Light: November 8, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2012.

LIGHT

DEFINITION:

Something that makes things visible or affords illumination; exposure to truth.

SCRIPTURE:

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

There is no doubt that we are living in a dark and sinful world. Darkness is a sign of evil and the world today for the most part is evil. Satan, the evil one, is running free in our world. Many people live today in situations where God is not acknowledged, where a Christian’s faith is mocked and godless living is applauded.

In most religions light is a symbol of God and godliness. The Bible is no exception. In I John 1:5, it reads that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Not only is God light but He is the giver of light to the world. In James 1:17, James reminds us that God is the “Father of the heavenly lights.” God created the sun, the moon, and the stars to give physical light to the world. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to give spiritual light to the world. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” In John 1:9 John the Baptist says Jesus was coming into the world to be the true light for everyone. In Psalms 119:105 it reads that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Without light there is only darkness.

As believers, Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14 that “We are the light of the world.” After we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are no longer in darkness and we are to walk as children of light. God expects us to represent Him in this world. A believer in Christ represents the opposite of evil and darkness and needs to shine as a light in a darkened world. When you as a believer live a life that honors God you are a light in this dark world.

We have been through two major earthquakes. The first one was in 1971 just before the birth of our sixth child. Earthquakes will knock the power out and at night it is really dark after an earthquake. There are many aftershocks following a major earthquake and some of these aftershocks would cause the lights to flicker or sometimes knock the power completely out. Being in total darkness was frightening to our young children. At the first hint of a tremor announcing a new aftershock they would come running and cling on to us for dear life. It was quite some time before they would go to bed unless the light was left on in their room. Fear of the dark is very natural and common among children and adults. Since we live in an earthquake prone area we now keep flashlights and candles readily available.

Darkness basically represents the evil side of life and light represents the good. This is not only true in the Bible but in the world we live in today. The plot of many books and movies today, (like Star Wars), are between good and bad --- between light and darkness.

Darkness and light are completely opposite. They are opposing forces. Darkness blots out the light and depicts evil and light has the power to light up the dark and depicts truth and love. Unfortunately, sinful man loves the darkness because their deeds are evil, and they hate the light of Jesus, because they are afraid it will expose their evil deeds. (John 3:20) 

Each year, as our children were growing up we spent our vacation at the ocean. We always were awed by how clear and beautiful it was at night. Without the city lights hundreds of stars could be seen which were never visible in the city. This is a vivid contrast --- the light of the stars with the darkness of the sky is breath taking and always reminded us of the awesomeness of God. As the Psalmist said (Psalms 27:1) “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?”

LEARNING:

Our memory verse this week is found in EPHESIANS 2:8-9.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

PRAYER:

Father, I thank You that You are my light and my salvation. Help me to be a bright light for You, shining in a dark world. Guide me in the teaching of my children that they may understand the difference between the light and the darkness of this world. Help them to know that Jesus is our light and sin is darkness. Help me to teach them to walk as children of light.