[385 words]
Most of us have some idea of what it would take to make a perfect day for us. Solomon gave us a key consideration that leads to the perfect day. As he invites his readers to pursue wisdom, he warns against walking in the path of the wicked. In contrast to that way, he says, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). The word translated “perfect” has varied meanings, but suggests that which is fully prepared or ready. For example, the Lord gave the Israelites advanced warning so that they could make themselves “ready” for the third day when the LORD would appear to them on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:11). What is the fully-prepared day to which the path of the righteous is shining?
The path of the just from the Old Law was shining to the day when Jesus would arrive. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). Remember when Jesus read the prophecy of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, He included the phrase, “To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19). Then He affirmed, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (v. 21). For many reasons, the day that Jesus began His work on earth could be called “the perfect day.”
The day of the resurrection of Jesus could be called “the perfect day.” Jesus concluded afier that day, “…These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). The plan for man’s salvation from sin had been made completely ready by God; the Atoning Sacrifice
had been offered, Satan had been defeated, the hope of eternal life had been proven valid.
However, the ultimate “perfect day” will be the day of redemption that is prepared for the righteous. The path that has the strait gate and narrow way is the only way that shines to “life” (Matthew 7:14). It shows us how to make ourselves ready for “that day” (2 Timothy 4:8). Let’s walk that way together.
J. Brooks Boyd, Jr.
Livingston church of Christ
Livingston, TN