Sunday, October 16, 2011

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Light of the World

In the beginning, God…

Do those words thrill you like they do me?!

GOD.

The Ultimate Cause.

The Great Creator.

The One Who Rules The Universe.

God's work of creation was an amazing, awe-inspiring, majestic, supernatural miracle. God made something – God made everythingout of nothing. His Wisdom stretched out and filled time and space with Himself.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" focuses on the beginning of His incredible creative plan:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good."
(Genesis 1:1-3)

Here, in the beginning, God's Spirit hovered over a dark world.

The image of the Spirit of God hovering over the earth's surface is similar to a mother bird caring for and protecting her young (see Deuteronomy 32:11, 12/Isaiah 31:5). Don't you love that?

And in much the same way, the Spirit of God hovers over a dark world today. A world full of sin – a world full of people trapped by the darknessin their lives, in their relationships, in their hearts.

Dark.

Several years ago, I visited the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. They are fascinating. A myriad of shapes and colorsintricate, massivea wonderland. A most interesting combination of water, and minerals, and lots (and lots) of time.

At one point on the tour, the guide turned out all the lights. And it was dark – pitch dark. So dark that I could not see my hand less than one inch in front of my face. At that moment, a great truth dawned (!!) on me.

Darkness is not an entity in itself.

Darkness is the absence of light.

It is the light that defines the darkness.

God saw the darkness, and He said, "Let there be light."

And it was good.

The Light of God makes its appearance in our lives in so many ways.

There is redemption Light – when the Light of God shines into the dungeon of our sins, and sets us free. The chains of slavery are removed by salvation – salvation that was bought by the death and resurrection of the Light of the World, dear Jesus. We are freed from eternal darknessa hell of separation from Godand walk into the light of eternity.

There is wisdom Light – when God's Word becomes a light on our paths, and a lamp to our feet. We are guided in our faith journeys, even when the way seems dark, by the sure and steadying guidance of His Word. We are corrected, and challenged, and comforted, and inspired by Scripture. It enlightens our thinking, and brings illumination to our souls.

There is encouragement Light – when into a dark and lonely season, God's Light shines. Sometimes it bursts forth in glory, like the sun beaming through the clouds – and sometimes it's just the hopeful flicker of a candle, that lets us see His presence again.

God's Light.

Not the opposite of darkness – for the darkness is not equal to the light.

No, all the darkness of the world, and of our souls, is only the absence of the Light – the true Light of God's radiant Presence.

Could we take a step without it?


"Jesus spoke to the people…and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12 – NLT)

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
(Psalm 36:9 – KJV)


Take some time, and search your Bible for its many references to Light.

They will wash over your spirit with refreshing rays of warming SONlight.

And it will be good!


Where do you need the Light of God to shine in your life?


"When in doubt, search God out!"

7 comments:

  1. I came over to visit from Janis' blog. I'm looking forward to reading about how you two got to meet in person recently. I know how fun that can be. When you already know a person's heart by reading their blog, the meeting is just another aspect of the relationship. I've not been disappointed any time I've had the pleasure of meeting another blogger, especially a sister in Christ.

    As far as this post, I loved it. I am so humbled and thankful that the refreshing rays of His warming SONlight shine within me. He is my light!

    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  2. No I can't live without His light...and yes sometimes it is just a flicker which gives us enough light for the next step forward.

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  3. What I look forward to is the day we won't need the light from the sun and the moon because Jesus' radiance will be all the light we need! Great thoughts Sharon! We also need to remember we are the light of the world to go out and tell others about the saving Light of the World!

    have a good restful Sunday!

    betty

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  4. It is the light that defines the darkness.

    My favorite quote from this post, Sharon! It is GOD who defines all things - not man. God said it - I believe it - that defines it!

    What peace and comfort there in in such a thought! Now, to only zero in on His voice for every definition of all things that touch my life everyday!!

    Joy!
    Kathy

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  5. I need his light too - sometimes it's not as bright as others times, but it is always there.

    sandie

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  6. Hi Sharon,

    Thank you for this. His Light does indeed shine through any darkness, even if it is only a flicker sometimes. That flicker, can mean so much.

    Hope things are improving for you and that your husband's ankle is getting better.

    God Bless - Nita

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  7. No. I can not take a step without it. I had a similar experience years ago at a place called "The Lost Sea". They said that they were going to show utter darkness. It was terrifying. All I wanted to do was reach out for my girls.

    Life without the Light is no life at all.

    The Good News is that it's very hard to have that utter darkness. Even the slightest flicker drives it away. For us, it was the flicker of some reflective shoes. They had told the person to cover them, but when he lifted his hand, that flicker changed everything.

    Yep. Just like the Light of the World.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)