“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, (no life), and darkness was over the surface of the deep (no light) and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1: 1-4
In John 1: 5, he writes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome (understood) it.
“The darkness has not overcome it” means the darkness of evil has and never will overcome or extinguish God’s light. God is light, Elora.
Yeshua, Jesus, is the Creator of life and His life brings light to mankind.
In His light, we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior). When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights our path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin, as He did in the beginning, from our lives.
In my old Webster’s dictionary, there in its listing, is the word “life.” Right below the word “life” is the word “light.” I found it very interesting that one follows the other. God does not do random. (Selah)
If you have the “Light,” then you have life.
You are the light of the world, let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works [the light, o-ri, that produces life, l’chaim,] and glorify your Father (Abba) in heaven.
Matthew 5: 14-16, teaches notable lessons about the nature of Yeshua, Jesus, and this world, and the strengths of the Christian life, with the obligation of a believer to stay in close relationship with the Lord.
The world will persecute the Church, yet it is the church’s calling to serve the persecuting world.
The Beatitudes describe the essential character of the disciples of Yeshua, Jesus, the salt and light metaphors indicate their influence for good in the world.
Yeshua, Jesus tells us the world is in darkness where spiritual things are concerned.
Yeshua was the light of the world when He was in the world.
Man prefers the darkness, (his own sinful manner) to God’s light. Light reveals the world; it does not make darkness, but it makes the darkness felt.
Yeshua stands before the world in perfect purity. This light that emanates from Yeshua is opening the way to clear distinction between good and evil. Light and darkness are not mixed in Him, as they are in us, being fallen creatures.
A man who lives in darkness, and is never exposed to God’s light, will be oblivious to how much he is in darkness.
Yeshua’s coming into the world and His presence reveals the depth of darkness in one’s character. That is why we should stay close to the Lord follow His way and obey His commands. For He is the Light.
Christians can sow forth light to the extent that they receive it from the Lord and reflect it from Him to others. The Lord clarifies the light as our “good works.” “Let men see your good works,” “He said,” and they will give glory to your Father who is in heaven; for it is by such good works that light is to shine.
These “good works” are a common declaration to cover essential things a Christian says and does. Believing, confessing, and teaching the truth are “good works,” which give evidence of our regeneration by the Holy Spirit. These “good works” are works of love as well as faith.
Light, as well as salt, are metaphors that express our loyalty to God, but also our concern for our fellow man.
As with salt, so with light, it is followed by a condition: Let your light shine before men. If salt can lose its saltiness, the light in us can become darkness. So, be on guard at all times. Pray, (which is talking with God), read scripture daily, and be mindful of the company you keep.
Light is a common biblical symbol of truth. A Christian’s shining light must include his spoken testimony. Christians described John the Immerser as a “burning and shining lamp.”
In addition, one would describe a picture of when the sun goes down, and the moon comes up; the moon is a picture of the church–Christians.
It shines but does not shine by its own light.
It reflects the light of the sun. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” We can only show light if we reflect the Light of our Lord. As our light shines, we will see men, women, and children turn to Jesus through your testimony.
Moses’s face shown with glory as a result of being with God. We should shine with the same glory, as a result of spending time with Jesus. Others should be able to see Him as He is reflected in us.
The people on the earth will find Him only as we look to Jesus as we spend time with Him and allow His light to be reflected in our lives to those around us.
This applies to every believer in the Lord. We are all to reflect “the Light of the world.” No matter who we are, as Christians, we are called to reflect the Messiah’s Light. This Light will lead us on in love, grace, and righteousness. It will keep us from falling as we move along the dark and dangerous paths of this world.
This world is a dark place, with little or no light of its own. An external source of light is needed to illuminate it. As Christians we walk in the Light; we walk with God. In His Light, we see light. We reveal His Light.
In conclusion, as salt must retain its saltiness, the light must be allowed to shine. Salt is good for nothing if its saltiness is lost; light is good for nothing if it is concealed.
Christian character as described in the Beatitudes and Christian influence as defined in the salt and light metaphors are naturally related to one another.
It is the way God will be glorified.
Remember, using these light and salt principles, brings a blessing to us, salvation to others, and ultimately glory to God.
Psalm 27: 1: Adonai o-ri ve-yish-ee mi-mi ee-ra Adonai ma-oz cha-yai mi-mi ef-chad.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
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