Everlasting Light

Of the many things God creates in Genesis chapter 1 the first thing is light. There is a lot of significance in this creation because its a reflection of His character. God is light (which can not be created). The earth and humankind reflect His glory. It says, "Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness." (verses 3-4).

God creating and separating the darkness from the light sets a repeated theme that runs through the lives of many Biblical characters. But it's more than a theme; it's how we are to live our Christian lives. There is a separating work God does in our lives so we walk as children of the light unlike those who live outside of Christ. Paul writes, "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." (I Thessalonians 5:5, NIV).

Light has a strange quality. It can draw you closer to it's warmth and ambient glow but it can also expose you. John says, "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed." (John 3:20, NLT).

There is a principle that the natural world speaks to spiritual things. This is true of the spiritual world made known in nature. For instance, without light photosynthesis could not exist. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, normally from the sun, into chemical energy that can be used to fuel the organisms' activities (Wikipedia).

So why would anyone want to remain in the dark when all the strength, power and radiance comes from the Son's light?

There is something else light can do. It can burn. God's light burns away the darkness of shame. His light melts away the cloudiness in the mind bringing illumination and understanding. Psalms 18:28 say, "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

How fitting is it for God to end the final chapter of this old creation (there will be a new heaven and earth) by promising us, "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5, NIV).