The Light in the Darkness
God is light; and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 Jn 1:5). Although God dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim 1:16), it is God’s Word that is identified as the light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet (Ps 119:105). The light shines, for God has come into the world. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14). He Himself claimed, “I am the Light of the world” (Jn 8:12); but the world did not comprehend and His own people did not receive Him (Jn 1:10–11). His Word gives light and understanding to those whom He chooses to reveal Himself (Ps 119:130; Mt 11:25; Lk 10:21).
A great Light was manifest (Is 9:2; Mt 4:16); but men lived in and even loved the darkness (Jn 3:19). The natural man hates the light for fear of being exposed for his dirty deeds done in the dark (Jn 3:20). It is the light of God that illumines the truth about God…but also about us. God is glorified when there is more light. Man is judged by what the light reveals about him.
As the ruler of this world (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), Satan is the prince of darkness. His domain is darkness (Col 1:13); and under the devil’s dominion (Acts 26:18), man is blinded from seeing Gospel light (2 Cor 4:4). The sons of Adam sit in darkness (Mt 4:16; Lk 1:79), but the true light is shining (Jn 1:9; 1 Jn 2:8). Jesus Christ is given the titles: sunrise (Lk 1:78) and sun righteousness (Mal 4:2). He opens the eyes of the blind.
Prior to Christ’s first advent Yahweh had given the Jews light in the Law (Is 51:4). They had benefits bestowed upon them through the Temple, the priesthood, the sacrifices, the Law, the prophets, the covenant, and the land. Despite the light produced by these benefits, their blessings did not fully manifest because the flesh of men is weak.
The light of life entered the world of darkness; and it was the Gentiles from the east, the Magi, who were given the illumination and guidance of the star (Mt 2:1–12). This was the first of many Gentile inclusions recorded in the New Testament. The household of Cornelius in Acts 10 was one catalyst for the first church council held at Jerusalem in Acts 15. The topic was Gentile inclusion.
The conclusion was that God was giving His Spirit to the Gentiles; but there was no requirement for them to be circumcised, nor be found in compliance to the Law of Moses. Things had changed (i.e. covenant; priesthood; Law; etc.). The Gentiles were being grafted into Christ Jesus, the true Vine (Jn 15), the true Israel (Is 49:1–6), not into Judaism.
During the church’s second building phase, under the new covenant, over the past two thousand years, Gentiles have been far more numerous additions than ethnic Jews. The incarnation of Messiah and the sending of the Spirit of Christ, beginning with Pentecost at Jerusalem (Acts 2), has displayed God’s expansion to the nations, as God had promised in the prophets.
Light has come as revelation to the Gentiles (Lk 2:32). It pleased the Lord to reveal Himself to the nations — that people from every nation, tribe, and tongue would worship around His throne (Rev 5:9; 7:9).
God pours His light into the hearts of the those He chose (2 Cor 4:6); those Christ redeemed (Lk 1:68); and those who have received the indwelling Spirit of God as their life giver (Jn 6:63; 1 Cor 15:45; Eph 2:5; Col 2:13). As our Teacher (Jn 14:26), the Spirit illumines the truth for eyes of faith to see (Ps 43:3; Eph 1:18; 5:9). This is the Gentile believer’s advantage. It provokes ethnic Jews to jealousy (Acts 13:45; 17:3); especially as Gentile believers grow in grace and in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18). We are pleased to give an account of the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15)!
The Christian’s light is his or her knowledge of the truth, as it is in Jesus (Eph 4:21). We are commanded to let our lights so shine before men (Mt 5:16) that they, too, may see and believe the truth: our God has mercy on sinners (Rom 9:15–16). Jesus opened the eyes of the blind and delivered them, spiritually, from ignorance of so great a salvation (Heb 2:3). He (Jesus) has become our salvation (Ex 15:2; Ps 118:14, 21; Is 12:2).
As the morning star continues to rise in the hearts of God’s chosen people (2 Pet 1:19), this is only typical of the new creation. In the new heavens and upon the new earth (Is 65–66), there will be one singular source of light (Rev 21:24; 22:5). It is the Lamb of God, Jesus, who will be the Light of the new world. It is His light by which all nations will work as children of light. In that place there will be no night, only endless day, everlasting light (Is 60:19–20).
The desire of nations is “more light”. Truly, we would see Jesus, and in the very light He Himself radiates, we see our very bright future. It is the anointing of the indwelling Holy Spirit that keeps giving us oil in our lamps that our light continues to shine (Mt 25).
Christ’s church, comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers, is the city of light in this dark world (Mt 5:14). We are set upon the hill, in the midst of the darkness, for men to see the reality of the kingdom of God (Rom 14:17). Christian, may God bless you as a vessel of heat and light in this cold, dark world. May you burn bright all the rest of your days; for you, too, have seen the star of heaven…and His name is Jesus Christ, our light and life, now and forevermore.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
January 2, 2025
