Light is something that is so common we take it for granted. Every day the sun comes up. While it may be cloudy and dim we still have light. Even in the night, God provides light with the stars and moon. In Genesis 1:3-4, we see the creation of light.
Genesis 1:3-4 “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
God created light and separated the light from the darkness. It is amazing to me that he continues that theme of separating light in the New Testament. When Jesus was teaching he proclaimed, “I am the light of the world.” He also noted in John 12:46, that those who abide in him will not be in darkness. In the New Testament Jesus is the separation of light and darkness.
John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 12:46 “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”
In the dictionary, light is defined as “the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.” Where there is light, there is exposure. Wherever the main beam shines is completely exposed, but the further you get from the center of the beam the less you see.
There are all kinds of lights. Floodlights spread out their light as it exits in the glass. Solar lights, that soak up the sun during the day and continue to shine all night. Lamps, used in the home are covered with a shade so that the light only shines on what is below it. There are halogen bulbs, they are brighter and hotter than the traditional lights in a home. There are incandescent, fluorescent, and so many more, but I think you get the picture. Lights are like Christians, they vary greatly in the effect they have on their surroundings.
Jesus never varied in his illumination. Always exposing what was around him. Whether it be the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22, where Jesus knew his riches were more important to him than eternal life; the Samaritan woman in John 4:4-42, who was living with a man that was not her husband, or Nicodemus in John 3:1-21 that came to him by night to seek knowledge of how to have eternal life. Jesus, the light, exposed all their sin, but He also showed them the way.
Jesus was, and is, the light, for a dark world ruled by sin. When he went away he left us here to represent him.
Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Where are you shining in this dark world? If you are shining, darkness will be exposed. Others will notice a difference.
I remember when we lived in Pittsburgh, PA. We built a new home and finished the basement ourselves. Ron had mudded the sheetrock several times and sanded and primed the walls. After many attempts, I was told to call a professional. I did. When the man arrived, I showed him the project he was to complete. I will never forget the words of that man. “Ma’am I can take your money, but I don’t see anything wrong with it, the only way anyone would see anything, would be if you put a halogen light on it.” I laughed and told him that’s what my husband did. He laughed and told me to throw his light away.” I tell that story to remind you that the brighter the light, the more we are exposed. Let’s see what our halogen will show.
First, we need to move so close to Jesus that we see our sins as he does. We need to move close enough to expose anything that does not please God, revealing things hidden so deep in our hearts that only he can bring them to the light.
Second, we need to be like the solar lights. When we have been with Jesus, we should shine bright and strong, because we soak up so much in his presence that we keep on shining 24 hours a day!
Unfortunately, many Christians want to live as if it were the dawning of the day, with just enough light to see the big objects around them, but not enough to feel conviction for the “little things” in their life. They feel they are ok. They don’t see anything wrong with their life, because they are living in dim light. I can assure you that if you move up close to Jesus, the light will reveal areas of your life that aren’t pleasing to him. When you draw close to Jesus, your desire will be to please him in all things. The examination will not be to determine if an action or attitude is right or wrong. It will be to seek what is best, not just okay. You will strive for excellence in your walk with Christ. You will see clearly, and love deeply. So deeply that nothing will be too precious to lay it down for Him.
What kind of light are you?
Where are you shining?
When you shine what are the results?
What is the Light exposing to you?
