LIGHT—SHALL WE HAVE THE BENEFITS?
By A. G. D.
"In Thy light shall we see light." Ps. 36:9. To see light in God's light is to look at things as God looks at them. It is to place the estimate upon the things of this world that God places upon them. It is to value the gospel as He values it. It is to view every incident of life—every trial, every perplexity, every so-called misfortune, every blessing—all as God views them. This is to see light in God's light. And this is one of the greatest blessings that it is possible for man to enjoy. The light of this world is the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, "I am the light of the world." John 8:12. Said John, "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5. Christ is light, not for Himself alone, nor for heaven, but for this poor, dark world. John says that He is that "true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:9. Said Christ: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12. The psalmist bears witness to this, and says, "The Lord is my light." Ps. 27:1. He will be the light of every one who will receive Him. God reveals His light to men through His word. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," said David. Again: "The entrance of Thy words giveth light." Ps. 119:105, 130. Of the Sacred Scriptures, the apostle Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place." 2 Peter 1:19. Thus the light, the wisdom, the mind of God, is communicated to men. PREFERRING DARKNESS TO LIGHT
The natural abode of sinful man is darkness, and the majority prefer that darkness to the light of heaven. "Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people." Isa. 60:2, R.V. The mind has been so warped by sin that men "call evil good, and good evil," and "put darkness for light, and light for darkness." Isa. 5:20. The Saviour said, "This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:19. God desires that every man should have His light. He says, "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Ps. 97:11. David believed this, and said, "For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." Ps. 18:28. It is the privilege of every one to say: "When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. . . . He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness." Micah 7:8, 9. RECEIVE LIGHT AND BECOME A LIGHT-BEARER
God gives His light to men, not only for their personal good, but for the good of those with whom they associate. He designs that every one who receives light shall carry it to others. This glorious truth is forcibly presented by the apostle Paul in the account he gives of meeting Jesus on the way to Damascus. At midday he saw a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun. A voice spoke to him, saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" He inquired, "Who art Thou, Lord?" The answer was: "I am Jesus. . . . I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee . . . a witness" to the Gentiles, "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Acts 26:12-18. This is an exalted privilege, and it is for every one who receives the gospel. Peter says, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the virtues [margin] of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9. A PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO BE PRIZED
Christians do not prize this privilege, this great honor, as they should. Every one who has been brought from the dense darkness of this world into God's marvelous light should ever pray with the psalmist, "O send out Thy light and Thy truth." Ps. 43:3. And none should ever forget that if this prayer is to be answered, they who have the light are ordained to be light-bearers, and hence must be ready to help in answering the prayer. Job took the light of the Lord and "walked through darkness," that others might have light. Job 29:3. Christ says, "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." John 12:35. The light has gone out of many a soul because of failure to shine for others. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Rom. 13:12.