Light.
Wonderful stuff.
It’s one of the first things a new born baby experiences as he or she blinks their way into their new environment.
It’s also somewhat mysterious with differing theories as to how it travels, in waves (Huygens), beams (Newton) or a ‘quantum’ combination (Planck).
Theologically it’s much more straightforward while no less enlightening, pardon the pun!
The first chapter of the Bible teaches light was one of the first things created by our Maker. God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.’ (Genesis 1 v 3) Immediate comfort from darkness, immediate revelation of truth and illumination of the path.
The Apostle John echoes Genesis, claiming Jesus Christ as Son of God to be the source of all light and life:
‘In him was life and that life was the light of men…
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.’ (John 1 v 4 and 9)
The light has a name!
After a dull day or bleak night, how good to see the sun break through the clouds!
However an issue immediately arises for the light clearly exposes the grime on the windows and dust on the furniture. Revelation demands action.
Tragically many don’t want to deal with the grubbier aspects of life, leading the Apostle John to conclude, ‘people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.’ (John 3 v 19)
Later in his Gospel John records an incident where Jesus refuses to condemn and stone someone whose dark sinful secret had been publically exposed. Knowing He will atone for her misdeeds on the cross, He instead offers forgiveness, urging her to change her ways. (John 8 v 1 – 11)
Just after this account John records Jesus saying, ‘I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8 v 12)
The light of God, whose name is Jesus offers both comfort and challenge.
Wise are those who come out of darkness and follow Him!
Wonderful stuff.
It’s one of the first things a new born baby experiences as he or she blinks their way into their new environment.
It’s also somewhat mysterious with differing theories as to how it travels, in waves (Huygens), beams (Newton) or a ‘quantum’ combination (Planck).
Theologically it’s much more straightforward while no less enlightening, pardon the pun!
The first chapter of the Bible teaches light was one of the first things created by our Maker. God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.’ (Genesis 1 v 3) Immediate comfort from darkness, immediate revelation of truth and illumination of the path.
The Apostle John echoes Genesis, claiming Jesus Christ as Son of God to be the source of all light and life:
‘In him was life and that life was the light of men…
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.’ (John 1 v 4 and 9)
The light has a name!
After a dull day or bleak night, how good to see the sun break through the clouds!
However an issue immediately arises for the light clearly exposes the grime on the windows and dust on the furniture. Revelation demands action.
Tragically many don’t want to deal with the grubbier aspects of life, leading the Apostle John to conclude, ‘people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.’ (John 3 v 19)
Later in his Gospel John records an incident where Jesus refuses to condemn and stone someone whose dark sinful secret had been publically exposed. Knowing He will atone for her misdeeds on the cross, He instead offers forgiveness, urging her to change her ways. (John 8 v 1 – 11)
Just after this account John records Jesus saying, ‘I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8 v 12)
The light of God, whose name is Jesus offers both comfort and challenge.
Wise are those who come out of darkness and follow Him!
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