In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
John 1:4-5 NET
Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil…. John 3:19-21 NET
Then Jesus spoke out again, "I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
John 8:12 NET
Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.
I John 1:5 NET
These four passages, all penned by the Apostle John, stand out among copious biblical passages referring to God's light, often contrasting it to the darkness of evil forces. But, here's a curiosity…why doesn't the creation story in Genesis 1, the first reference to this dichotomy, condemn the darkness mentioned there?
The Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. God said, "Let there be light." And there was light! God saw that the light was good, so God separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:2-4 NET
My childhood farm home was a mile from the nearest neighbor. At night, without the aid of a telescope, we could see amazing individual stars and the expanse of the Milky Way twinkling from light years away and reminding us there are many unexplored mysteries. There was a goodness about that darkness because it enhanced those distant, comforting lights.
With that in mind, consider this. Excessive light generated by human ingenuity can sometimes counter the benefits of that God-created darkness that enhances the light found in Genesis 1.
light pollution – brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources, which has a disruptive effect on natural cycles and inhibits the observation of stars and planets. – definition by Oxford Languages
We often think of evil thoughts and actions with satanic origins having their best and only opportunities under the cover of stifling darkness. However, this counterintuitive warning alerts us to another kind of light pollution, a false light.
…even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NET
Disguising, hiding, covering, disrupting, inhibiting – these are operating principles of oppressive darkness that Jesus dispels when we walk with Him. As His disciples, Jesus encourages us to play our part in liberating others from that kind of darkness.
You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NET
Thought for today: The light of Jesus is powerful in us – oppressive darkness doesn't have a chance in His presence.
by Kathleen Petersen
