Light of the World

‘Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light’ (Genesis 1:2-3). This was on the first day of creation. Yet it wasn’t until the fourth day that God created the sun, the moon and the stars (Genesis 1:16-19).

So where did the light come from? In the beginning there was nothing except the Spirit of God hovering over the waters. I believe the glory of God dispelled the darkness as His presence filled the heavens.

It was just as in the Revelation of John, when John saw ‘the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God’ (Revelation 21:10). There was no temple in the city; neither was there any need for the sun or moon to shine on the city, ‘for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp’ (Revelation 21:22-23).

This same light of the glory of God, that dispelled the darkness over the waters at the beginning of time, came into the world in the form of a man. His name is Jesus. He brought the light. ‘The one who looks at me is seeing the One who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness’ (John 12:45-46).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

We can see the light in Jesus, and we can follow the light by the Holy Spirit. But Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world’ (Matthew 5:14). How can this be? Jesus, Light of the World, is calling us to shine for Him.

‘When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord’ (Exodus 34:29). Moses shone because he had met with God.

Have we met with Jesus? Do we know the excitement of the Holy Spirit regenerating our heart? Do our lives reflect the love of God?

The apostle John said, “walk in the light, as He is in the light.” (1 John 1:7). And Jesus said, ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:16).

Prayer: Lord, let Your light burn brightly in my heart, so that all areas of darkness are dispelled. May Your presence shine through me so that Your radiance is reflected in my life. Help me to walk in that light, in Jesus’ name. Amen.