It Takes Light To See Light

Psalm 36:9 – “In Your Light We See Light”

I’m drawn to this little phrase from Psalm 36 this morning, because it is one of those short, pithy sentences that articulates a deep and powerful truth – it takes light to see light. Seems obvious, but this is the revelation of one of the basic principles of how the Holy Spirit works, both to initiate relationship with individuals, and to help us understand how we as followers of Jesus approach life in contrast to those who have no relationship with Him.

C.S. Lewis said something like this: “I believe in the truth of God’s Word for the same reason I believe in the sun; not only because I can see it, but because by it I can see everything else clearly.” When God, in His mercy, sends the Spirit of revelation to someone, the eyes of that person’s heart are “enlightened,” and they are able to see things as they are.

In the ninth chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus encountered a blind man seeking healing. He described Himself as “the Light of the world” (v.5), and then healed the man’s eyes. When questioned about the miracle, the man simply said, “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” (V.25).

In Luke 15, Jesus told the story of the prodigal son, who left his father’s home to attempt to find fulfillment in the far country of self-indulgent living. When he became bankrupt in every way, he “came to himself,” and went back to his father’s home, where he was restored. One interpretation of that phrase is that “he saw things as they really were.” In other words, it dawned on him, a light bulb went on in his head, the shadows cleared away, and he woke up to reality.

In 2 Corinthians 4:6, the writer tells us that salvation has come to us because God the Father shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. He sent the light of truth, and those who believe in Jesus woke up and saw the light, and decided to follow Him.

By the mercies of God, “those who walk in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2, quoted about Jesus in Matthew 4:16). Because our Father takes the initiative to shine the light of the Gospel of Jesus, anyone who chooses to see can see. The seekers of Light will find Him, even though there are many who will remain in darkness because they love it (John 3:19). That is the choice that condemns people – in love with darkness, they reject the Light, and nothing can be done for those who refuse to see.

Jesus, in Your light we see light, the freedom to choose truth and goodness over evil and darkness. Send Your Spirit of revelation, awaken the hearts that still sleep in darkness, and let brightness of Your Kingdom fill all the earth. Amen.

Gary Wiens