1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, October 16, 2011

GENESIS - Light of the World

In the beginning, God…

Do those words thrill you like they do me?!

GOD.

The Ultimate Cause.

The Great Creator.

The One Who Rules The Universe.

God's work of creation was an amazing, awe-inspiring, majestic, supernatural miracle. God made something – God made everythingout of nothing. His Wisdom stretched out and filled time and space with Himself.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" focuses on the beginning of His incredible creative plan:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good."
(Genesis 1:1-3)

Here, in the beginning, God's Spirit hovered over a dark world.

The image of the Spirit of God hovering over the earth's surface is similar to a mother bird caring for and protecting her young (see Deuteronomy 32:11, 12/Isaiah 31:5). Don't you love that?

And in much the same way, the Spirit of God hovers over a dark world today. A world full of sin – a world full of people trapped by the darknessin their lives, in their relationships, in their hearts.

Dark.

Several years ago, I visited the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. They are fascinating. A myriad of shapes and colorsintricate, massivea wonderland. A most interesting combination of water, and minerals, and lots (and lots) of time.

At one point on the tour, the guide turned out all the lights. And it was dark – pitch dark. So dark that I could not see my hand less than one inch in front of my face. At that moment, a great truth dawned (!!) on me.

Darkness is not an entity in itself.

Darkness is the absence of light.

It is the light that defines the darkness.

God saw the darkness, and He said, "Let there be light."

And it was good.

The Light of God makes its appearance in our lives in so many ways.

There is redemption Light – when the Light of God shines into the dungeon of our sins,and sets us free. The chains of slavery are removed by salvation – salvation that was bought by the death and resurrection of the Light of the World, dear Jesus. We are freed from eternal darknessa hell of separation from Godand walk into the light of eternity.

There is wisdom Light – when God's Word becomes a light on our paths, and a lamp to our feet. We are guided in our faith journeys, even when the way seems dark, by the sure and steadying guidance of His Word. We are corrected, and challenged, and encouraged, and inspired by Scripture. It enlightens our thinking, and brings illumination to our souls.

There is encouragement Light – when into a dark and lonely season, God's Light shines. Sometimes it bursts forth in glory, like the sun beaming through the clouds – and sometimes it's just the hopeful flicker of a candle, that lets us see His presence again.

God's Light.

Not the opposite of darkness – for the darkness is not equal to the light.

No, all the darkness of the world, and of our souls, is only the absence of the Light – the true Light of God's radiant Presence.

Could we take a step without it?


"Jesus spoke to the people…and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12 – NLT)

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
(Psalm 36:9 – KJV)


Take some time, and search your Bible for its many references to Light.

They will wash over your spirit with refreshing rays of warming SONlight.

And it will be good!


Where do you need the Light of God to shine in your life?


(I'm linked today with Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. And please feel free to visit me during the week at my other blog, Sharon Sharing God!)


"When in doubt, search God out!"

5 comments:

  1. I like your new background. I'm sitting in Panera basking in the "warming rays of SONlight" because of your post.

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  2. Hi Sharon,
    A few years back I visited a cave here in Arizona where they turned out the lights. The darkness seemed like it was heavy in a way. If the lights were no not be turned back on and there was no path to escape, one would be totally lost. Without the light of Christ, we are totally lost and without hope.
    Awesome post and God bless,
    Ken

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  3. One of my most favorite lingerings... thinking about the beginning as we know it, believe it. God, Spirit, and Son hovering over the waters and contemplating forever... contemplating me. I cannot even imagine the splendor of that one moment. But I like to try!

    peace~elaine

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  4. Many years ago we visited Carlsbad Caverns and witnessed that complete darkness. I'm so thankful for light. I'm especially thankful for the son light. Thank you for sharing dear Sharon. It's always a pleasure to visit your blogs.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  5. Blessings Sharon,

    (Time's up) Yet I love this one and so many illuminating points here.

    You won't believe it but I'm reading a new bday gift to me "Passages of Light" and opened to this and wondered how you and I were on the same page!

    This is so beautiful! As this painter/author says "Light is an expression of His character...
    and He has called us to be lights in this world"

    "like luminarieslighting the pathway home, God's Word lights the way to life as He intended it to be-full of beauty, and JOY, peace and HOPE!"

    He is the Word! as He is the Light! and I plan on doing just what you suggested searching the Bible for "Light" and will be sharing in 2012!
    That is already my one Word and my beginning theme... so this is perfect confirmation of God speaking to me... thanks again Sharon as I soak in His Light and your beautifully written words and Bible Pick'ems!!! Treasures!

    Love you...
    Peggy
    (i didn't even come close to getting as many as you did and yours are light hearted and enjoyable reading unlike the deep "Abide in Christ" ones.. tho' you have depth and great insights, Andrew Murray is just a tad more...)

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"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!