Living the Light of God
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.” (1 John 1:5 HCSB)
Three words sum up the character of God and challenge our response, “God – is – light.” John makes the statement emphatic, when he says, “…there is absolutely no darkness in Him.”
The first words of creation were, “let there be light.” We see God’s light reflected in His angelic beings, who always appeared in “dazzling array.” The night sky was made brilliant when the angels appear to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ. Paul described God as One, “…who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light…” (1 Timothy 1:16 NIV) We read of the “new Jerusalem” “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.“ (Revelation 21:23 NIV)
What are the ramifications for our life of the “God who is light”? First it impacts our conduct and reveals our condition. “If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.” (1 John 1:6 HCSB)
Next we see walking in God’s light connect us to others and is the best remedy for sin. “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 HCSB) You can count on it; when someone is “living in darkness” they will distance themselves from the Church and other believers.
God’s light can reveal what we are not willing to admit, “If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 HCSB)
God’s light can give assurance of forgiveness and acceptance. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 HCSB)
The God who is light does not just overpower us with His brilliance; He invites us to enter into and live in His light and share in His glory. In the final chapter of Revelation we read of the promise to those who belong to Christ, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5 NIV)
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the provision of Your grace that allow us to live in Your light now and for all eternity.