When you need to clean out an underground cellar or a dark closet, what you need most is light. Aren’t you thankful for light bulbs, electricity, and flashlights?
When the power goes out, aren’t you grateful for candles and matches? When you’re camping, don’t you appreciate the glow of a campfire that keeps away bears and pests?
Light illuminates. It pushes back the darkness. It enables us to see what needs fixing. It shows us a way out. Because bad things often happen in the darkness, light increases our safety and gives us comfort.
Here’s the good news: God calls Himself “the Light of Israel.” This means He shines. He is glorious. He burns bright; and like a glowing fire, He gives warmth to all who are near Him.
As pure light, He drives out darkness and shows us the way home. Our divine light keeps us safe, gives relief to us, and brings us joy.
But we also must remember God’s light is directly connected to His holiness. As a brilliant light cannot coexist with utter darkness, so God cannot tolerate sin. He is righteous.
He is pure. He is always good. He isn’t a dimming lantern; He’s a blazing sun! Like a laser, the holy light of God burns away sin. Consequently, we each have to choose whether we will submit to His light or continue to live in darkness.
When Jesus came from God, He made this amazing statement: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
What a wonderful promise! When we have Jesus, two incredible things happen: One, we have light—because He is the very light of God. As a result, we can say with David, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Two, we become light. Remember what Jesus said to His followers? “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14, emphasis added).
All of this begs the question: Is the Light of Israel your light today? Let Him illuminate you and purify you. Let Him shine in and through you.
Do you view God more as a dimming lantern, a steady lighthouse, or as a consuming fire? Why do you suppose that is?
