In Your Light We See Light

One of the illustrations most frequently used in scripture involves the contrast of light and darkness. The light stands for good and knowledge whereas darkness signifies evil and/or ignorance. Those who are disobedient reject the light because they love darkness (Jn. 3:19). The Bible reveals their ultimate end as being cast into outer darkness (Mt. 22:13; 25:30). This describes everlasting punishment (Mt. 25:45-46). Meanwhile, those who make up the kingdom of God are charged with being lights (Mt. 5:14; Php. 2:15; 1 Thess. 5:5) and refusing to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11). We shouldn’t be surprised at all then, to find that God is light (1 Jn. 1:5) and that His Son is the light of the world (Jn. 8:12).

We find the picture of light at work in a beautiful line from the 36th Psalm. Speaking to and about God, David writes, “For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light” (Psa. 36:9). It’s not hard to appreciate the beauty of the poetry, but how should this phrase be understood practically? If light represents knowledge and goodness, then what is being illuminated or revealed by our Creator?

Without the revelation of God’s word, we could not hope for anything but darkness. Lacking divine revelation, even the most basic of mankind’s questions would remain unanswered. Where did we come from? What is man’s purpose? But when men and women walk in the light of God’s word (1 Jn. 1:6-8), there is illumination concerning these and many other matters of life.

In the scriptures we read that we have been made by the Almighty and given a unique place in His creation (Gen. 1:26-28). We learn that our purpose is to bring Him glory, to fear Him, and to keep His commandments (Psa. 86:9; Ecc. 12:13). Through His revelation, we learn of sin and sin’s remedy—the sacrifice of Jesus (Rom. 7:7; 1 Jn. 3:4-5). The life of Jesus was given because of God’s mercy and lovingkindness (Psa. 36:5-8; Rom. 5:8). This same act exemplifies the love to which we aspire. God loved first and God loved best (Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Jn. 4:19). Our proper response requires obedience (Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 2:3). We are called out of darkness into His light (Col. 1:10-14; 1 Pet. 2:9). And our marching orders include work in the areas of evangelism (Mk. 16:15-16), edification (Heb. 10:24), benevolence (Gal. 6:10), worship (Jn. 4:23-24), and spiritual growth (2 Pet. 1:5-8).

By the knowledge which God has revealed and a growing relationship with Him and His people, we see what it is to be in the light! To walk worthy of the gospel (Eph. 4:1; Php. 1:27) is to behave after our example in Jesus (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 4:20-24). We truly do see the light in His light!