C A R L B. G A R N E R

'LET THERE BE LIGHT'

When man was first on the earth, light had been in existence for five days. Genesis 1:3 records the words of God saying, "Let there be light." That was the first day of the creative week, and on the fourth day, the sun and moon were "set" in the heavens, one to rule the day, and the other to rule the night. Even in the darkness of the night, light existed when man came into being. Seldom is man in a place in which there is absolutely no light by which he may find his way.

When Jesus gave the "Sermon on the Mount" to His disciples, He included the mandate to them that they were to serve as the "salt of the earth....light of the world," Matthew 5:13-16. No, we do not fulfill this by carrying a flashlight or salt shaker; it takes more effort than that; it requires that we take on ourselves some of the qualities of salt and light. If you have ever been deep in some dark cavern, you know the fear that can come from the absence of light. Egypt had such an experience, as described in Exodus 10:21-29. That darkness was described as a "darkness which may be felt." It is said to have been over all the land of Egypt, a thick darkness in which they could not see one another, nor did they even leave their houses. It must have been a fearful time. A time of darkness. Even in this context, darkness is a symbol of captivity, isolation, gloom, and hopelessness. Ephesians 2:12-14 describes those who are in spiritual darkness today: "..ye were without Christ...strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." Note: "aliens...strangers... no hope...without God." But also note the remedy: "But now in Christ Jesus...ye are made nigh by the blood of Christ." What a fearful thing to be in darkness. How can Christians be the "light of the world" ? What qualities exist in light that can be exhibited by those who follow and are in Christ?

LIGHT DISPELS DARKNESS
As a small boy, I went with my family to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. At one level of the cavern, the guide told us to stand very still for the lights were to be turned off. That which followed is still in my memory: it was as though there was a thick curtain over my eyes; it was as if I could feel the darkness, that it was an object. We had been warned not to move because trying to walk around in a cavern without light is a very dangerous practice, resulting in someone falling over a precipice, or stumbling on a stalagmite, or some other frightful thing. When the light was turned back on, I knew I did not want to go back to Carlsbad Caverns. We have the privilege of dispelling the darkness of this world today by spreading the "light of the glorious gospel of Christ" in the minds and hearts of those who are in darkness, 2 Corinthians 4:4. You do not have to be a "preacher" to do this; you just have to take the same words of the same gospel that saved you and give it to those who have not obeyed it. The light of one candle in a large, darkened stadium can be amazing. You can be this "candle" for those near to you. If you can't see the need of dispelling the darkness of this age, you may need to go down into the depths of Carlsbad Caverns.

LIGHT ENABLES MAN TO SEE
I had a cousin who was blind, and as a small boy it frightened me to think that someone could not see. There is a worse form of blindness ­ the inability to see the truth, the way to eternal life. I may not see myself as a beacon of light. I may not have the capability to light up the entire neighborhood, but I can be that candle that shows the way to heaven. Those in darkness may not realize it, but if you take them to God's light, they will have eternity to be grateful.

There are two ways men are guided in this life. First, by the light of God's Word. "The entrance of thy words giveth light," Psalms 119:130. Also verse 105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Solomon wrote, "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble," Proverbs 4:18-19. Second, we may be guided by the influence and example of Christians whose light shines in the midst of darkness. Can you light the candle of scripture?

LIGHT REVEALS LIFE'S DANGERS
The coastline of America once was lined with hundreds of light houses that warned great ships of the rocks and danger of shallow water. They are now mostly a tourist stop, but they were then so valuable to sailors at sea that sufficient funds were provided to sustain them 365 days a year. Just as the moon is the reflected light of the sun, ours is the reflected light of Jesus Christ. As such, Christians may serve as "light houses" for those on the sea of life today. There are dangers on every side; temptation lurks in the shadows of every city and town. Satan is as a "roaring lion....seeking whom he may devour," 1 Peter 5:8. Young and old alike must be warned, made aware of these dangers. Christians must "shine as lights in the world," Philippians 2:15. Next time you step on a scorpion in the middle of the night, think of others who face the sting of sin. "Ye are the light of the world," but a light is of little value if it does not shine.