Light is amazing. It brings life, understanding, refreshing and so much more. By definition darkness is the absence of light. Wherever light goes, there is life, and darkness is pushed back. Even deep, deep, sea creatures, in the absence of sunlight, produce their own light. There is also a saying that, “sunlight is the best disinfectant.” I lived in Africa when my children were babies. Back there we hung the clean, but stained, cloth diapers in the direct sunlight. In a matter of a few minutes they were white again. I am not kidding.
Light is far more than a disinfectant. Light was the first thing God spoke into existence after the creation of the heavens and the earth. Then God separated the light from darkness to make day and night, and they were declared good. I like how John 1:1-5 describes the Word, who is Jesus, and His relationship to light. Emphasis mine.
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” Light is amazing.
Later Jesus describes himself as the Light. “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
When we are in relationship with Jesus we carry His light in us. Yes. And we are chosen to let our light shine before others to push back the darkness. The Passion Translation of the parable of the lamp in Luke 8 exposes the importance of letting this God given light shine though us by our way of life.
16 “No one lights a lamp and then hides it, covering it over or putting it where its light won’t be seen. No, the lamp is placed on a lampstand so others are able to benefit from its brightness.17 Because this revelation lamp now shines within you, nothing will be hidden from you—it will all be revealed. Every secret of the kingdom will be unveiled and out in the open, made known by the revelation-light. 18 So pay careful attention to your hearts as you hear my teaching, for to those who have open hearts, even more revelation will be given to them until it overflows. And for those who do not listen with open hearts, what little light they imagine to have will be taken away.”
When we cooperate with the supernatural light, it also feeds us with revelation of the kingdom of God, helping us to mature, and becoming increasingly fruitful. Others are helped by our brightness. Light is amazing.
I believe we are in a new era, not only a new season. We desperately need this divine revelation light. I see it similar to the safety presentation on airplanes. We need to put our “oxygen mask” on ourselves first, then we will be able to help others. As followers of Jesus continually grow in relationship with God, and are filled with the revelation light, we will push back the darkness. This brings hope, light and life to untold numbers of people who need God.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3 Yes, light is amazing.
Join me in praying for, and imagining the light of Jesus pouring out of every pour. For this revelation light to being wisdom and life to every place we go. Let the light push back the darkness, relaxing with eternal life.
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