“Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6
The Genesis account of creation begins with the world that was dark and formless. The first thing God did was to say, “Let there be light.” The light was spoken into existence. Yet it would be three days later before the sun and stars were created. The light that initially illuminated the world was the very light of the glory of God. From the beginning, God separated light from darkness.
Light and darkness are often used as metaphors for righteousness and sinfulness in Scripture. In his commentary on today’s verse, theologian John MacArthur relates physical creation to spiritual redemption. Before the physical creation of light, there was only darkness. Before the spiritual redemption of a person, he lives in the darkness of his sin nature. MacArthur says, “God commanded the light to shine out of darkness at the creation. And the light which shined in a creative way, He has now begun to shine in a redemptive way. The light of creation has become the light of salvation. … The physical light of the sun has become the spiritual light of the Son. The universal light has become the personal light.”
Knowing Jesus is a result of the light of the Gospel shining into your heart, illuminating the truth of God to you. As Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” If you are a follower of Jesus, He is transforming your life into one that reflects His glory. He tells you to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16). The same human dynamics are in play now as when, during Jesus’ time on Earth, He said, “People loved the darkness rather than the light” (John 3:19). You are called to overcome the darkness by being a shining example of life in Christ. Pray for those believers in government to boldly carry the light of their salvation to others in their sphere of influence.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
