The Contrast of Light and Darkness

The third verses in chapter one of the first book of the Bible brings light into the world. The first very first command in the Creation sequence is this, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3-4. That started the contrasts of light and darkness throughout the scriptures.

There were physical lights that were important in the Old Testament such as rituals and certain festivals. The lamps in the House of God were to give light continuously. It was of utmost importance and obedience that light never was overcome by darkness.

The supernatural light extravaganza contrasted the dark sky of Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born. The shepherd that witnessed this display certainly had never seen anything like this before. Little did the shepherds know, the baby they found in the manager, would soon illuminate the world.

Yes, that is exactly what happened. This little baby grew up and Jesus revealed himself as the Son of God. Some believed, some did not believe what Jesus said. John 8: 12 says, “Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness. He will have the light that gives life.’”

For those that accept the truth that Jesus was the Son of God and the Light of the World, have the amazing opportunity to continue to illuminate a sin-sick darken world. Ephesians 5:8-9 says, “In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light. Light brings every kind of goodness, right living and truth.” The darker the times, the more visible the light. If you are breathing, let your light shine!

There are many more examples through the Bible of the contrast of light and darkness. It is interesting though, just as light was the initial command in the first book of the Bible, the last book, Revelation, also carries this theme with a slightly different twist. This time it is not the beginning of physical light, rather it is replaced by eternal light. Speaking of our heavenly home, Revelation 21:23 tells us, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminate it. The Lamb is the light.” What a thought! No nights, No darkness, No overcast sky—the perfect light forever! So why not get use to the eternal light by living like children who belong to the light every day.

Pastor Ruth Kaunley