This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

As I got to thinking about our chapter this week and the topic of radiance, my thoughts went back to the beginning—Genesis chapter 1.

Before there were gardens, oceans, or cute little critters like Jimothy, there was darkness. The earth was empty, without form, and then God spoke:

“Let there be light.”

And there was light.

Isn’t that beautiful? God spoke, and the darkness had to give way.

As I read those verses, I’m reminded of the change that takes place when a person comes to Christ.

Paul writes:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Apart from Christ, every heart is touched by darkness. People may try to fill the emptiness within them with relationships or accomplishments, yet none of those things can bring life to the soul.

Only Jesus can do that.

And then there is light.

When Christ enters a life, He reveals what we could not see on our own. He shows us our sin and His mercy. He brings the human heart into the light and shows us a better way—one filled with His presence, forgiveness, and new life.

That’s the beauty of the gospel.

Jesus makes us new. He changes our desires, our direction, and the way we see the world.

Genesis tells us that God separated the light from the darkness. When we belong to Christ, a separation begins to take place in us too. We still face temptation and struggle, yet God has called us into His light.

We begin to live differently. We choose truth, kindness, forgiveness, and faithfulness, even when another response would be easier.

Later in the creation account, God placed two great lights in the sky. They offer another picture of our relationship with Christ.

Jesus is the true source of light. He said:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV)

We are more like the moon.

The moon doesn’t produce its own light. It shines because it reflects the light of the sun. The same is true of us.

Whatever light is seen in us comes from Christ. As we spend time with Him, His character begins to shape ours. His patience changes our responses. His compassion changes the way we see people. His truth guides our decisions, and His love moves us to serve.

The closer we walk with Jesus, the more clearly His light can be seen in us.

And have you ever noticed that the moon is most visible when the sky is dark?

In much the same way, the light of Christ is often seen most clearly during difficult seasons. Peace becomes visible when the future is uncertain. Forgiveness more visible when we have been deeply hurt. Love is all the more visible when someone is difficult.

We won’t always respond perfectly. Sometimes our patience will wear thin or our words will miss the mark. Even then, we can turn to Christ and ask Him to correct us, strengthen us, and teach us to honour Him.

Even the moon doesn’t always appear full. Sometimes we see only a small portion of it, and at other times clouds may cover it completely. Still, the source of its light remains.

There will be seasons when we feel much the same way. We may be discouraged by our failures or aware of how much growing we still have to do. But our hope isn’t found in how brightly we think we are shining.

Our hope is found in Christ.

The darker the season, the more clearly His light can be seen—not because we shine perfectly, but because His grace shines through our brokenness every time we turn back to Him.

As we abide in Him, His goodness and grace are reflected through ordinary moments—a quiet act of kindness, a patient response, a sincere prayer, or a faithful choice no one else sees.

The God who once said, “Let there be light,” is still bringing light into human hearts. And when His light shines upon us, we have the privilege of reflecting it to the people around us.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.