A SHINING AND A BURNING LIGHT

In his pursuit of confirmation regarding God's promises, specifically the assurance of possessing the land of Canaan, Abraham sought clarity from God, as recorded in Genesis 15:8. There, he inquired, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”

In verse 9, the Lord instructed Abraham to bring a heifer, a goat, and a ram. Genesis 15:10 details that Abraham complied by presenting these animals, dividing them in two and positioning the halves opposite each other, while refraining from splitting the birds. As indicated in Genesis 15:11, vultures descended upon the carcasses, yet Abraham drove them away.

Abraham vigilantly awaited the sacrifices, ensuring that they remained undisturbed as he anticipated God's reply. As dusk approached and the sun began to set, he fell into a profound sleep, during which a thick and terrifying darkness enveloped him. In verses 12-16, God spoke with Abraham concerning future events that would unfold even after his time on Earth. 

My focus lies on verse 17, which notes that when the sun had set and darkness prevailed, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch emerged and traversed through the divided pieces. The lord has finished speaking with Abram about what he asked for . God has responded to the question and notably, Abraham did not seek an additional sign.

This is not just God responding to Abram sacrifice, this is God's response to darkness.  The appearance of the firepot and a blazing torch after the onset of darkness signifies a profound revelation; God manifested not only to Abraham but also to the prevailing darkness, presenting Himself as a radiant and consuming light.

The firepot serves the purpose of transferring fire from one location to another, thus obviating the need to kindle a new flame, while the blazing torch illuminates and enhances human experience. Psalm 36:9 elucidates this divine illumination: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” 

God's answer to the existence of darkness is the provision of light—a brilliant and life-giving light.

This theme continues throughout scripture as seen in Genesis 1:2-3 , “Now the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface; and God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Similarly, Matthew 4:16 proclaims, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Isaiah 60:2-3 further reveals, “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you, and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

Moreover, Jesus indicates in John 5:32 that there exists another who testifies about Him, affirming that the testimony he provides is indeed valid. How?

John was a shining and burning light (John 5:35). 

Furthermore, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). This capacity to illuminate has been bestowed upon us, as seen in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world,” underscoring our role as beacons in darkness. This light shines amidst darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

The question posed in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “What fellowship has light with darkness?” finds a resounding answer: none! There exists no concord between light and darkness, for light cannot abide darkness; it serves to expose it. Every hidden matter and the workings of darkness are revealed in the light, as expressed in Ephesians 5:13:

 “And when all things are brought out into the light, their true nature is clearly revealed.”

 This truth elucidates why those who engage in evil harbor animosity towards the light, fearing exposure.

Thus, for those who have embraced the light, let your illumination shine before others so they may witness your virtuous actions and glorify your Father in heaven. The Lord reveals Himself as a blazing torch—a brilliantly shining light! Just as a city set upon a hill cannot be concealed, choose to burn brightly for Christ, radiating even greater intensity. Nations shall be drawn to your light, and kings shall come to its brilliance. Shine forth with such luminosity that through you, others may discern the light.

It is imperative to recognize that it is light that cultivates a bountiful harvest of goodness, righteousness, and truth, as articulated in Ephesians 5:9: “for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth.” 

By embodying a shining and fervent light, your existence becomes a vessel and product of all that is virtuous, just, and true. Remain steadfast in the Lord and choose to shine. Illuminate, for the glory of God has arisen upon you. 

Reject any association with deeds of darkness. Shine! May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and lead us until the very end. 

In the words of Chris Delvan song titled "Here and Now" 

We are light , we are free as the light,like the rays of the sun running through every corner , we are up ahead, the world is got to follow, we are not afraid cuz we will never never know defeat

PRAYER:** Lord Jesus, we express our eternal gratitude for transferring us from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We implore You, Lord, to empower us to represent Your kingdom effectively here on Earth, for in this world, we are like Jesus!