Jesus – The Everlasting Light

 

“In the morning the sun rose clear, but was soon overcast. The clouds became lowery, and from them, black and ominous, as they soon appeared, lightning flashed, thunder rolled, and a little rain fell.

Toward nine o’clock, the clouds became thinner, and assumed a brassy or coppery appearance, and earth, rocks, trees, buildings, water, and persons were changed by this strange, unearthly light. A few minutes later, a heavy black cloud spread over the entire sky.” GC, p.306

“Candles were used; and hearth fires shone as brightly as on a moonless evening in autumn… Fowls retired to their roosts and went to sleep, cattle gathered at the pasture bars and lowed, frogs peeped, birds sang their evening songs, and bats flew about. But the human knew that night had not come….. G.C.p.307

The Dark Day

“In most part of the country it was so great in the daytime, that the people could not tell the hour by either watch or clock, nor dine, nor manage their domestic business, without light of candles… It was observed as far east as Falmouth. To the westward it reached to the farthest part of Connecticut, and to Albany. To the southward, it was observed along the seacoasts; and to the north as far as the American settlements extend… The intense darkness of the day was succeeded, an hour or two before evening, by a partially clear sky, and the sun appeared, though it was still obscured by the black heavy mist. After sundown, the clouds came again overhead, and it grew dark very fast. Nor was the darkness of the night less uncommon and terrifying than that of the day… May 19,1780, stands in history as “The Dark Day” – G.C., pp.307, 308

The Prophecy Was Fulfilled:-

“In the Saviour’s conversation with His disciples upon Olivet, after describing the long period of trial for the church, – the 1260 years of papal persecution, concerning which He had promised that the tribulation should be shortened, — He thus mentioned certain events to precede His coming, and fixed the time when the first of these should be witnessed: ‘In those days, after the tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.’ Mark 13.24. The 1260 days, or years terminated in 1798. A quarter of a century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased. Following this persecution, according to the words of Christ, the sun was to be darkened. On the 19th of May, 1780, this prophecy was fulfilled.” G.C., p.306

According to the above thoughts, we know light is one of the important things in the life of human beings. Light and dark or day and night is necessary for mankind’s work and rest. These two are equally included in their life. If it is always light in the earth, how can human beings get rest? Or if it is always dark in the earth, when can the people work, and how can they find their food? So these two, light and dark, are mingled in the life of human beings. The Bible says, we could not find the way or place of light and darkness. “ Where is the way where the light dwelleth? And as for darkness, where is the place thereof, that thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?” Job 38:19, 20

Fear God, Heed His Word

In the beginning God created the greater light (sun) on the fourth day of the week, to rule the day. The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening. By the command of God, the sun rule over the day and in the night time it is hidden. King David says about this sun:

“In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber. And rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” Psalm 19:4-6 Who received a good name from the Lord? “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and
escheweth evil?” Job 1:8. The same Job says, “Which (The Lord) commandeth the sun, and it riseth not.” Job 9:7

If the Lord of God commands the sun not to rise for some days, what will happen in this world? The world becomes dark. The plants lose their green colour and are then destroyed. If there are no plants, there is no food for human beings and for livestock.

The plants take in carbon dioxide, and give out oxygen. So if there is no light, there are no more plants, and therefore no more human beings. If no plants, where can we go to clean the air? Now we also understand that the light is very important to livestock. All the livestock were afraid on the Dark day on 19th May 1780. Even for one dark day all the livestock were afraid. If all the future days would be full of darkness, what would be the situation of the earth? Kindly think for one minute.

Word Of The Lord Gives Light

In the beginning God created man in His own image, but man sinned with his disobedience. Mankind lost the image of God and fell down into the darkness of sin. When mankind is struggling or in great distress in sinful darkness, God is gives the light through the word of God. “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light; Proverbs 6:23. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Psalm 119:105 “The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.
“Here you are crying before God, in the anguish of your souls, for more light. I am authorized from God to tell you that not another ray of light through the Testimonies will shine upon your pathway until you make a practical use of the light already given. The Lord has walled you about with light; but you have not appreciated the light; you have trampled upon it. While some have despised the light, others have neglected it or followed it but indifferently.
A few have set their hearts to obey the light which God has been pleased to give them.” 5T, p. 666.

Before sin entered into this earth, the heavenly angels were giving good counsel to our first parents , Adam and Eve . They enjoyed, and were happy with the counsel of the angels. After sin entered into this world God gave His heavenly light, that is, the word of God, to mankind through His prophets. When they searched the word of God, they found the way to receive true peace and the “love of the Lord.” So, that light, the word of God, helps us to walk on the true path, without sin.

“God has seen fit in this manner to bring the minds of His people to His word, to give them a clearer understanding of it. The word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. But not withstanding all this, some who profess to make the word of God their study are found living in direct opposition to its plainest teachings. Then, to leave men and women without excuse, God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them back to the word that they have neglected to follow.” – 5T,p. 663.

You Are The Light Of The World

The word of God teaches us to find the way of light, of life. Why? Mankind is living with sinful darkness. When we search the word of God, the Holy Bible, continuously, we can receive the divine love, the heavenly love. Our faults and sinful activities will be reduced; we will improve in good things so that we can turn our souls to the side of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The word of God teaches us how to live a good life full of good things. The word of God can change to a good man those who have bad habits, also.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ says regarding those who faithfully obey the Holy Bible:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16. Yes, my dear brethren and sisters, first we have fear God and to follow the teachings of the word of God; then we can do good things. If we do this, we will glorify our Heavenly Father. The Heavenly Host will rejoice, love will grow in our life. If we are living as faithful witnesses among the people, without sin, we are good lights to the world. What will be the result if we do this? “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” Proverbs 4:18. Apostle Paul says, “among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life…” Philippians 2:15, 16 We have to continuously read the word of God, and follow its teachings and to obey God. Then we can do good things and be a light to the world. The word of God can change us and mankind to be great lights among the darkness of sin.

“To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 8:20; 9:2 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.“ Romans 13:12.

“Then Jesus said unto them,… walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35. Those who turn away from the light which God has given, or who neglect to seek it when it is within their reach, are left in darkness. But the Saviour declares, ‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” John 8:12. “Whoever is with singleness of purpose seeking to do God’s will, earnestly heeding the light already
given, will receive greater light; to that soul some star of heavenly radiance will be sent to guide him into all truth.” GC, p. 312.

Jesus – The True Light!

The light of the word of God helps us, to escape from the darkness of sin. If we follow this light we will change to be lights to the world. After that if we have the true light of Jesus Christ, what must we do? Our Saviour Jesus tells us: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9.

The moon receives light from the sun and shines in the night. In the same way, if we are receiving light from the true light of Jesus, we can also shine in the darkness of sinful earth, as witnesses of our Saviour, the true light, Jesus Christ. Our Saviour says: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” “I am the light of the world: He who followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 9:5; 8:12.

“That God who walked with Enoch was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was the light of the world then just as He is now.” 6T, 392.

“We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour….. Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature… Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of
Christ.“ – DA. pp. 152, 153.

The Lord Is The Light

The True Light, Jesus Christ, came to this world from the Heavenly Father, who dwells in unapproachable light. Yes, the Lord God, “who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:16 Apostle John says about the Lord of God as follows; “…His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” – Rev 1:16.

Because of the dark day, the world was afraid on May 19th, 1780. Those who are suffering in sinful darkness, need to come out. The everlasting light is waiting to shine upon you. If we follow the light in the word of God always, our life will change and become a wonderful light to this world. Then we can go forward under the true light of Jesus Christ. Through this light of life, we will reach the Heavenly Father who is dwelling in unapproachable light. And then there is no darkness, but always light; we will be in the everlasting light.

So, my dear brethren and sisters, search the Bible always and think always of the teachings of the Bible. Then our loving Lord will give us everlasting life and light. “And there shall them.” Psalm 5:11
AMEN.

S. Raj Israel & R. Jawahar Joshua, India
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