Introduction
The world we dwell was created out of darkness. Genesis 1:2-4 says: “the earth was without form and void and darkness was on the face of the deep.” Before God could create and cause things to be, He first and foremost created light to replace the existing darkness. While darkness remained on the earth, the earth experienced:
• Without form – shapeless
• Void – empty
Without form is the Hebrew to’-hoo meaning
• To lie waste – not useful
• A desolate (of a surface) i.e. desert.
Figuratively it means worthless.
It also depicts words such as vain, confusion, nothing, naught, vanity, waste, wilderness. The list can go on and on, but none can be voted for success or progress.
Note: God never drove darkness away totally; the reason if I am to say is to allow the beauty of ‘light’ to be greatly appreciated. However, He gave ‘darkness’ a definite time and space.
From creation – immediately after the commissioning of man at creation, darkness fought to return to its position of ‘covering the earth totally and permanently.’
Significance Of Light
What is Light?
It is defined: “The brightness given by the sun, a flame, a lamp, among others that makes vision possible.”
This reveals the following about light:
• Light has a source
• Unlike light, darkness ordinarily exist — it has no specific source
• Makes vision possible
– Vision as in relation to brightness and sight; and
– Vision as in relation to expectation and desires
Other Facts About Light
• Light attracts productivity. God knew this even before creation.
• Light drives away fear – Ps. 91:6, Persistence
• Light produce fruitfulness – Jo 3:7
• Light brings alive
Everything comes alive at the down of the daylight. John 1:4 gives a meaning like this to me: ‘In Him was light and the light gave life to men.’
• Light enhances and makes movements possible. Ps. 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
• Light is attractive – Isaiah 60:3
• Light enhances friendship at all ramifications.
These Make Light A Guide
• An agent of success, prosperity and fruitfulness
• A means of peace and friendship
Jesus is the Light of the World – John 1:4-9
• He was in Gen. 3:15: “The seed of the woman to bruise the head of the serpent.” In Gen. 18:18, 12:3, 17:19, 28:14
• The seed of Abraham – Acts 3:5
• Of Isaac – Mt. 1:2, Lk.3:34
• Of Jacob – Matt. 1:2, Micah 5:2, Dan. 9:25
• The seed had a place and time of birth fulfilled – Mt. 2:1, Lk. 2:17
• The seed was born of a virgin. Fulfilled – Mt. 1:18, Lk. 1:26-35
• The seed descended from Judah – Gen. 49:10 fulfilled – Lk. 3:33; Isaiah 9:7, 11:1-5
• The seed is the heir to the throne of David – Matt. 1:1,6
• The seed’s birth and arrival led to the massacre of infants. Fulfilled – Mt. 2:16-18
• The seed flew to Egypt – Hos. 11:1, fulfilled Mt. 2:14-15
• The seed had a unique characteristic – Isaiah 11:1-4 fulfilled Lk. 2:52.
The Greater And Leaser Light (Gen. 1:16, 1 John 4:4)
When Jesus comes John 1:12, Matt. 5:14 You will Arise And Shine (Isaiah 60:1-3)
The word used here “Arise” is the Hebrew Zawrakh – to rise (as in the case of the sun) to appear. Which shows that light is already there, the only thing is for it to just arise and begin to fulfill its’ calling and purpose. Reading through the passage reveals:
• Darkness covering the earth vs 2 and deep darkness, the people,
• But the Lord will arise over you: the word ‘you’ here stands in 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Those called by His name.
• Those who are humble.
• Those who call upon His name.
In John 1:12:
• Those who received Him
• Those whom He gave the power of Sonship.
• Those who believe in His name.
In Isaiah 60:3
• Those who do not know God will come to know Him through you — vs 3.
• Great men will be attracted to your rising – vs 3.
Child Of God – You are called to shine and you have the ability to shine. Therefore, “Go forth and Shine!”
• Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu is the Rector Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State (08035413812)
