THE BLESSING OF THE LORD !

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD ! The English translation of the Bible renders that phrase, "Let there be light." But that translation is weaker than the original text. "Let there be light" could leave the impression that God was just making plans out loud. That He was saying, "Hmmm. . . Let's have some light." The original Hebrew is shorter and more forceful. It reveals the universe exploded into existence at God's direct command. "God said, "Light be !" "And light was." Why is that so important for us to know ? Why does God consider revealing to us His method of creation so vital that He includes it in the third verse of the Bible ? Because He's a bout to bring forth a family of "creators" made in His image; and this divine method of "calling those things which be not as though they were" is a crucial part of His will and plan for them. It's no coincidence that Genesis 1 tells us again and again that God said... And it was so. Like all good teachers, God teaches by repetition. So, for the sake of His students-- the sons and daughters who would one day follow His example--- He left no room for doubt. He saw to it that the brief summary of Creation in this all-- important first book of the Bible would remind us over and over that: TO Bring Forth The FIRMAMENT From The Waters, "God said... And it was so" (verses 6-7). To Gather The Waters Together and let The Dry Land Appear, "God said... And it was so" (verse 9). To Bring forth Plant Life, "God said... And it was so" (verse 11). To release The Light of the Sun, moon and stars, "God said... And it was so" (versus 14- 15). To fill the sea with living creatures, "God said... And God saw that it was good" (verse 20--21). To bring forth animals from the earth, "God said... And it was so" (verse 24). Speaking is clearly God's creative method. He created and upholds all things by "The Word of His power." God doesn't just blurt out meaningless babble like people so often do. He doesn't use words lightly. He pours Himself into His words. He fills them with faith and spiritual substance. When God said, "Light be !..." He did more than utter a simple phrase. He set a massive plan in motion. With those words, the Almighty released enough power to cause the universe to explode into being. He released the power of Light. WHAT HAPPENED WHEN GOD TURNED ON THE LIGHT ? How significant was that force calls Light ? For more significant than we've realized. The light That God spoke forth on the first day of creation wasn't just visible illumination. It wasn't a kind of night light that lit up the darkness so God could see what He was doing. It wasn't sunshine or moonlight. According to (Genesis 1:14 through 19), the sun and moon were not created until the fourth day. What was it, then, that God released on day one ? It was the Light of His own glory, the essence of God Himself--- of His presence and His substance. If you're wondering how I got that information, you'll be happy to know I got it from the Bible. It tells us plainly that God is Light. It says He is our Light and our salvation. It calls The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the perfect expression of the fullness of God, the "true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9). If the Bible means what it says (and it does !) Light is more than just a quality God possesses. It is who He is. It is His very nature. Just as God is Love, God is Light. Both old and New Testament scriptures confirmed it by describing God's appearance in terms of fire, lightning or some other form of light. In the wilderness, when God led the Israelites by His presence, He is described as "a pillar of fire, to give them light" (Exodus 13:21).