Let There Be Light

I used to look at creation as just the beginning of it all but I now recognize the love of God at work before any of us was born, carefully preparing a place for His creation to inhabit.

One of the first things that God created was light. Back then, He knew how we would need it. I contemplated on why it was one of the first and I came up with a string of realizations that has deepened my appreciation for light and for the Giver of light.

As I focused on the characteristics of light, I realized more and more the wisdom behind this wonderful creation.

Light reveals. Without light, I cannot read His Word. I cannot know God the way He wants to be known. I cannot see myself, who I really am, physically or spiritually. Part of aging is the weakening of eyesight. It amazes me how what I frustratingly try to configure under a light bulb, I can discern so well in broad daylight. Light helps me see and discover things.

Light directs. It guides me to see where I came from, where I am and where I need to go. It allows me to look upon the faces of those I love and see their needs.

Light empowers. It helps me see my way, especially in the dark. It allows me to be productive even in the dark. Case in point: at this very moment I am writing this article late at night so naturally, I need light to accomplish this. Just heard of this new lipstick that has a built in mirror--- and light. Sounds useful!

Light exposes. Darkness hides. When I make a mistake, I don’t naturally want it broadcasted. The less people know the better. But God always knows and the light of His truth exposes unrighteousness--wrongs that need to be made right. When it is out in the open, it can be addressed.

After it exposes, light convicts. Unrighteousness revealed calls for repentance. Sin ignored can cause greater harm. I have observed when housekeeping, mess unattended to declines into more disorder. Even if you switch off the light at night and ignore it, daylight will expose it and it is an eyesore. A clean up is in order and light speeds it up.

It does not only expose darkness and convict us of unrighteousness, light also dispels darkness.  I marvel at how one candle can prevail over the darkness in a closed area.

Light protects. There are ditches, holes, ledges that you can trip over as you walk. Light enables you to avoid these obstacles. Similarly, light helps me identify the enemy, his lies and his schemes. From this, I can flee or “praypare” to engage in battle.

Light gives hope. Oh, how I need this! Psalm 112 verse 4 says. “Light arises in the darkness…” No matter how thick the darkness that engulfs us, light will come to dispel it. Moreover, the light of the morning reminds me of the Lord’s mercies which are new. That is an untried, inexhaustible, fresh supply of divine mercy available daily.

Did not Jesus say that He is the Light of the world? Does He not use His word to reveal, direct, empower, expose, convict, deliver, protect and give hope?

Just like light, water and bread are just some of the things that the Lord Jesus used to describe Himself. Everyday necessities that we can relate with and many, including myself, cannot do without.

When the world was formless, God spoke creation into being. In a world that is decaying and growing darker, we need the Light of the World to dispel and overcome that darkness. And like those first spoken words that brought forth great wonders, providing us with what we needed for life, so shall these words declare all we ever need and much more, “Let there be…JESUS.”