Psalm 97:11 AMP
“Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path, And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection].”
In His divine design, the LORD gave seed to everything that lives to multiply after its own kind. The power of the seed explains the to-date continuity of mankind, plant and animal life from the one-time creative work God did centuries ago. The LORD also pronounced His universal blessings over every seed sown, which should bring about a harvest, in that order. This is part of His common grace that works for both the righteous and the otherwise—in the same way He “…causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Mat 5:45 NIV).
In our text of reference, however, the Psalmist talks of another dimension of God’s dealing that touches only the righteous. He said, “Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous…” Hallelujah! This is the light of God’s goodness and grace, which—in line with the law of sowing and reaping—ultimately produces a harvest. What kind of harvest could this be? Thankfully, the Scriptures give us clues. Writing to the Ephesian believers, Paul said, “…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the FRUIT OF LIGHT is found in all that is good and right and true)” (Eph 5:8-9 ESV).
The fruit of light is a harvest from the light sown for the righteous. The Apostle added an insightful thought and said that the harvest (fruit) of God’s light sown in us “…consists in all GOODNESS and RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUTH” (Eph 5:9 AMP). Hallelujah! Therefore, when Solomon said that “…the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” (Pro 4:18 ESV), it is safe to take it that that path of the righteous must not only shine brighter and brighter but be characterized by “goodness and righteousness and truth.” Hallelujah! That is our heritage in Christ Jesus; and should forever be our brand—to the glory of God. Hallelujah!
Pst. Emmanuel