GOD IS LIGHT

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

Devotion 6 of 22

THE FATHER OF LIGHTS

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

What a marvelous depiction of our God! He is the author of "every good gift and every perfect gift." That is every gift that is inherently excellent and has no flaw, and that brings blessing and spiritual benefit. All such gifts are "from above," and "come down." They are not created by men, but conferred upon them by a beneficent God. The superior of all His gifts is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, His only begotten Son–the "unspeakable gift" (2 Cor 9:15). The lesser of His gifts are of a temporal nature, including such things as the rising sun and the falling rain, which He graciously sends upon both the evil and the good, the just and the unjust (Matt 5:45). But all of these gifts "come down from the Father of lights."

God is the "Father" of all the varied forms of light. They all have their source with Him, and in no way are independent of Him. He is the Author of all corporeal light, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars. It is He that created them all, populating the heavens with an unspeakable number of luminous heavenly bodies. They are a testimony to the diversity and abundance of the light exuding from Him.

He is also the Author of all rational and moral light. This includes all intelligence and intuition. The ability to reason and understand all come from Him, as well as the understanding of particular matters. Spiritual insight and the comprehension of heavenly mysteries all come down from "the Father of lights."

The four living creatures who occupy the immediate proximity of the throne of God, are keen in their perception (Rev 4:6-9; 5:8-11). They possess a profound understanding of the Divine working, yet obtained all of their comprehensive abilities from "the Father of lights." Were it not for Almighty God, they have no more understanding than the ostrich, whom God deprived of wisdom (Job 39:17). But God has poured into them much of Himself, so that they may speak for Him concerning even things to come.

The cherubim and seraphim, lofty heavenly beings noted for their insight (Gen 3:24; Ezek 10:1-20; Isa 6:2-6, obtained their intelligence from God, the "Father lights." Not a single facet of their broad understanding was developed apart from Him. Their knowledge had its source in God, and they are well aware of it.

The holy angels, multitudinous in number, are noted for their wisdom (2 Sam 14:20). It is transcendent to man's wisdom. They too have often spoken in behalf of God, announcing things to come, and the unseen activities that would bring them to pass. They too received their wisdom and insight from "the Father of lights."

All human intellect and understanding have come from God. Illumination in every form, whether it is in the fields of science and technology, or reasoning and theology, has come from "the Father of lights." If men have discovered something, God has opened it to them. If they have seen something of the truth, God has shown it to them. He alone is the "Father of lights." When men are given to see the Son of God for whom He really is, God has revealed it to them (Matt 16:16-18). He is "the Father of lights."

The most informative piece of intelligent communication every given to men, the Scriptures, came from God, the "Father of lights." They were inspired by Him (2 Tim 3:16), and that is the sole reason for their profitability. No wonder the Psalmist said, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa 119:105). It came from "the Father of lights," and thus is "pure, enlightening the eyes" (Psa 19:8).

The "Father of lights" is contrasted with the "prince of darkness" in Scripture. The Source of all illumination is God. The source of all moral and spiritual darkness or ignorance is Satan.

The magnitude of this statement is staggering. From the sun, moon, and stars, to spiritual insights and scientific understanding--all "light" comes from God. He is the "Father of lights" because He Himself IS Light. He is not simply the Origin of light--although He is that--He is Light itself! We see it in the heavenly bodies, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the people of God, and various spiritual insights! Sand back and marvel at the Lord. He is great, and greatly to be praised!

And, lest we forget, the light that comes from Him is pure and consistent. It does not vary or change, for with the Lord there is "no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Now, there is the God You can trust, and upon Whom you can rely with all of your heart.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You that all forms of light and illumination come from You, and You alone. In the name of Jesus, grant me grace never to seek understanding apart from You!

– Tomorrow: WHAT IS THAT TO YOU? --