By Ikenna Daniel Molobe

1 John 1:5
“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” 

The Bible provides us with many scriptural teachings about light as well as reminding us of it’s importance, both as a spiritual symbol and as a representation of God’s presence among us. Light symbolizes guidance, clarity, truth, and holiness or divine presence; it represents hope in our lives.

In the beginning, according to God’s scripture, light is described as a transformative force that dismisses darkness and brings about spiritual renewal. In God’s creation of the world, the Bible tells us that God begins with the profound declaration of light: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:3-4). Here, light is the first element called into existence, signifying the establishment of order and the dispelling of chaos. It is a manifestation of God’s creative power and His ability to bring clarity and structure to the universe.

Light as a source

In the times of life’s struggles or uncertainties, we seek the wisdom of God’s Word to illuminate our paths.

In my journey of faith, I’ve come to understand that God is the ultimate source of light. Scripture tells us that God doesn’t just shine light in our lives; He is light. This light dispels darkness and brings clarity to our paths. When I reflect on my own experience, I can recognize moments when God’s light guided me through time of health challenge. I battled with sleeplessness (insomnia) and was prescribed different sedative medications, I wasn’t able to sleep. At this time, it was the word of God that gave me light after the doctor stopped the medication, spent time with me to share the word of God that brings hope to my life. I was able to overcome depression and I felt relieved and before I knew it, I was able to regain my sleep. So, let’s hold onto His word and remember to look to God in our times of need, trusting that He will illuminate the way forward. The Book of Psalms 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Light has the power to transform both ourselves and our surroundings. When we invite God’s light into our lives, we will feel a change, renewal and fresh perception. Change often comes when we embrace the light of Christ and allow it to shape our hearts and we will live a fulfilling life. In the book of John 8:12, it says “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

The Nature of Light

The scripture says; “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14) and in Matthew 5:16, it further says “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Understanding this means that the nature of light brings to mind the purity and holiness that it represents, and therefore knowing that we are created in the image of God, and God is light, then we need to show the light. In the Bible, light is often associated with righteousness and the goodness of God. As we integrate this understanding into our lives, we see the significance of striving to reflect that same light. We are called to align our actions and thoughts with God’s goodness, allowing His light to shine through us for others to see.

I have heard from my clients who shared with me that the way I have attended to them any time they visit the clinic or seek for help gives them hope and encouragement. We need to show love, put a smile on our face, and model an attitude that reflect God’s light. Our clients can open up to us because God’s light reveals the truth. Also, by giving to those in need it reflects God’s light. By doing so, even those who are yet to read the Bible should read Christ in us.

When we reflect on Jesus as the light of the world, we grasp the significance of His love and sacrifice. Jesus came to light our hearts and expel the shadows of sin and ignorance. As we strive to be like Him, we are invited to share this light with others, spreading love and kindness wherever we go. Being part of the light also means embracing our mission in the world to uplift those around us. The word of God says “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5.

Light in Darkness

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light
of day.” – Proverbs 4:18

The difference between light and darkness has been demonstrated throughout scriptures. Darkness often represents challenges, sin, misery and hopelessness; while light symbolizes hope, love, and God’s promise. In our lives, we will certainly face dark moments, but we can find solace in the fact that God’s light can break through any darkness. As we hold onto faith in these trying times, we can trust that God’s light will shine brightly and guide us toward brighter days.

This message also reminds me of a colleague who battle addiction and relapse for years and was able to overcome it and break free from the bondage of relapse by always talking about the word of God with people and sharing his lived and addiction experiences. By doing so, he breaks through the darkness and brought light to his path and for years still counting he has fled himself from relapse.

Our Call to Shine

“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light.” – Psalms 36:9

God has made us a burning and shining light. So light up your world with the gospel of His truth, righteousness and grace. As believers, we have a beautiful call to shine our light in the world. Each of us has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others by reflecting God’s love and grace. Sharing our experiences, kindness, and hope can inspire others to seek God and walk in His light. Let us actively be channels of light, encouraging those around us while being visible agents of God’s love. Therefore, choosing to walk in the light is an invitation to live in obedience to God’s will and purpose. We are reminded that walking in the light means living visibly and truly, reflecting God’s character. It encourages us to be more open about our faith and to let go of anything that pulls us back into darkness. Walking in the light builds our relationships with God and others, and makes our spiritual journey more fulfilling.

Prayer

Dear Father, we thank you for making us the light of the world. We pray for your light to continue to shine upon us. Through your light, we shall expel the darkness caused by sin. By your grace, our life will reflect your nature and inspires others to follow us in Jesus’ Name.
Amen