I’ve been thinking a lot about light and darkness and how these two elements are seen within the context of Scripture. Over the next few weeks, I want to share some thoughts with you. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I’ve enjoyed studying and writing it.
Let’s start here . . .
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 1:3-4 NIV]
Darkness existed in the beginning of creation. It was on the formless, empty Earth, present in the total absence of light (1:2). For an unknown time period, darkness and light coexisted until God then separated the light from the darkness, calling the light “day,” and the darkness “night” (1:4-5).
God called the light “good,” but not the darkness. He created light and knew it would be necessary – an essential component upon which all earthly life and growth would depend. This is one of the first depictions of God’s provision for humanity and, get this, He created it before ever creating us (see also 1:6-25). Our omniscient God saw that light would (1) provide the main source of energy for all organisms, (2) maintain the Earth’s warm temperature, (3) sustain the Earth’s water cycle, (4) initiate Vitamin D synthesis essential to the human body, and (5) illuminate the darkness.
As you go throughout your day, be conscious of the light around you (even if it’s sunlight dimmed by overcast skies). Let it remind you of God’s proactive care and concern for you. Pause on occasion and consider how unlivable life would be in darkness and thank God for the goodness that He has provided.
Shannon
