Let There Be Light – Sunday, August 26, 1984
The Bible records that one of the first commandments from God was “Let there be light: and there was light.”1 And thus began this great miracle of physics, philosophy and aesthetics which we know as light. We don’t know precisely what it is. At times, it behaves like wave lengths of energy; at other times it is more like little packets of power that physicists and photographers measure as photons.
But we do know some of the things light can do. It can power the photosynthesis of plants without which life on our planet would not exist.
It can spread itself across the color spectrum of our eyes and give us glorious rainbows or the subtle tones of a painter’s masterpiece.
We’ve also learned to control it and use it some. We have learned how to compress the wave lengths of light into a powerful laser beam that can burn through steel, shoot far into space or, in a tiny hand-held version, repair the delicate tissues of the human eye.
If we want a fascinating testimony of the handiwork of God and a lifetime subject of study and contemplation, we need only open our eyes to the light around us.
No wonder, then, that light has become a metaphor of poets and philosophers. The light bulb turning on has become the standard cartoon symbol for a new idea. To become enlightened means gaining knowledge and wisdom. We speak of bringing new facts to light and throwing light on a new subject.
But the powers of light are not just around and outside us. They seem to be within us as well. “The light of the body is in the eye.” said Jesus. “If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”2 Most of us know people who seem to be filled with an inner glow of goodness that makes them a pleasure and an inspiration to be around. And, when we leave their presence, we tend to take some of their light with us like an ember that carries a bit of the warmth and spark from a fire.
Apparently, this light of inspiration can and should be shared among people. Jesus told His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.”3
Of all the lights that shine in or below the heavens, none is more important than the glow of love for others. There is nothing more soul satisfying than to see the light of love in the eyes of another; especially if that light is a partial reflection of oneself. Surely this must be part of the command that God originally gave when He said, “Let there be light.”
1 Old Testament, Genesis 1:3
2 New Testament, Matthew 6:22.
3 New Testament, Matthew 5:16
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August 26, 1984
Broadcast Number 2,871