“God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4
Light is good since it began to exist from God’s good command, “Let there be light.” We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures.
When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light, and opens our eyes to see clearly the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We see clearly our sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position. We see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, His plan of mercy, and the world to come as His Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and colors, but whether they are knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received is good, then God, the essential light, is ever so much more glorious.
Lord Jesus, since Your light is so good, give us more of it, and more of yourself, more of the true light.
When God brings light to the world, division is necessary to separate it from darkness. Light and darkness have nothing in common. Since God has divided them, we must not join them. Children of light must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord’s work, leaving the works of darkness behind.
Our churches should divide the light from the darkness with great discipline, and we should do the same by being separated from the world by walking in God’s light instead of the dark paths. In action, in judgment, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world’s first day.
Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the entire day, for Your light is the light of us all.
Question: Are there areas of your life where God’s light is dim or absent? Is it time to let Him in?
Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.