The Son of God is called the Light of the world. Those
who believe in Him too are equally called the light of the world (Mat.5:14). The
world where we shine is full of darkness. The darkness is the contrast that
makes light visible. Heaven is full of pure light, the light that the present
eyes cannot withstand without being blinded. When John saw the Lord Jesus in
the Book of Revelation, everything about His glory was reduced so that He could
communicate with John, yet His face was so full of light that John could not stand.
“His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” Rev 1:16.
He came as the light which was prophesied many years
before by the prophets: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great
light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isa
9:2. Simeon, when He was born and presented at the temple, said among other
things that He is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your
people Israel." Luke 2:32. The Apostle John introduced Him as the Light of
men, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in
the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. … The true light that
gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4-9.
The Lord Himself declared, “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. “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who
sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am
the light of the world." John 9:4-5. Immediately Jesus finished saying
this, He opened the eyes of a man that had been blind from birth.
From the passages, it is clear that there is the light of life to have and also the works of light to do. The works of
light are “to preach good news to the poor… to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow
on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of
mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Hence Peter further
explained, while preaching in Cornelius’ house, “how God anointed Jesus of
Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and
healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”
Acts 10:38. Our environment, including the men and the elemental powers around
us, must see and experience our light.
Having celebrated Christmas and have entered into a
New Year, let us remember that Jesus is no more here among us physically. He
has kept us here as the light that should shine in this world of darkness. Let
us make sure that we have the Light in us because only then can we shine
through righteousness and holiness. He that does not have the Lord Jesus does
not have the Light of life in him. Let us keep counteracting the works of
darkness by doing the works of light. At last, we will enter into His heaven of
eternal light where we will rest in His glory. “The city does not need the sun
or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb
is its lamp.” Rev 21:23-24.
