God and Jesus are light – 20 October 2021
By Carina Francke
Itekisi yeBhayibhile
1 KAYOHANE 1
UThixo ukukukhanya
UYOHANE 8
UYesu ukhanyiselo lwehlabathi
Light is a metaphor for truth, for everything that is good, right and holy, as well as for knowledge that exposes ignorance. Light is especially associated with God, the Father, and Jesus Christ. And you, me and every other believer has an open invitation to be light in a dark world by reflecting God’s light in us.
When God and Jesus speak or act, darkness makes way for light. God said to the pitch dark on the surface of the deep: “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3) and there was light. The verse, 1 John 1:5, states clearly: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” The person who claims to have fellowship with him, yet walks in the darkness, is lying and does not live by the truth. (1 John 1:6)
The Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus to pass judgement according to the law. Their motive? To trap him, to have a basis for accusing him. Jesus uncovered the dark motive for this question – the one with a clean conscience could throw the first stone. Nobody responded. Jesus bent down and wrote in the sand with his finger. Still no stone. Driven away by the presence of Jesus, the true light, feet shuffled away. Jesus then invited the woman into his circle of light: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)
On another occasion, Jesus extends an invitation to imperfect people like you and me to become part of his light: “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 promise! Darkness must flee before the Life in us because our every step follows in the footsteps of Christ.
His words enable and teach us how: “You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16) In short, the light of the Godhead in you, must result in godly living as a person of the light. Even if you find yourself amongst corrupt and degenerate people, “… you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15,16)
Prayer: Father, you are the Giver of spiritual life that enables me to see and know the truth. Thank you that the Holy Spirit constantly reminds me that your Word is the lamp for my feet and the light for my path. Amen
