Illumination
Ever thought about what it actually is to illuminate something? To do this we must first understand light. Physical light is the result of an energy source pulsing electrons in a particular set of wavelengths which our eyes can perceive and allows us to detect an object’s presence with the sense of sight as the light bounces off them. The actual process is way above my head complicated, but that is how I understand it. The same power that is able to do this also has the capability to affect wavelengths out of the realm of our eyesight – take getting a sunburn for example...our skin is being illuminated. We see the results of it, but not the glow without special glasses. Even though we can’t see that particular wavelength we know it is there from the effect it has on our skin. Sometimes we can feel it, sometimes we don’t.
For millennia humans have endeavored to chase away darkness and have gone from primitive fire pits and torches, to candles, to fancy modern flashlights and lanterns than can shine bright. Once darkness envelops us, we look to thrust it aside so we can find our way. Sometimes, even though there is light all around, we have need to push back darkness at times – like to find something under a couch for example. Who hasn’t gotten a new flashlight and gone into a dark room to see how good it chases away darkness? Darkness lurks in many places, so many that some of us carry flashlights around. It is a good feeling to have power over the darkness and gives us the ability to move about without stumbling. Light good, darkness bad. Ever been afraid of the dark?
Neh 9:12 ...Moreover thou led them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
So that is simply a meager attempt to describe something we all know about. Light is fundamental to our existence. There are few that would not understand the basic concept of physical light and what it does. How it illuminates the path, gives us perspective of what we see, lets us see and interact with other people, and makes us safe. It makes possible a host of things, like driving, riding a bike, going to the store… Without it, in total darkness, things would be very difficult to accomplish. For example could you imagine cooking dinner in the dark without even the fridge light? Some that are blind – unable to perceive light – must live that way forever in danger of getting lost, tripping, even being preyed upon at times. A huge disadvantage and need for someone to guide them so they don’t stumble or walk into traffic. Jesus came to give sight to the blind…
Luke 1:79 ...To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Matt 15:14 ...If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.
But to illuminate, shine light on, make visible, or remove darkness in the physical sense is only one definition of what God created. The dictionary contains a definition much more abstract. Spiritual illumination, inner light, enlightenment, truth. The dictionary which gives tangible explanations for words gives credence to the spiritual aspect of light and clues to it’s power. Strong’s concordance describes, in Genesis 1, that particular first mention of the word light as illumination – in every sense including lightning, happiness, etc. Truth, honor, integrity, glory, purity the Bible says that God is all those things and more – He is the Light. He then separated the light from the darkness where He defined the parameters of what is Holy or not to set apart all impurity from Himself and there we get a clue of the meaning’s implication...darkness is figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness...obscurity. He made all forms of light, saw it was good, and separated the darkness from it.
Gen 1:1-4 ...In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Light or dark. Good or evil. Righteous or wicked. Holy or not. These concepts of beliefs, ways of thinking, paths of life have been considered, pondered on, researched, and the resulting choices implemented by virtually every human being since Adam because of the fact that this kind of light is very real and we are built to search. What most understand is that there must be some kind of standard – a baseline if you will – to be able to determine exactly what is good or evil. Some use their own personal experiences, some will look to the behavior of those around them, many will search religions or philosophies dreamed up by self proclaimed masters of meditation and introspection who with all their might chase after the creation instead of the creator. Then there are those who consider these concepts irrelevant to their life who react to each situation depending on their present circumstances and feelings forever stumbling around in darkness and sin, searching for fame or wealth, and many of whom live their lives striving for the pure source of all light anyway – the yearning is built in.
Matt 19:20-22 ...The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
The yen-yang is a visual representation of the philosophy that in all darkness there is some light and in all light there is some darkness. I put it to you that this is a flawed thinking from men who are striving toward the Light, but recognize that no matter what there will always be a black spot in us we are powerless over. To grasp the idea of an ultimate God that ever was, ever will be, and completely pure is beyond our brain capacity and then there is the whole issue with our desire for control...anyway… ☯
1 John1:5 ...This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. In thousands of years the Bible has yet to be dis-proven. In fact archaeological digs are constantly bringing up evidence of it’s accuracy. Pure unadulterated light of every kind of what God is made of. Truth, integrity, joy, omnipotence, brilliance, the list goes on and on. All the pure physical, character, and wisdom aspects there are. When the Holy Spirit becomes part of you so does that Light. It is unquenchable, brilliant, powerful, and fully capable of driving away darkness not only for you, but for those around you. Inside you is the pure, brilliant, unstoppable Light of God. He wants you to shine bright guiding others out of the darkness and chaos into His marvelous Light.
Matt 5:13-16 ...Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
It is amazing how much spiritual light parallels so many aspects of physical light. It illuminates our path, pushes back and gives us power over the darkness, keeps us from stumbling, gives us perspective, allows us to function without the hindrance of blindness, and, among other things, gives us freedom from the darkness which surely would envelop us. Sometimes we feel it and sometimes we don’t. The parallels continue…
The implications of all this are life changing. There is a world full of darkness all around us with people stumbling and going the wrong way. They are hurting, groaning, and hearts have become hardened by the icy clutches of the world. Some don’t believe they are worthy of this Light among many other perceived justifications to give up, but we know the Truth and have the unique ability to shine that Truth into their life once we have found this marvelous Light by speaking the truth of His Word. It becomes a part of us and we are charged, empowered, lit, and filled with a portion of it. The change should be clearly evident in your life. Allow that Light to shine through you so that others know the difference. Let your smile be infectious, your words full of life, ears open for His voice. The power of that can illuminate the path of someone lost in darkness, can keep one in the sphere of the shine from stumbling, bring sight to one blinded and unable to find the Light, and melt the icy grip that keeps them in darkness. It will change them. It will change you. It will change the world if you only take advantage of the opportunities God gives you. Like my son as a boy speaking through the crack in an airplane seat describing Heaven, then leading another boy to Jesus and praying with him right there.
Acts 26:18 ...To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Light good, darkness bad…
Ever thought about what it actually is to illuminate something? To do this we must first understand light. Physical light is the result of an energy source pulsing electrons in a particular set of wavelengths which our eyes can perceive and allows us to detect an object’s presence with the sense of sight as the light bounces off them. The actual process is way above my head complicated, but that is how I understand it. The same power that is able to do this also has the capability to affect wavelengths out of the realm of our eyesight – take getting a sunburn for example...our skin is being illuminated. We see the results of it, but not the glow without special glasses. Even though we can’t see that particular wavelength we know it is there from the effect it has on our skin. Sometimes we can feel it, sometimes we don’t.
For millennia humans have endeavored to chase away darkness and have gone from primitive fire pits and torches, to candles, to fancy modern flashlights and lanterns than can shine bright. Once darkness envelops us, we look to thrust it aside so we can find our way. Sometimes, even though there is light all around, we have need to push back darkness at times – like to find something under a couch for example. Who hasn’t gotten a new flashlight and gone into a dark room to see how good it chases away darkness? Darkness lurks in many places, so many that some of us carry flashlights around. It is a good feeling to have power over the darkness and gives us the ability to move about without stumbling. Light good, darkness bad. Ever been afraid of the dark?
Neh 9:12 ...Moreover thou led them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
So that is simply a meager attempt to describe something we all know about. Light is fundamental to our existence. There are few that would not understand the basic concept of physical light and what it does. How it illuminates the path, gives us perspective of what we see, lets us see and interact with other people, and makes us safe. It makes possible a host of things, like driving, riding a bike, going to the store… Without it, in total darkness, things would be very difficult to accomplish. For example could you imagine cooking dinner in the dark without even the fridge light? Some that are blind – unable to perceive light – must live that way forever in danger of getting lost, tripping, even being preyed upon at times. A huge disadvantage and need for someone to guide them so they don’t stumble or walk into traffic. Jesus came to give sight to the blind…
Luke 1:79 ...To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Matt 15:14 ...If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.
But to illuminate, shine light on, make visible, or remove darkness in the physical sense is only one definition of what God created. The dictionary contains a definition much more abstract. Spiritual illumination, inner light, enlightenment, truth. The dictionary which gives tangible explanations for words gives credence to the spiritual aspect of light and clues to it’s power. Strong’s concordance describes, in Genesis 1, that particular first mention of the word light as illumination – in every sense including lightning, happiness, etc. Truth, honor, integrity, glory, purity the Bible says that God is all those things and more – He is the Light. He then separated the light from the darkness where He defined the parameters of what is Holy or not to set apart all impurity from Himself and there we get a clue of the meaning’s implication...darkness is figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness...obscurity. He made all forms of light, saw it was good, and separated the darkness from it.
Gen 1:1-4 ...In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Light or dark. Good or evil. Righteous or wicked. Holy or not. These concepts of beliefs, ways of thinking, paths of life have been considered, pondered on, researched, and the resulting choices implemented by virtually every human being since Adam because of the fact that this kind of light is very real and we are built to search. What most understand is that there must be some kind of standard – a baseline if you will – to be able to determine exactly what is good or evil. Some use their own personal experiences, some will look to the behavior of those around them, many will search religions or philosophies dreamed up by self proclaimed masters of meditation and introspection who with all their might chase after the creation instead of the creator. Then there are those who consider these concepts irrelevant to their life who react to each situation depending on their present circumstances and feelings forever stumbling around in darkness and sin, searching for fame or wealth, and many of whom live their lives striving for the pure source of all light anyway – the yearning is built in.
Matt 19:20-22 ...The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
The yen-yang is a visual representation of the philosophy that in all darkness there is some light and in all light there is some darkness. I put it to you that this is a flawed thinking from men who are striving toward the Light, but recognize that no matter what there will always be a black spot in us we are powerless over. To grasp the idea of an ultimate God that ever was, ever will be, and completely pure is beyond our brain capacity and then there is the whole issue with our desire for control...anyway… ☯
1 John1:5 ...This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. In thousands of years the Bible has yet to be dis-proven. In fact archaeological digs are constantly bringing up evidence of it’s accuracy. Pure unadulterated light of every kind of what God is made of. Truth, integrity, joy, omnipotence, brilliance, the list goes on and on. All the pure physical, character, and wisdom aspects there are. When the Holy Spirit becomes part of you so does that Light. It is unquenchable, brilliant, powerful, and fully capable of driving away darkness not only for you, but for those around you. Inside you is the pure, brilliant, unstoppable Light of God. He wants you to shine bright guiding others out of the darkness and chaos into His marvelous Light.
Matt 5:13-16 ...Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
It is amazing how much spiritual light parallels so many aspects of physical light. It illuminates our path, pushes back and gives us power over the darkness, keeps us from stumbling, gives us perspective, allows us to function without the hindrance of blindness, and, among other things, gives us freedom from the darkness which surely would envelop us. Sometimes we feel it and sometimes we don’t. The parallels continue…
The implications of all this are life changing. There is a world full of darkness all around us with people stumbling and going the wrong way. They are hurting, groaning, and hearts have become hardened by the icy clutches of the world. Some don’t believe they are worthy of this Light among many other perceived justifications to give up, but we know the Truth and have the unique ability to shine that Truth into their life once we have found this marvelous Light by speaking the truth of His Word. It becomes a part of us and we are charged, empowered, lit, and filled with a portion of it. The change should be clearly evident in your life. Allow that Light to shine through you so that others know the difference. Let your smile be infectious, your words full of life, ears open for His voice. The power of that can illuminate the path of someone lost in darkness, can keep one in the sphere of the shine from stumbling, bring sight to one blinded and unable to find the Light, and melt the icy grip that keeps them in darkness. It will change them. It will change you. It will change the world if you only take advantage of the opportunities God gives you. Like my son as a boy speaking through the crack in an airplane seat describing Heaven, then leading another boy to Jesus and praying with him right there.
Acts 26:18 ...To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Light good, darkness bad…