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 9 of 22

REVEALED IN CREATION
LET THERE BE LIGHT

In creation the very first expression of God called light into existence. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light" (Gen 1:3). Those are the first recorded words of God. Seeing that the light "was good," the Lord immediately "divided the light from the darkness" (Gen 1:4). In that separation He caused light to "excel the darkness" (Eccl 2:13). He then "called the light ‘Day,' and the darkness He called ‘Night.' And the evening and the morning were the first day" (Gen 1:4).

Precisely how the light was divided from the darkness is not known to man. Men strive in vain to answer how it was done, as is evident by God's questioning of Job: "By what way is the light parted" (Job 38:24). There is also a place where the light dwells that is only known to God. "Where is the way where light dwelleth?" (Job 38:19). It is enough for us to accept what has been revealed. At the very outset of creation, light was brought into existence, and distinguished from the darkness. It was given the priority over the darkness, being called "good." Light and darkness cannot mix. God has separated them. Thus God "spread His light" upon creation, and the world in particular (Job 36:30).

Strictly speaking, light is distinguished from the sun, from which the earth receives illumination. Thus it is written, "Thou hast prepared the light AND the sun:" (Psa 74:16). So far as the earth is concerned, the sun was made to "rule the day" (Psa 136:8).

The Person of God is revealed in the creation because it is an expression of Himself. Thus it is written, "O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honor and majesty. Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment" (Psa 104:1-2). Where light is made known, therefore, God is also present and may, to some degree, be perceived.

The permeation of creation with the influence of its Creator is the reason for its resounding and unending testimony to Him. Thus it is written, "The heavens declare THE GLORY OF GOD; and the firmament showeth HIS HANDIWORK. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard" (Psa 19:1-3).

The tone for creation, and all activities occurring therein, was set with the first recorded words of the Almighty: "Let there be light!" Illumination, understanding, and perception are the priorities of the Kingdom! They have, by virtue of that first Divine utterance, been given the moral and spiritual preeminence.

MORAL LIGHT

Light is the first item on the moral agenda, just as surely as it was in the natural creation. Moral light assists men in distinguishing right from wrong. That distinction is intended to enable the individual to choose the good and refuse the wrong. By creation, this light is realized within man's basic constitution. Although it is not the fullest light, it is sufficient to leave him without excuse before God. As it is written, "When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them" (Rom 2:14-15).

SPIRITUAL LIGHT

Further, where there is no spiritual light, there is no communion with God, and salvation has not been realized! Salvation is, in fact, the experience of spiritual light. As it is written, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). We therefore do well to give heed to these words, "Let there be light." They reveal much of God and His agenda to us.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I ask that You cause the light of the knowledge of Your glory shine in my hearts to the fullest extent possible. Make me a custodian of Your light!

-- Tomorrow: NO DARKNESS IN HIM --