You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28
The descriptive power of the contrast between darkness and light makes it one of the most effective and frequently used metaphors in the Bible. Illustrating God’s blessings, presence, and revelation, light is opposed to darkness, which represents judgment, alienation, and blindness (Isaiah 9:2; 60:1-3). Significantly, the division of light and darkness into alternating days and nights is the first of nature’s cycles created by God. We are reminded that the ultimate source of light on earth is God, rather than the sun, which He introduced later as light’s immediate cause. The natural properties of light and shadow present some interesting concepts that can aid our understanding of both the physical and spiritual realms of creation; for example, without light there is no shadow. Likewise, it is only by the light of God’s truth that the darkness of sin is revealed. The light of God’s law convicts us of our desperate need for His saving grace in Christ (Galatians 3:10-14). As a body turned from the light is in shadow, so we must turn to God to live in the light of His truth (John 3:20-21).
I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12
Although they are identical in perspective and angle of view, these two photographs were taken on separate trips more than two years apart, in different seasons, at opposite ends of the day, and with different camera systems. I was not aware of the match until I began researching images for this book.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
