by Jordy van Gaalen

The Light of Life

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“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”
Micah 7:7-8 NIV 

In Micah we catch a glimpse of the corruption that has occurred in Israel and the punishment that came as a result. But that’s not where the story ends. God promises that He will show compassion and mercy on Israel. There will be redemption and a remnant will prosper once again. God will keep the promise that He had made to Abraham.

The same truth that was preached to the Israelites all those years ago is still applicable to us today. God hears us. God shows us compassion and mercy and redemption. He is faithful. Though we face darkness and sin and fear, that is not where our story ends either. We have hope in our Lord and Savior. We patiently wait for the coming back of Jesus. We patiently wait for God to show up in our present lives, because we know that He will.

“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 NIV

There are many significant uses of the word “light” in the Bible. The word “light” appears 272 times in total (in the King James Version). “Light” is used to describe God, Jesus, believers, and Good. Right at the start of Scripture, we see light being an important part of Creation. We see light being aligned with God’s Word, salvation, the truth, and life. 

I sure appreciate light when I am outside in the complete darkness of a forest, and my imagination starts to run wild. I value light when I have to get up in the middle of the night, hoping to avoid stubbing my toe. Light is how our plants and trees grow, producing life-giving oxygen for us. Here on earth, light grants energy, guidance, and communication. Light is crucial to survival. Light is crucial to life.

The Lord is our one true light. God is our source of life, of seeing, and of navigation. In Him there is no darkness. There is no fear, no stumbling around, no falling. God is our salvation. God is the only path to eternal life. Though we may find ourselves sitting in times of darkness, God is our eternal light.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado