The statement that Jesus is the light of the world, like many verses in the Bible, is often described as a metaphorical representation of something. Jesus is often depicted by scholars and people well beyond my intelligence as trying to get people to think in bigger ways, or to help us understand something beyond our comprehension. However, I would like to spend a bit of time on this topic and how some other areas of the Bible confirm something a bit different for my belief.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.” John 8:12-14 KJV
When recently reading through this, it created a new perspective of this reference to Jesus as a light for me. Remembering some of the time I spent working on electrical engineering, God helped me better understand the challenges of God interacting with humankind. So, while I too have shaken my fist towards God with misplaced anger, there are some dangers when getting close to His power. I often felt I understood God's power, as many do, while I feel we are simply observing God.
There are many scriptures that describe some very difficult moments when humans are attempting to get closer to God. Some successful and some not so much. Optimistically, starting with the glow of Moses, we can see that we are even sometimes unaware of the change that has taken place after a prolonged moment with God.
"And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. " Exodus 34:28-31
Before Jesus becomes flesh, God among us, God starts working with Moses to establish the ten (10) commandments. This timeframe with God was forty (40) days and nights with God sustaining Moses. When coming down to share the tablets containing the list of the law, Moses is described as glowing in the Amplified version of the Bible. Even so, in the King James Version, we can see that something caused those in attendance to be intimidated by the skin seen on Moses face.
Though Moses had such a close relationship to God, people did not have the ability to come and go as they pleased within the presence of God. Getting close to anything that is very powerful is sometimes unsafe or concerning. As such, getting close to God comes with concerns, too. Especially if we aren’t honoring God, or we are being disrespectful once we gain knowledge of Him.
For those new to Bible studying, or unfamiliar with the Old Testament, Aaron was the brother of Moses and a specific individual chosen by God to become a priest. His job, along with his entire family lineage, was to minister to God, but to also offer sacrifices and focus their efforts within the tabernacle. Though chosen for this role, and being Moses’ brother, calamity still challenges the family as both of Aaron’s sons are killed by offering incorrectly in God’s presence.
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 10:1-3 KJV
When the glory of God gets near something opposing it, there is no time to react. God is often described as a consuming fire which may seem very fitting in moments captured like this. Fearing God is an obvious knee-jerk reaction here, and rightfully so, but we also get a confirmation of how being near that power comes with great reverence. A respectful fear and passion to do the will of God. Also, don’t lose sight that Moses and Aaron are right next to this event when it happens.
While a consuming fire may sound correct, God’s wrath is very isolated in this moment to who created the offense. Rather than a fickle flame, God is specific enough that Moses even requires Aaron to not weep or morn in the moment. Even with the loss of his sons, Aaron holds his peace to ensure that repentance is the goal of the moment, but also his heart.
In the Book of Acts, we see another quality of light being shown. When Jesus meets Saul (soon to become the Paul we all know) on the road to Damascus, Paul is brought to his own knees by a bright light. The group alongside Paul only hear a voice, but Paul sees so much of the light that he is blinded by it! Though pain had to be present, the awestruck of witnessing God's glory captures all of Paul's attention.
“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.” Acts 9:3-8 KJV
Similarly, just as we see our human body react to seeing an arc of light, our eyes can be damaged. When welding, if you do not wear a protective shield with a dark tint, even the most experienced welder will get what’s called “arc-eye” or welder's flash. The welder’s arc generates ultra-violet rays that cause our body to react similarly to how it would if we stare into the sun. This causes inflammation of the cornea, sometimes to the effect of swelling a person’s eyes completely shut!
Just as Paul was the only person to see this light, Paul is the only person that gains temporary blindness. So much so that the same men that were once being led by Paul are now leading him. Though people are nearby, God again isolates who He is revealed. Unlike Paul's previous mission of murdering unbelievers, Jesus takes away Paul's sight and requires him to walk blindly in faith. Like God took his eyes to see God's heart.
Before Jesus our Christ, even getting in the presence of God was often too dangerous as we have read. I believe it has something to do with the instantaneous death to the sin residing in us, consequently causing the same outcome to the body. The corruption of sin within us cannot be in the presence of God, the Father.
In a similar way, I can move around a wire that has electricity running through it, but not be shocked by the source. Though the power can be more than enough to kill a technician (and we often turn off the power before getting too close to it), with the proper protection, we can work with that power and illuminate our homes. Similar to that of a plastic sheath that surrounds copper wiring for electrical wires, Jesus allows us to get close enough to God. Yes, even close enough to touch Him while not being burned. This allows for the teaching of peace in a world of war.
Knowing how far off we were from Him; God gave us a shepherd to come to us and find the us astray. Though it seems as though God gave Jesus over to death, do not morn! Paul wouldn’t be the last time the light of the world is lighting up the world, nor will it be the last time Jesus shows His glory to the world!
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:3-5 KJV
Jesus is the Light of the World. Not figuratively, but literally. Especially once His glory is revealed to everyone, as the Bible comes to a close, do not lose that promise. Do not lose a single promise to the doubts of the world. Welcome into your heart what sounds simple but takes hard work of implementing - God's peace. Call on the name of Jesus and welcome God’s grace and mercy into your life.
“Heavenly Father, I pray that You shine bright to the eyes of those that You reveal Yourself to. Encourage us to share those beautiful moments that we witness Your glory. Bless us with Your wisdom to discern the distractions of the world and to focus on Your light. Count us worthy and see us as Jesus. To the Father, in the name of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, and thank you for the gifts, utterances and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Amen!”
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