Light Shine Out of Darkness
Date: October 5, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear Lord, as I dig into this Scripture, open my heart and mind to receive Your divine wisdom and guidance. Help me to understand the significance of Your light shining in my life. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The Apostle Paul wrote the Second Letter to the Corinthians, addressing various issues within the Corinthian church. In this verse, he draws upon the creation narrative, where God commanded light to shine in the darkness. He uses a powerful metaphor of God's light shining in our hearts to bring knowledge of His glory through Jesus Christ. It signifies the transformative power of God's revelation, illuminating our lives and helping us understand the greatness of God's love and salvation.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key Words or Phrases:
"God, who said" - This emphasizes God as the source of light.
"Let light shine out of darkness" - Reflects God's creative power.
"His light shine in our hearts" - Highlights the personal and transformative nature of God's light.
"knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ" - Underscores the purpose of this divine illumination.
S - Summarize and Share:
2 Corinthians 4:6 is like a burst of sunlight through the window that brings warmth to my soul. It reminds me of the remarkable transformation that occurs when God's light invades the darkness of our hearts. Just as God spoke light into existence at the beginning of time, He speaks light into our lives, driving away ignorance and replacing it with the radiant knowledge of His glory through Jesus Christ.
Think about those moments in life when you're stumbling through the darkness of uncertainty, fear, or confusion. It's in those very moments that God's light, like a guiding star, pierces through, offering clarity, hope, and purpose. I've experienced this personally, especially in times of difficulty and despair. When I turn to God's Word and seek His face in prayer, His light shines into my heart, taking away those doubts and showing me the path forward.
When I’m faced with a challenging decision, unsure of which way to turn, it often feels like I am wandering in the darkness, and the weight of the world is upon me. But as I meditate on this verse, I realize that God's light isn't distant; it is right here within me, ready to illuminate my choices. His light reveals His glory through Christ, showing me that His plan is far greater than my own understanding. It's moments like these that remind me of the incredible gift we have in God's Word.
This verse also encourages us to share this light with others. Think of it this way, a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle, right? So we need to allow God's light to shine brightly within us so that it can shine into the lives of those around us. As we study the significance of this verse, let's remember that we carry within us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. This knowledge is a beacon of hope for a world often shrouded in darkness. Let's share this light, leading others to the incredible love and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
4 Bible Cross References:
John 1:4-5 - "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Ephesians 5:8 - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."