Solomon Says: A 5-Day Plan for TweensSample

Day 3

There are some beaches around the world where, when you walk along them at night, you can look back and see your footprints glowing. They’re not just shining in the moon- light but actually glowing in the dark! This rare effect is caused by a bunch of tiny plankton that glow in the sand when you step on them. You can actually leave a glowing path behind you!

If you read the entire passage given above (vv. 14–19), you’ll see that Solomon points out the striking contrast between the path of righteousness (doing what’s right) and the path of the wicked. We can easily feel the dark, draining emptiness of one path and the glowing warmth of the other.

The struggle between light and darkness is nothing new, but the Bible tells us how the story ends. Jesus said simply, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). And later, in Revelation 19:12, Jesus’ eyes are like a “fiery flame” as He rides through the earth on a white horse, extinguishing the darkness.

Because of Jesus, the light wins in the end. But in the meantime, we have to choose our paths. With every choice we make, every step we take, we have to determine whether our steps will stumble in the darkness or leave a beautiful, glowing path of light. When we choose to do what’s right, we not only illuminate our own paths, but we also bring light to the darkness of those who have lost their way.

Shine brightly, friends, and let the light of Jesus shine through you. 

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Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being the light of the world. And thank You for lighting the path, showing us the way we are supposed to walk. Help me to make the right choices each and every day so that I will not only be able to see my own path clearly but also light the way for someone else. When I am in darkness, help me to see Your light. Amen. 

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Ask your parents if you can do a little demonstration when it gets dark at your house. Get a flashlight, and turn out all the lights. Without using the flashlight, try to make it—slowly, carefully—from the kitchen to your room in the dark. Now turn the flashlight on and try it. Was that easier? Now try the same path one more time with all the lights back on.

This experiment may seem silly, but it makes a clear point. The more light you add, the easier it is to find your way. When we follow Jesus, the Light of the world, we’ll still have to walk the path, but it will be a whole lot easier to find our way.