by Deborah Towles
Synopsis: Deborah encourages mothers to teach their children the spiritual significance and symbolism of light and darkness.
God is light, the Father of lights, in whom is no darkness (James 1:17; 1 John 1:5). Jesus is the light of this world and the next (John 8:12; Rev. 21:22-24). God illuminated darkness at creation by and through His Word (Gen. 1:1-3; John 1:1-4). So too, the Word of Christ enlightens the hearts of those newly created in Him (2 Cor. 4:4-6; 5:17). Disciples of Christ become lights, reflecting His glory to the world (Matt. 5:14; Col. 1:27).
Natural light reveals essential and profound spiritual truths about the character of God. Light is good—essential to life, yet powerfully dangerous. To look directly on the sun or approach too closely is hazardous or deadly without protection. The glory of God's holiness is most often expressed in terms of light, unapproachable by man (1 Tim. 6:16). God protected Moses by hiding him in a cleft of rock where he beheld the fringe of God's glory (Exod. 33:18-23). Our mortal, sinful bodies cannot stand before His glory, goodness, and power. For now, we must rely on our sinless Lord, who alone is qualified to enter God's presence for us (Heb. 9:24). At His coming, our bodies will be transformed from lowly to heavenly and so dwell in His presence (Phil. 3:20-21).
Light illuminates darkness—most men seek and are drawn to it. At the coming of Christ, those sitting in darkness saw a great light and followed Him (Matt. 4:16, 25). Like Saul, those in darkness may be temporarily blinded by a dazzling light (Acts 22:11). The Lord is an everlasting light to His disciples (Isa. 60:19). He transforms them into children of light. They become His instrument to bring others to the light (Eph. 5:8; 2 Cor. 3:12-18). Even after the death of a star, its light is still visible in the darkness of space. So too, the example and influence of godliness continues to bless the living even after death (1 Tim. 5:24-25). The influence of Jesus is evident as He continues to dwell in His disciples who illuminate the world (John 9:5; Phil. 2:15).
Light does not change what is hidden in darkness. Instead, it casts out fear of the unknown because it reveals what is both good and evil (Eph. 5:8-15; 1 Cor. 4:5), illuminating paths of safety and also hidden dangers (John 8:12; Prov. 4:18). The blind stumble in darkness; not so, the one who walks in light (2 Pet 1:9-11; 1 John 1:7) for the Word of God reveals the right path (Ps. 119:105).
A shadow is a dark area or shape made by an object blocking rays of light. Light exposes the form of what is real but not reality itself. The old Law was a shadow cast by the reality of Jesus (Col. 2:17). The dawning of true Light dispelled the shadow of death (Matt. 4:16) because the power of Light overcame darkness (John 1:5; 1 John 4:4). Neither death nor the old Law has power over God's people. Instead, they dwell in joyful safety in the shadow of His wings for His presence and protection are real (Ps. 4:6-8; 57:1).
Your sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory (Isaiah 60:19, ESV).
Lack of light causes one to stumble, to wander from the safe path, to be blind to lurking dangers. Some love darkness and its deeds, hating and avoiding light (John 3:19-21; Isa. 2:10,19). Surrounded by darkness, it reigns within their hearts, because the god of this world has blinded them (Matt. 6:22-23; 2 Cor. 4:4). Those who remain in darkness will be cast away from the only true source of light into the despair of complete, eternal darkness (Matt. 8:12; 2 Thess. 1:9).
God's wisdom can be seen all around us. Explore and rejoice in the lessons of light. The next time you give your child a flashlight, provide him with something more valuable. By understanding the lessons of light, we grow in our understanding of God.
Author Bio: Deborah Towles is the wife of Gale Towles who preaches for the State Line church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. Last June, they celebrated their 41st anniversary. Gale and Deborah have four children and nineteen grandchildren. She can be reached at deboraht@carolina.rr.com.
