Thought for the Month

The word "light" in English carries differing definitions. It can be an object such as an electric light or a street light. It can also be described as the opposite of darkness as well as the opposite of heavy. In other analogies it can be used to represent truth as opposed to error.

In creation, the first reference to light comes as early as the third verse of the Bible when God said "Let there be light: and there was light". And so it was and he "called the light Day". We are later informed He provided the sun for a light by day and the moon and stars for a light by night. (Jer.31:35)

God is light. Jesus is light. The revelator, John, tells us that God is light. (1 John 1:5) The very same disciple recorded the words of our Lord Jesus who said "I am the light of the world". Even John the Baptist is described as a light, a burning and shining light although in this case it properly means "lamp" rather than light as is clearly stated in the Diaglott. (John 5:35)

The Bible is a light as the psalmist says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path". (Psalm 119:105) This lamp has been luminating the world for thousands of years now and the books will be opened for many years to come if not forever.

Light as truth. Someone who has been falsely accused of a crime may say "let light be shone into the case" meaning when all the full facts are made clear it will be obvious to all that he or she is innocent. Similarly the lies, deceit and treachery of Ziba were brought to light in the end in 2 Samuel for King David and Mephibosheth. It is in this form that light is recorded to bring out truth and dispel error. It is in such a form that Paul writes to the brethren in Corinth, Greece, that God who commanded light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts. (2 Cor.4:6) In a similar way it seems Nicodemus who came by night saw the light, when understanding that Jesus was the Messiah by the time he took care of Jesus’ dead body with Joseph of Arimathea.

We as lights. Matthew (5:14) records what was told on the mount that the disciples were the light of the world. Also Paul describes the children of God in Philippi, Northern Greece, as lights in the world. (Phil.2:15)

Therefore if we are lights what is our responsibility as lights? There are many things one could say but one action is to let our light shine that others may see our good works and glorify the heavenly Father. Another action is as we have opportunity do good unto all men especially the household of faith. (Matt.5:16; Gal.6:10) Other actions are to sing praises to him that hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light. But this just scratches the surface.

This all leads us to realms of light when the faithful in Christ Jesus will be with him in heavenly realms when all the saints will be gathered home.