31: "...If you abide in My word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Moses has so cornered the market on "abiding." He defines abiding--hanging out, never straying far, listening for the slightest sound of movement from his family and then rushing (okay, he doesn't "rush" anywhere, but he walks purposefully) to that spot.
If we're sitting in the dining room, well, then great. He quickly locates the optimum patch of sunlight and flops down. If we move to the kitchen, up he goes, following along... after all, there just might be food involved. If the children are all upstairs, he waits at the foot of the stairs in the morning, waiting for them to come down. If we're eating dinner, he rests on his bed under the table... of course, ever alert for possible dropped food. Usually a good bet.
That's what it means to abide, isn't it? One definition I read was to "to continue without fading, to dwell, to live." I love how John MacArthur put it: "to abide habitually in Jesus' words."
I guess I'd put it "to hang out... and to keep hanging out... and to keep hanging out in the patch of sunlight... or the Light of the Son." And the more we abide, the more we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Thank You Lord!
So once again, Moses is teaching me. He's adorning the Gospel with his love and loyalty... well, and his laziness. But God can use anything! To God, who is our Light and our Haven for abiding, be all the glory.
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