Edison didn't create the first light bulb! How we see light in Creation.

Introduction:

Good morning to a Brand New Unused Sunday Morning! Today we will delve into our first of six sermons in the series Flip the Switch. For the next six weeks we will uncover the use of light in the Bible and who it was used to talk about creation,guidance, and salvation. Today we begin with this sermon titled: Edison didn’t create the first light bulb!- How we see light in Creation. We’ll see how the Bible uses the metaphor of light, starting with the first command in Genesis and leading us to the revelation of Jesus as the light of the world in John.

Have you ever heard someone tell you to turn off the light when you leave a room? My Dad would always say when you leave a room you turn the light off. You can leave the light on when you are paying the bills. My Dad was one of the worst about leaving the light on. Now my kids are.

Creation of Light

Genesis 1:3–5 “Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and He called the darkness “night.” Evening came and then morning: the first day.”

From the earliest of times man used fire as a source of heat and light. Later with the invention of the oil lamps work hours could be extended and you could have gatherings at night without the use of a multitude of candles. Lastly with the invention of the light bulb and electricity powering them We were able to extend our reaches into the darkest hours. When I was a kid we would say your mama jokes.

Your mama is so old that when God said let there be light he told your mom to turn on the switch.

Little did I know children today would still be telling your mama jokes.

God’s first recorded words in Genesis are “Let there be light, which signifies the importance of light in creation.

Light was necessary to begin the process of forming and shaping the Earth.

The Purpose of Light in Creation:

Light separates the darkness, providing clarity and the foundation for life.

This initial act of creation sets the stage for all subsequent creation, emphasizing the foundational role of light.

See God doesn’t need light to see to work he creates light so that we may see his Good Works.

Light was made by words of God it would symbolize

Actual source of radiance or light

The way to see good and an escape from the darkness that is sin.

Source of life for the plants and animals to come.

The guidance of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Illustration:

Imagine walking into a completely dark room. The first thing we reach for is a light switch. Similarly, God’s first act was to illuminate the universe, bringing order from chaos.

Application:

At some point this week I would like for you to sit in a room with all the lights off. Sit there for a few minutes and pray, think about your life , or just sit in silence. Next, light a candle. Notice how close to the flame there is enough light to see clearly and further away their are shadows and darkness. Lastly turn on as many lights in that room as you can. During each stage pray, sit in silence, or thing about your life.

A. In the darkness I felt distant from God. Distracted by my own thoughts and the silence was deafening. Initially it was easy to be alone with God but with out light the darkness hides our failures and shortcomings. In the dark we long for safety and to be closer to God. That is why our parents say nothing good happens at night or after the street lights come on.

B. With a candle lite I was able to see around me with just a little clarity. Outside this small ring of light was darkness. I focused a little longer this time. I did begin to wonder what was happening outside this light. See we are closer to God with a little light but not fully reviling his true magnificence.

C. Once I turned on all the lights that I could find nothing in the room was hidden. NOT EVEN THE DUST. I was able to put aside the wonder of what was outside the light and focus on my conversation with God. See when we think of the beauty of nature we think of sunrise or sunset, A full moon or a sky full of stars. Beauty rest in light. We feel closer to God when we see the relationship with him. Like your childhood days Our fathers would turn on the light and chase the monsters away. Evil is always personified by the darkness and God is always the light.

Darkness seen in Exodus 10:21“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness that can be felt.””

Now that we’ve seen the significance of light in the creation narrative, let’s shift our focus to the New Testament, Where we see a different kind of light introduced.

Jesus as the Light of the World

John 1:1–5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

John describes Jesus as the life that is the light of all mankind, linking the physical act of creation to the spiritual rebirth.

Verse 1. The Word in Greek ho logos. Is often thought of as a literal word. Here it is speaking of Jesus because he is the one and only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father. See Christ is logos endiathetos or word conceived or logos prophorikos the word uttered.

Jesus is the embodiment of divine light, bringing life and truth to a darkened world.

The Role of Jesus’ Light in Our Lives:

Just as physical light is essential for life, Jesus’ light is essential for spiritual life.

John 1:1–3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.”

Jesus existed with God and was one with God.

During the Genesis Creation Story Jesus stated he was with God at this point in verse 3.

He was the original source of life so he is the savior for all creations.

He speaks of light in the darkness and says light shines but can‘t be over taken.

He is the saviour we were waiting for.

His light reveals truth, guides our paths, and dispels the darkness of sin and despair.

Application:

Reflect on areas of your life where you need Jesus’ light. Are there parts of your heart shrouded in darkness? Invite Jesus to illuminate those areas with His love and truth.

Illustration: How Christ is the Light in John 1:1-5

Consider a lighthouse standing tall on a rugged coastline. For sailors navigating treacherous waters at night, the lighthouse is a beacon of hope and safety. As waves crash against the rocks and storm clouds obscure the stars, the lighthouse's powerful beam cuts through the darkness, providing a point of reference and guiding ships safely to shore.

Now, imagine a ship caught in a violent storm. The crew is disoriented, struggling to find their way amidst the howling wind and relentless rain. Panic sets in as they lose sight of the shore and any familiar landmarks. Just when hope seems lost, they spot the faint glow of the lighthouse in the distance. That light becomes their lifeline, offering direction and reassurance. By following the beam, they can navigate the dangerous waters and reach the safety of the harbor.

In John 1:1-5, Jesus is depicted as the true light that shines in the darkness. Like the lighthouse guiding the ship, Jesus illuminates the spiritual darkness of our world, offering direction, hope, and safety. The passage states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 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."

Jesus, the eternal Word, is the light that dispels the darkness of sin, confusion, and fear. His light guides us through life's storms, providing clarity and purpose. Just as sailors rely on the lighthouse to navigate safely, we can rely on Jesus to lead us through the challenges and uncertainties of life. His light is unwavering and powerful, a beacon that the darkness cannot overcome.

A.) Jesus is the embodiment of divine light, bringing life and truth to a darkened world.

B.)The Role of Jesus’ Light in Our Lives:

The Role of Jesus’ Light in Our Lives

Revelation of Truth:

Explanation: Just as light reveals what is hidden in darkness, Jesus' light reveals the truth about God, ourselves, and the world. In John 1:4-5, Jesus is described as the light of all mankind, illuminating the truth and dispelling the darkness of ignorance and deceit.

Illustration: Think of a time when you were trying to solve a puzzle in a dimly lit room. You struggle to see the pieces and make sense of the picture. Suddenly, someone turns on a bright light, and everything becomes clear. The pieces fall into place, and the complete image is revealed. Similarly, Jesus' light helps us see and understand the truth clearly, making sense of our lives and the world around us.

Application: Seek Jesus' guidance through prayer and reading the Bible to understand the truth about God's will for your life. Allow His light to expose any falsehoods or misconceptions you may hold.

Guidance and Direction:

Explanation: Jesus' light serves as a guide, helping us navigate the complexities and challenges of life. In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Illustration: Imagine driving at night without headlights. The road is invisible, making it impossible to see where you're going or avoid obstacles. But when you turn on the headlights, the path is illuminated, allowing you to drive safely and confidently. In the same way, Jesus' light illuminates our path, guiding us through life's decisions and challenges.

Application: Commit to following Jesus' teachings and example in your daily life. Trust Him to lead you, especially when facing difficult decisions or uncertain situations.

Hope and Comfort:

Explanation: Jesus' light brings hope and comfort in times of darkness and despair. In John 12:46, Jesus says, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."

Illustration: Consider a dark, stormy night when the power goes out. The darkness can be overwhelming and frightening. But then you light a candle, and its warm glow brings comfort and reassurance. Similarly, Jesus' light provides hope and comfort, even in the darkest times of our lives.

Application: In times of trouble or sadness, turn to Jesus for comfort and hope. Remember His promises and let His light fill your heart with peace and reassurance.

Transformation and Growth:

Explanation: Jesus' light has the power to transform our lives, helping us grow spiritually and morally. In Ephesians 5:8, Paul writes, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

C.)Just as physical light is essential for life, Jesus’ light is essential for spiritual life.

Just as physical light is essential for life, Jesus’ light is essential for spiritual life. In the natural world, light is crucial for growth, health, and well-being. Without sunlight, plants cannot perform photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light into energy to grow and thrive. Animals and humans depend on plants for food, directly or indirectly, making light fundamental to the entire ecosystem. Moreover, sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythms, influences our mood, and provides vital vitamin D. Similarly, Jesus' light is fundamental to our spiritual well-being. His presence illuminates our hearts and minds, guiding us toward truth, growth, and spiritual vitality. Without His light, we remain in spiritual darkness, unable to see the path to righteousness and eternal life.

In the spiritual realm, Jesus' light exposes the truth about God, ourselves, and the world, just as physical light reveals the reality around us. This illumination leads to transformation and renewal, enabling us to grow in faith and understanding. Jesus' light dispels the darkness of sin, ignorance, and despair, providing clarity, hope, and direction. It nurtures our spiritual life by drawing us closer to God, helping us to live in alignment with His will. When we walk in His light, we experience the fullness of life that He promises—a life marked by purpose, peace, and joy. Just as plants cannot survive without sunlight, our souls cannot truly live without the light of Christ guiding, nurturing, and sustaining us.

As we conclude, let’s bring together these two powerful images of light from Genesis and John.

Conclusion:

In Genesis, God’s command, “Let there be light,” marked the beginning of the world’s creation. This foundational element brought order, clarity, and the potential for life. Similarly, in John, Jesus is introduced as the light of all mankind, the one who brings spiritual life and illumination to our hearts. Edison may have invented the light bulb, but it is God who created light itself and Jesus who brings eternal light to our souls. As we go about our week, let’s carry this light within us, illuminating the world around us with the truth and love of Jesus Christ

Objective Restated:

Today, let's remember that the same God who spoke light into existence in the beginning is the one who shines in our hearts through Jesus Christ. May we walk in His light, letting it guide us and transform us each day.

Next week we will look at our compass being guided by the light of the Creator God.

The most well-known version of the Irish Blessing text is as follows: May the road rise to meet you May the wind be at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.