Hello Beloved,
We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet of God as “Redeemer.” This month, we will consider the epithet of God as “Light.”
As the “Light,” God is holiness and the very definition of glory in all its radiance. God covers Himself as with a garment of light. The Psalmist states, “. . . O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent” Psalm 104:1-2 (ESV). God is truth, and in His revelation, He brings “true” enlightenment to His people. David sang, “For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness” 2 Samuel 22:29 (ESV). As a picture of security, and parallel to a stronghold, David asserted, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (ESV). The prophet Micah spoke of his hope in God through terms of light. He declared, “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me” Micah 7:8 (ESV). James uses the imagery of light to describe the attribute of God’s changelessness and generosity by claiming, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17 (ESV). John exhorted the followers of Christ to exemplify the God they serve because “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:5 (ESV).
In the everlasting state of the New Heavens and New Earth, the sun will not be needed as God will be its light. Isaiah prophecies, “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended” Isaiah 60:19-20 (ESV). John reveals in further revelation that this light includes the Lamb, Jesus Christ. He states regarding the New Jerusalem, “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” Revelation 21:23 (ESV). My friends, remember the words of Jesus, “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).
I am reminded of a simple but true nugget of contemplation from James Philip, “In the light of God, human vision clears.” (The Complete Gathered Gold)
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”