Light Source
For most people, the one thing that petrifies them is being in the dark, or not being able to see in the dark. In every part of the Country where one form of natural phenomenon is experienced; such as hurricanes, snow storms, earthquakes and the like, the one thing that’s emphasized by meteorologists and other experts is the indispensable need to have flashlights or any other means of light in order to cope with the challenges associated with the adversity at hand.
Our God is perfect in all of His ways – no mistakes; no afterthoughts; no assumptions or mishaps! After God created the heavens and the earth, the next thing He created to expel emptiness and a lack of direction upon the earth was light.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:1-4 (ASV).
The main purpose for light’s creation was so it would take away darkness. Darkness is symbolic and representative of a sinful life without Jesus Christ. The Bible lets us know that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. Of his own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:17-18 (ASV).
For our salvation, God Almighty brought forth a finished work; in sending Jesus to die for our sins. In this same Word of truth our heritage and mandate is further revealed to us in Matthew 5:14-16 (ASV).
“Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus Himself declares “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ASV).
No wonder the Psalmist said “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ASV).
2 Corinthians 4:6 (ASV) states further: “Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
As God’s firstfruits and co-heirs with Jesus, we have clear instructions on our role and responsibility in dispelling the darkness of sin from the world around us; we are to be the light of the world; sharing and spreading the love of God from His Word and being living examples of those who are recipients of His wondrous love. We are that light source through which illuminating change will come, by the power and movement of the Holy Spirit, working in and through us. Let us not relent in daily living out lives that exemplify Christ Jesus; let us cry out for God’s continued mercy and empowerment, so that we play our part, as we focus on the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ Himself and Jesus Christ alone!