Beloved disciples, as we walk in the light of Christ’s resurrection, we must understand the profound shift from the law of Moses to the law of Christ. This new covenant, sealed by His blood, calls us to live not by the letter, but by the Spirit. In Galatians 5:1, we are reminded to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. Let us embrace this freedom, knowing that our faith is not bound by rituals, but is alive through love and service.

To seek God with all your heart is to embark on a path of true discovery. It requires a dedication that transcends convenience, calling us to pursue Him with relentless passion. The journey is not without its challenges; the world offers distractions at every turn. Yet, the rewards of walking in His ways are profound. As we align our lives with His teachings, we find peace and purpose that the world cannot offer. This path demands diligence, a constant turning back to His Word, and a heart open to His guidance.

As we journey, my beloved disciples, towards the retreat by the Turquoise waters, let us take a moment to reflect on the path we walk—a path that mirrors the journey from shadows to light. A transformative journey, where despair finds its end, and hope, as surely as the dawn, rises anew.

Consider, for a moment, the story of Joseph. His life, marked by betrayal, imprisonment, and hardship, appeared to be one of darkness. Yet, through it all, Joseph remained faithful, holding onto the belief that God’s purpose would prevail. And indeed, it did. In the end, God lifted him from the depths and placed him in a position to save nations. In his story, we see that even in the darkest of places, God’s light is working, preparing a way, bringing about a resurrection of purpose. His words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 resound like a declaration of faith: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Darkness turned to light, despair into hope. That is the power of the resurrection journey. The same is true for each of us.

And then, we turn to the ultimate illustration—the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. His story is the epitome of the journey from shadows to light, from death to resurrection. What was the darkest moment in human history—His crucifixion—became the greatest victory the world has ever known. Jesus rose again, triumphing over death, so that you and I might walk in the newness of life. “I am the light of the world,” He declared in John 8:12, and indeed, His light pierced the darkness of sin, offering hope to all who would believe.

As we reflect on these profound truths, let me ask you: where are you on this journey? Are you in the midst of your own darkness, facing what feels like a grave, a tomb of despair? Know this: the shadow may loom, but the light is ever near. As Psalm 27:1 assures us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” There is no place so dark, no circumstance so dire, that God’s light cannot penetrate it. If you are feeling lost in the shadows, remember, the light of Christ shines ever brighter in your heart.

In Isaiah 60:1, God calls us, saying, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” It is not merely a command—it is a promise. The light has already come, and it is ours to walk in, to live in, and to share with the world around us. And, as Matthew 5:14 declares, we are the light of the world. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Our lives, when transformed by God’s light, shine brightly, guiding others from darkness to the same light of hope we have received.

Now, let’s pause and consider what that means in the practical sense. As we journey together, we are not merely travelers. We are called to be vessels of His light. We are called to shine in the darkness, to reflect the hope of the resurrection, to be living testimonies of the transformative power of God. And yet, there are times when we may feel like the darkness is closing in. That’s when we must hold firm to the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:6, which reminds us that “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” It is not by our own strength, but by His power, that we shine.

Beloved, let me also remind you that this light isn’t just for you; it’s for the world. Ephesians 5:8 tells us, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” The moment you received Christ, you were brought out of darkness and into His marvelous light. And now, your calling is to walk in that light, to let it guide your steps. When your heart is filled with the light of Christ, your actions will reflect His goodness and grace.

As you reflect on this, I want to challenge you: what does your life reveal about your journey from shadows to light? Does your life reflect the triumph of faith, the power of resurrection, and the hope of new beginnings? If not, then it’s time to step into the light. Let God’s Word be the lamp to your feet, as Psalm 119:105 tells us: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Let it guide you out of the shadows and into the fullness of His light.

There is no situation too dark, no heart too hardened, for God’s light to penetrate. Even in the lowest valley, as Psalm 18:28 reminds us, “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” He is the one who ignites the flame of hope, even in the deepest night.

So, my beloved friends, as we near our retreat by the Turquoise waters, I want to remind you that this journey—this journey from shadows to light—is not just an external one. It is a journey within. It is about allowing the light of Christ to shine brightly within your hearts. As you walk this path, let the hope of resurrection, the promise of new beginnings, and the power of God’s light guide you every step of the way.

And when you feel weary, remember the words of 1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” You have been called, you have been chosen, to live in His light. It is your inheritance. Let it transform you, let it shape you, and let it be the testimony you share with the world.

As we close this time together, take these words with you: The journey from shadows to light is not a far-off hope—it is a reality, one that begins in your heart, one that is sustained by the power of Christ’s resurrection. Arise, shine, for your light has come. You are no longer bound by darkness. You are free in the light of His glory. Amen.

MSD

Proverbs 13:20 offers a timeless truth: ‘He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.’ This scripture underscores the profound influence our associations have on our spiritual and personal growth. By choosing to walk with the wise, we open ourselves to a wealth of knowledge and understanding, enriching our lives and aligning ourselves with God’s purpose. The wise provide guidance, encouragement, and correction, helping us navigate life’s challenges with grace and discernment. In contrast, aligning with folly leads to ruin, as negative influences can erode our values and lead us astray. Therefore, let us seek the company of those who fear the Lord, that we may grow in wisdom and honor.

As we sit here together around the campfire, I want to speak to you from my heart, sharing with you the wisdom of the Lord. As disciples, we are called to walk in a way that honors the Lord, and the path we walk is one of wisdom, shaped by who we choose to walk with.

You see, Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” This is not just about mere knowledge, but about the deep, transformative wisdom that comes from walking with those who know the ways of the Lord—those who fear Him, who reverently follow His commandments. When we walk with them, we are walking in their counsel, in their example, and in the fullness of their wisdom. And in doing so, we become wiser, not by our own effort, but by the wisdom that rubs off on us, that is shared with us, that we take into our lives.

But there is a warning here. The verse also tells us that if we walk with fools, we are walking into destruction. “A companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Think about that. The path of foolishness is like walking in a fog, where every step takes you farther from the light. The fool does not know the way. The fool is driven by impulses, by the world’s way, by self-pleasure, and in the end, destruction follows. So, who are you walking with? Who are you allowing to influence your steps, your thoughts, your actions? Proverbs 13:20 makes it clear that our companions shape us, for better or for worse.

Consider this: “Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). That is the impact of foolish company—it doesn’t simply leave you where you are, it changes you. It corrodes the good that you have, and the way it does so is subtle. You start picking up bad habits, bad attitudes, and before you know it, you’re thinking like the fool, speaking like the fool, and walking as the fool. But to walk with wise men is to grow into the wisdom of the Lord, because “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Those who fear God will lead you in the right way. Their words will guide you. Their lives will encourage you to follow Christ more closely.

Think about Jesus Himself. He spent time with those who feared God, those who were hungry for His truth. He had His inner circle of disciples, and through their walk with Him, they became wise. He taught them, He led them, and He spent time in deep relationship with them. It wasn’t just about gathering knowledge, but about living life together—through the ups and the downs, sharing wisdom, sharing the truth, and encouraging one another in love.

Now, hear this: “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction” (Proverbs 13:18). Let me tell you this, disciples: Wisdom is not automatic. It requires that we humble ourselves and receive instruction. If you are not open to reproof, if you turn your ear away from correction, if you refuse the wisdom God places before you, you will end up in a place of ruin, even in this life. The fruit of pride is poverty, shame, and destruction. But if you are humble, if you receive instruction and take correction, you will be honored. Your life will be shaped by God’s wisdom, and you will bear fruit.

What does it mean to walk with wise men? It means to seek them out. To choose your companions wisely. It means you’re intentional about your relationships. The people you spend time with should build you up, draw you closer to Christ, challenge you to live out the commandments of the Lord. Let’s not be deceived by the fleeting allure of foolishness or the comfort of compromise. These things may seem sweet in the moment, but they lead to bitterness in the end. “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil” (Proverbs 13:19). To the fool, it’s an abomination to turn away from sin, to depart from evil. But to those who are wise, there is sweetness in the soul when we walk in obedience to the Lord.

As we sit here tonight, I challenge you to reflect on your relationships. Who are you walking with? Who is influencing you? Is it wise men—those who fear the Lord, those who will speak truth in love, those who will help you grow in wisdom? Or is it fools, who lead you into the ways of the world, who drag you into sin and away from the righteousness of God?

I want you to think deeply on this. The path of wisdom is not always the easiest, but it is the path that leads to life. And as we walk together in wisdom, we will see the fruit of righteousness. “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid” (Proverbs 13:21). When you walk in righteousness, when you seek wisdom, the Lord will repay you with good, even if the world does not recognize it. You may not always see the immediate fruit, but the good of the Lord will be your portion.

And remember this: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” (Proverbs 13:22). Your life of wisdom and righteousness will not only affect you—it will leave a legacy. You will pass on the wisdom you have gained to the next generation, to your children and even your children’s children. This inheritance is not just material, it is spiritual. The wisdom of God, the knowledge of His ways, the fear of the Lord, will be passed down, and in it, there will be blessings for generations to come.

So, as we sit here together, let’s commit to walking with wise men, to seeking out wisdom, and to becoming the wise men and women that God calls us to be. Let us choose our companions wisely and walk in the ways of the Lord, for in that, we will find life.

MSD

In conclusion, the essence of Proverbs 13:20 lies in the transformative power of wise companionship. By choosing friends who embody godly wisdom, we position ourselves to receive the blessings of knowledge and understanding. Let us be intentional in our associations, seeking out those who uplift and challenge us to grow in faith. May our journey be marked by the pursuit of wisdom, as we walk hand in hand with those who honor the Lord.