Jesus is the light but before we can understand we need to know that light author of Light is God. In Genesis God the creator speaks into existence his will and his plans. He is unimaginably powerful. There is no human construct or thoughts that can contain His infinite scope. God speaks and there is light. The sun gives off light or a lamp gives off light that is not what we are talking about. This light is foundational to the existence of creation. In Genesis 1 God creates this light separate from the light of the sun and he places it opposite of the darkness.  

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. Genesis 1:3-5 ESV

Light from God

God created light for the Hebrew slaves when he punished Pharaoh with darkness.

21 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived. Exodus 10:21-23 ESV

The darkness that stretched over Egypt was so dark they could not see one another for three days. It was a darkness so thick it could be felt. I am a bit uncomfortable in dark places and this for me conjures up being stuck in a cave underground or a submarine at the bottom of the ocean with the very real threat of losing light and not being able to move. My chest constricts just at the thought. I cannot imagine the depths of hopelessness the Egyptians experienced to lose the light of the world. How much more so to think it is possible to not be in a place where God’s light is not available to your soul. I imagine this is just the beginning of what Hell must be like.  

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Psalm 36:9 ESV

Light is Life

David writing a song to God tells us that life is found in God’s light and by His light we can see light. It is a redundancy in speech or a truth to grasp about God as experienced firsthand by the Egyptians? Life exists because of the light God spoke into the universe he created. The source and author of the light in Genesis is the source, sustainer, and salvation of any life we would expect to live on this earth. God speaking through Isaiah lays out his plans for the entire world of men and women. He will use the nation of Israel to be a light for all the nations.  

“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, Isaiah 42:6 ESV

Light for All Nations

How then will God use the Jews as a light for all the nations? God calls from them the savior Jesus and in him God fulfills that promise to be a light for all the nations.  (That light is veiled sometimes)

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

God creator of the world seeks to draw men and women to himself. Men and Women who will be his children and be given life in the light of God himself. There is a problem however and each of us must look into our heart and ask a very serious question. Do we want this light? Or do we prefer to continue in death of darkness? 

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 ESV

19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21 ESV

Embrace God’s Light

Be exposed. Give up the death of the darkness and sin and selfishness that you live in today. Turn to Jesus who created you to begin with and find purpose, hope, and life in His light.