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 13 of 22
THE LORD JESUS

In its highest manifestation, God's light illuminates the "face of Jesus Christ," Who is the "Light of the world." As it is written, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' MADE His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Cor 4:6, NIV). That is WHY Jesus is "the Light of the world" John 8:12). It is in Jesus, and Jesus alone, that we come to know God in truth, obtaining His salvation and gaining access to Him.

It is the influence of God Himself that makes Jesus understandable to us. That is why Jesus said, "and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father" (Luke 10:22). Again, Jesus said, "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of (by) God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me" (John 6:44-45). While it is true, those in Christ "know" Him, it is preeminently true that the Father knows the Son. Jesus said, "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father" (John 10:15). That is the reason we are able to come to and know the Son.

It is His (the Father's) light that has enabled us to see Jesus, not merely our human capabilities. In His light, we have been enabled to see "the light of the world." Jesus referred to this reality when He explained to Peter how he was able to confess Him as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven" (Matt 16:17, NASB).

Let me say it even more succinctly, in words that the Holy Spirit, teaches; "For God, who "commanded the light to shine out of darkness," is the One who "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, NASB). God has shed light upon us through the face of Jesus. As we have perceived the Person and accomplishments of Christ Jesus, salvation was brought within our reach. In turn, the glory of the face of Jesus--or perceiving His glory--has shed light upon God Himself, acquainting us with Him.

There is yet another way in which Jesus is "the Light of the world."
In Him the Father is seen most precisely and extensively. This is involved in the following verses from Colossians. "For it pleased the Father that in Him should ALL FULNESS dwell . . . For in him dwelleth all THE FULNESS of the Godhead bodily" (1:19; 2:9). Everything that is knowable to men about God is found in the Person of Christ. In Him, the revelation of God's person and purpose is brought to its fullest measure.

Another declaration of this matter is found in Hebrews 1:2-3: " . . . His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person . . . "


The practical result of this impacts upon salvation itself. Every aspect of God that bears directly upon the matter of salvation is found in the Person and expressions of Jesus Christ. He is the Divinely appointed repository of the knowledge of God. Apart from Him, a saving knowledge of, and access to, the Living God are not possible. This is involved in our Lord's words: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). And again, "All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him" (Lk 10:22).

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for the fulness of the revelation of Yourself in Your Son. In Jesus' name, help me to see more of Yourself in Him.

-- Tomorrow: THE WORD OF GOD --