Origins: The Beginning (Genesis 1–11)Sample

By Danny Saavedra

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day’ and the darkness ‘night.’ And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.” Genesis 1:3–5 (NLT)

I want to focus on the first recorded words of our Almighty Creator. In Genesis 1:3, we’re told that God said, “Let there be light.” And that light was “good,” which means beautiful and pleasing. 

Think for a moment about the poetry of this moment in history. The first thing He created was light, which is so fitting. Why? Because out of everything in all of creation, the Lord most often equates Himself as light. For example, 1 John 1:5 (NASB, emphasis added) tells us, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” John 1:4 (HCSB, emphasis added) says, “Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.” In John 8:12 (HCSB, emphasis added), Jesus states, “I am the light of the world.” 

So, what is it about light that parallels who God is? First, there is safety and security in light. Fear flourishes in darkness, as chaos and uncertainty set up shop. In darkness, doubt and despair are developed. But in the light, we can see clearly what is in front of us, we can find safety. Light allows us to walk in peace. With the Lord going before us, we can: rest in green pastures, choose the right path, walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil, be comforted, and sit in the presence of our enemies with confidence.

Second, there is warmth in light. In 1 John 1, we’re told God is light. Later, in chapter 4, we’re told God is love, and these two are related. You see, light provides warmth. There is rest and satisfaction in it. God is a warm, loving, good Father, the kind who runs out to meet us and embrace us as His sons and daughters.

Lastly, there is power and life in light. One of the most powerful things in our galaxy is the sun. Solar radiation is used to power many things. It provides energy, vitality, and strength. Without it, life on this planet would die. Paul tells us that all things come from and exist through Christ. Apart from Christ, we are dead. In Him, we are made alive; and we’re given power from the Holy Spirit—the same power that raised Christ from the dead.

Today, walk in the light. Let the light shine into you and out of you, and know that it is good.

DIG: Search the Bible for all the times God and light are paralleled. What do these verses reveal?

DISCOVER: Why is it that God is so often referred to as light? What are the parallels you see between light and God? How have you seen these qualities of God in your life?

DO: Every time you turn on a light or look up at a light today, thank the Lord for being our light.