Texts: Genesis 1:1-3; James 1:17;1John 1:5

Recurrent thought: God is light and the Father (Source) of all light. Therefore, as His children and followers of Christ, we should walk in His light and exhibit this light wherever we are.

Introduction

In the creation account recorded in the Book of Beginnings (Genesis) we observe that on the first day of creation before anything else, God commands light to exist (to come forth). Light is his nature and identity.

Light, just as love, is the nature (part of his essence) and character of God. Our God is the source of all light (James 1:17). We have many testimonies in Scriptures to the truth that God is Light.

1. Apostle John in his first letter says: "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1John 1:5).
2. In fact, you will observe that John has this theme of “God is Light” running through his mind in his writings. Notice "light of the world"; "light of men" and "the true light”
3. Apostle Paul, writing to his spiritual son Timothy, says God “dwells in unapproachable light” 1 Timothy 6:16
4. Apostle James says God is “the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Imagine and notice the contrast between walking and working light versus walking and working in darkness…

That should give us a pale preview of the contrast between walking with the Father of Lights and walking with the father of lies (the devil)!

The offer for our choice: By accepting the offer of Salvation and the Lordship of Christ we become children of light/day and no longer of night/darkness.

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)

Benefits of Walking in this Light

1. Light brings order in situations of confusion and chaos. We observe that God commanded the light into existence to dispel the darkness and chaos that was over the earth.
   • There is order and clarity of direction in light
   • In light, you are ahead of the curve, you see the “snakes and snares” clearly, you have the advantage of foresight – umayiwonera patali game/gauge, leaving your supposed peers amazed!
   • There is progress and progression in light – sins fall away the closer and more consistent we walk in light – (Pakusenderera kwinu viheni vikumbotoka, Ndipo mu mutima wane mukunjira mtende winu)
   • Notice the progression in paths of righteous vs the wicked. (Proverbs 4:18-19), “18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. 19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.”
2. Light drives out fear and boosts your confidence.
   • There is no fear in light – David says “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
   • Notice the contrast if we choose to walk in darkness. “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)
3. Light brings productivity – in plant science productivity requires light (remember photosynthesis?!)
   • In darkness/night it is impossible to work and be productive because it is impossible to see clearly.
   • The Lord Jesus speaking to his disciples said, “We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

Conclusion

Let us resolve to walk in the light and demonstrate it from this year onwards.

"If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:6–7).