Jim's Jots and Tittles. . .
Turn Up the Light
Recently we found out what it is like to be without light. We also found out that if the source of that light is unable to produce light it is worthless.
This incident reminded me of how many times the word light is used in the Bible. In the complete Bible the word is used about 267 times. In the New Testament it is used 93 times. I was also amazed how many times the word "day" is used in the entire Bible--1689 times.
Light and day are usually used in contrast with darkness and night. An example of this contrast is found in Romans 13:12-13--"The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy."
The word light is used to refer to those things that are good and acceptable to God. Light and darkness cannot exist at the same time. That was obvious when we had the blackout. It was also obvious that without light darkness would exist and light was required to replace darkness.
In 1 John 1:5 we are told that God is all light and it is impossible for darkness to exist in God--"And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."
And the gospel, the word of truth is also referred to as light. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 it is referred to as the light of the gospel of the glory of God and in verse six it is referred to as the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Therefore, if one is to be in subjection to God and the light of His word, one also must reflect light rather than darkness.
Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 5:16--"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may glorify y9our Father who is in heaven."
Paul spoke of this in Ephesians 5:8-10--"for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light is all goodness and righteousness and truth) trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."
God, Christ, the gospel and those faithful to God are called light as opposed to this world being in darkness and sin. And in 2 Corinthians 6:14 Paul writes that one cannot exist in both worlds at the same time, just as light and darkness cannot exist together at the same time: "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" The word translated fellowship means a joint-participation.
Christians are to shine as lights in this world of darkness and sin just as light will become obvious in a dark place.
In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter writes that a Christian cannot be hid, because one has been called out of darkness into His marvelous light: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
In 1 John 2:6 John writes that we are to walk as Christ walked. He was the Son of God and always reflected His Father's light and often suffered for it. Paul writes in Romans the 8th chapter that we are the children of God and heirs with Christ and we may suffer as He did when He let His light shine. That is walking as He walked.
Brethren, is it time for us to "turn up the light"? Like the electric turbine, if we cannot produce light we are worthless!
—Jim Hunt
