Different skies, different lights

One of the most common attributes we used to describe Jesus Christ is one that He gave to Himself: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) And perhaps you are familiar with what Jesus said about you: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)  Just like in all other areas of Scripture, there is a natural and a spiritual application and it is utterly important that you understand your role as the “light” so that you cast light where He has ordained. God is light (1 John 1:5) and “All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created.” (John 1:3) 

During Creation Week, as laid out in Genesis 1, God spoke light into existence, sourced from His own self and then, on Day 4 said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs to indicate seasons, and days, and years. Let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.” (Genesis 1:14-16) So when Jesus said He is the “Light of the World” and then also said that you and I are, what did He mean? Simply this: Two different skies, two different lights.

First you have to walk in the light, then you need to turn reflect that light into the darkness. Remember, the world needs the light of the moon just as much as it needs the light of the sun.

~Alicia Purdy

See, when God created the sun it was to “rule the day” and the moon was created to “rule the night”. God is like the sun. The sun is light and warmth and it governs the day and we “walk in the light as He is in the light”. However, the moon has no light source from it own self, so in order to cast light into the darkness of night, where it was created to govern, it must reflect light from the sun. You and I, who reflect the light of Jesus Christ, shine into the darkness. We were created to reflect Him and cast His light to every kind of darkness this world has to offer: the darkness of hopelessness, addiction, pain, regret, fear, anger, sickness and disease, demonic strongholds, prisons, workplaces, schools and everywhere else we set foot. Paul wrote this to the church in Philippi, “…be blameless and harmless sons of God, without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation in which you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)

With all the darkness and hate in this world that we all experience, it’s easy to forget that we are meant to operate in the darkness just like the moon, created to govern the night with the light that we shine, that we reflect from the Son. It is easy to forget that God has already won the victory. It is easy to feel discouraged if we are not spending enough time in the light of His presence. Praise and worship increase the light of His presence so you can shine it into the darkness as you were meant to do!

Thought for today

In John 11:9-10 Jesus said, “Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks during the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” When you spend time in worship, you are drawing in the light that is God. Worship is what empowers you to walk in the light – it’s not an easy thing to do when you live in a dark world!

First you have to walk in the light, then you need to turn reflect that light into the darkness. Remember, the world needs the light of the moon just as much as it needs the light of the sun. Your testimony of God’s goodness. Your words of encouragement. Your laying on hands to pray. Your reaching out to help, to care. The longer you spend in the presence of God, the more transformed you will be come and the brighter your light will be. Thankfulness is what opens the doors to His presence (Psalm 100:4) – so lift up your hands and praise Him!

More Resources to Strengthen Your Faith And Let Your Light Burn Brightly!

• “Fight, Flight, Freeze or… Faith?”
• “How ‘The Lord is My Shepherd” Will Transform Your Faith”
• “If There is No Fear in Love, What Are You Afraid Of?”

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of The Way of the Worshipper on Amazon – and AVAILABLE NOW you can also purchase The Way of the Worshipper: A Devotional Workbook for deeper study, personal examination and spiritual growth!