Life-Giving Light

As we delve into a month of reflections on “The Lord is My Light,” I find myself turning over the idea of light, life-giving light.

What do I know about light, from Scripture, from observation, and from school?

Light was the beginning of creation, and it was created by the spoken Word of God (Genesis 1:3-4). It was separated from the darkness; it penetrates the darkness; and it is not overcome by darkness (Genesis 1:4-5, John 1:5).

Light illuminates our way, revealing paths that were hidden by darkness, allowing for sure footing. Light dissipates the confusion of darkness, where we cannot tell what is present and what is not. By revealing both our surroundings and the actions of people, light makes dangerous places safe.

And light fuels life on earth.

It is this point I’d like to explore a bit more today. Humor my inner scientist for a moment. I just can’t get over the beauty here!

Physics tells us that light is energy. Light can be transferred to objects, and it changes them in the process. When an object absorbs light, it is warmed, as its teeny molecules begin to quiver faster.

From a biologic perspective, the daylight created in Genesis 1 fuels all life on earth. Light received by plants is converted to other forms of energy. This light-fueled plant life is the foundation for every ecosystem. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a “second-tier vegetarian” as my son, who eats animals that eat plants, calls himself, every calorie you use for life and growth originates with light. 

Just as God tenderly grows and nourishes our bodies with sunlight-fueled food, His light is similarly the origin and sustenance of our life. For human life began with the breath of God (Genesis 2:7) and has been sustained by Him every moment since.

The Bible tells us that God’s light shines on everyone.

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9).

God’s common grace gives us ALL light. He gives us life and health. He designed our bodies to heal from injury and illness. He reveals truth, shines into darkness, and limits the evil that is yet with us on earth. God’s light gives light to everyone.

And yet, also, the fullness of life, life eternal, comes by being re-born of God and following Jesus.

“He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:10-13)

His way is the way of life, illuminated by His word. Not only was the first breath of human life an extension of God’s breath, but also Christians have been revived and brought to life again by His Spirit, first bestowed on the apostles in the breath of Christ (John 20:22).

The Lord is our life-giving light – our Creator, our Provider, and our Sustainer from whom all life flows. When our energy wanes, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we can turn to God, our light source and life source, for healing and nourishment, for knowledge and wisdom.

Maybe take a prayer walk today in whatever sunlight makes it your way this February day. Soak in God’s goodness, surrender your way in exchange for his, and breathe in His life.