Hello Church Devotion Aug.13, 2013
L is for Light
L is for Light
“And God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3
“And God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3
On day one we see God create light followed by him choosing to separate light from darkness. The creation of light plays out in our lives in a much bigger way than just simply night and day. As sin entered into the story of humanity through the fall of man in the Garden we begin to see a narrative were God uses light and darkness to demonstrate the difference between right and wrong, righteous and sinful, good and evil.
On day one we see God create light followed by him choosing to separate light from darkness. The creation of light plays out in our lives in a much bigger way than just simply night and day. As sin entered into the story of humanity through the fall of man in the Garden we begin to see a narrative were God uses light and darkness to demonstrate the difference between right and wrong, righteous and sinful, good and evil.
As we dig deeper into this idea of light and what it means/represents, it is also important to understand darkness. Darkness is very simply the absence of light. So as we look at light and darkness from a Christian perspective we see that being in the darkness is a parallel to being in sin. You see, when we sin (darkness) we separate ourselves from God (light) because God is righteous and holy and the presence of sin, depravity has no place in the presence of righteousness. In the same way, when light is present, darkness ceases to exist.
As we dig deeper into this idea of light and what it means/represents, it is also important to understand darkness. Darkness is very simply the absence of light. So as we look at light and darkness from a Christian perspective we see that being in the darkness is a parallel to being in sin. You see, when we sin (darkness) we separate ourselves from God (light) because God is righteous and holy and the presence of sin, depravity has no place in the presence of righteousness. In the same way, when light is present, darkness ceases to exist.
It is important for us to remember where the light comes from and how it changes who we are. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he 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).” Jesus, God is the light that comes into the world to push out the darkness much like the sun comes up in the morning and drives the darkness out. The source of light, righteousness, and holiness is from God. We, being in the darkness cannot seek out the light but rather He seeks us out, just as the light spreads to every corner of the room even the hidden places.
It is important for us to remember where the light comes from and how it changes who we are. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he 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).” Jesus, God is the light that comes into the world to push out the darkness much like the sun comes up in the morning and drives the darkness out. The source of light, righteousness, and holiness is from God. We, being in the darkness cannot seek out the light but rather He seeks us out, just as the light spreads to every corner of the room even the hidden places.
As God finds us and offers forgiveness of our sins through his Son Jesus we are called out of the darkness and into his light. By grace through faith he showers us with his light and removes all darkness in the act of forgiveness. As Jesus proclaimed to people during the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. God has given us the light to reflect it to others. His light shines through in our good deeds. There will be times that sin rears its ugly head and we attempt to hide in darkness, separated from the light, but God like the light will continually seek us out.
As God finds us and offers forgiveness of our sins through his Son Jesus we are called out of the darkness and into his light. By grace through faith he showers us with his light and removes all darkness in the act of forgiveness. As Jesus proclaimed to people during the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. God has given us the light to reflect it to others. His light shines through in our good deeds. There will be times that sin rears its ugly head and we attempt to hide in darkness, separated from the light, but God like the light will continually seek us out.
As the sun rises each morning and light begins to shine, even on cloudy days, let it be a reminder to each of us that every day is a new day to begin in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each day we begin renewed and refreshed knowing that the old sinful ‘Adam’ that resided in the darkness has passed away and that Christ has called us to be a new ‘Adam’ that lives in his marvelous light. What a great reminder it is to see how the light encompasses all that it touches just as God encompasses us in his grace, mercy, and love from beginning throughout all eternity.
As the sun rises each morning and light begins to shine, even on cloudy days, let it be a reminder to each of us that every day is a new day to begin in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each day we begin renewed and refreshed knowing that the old sinful ‘Adam’ that resided in the darkness has passed away and that Christ has called us to be a new ‘Adam’ that lives in his marvelous light. What a great reminder it is to see how the light encompasses all that it touches just as God encompasses us in his grace, mercy, and love from beginning throughout all eternity.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you this day for the light of the world, the light that shines even when the sun is down, your son, Jesus. Lord, continue to call me out of darkness as sin finds its way into my life even as I try to stop it. Your light is an ever present beacon to us all of your glory and might, your power and mercy, your grace and love. Help me to see your light in my life and to be a reflector of that light to the world around me. I ask that you would guide my path each day Lord so that I might use the gifts you have given me to live boldly and to proclaim you as Lord in every situation. Thank you for the many blessings you give me each and every day. I ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ your son, Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you this day for the light of the world, the light that shines even when the sun is down, your son, Jesus. Lord, continue to call me out of darkness as sin finds its way into my life even as I try to stop it. Your light is an ever present beacon to us all of your glory and might, your power and mercy, your grace and love. Help me to see your light in my life and to be a reflector of that light to the world around me. I ask that you would guide my path each day Lord so that I might use the gifts you have given me to live boldly and to proclaim you as Lord in every situation. Thank you for the many blessings you give me each and every day. I ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ your son, Amen.
Further Thoughts:
Further Thoughts:
- What areas of your life do you try to keep in the darkness because of shame or guilt?
- What promises does God offer you that demonstrate his power over darkness in your life?
- God is the source of light in our lives, how might you better reflect his light to the world around you?