Light and Darkness

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3

In the very first chapter of the first book of Genesis, we're told that the earth was completely dark. There was no light at all.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2

Then, God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

When God called forth the first light, saying, "Let there be light," the sun and the moon had not yet been created. It wasn't until verse 14 that God created the two lights.

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Genesis 1:14

There was utter darkness in the very beginning, and then we see the first light, The spiritual light that proceeded forth from God into the very existence of creation, followed by the sun and the moon which shine natural light.

Within the scriptures, the subject of natural and spiritual light and darkness doesn't end there. There is also a counterfeit, artificial light, and a very real darkness.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

Notice that Jesus said, "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" This "darkness" that He was referencing is the counterfeit light. Jesus called it light and immediately afterward He called it darkness. It isn't the true light but artificial, fake and false light.

Paul also spoke about the same artificial light:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

This is the reason that it is important that we each spend time in God's word while seeking the truth that comes only from Him. God shines a light on our understanding. This is how we know if an apostle is true or not, because we will be able to hear God's voice in all that is said.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105

The human eye can only view objects when light is present. In a situation of pure darkness, or pitch blackness nothing can be seen at all. There must be a light source in order for vision to work. The same is true in spiritual darkness.

In the case of Egypt, not only did God bring darkness upon the land, but a very heavy darkness, one that could even be felt.

There are all kinds of different situations where we can literally feel darkness. Simply watching the evening news can bring all kinds of negative feelings and even cause fear to enter into our hearts.

There is also unavoidable "darkness," and each of us face it every day. Even with our best efforts, "darkness," within this world cannot be avoided. However, God gave us a shield to protect us from darkness of every kind.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:11-16

In the book of Exodus, God told Moses to "stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, Even darkness which could be felt. Exodus 10:21

Throughout the scriptures God often used men to physically demonstrate the different things that He would do. Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah and others, were told to partake in actions that stood as testimonies to the people of what God was about to do. The same was true of Moses as God used him to deliver the people from Egypt and lead them into the land that was promised to Abraham.

In the case of the plague of darkness, the people of Egypt could not avoid the heavy darkness that befell the land for three solid days. However, with every plague that infected Egypt at that time, the Hebrew people were shielded and not affected. They listened to God's instruction and were safe. If we are in Christ and if we believe Him we also are under the same protection.

Spiritual vision is not the same as natural vision. One could be physically blind and still have spiritual vision. Many times, we all have a choice over what we will look upon and what we will avoid.

Even though we have the sun in the sky to light our surroundings, we can still walk in the darkness of not knowing the truth. Turning to God in Jesus, lights our path as we draw closer and closer to Him. In this world, we all dwell in the "shadow of death." This is a darkness that effects us all as we all will face a natural death. However, the light that shines through this darkness is the promise of everlasting life in Christ Jesus. "For God so loved the word that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Isaiah 9:2

This is the light that we should all seek. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Revelation 21:23

The same light that lights the city in the end is Jesus. He lights our path as we abide in Him.

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. John 8:12

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Isaiah 60:19-20