The first act in the creation of our world came with God’s words, “Let there be light.” The light was natural, physical light. Its creation was an instant victory because it dispelled the darkness. Light and darkness in the Bible represent good and evil, respectively. Creation began with God’s work, which will conclude one day when there will be no darkness.
As shown in the video above, on 1-3 John reminds Jesus' followers to reflect God's light and love as they stay true to their beliefs amidst false teachers spreading fear.
Light has many applications in the Bible; physical, spiritual, moral, and figurative. It is symbolic of the Glory of God, His purity, His wisdom, and His guidance. Moses saw the glory of God in the burning bush. Christ is our light—the source of all wisdom; He is called the Sun of righteousness. Light frequently signifies instruction about God’s Word as a lamp unto our feet. Light symbolizes testimony; John the Baptist was called a burning and a shining light. Saul of Tarsus had a dramatic encounter with the Light of God on the road to Damascus.
The disciples were called the light of the world. Believers are described as “enlightened by Christ,” the light of the world who calls people out of darkness into his marvelous light. Jesus said, I am the light of the world: “...he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” He also said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
The Old Testament connects "light" to God's presence and darkness to anything that resists God. God creates light to limit darkness in Gen 1:2. Light is linked to God's presence and brings order to the formless emptiness.
Not only does the creation and beauty of light reveal God, but the physical properties of light are a picture of God. We can understand the character of God by observing what light is and what it does. One of the definitions of light given by Webster's New International Dictionary follows:
Light – Physics: The radiant energy which, by its actions upon the organs of vision, enables them to perform their function of sight; – more accurately called luminous energy. God is radiant or luminous energy that allows us to perform the functions of physical sight and spiritual sight.
Light is capable of showing everything for what it is. Apart from the light of the Word, we cannot see where we are or what we are doing, nor can we serve God effectively. The unconverted can’t see or understand the light of the Word of God because they lack the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-16).
Light is equated with knowledge and wisdom in Scripture. Light illuminates life. God’s Word is Light.
Bible Prompt
As you stitch this week, think about how light reveals God, Christ, God’s Word, and Christians. Use verse on light and add some couching. Couching is stitching a cord (or yarn or decorative thread) to fabric with embroidery stitches. It's a unique approach to add dimension to your work.
Be the Light Bible Journal Kit
Helpful Links
- Verses on Light
- Five Stitches for Hand Lettering Video
- Printing on Fabric Video
- Printing on Fabric with Freezer Paper
- Slow Stich Bible Journal Facebook Group
- Bible Journal Love Facebook Group
- Couching Ideas on Pinterest
- Couching ideas on Instagram
My Tag 9
