Life and Light. John 1:4-5 Our living Lord is the Source of life, not just the Possessor. He is, was, and always will be "The Life" in Himself. He also provides life in all aspects—physical and spiritual. The principle of life is hidden in the smallest seed lying dormant in the ground. The egg of the tiniest insect contains that principle, which "The Life" has made to reveal itself in a preordained pattern. Even in the natural world around us—whether fruit, plants, or all living things—there is that life from Him that can be transferred to us through the food we eat, especially the water we drink.
Everywhere we look, evidence shows that life surpasses human description and avoids imitation, even though some intelligent people spend a lifetime trying to do what only God can do. That life is omnipresent, seemingly limitless, and human beings are aware of it. When climbing tall mountains, they carry life-sustaining food and air to survive. When venturing into the depths of the sea, they must bring that life with them to support their survival while marveling at the diverse forms of life around them. That life is orchestrated by "The Life," who placed those sea creatures to thrive where humans cannot live. Life is all around us on Earth, but it is not present in space. It sustains us here—yet more importantly, it provides us with light.
Life in all its forms originates from God, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Christ the Eternal Word. Plants, animals, and all living creatures on earth, each with their own remarkable and unique features, have a physical presence that humans observe but cannot fully explain. While we understand their composition, the power to create life remains beyond our reach. Time, including years and weeks, is marked by natural existence; we cannot control or influence it through human effort alone. Our Lord holds the keys to life and death.
Man, created in the image of God, is distinguished from other forms of life because, with our minds, we can understand, even if faintly, that there is a life source - God. With our emotions, we are moved to marvel - and hopefully, to worship the Creator, not the creature. And with our will, we can submit to His divine sovereignty and discover the purpose of our lives. When we find Him and place our faith in Him, we are then capable not only of worshiping Him but also of serving Him, loving Him, enjoying what He enjoys, sharing the blessings He has provided, and living and walking in "the light as He is in the light."
In this way, we have fellowship with others who believe in Him, and together, we enjoy communion and fellowship with Him. The Lord Jesus Christ, "The Life," is also "The Light," providing us with the understanding we need to live a full and abundant life. That light He provides enables us to see our God by faith and live in fellowship with Him, even though all around us is moral and spiritual darkness.
There is another form of life recognized by its essence. We are aware of its existence or absence. Some refer to it as "lifestyle," the way people choose to spend their time. Most people's lives differ from others, but in every case, life is considered, and the only source of its essence remains the same. The One who grants life, "Jesus," is the Lord from heaven who came to give life and light. "The Life" is one aspect of His nature, just as "The Light" is given for our spiritual vision.
That light shines from Him and on Him, and we can live in its blessings; we, in turn, reflect that light. Amazingly, He calls us "the light of the world." Clearly, this is not the same as the light that emanates from Him, who is "The Light of the world," but it encourages us to live as reflected light in the darkness that cannot overcome (comprehend) the light. Constant light has a powerful effect on darkness. A single candle in a window can be seen hundreds of yards away on a dark night. The reflected light from one small lamp has guided sailors at sea for many years to avoid dangerous shorelines and lead them into safe harbors. When we walk in His light and follow His light, we may unknowingly shed some reflected light that brings blessings to others. Darkness cannot extinguish the light. It is the other way around.
As "The Light" shines in the darkness, nothing can extinguish it. Pure, holy light is inherently difficult for a man to put out. Through faith in "The Word," both God and sin are revealed. The clarifying “shadowless” light means that facing sin is where to start. Death and darkness rush to flee from the light, which exposes everything. Light leaves no place to hide, no room for arrogance or pretense. The powers of darkness cannot overcome the power of divine light. When we walk in the light with our Lord Jesus, He makes hidden things shine brightly.
God placed a certain amount of light in all men when He created us. We are wired to know there is One who is greater than we are. God-consciousness exists in every person, whether they admit it or not. We are responsible to God according to the light we have. Some with little light, if they reject that little light, are still responsible for facing the consequences of that rejection. Those who have received much light and reject it are far more responsible for turning away from what could have been theirs. "If that light in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness." May our reflected light glorify God and bless those we encounter.