By: Obed Pineda
Among the numerous fabulous achievements mankind has successfully accomplished, there is often a debate as to which one may be the most significant. Some argue the invention of the motorized engine, because it has enabled man to be able to travel great distances, by land, air, or sea, more swiftly and safely. Others counter that it is the telephone because it has allowed the world to be able to communicate with one another, no matter where on the globe you may be. Perhaps, due to the current challenges incurred by the pandemic, some would say that the development of the internet has proven its value by giving everyone quick access to information, communication, and even an avenue for distraction. Even though these, and many other contributions, do present valid points, it is the opinion of this author that the achievement that has aided humanity the most is artificial light. Before incandescent bulbs were introduced to world by Thomas Edison, man relied heavily on wax candles, clay oil lamps, or gas lamps. Indisputably, the range and strength of luminosity is very limited by any of these options and due to this, a person’s movement becomes restricted and compromised in the dark. The world before artificial lighting would be engulfed in darkness when the sun would set at the end of the day; solely illumined by the faint glow of the stars, the moon (if the skies were clear), or a tiny flame. Today, it is hard for a modern city brightened by electric powered lamps during the entire night to comprehend the value of those homes that chose to leave the burning oil lamps on their windowsills to shine during the night for any possible travelers crossing that path, under the cover of night. The flame of that oil lamp, although minute in comparison to the vast cloak of blackness, was mighty enough to pierce that thick veil and provided direction to anyone who spotted it. This was the nature of the world during our Lord’s lifetime on earth and it radiates much understanding as to why He declared, “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” (Matthew 5:14-15, emphasis added). The importance and worth of light for man is often referred to in Holy Scriptures. The Holy Spirit often presents light as the symbol of morality (Isaiah 62:1-2), wisdom (Proverbs 6:20-23), understanding (Psalm 119:129-130), and guidance (Ephesians 5:8-13). Undeniably, these traits attributed to the emblem of light are what Christ meant as He commands His church “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, emphasis added). The apostle Paul reiterates the Master’s commandment as he emphasizes “You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness” (1st Thessalonians 5:5, emphasis added). Remarkably, God knowing His creation very well, foresaw that it would benefit mankind to be provided with a living example of what it means to be a son of light. It would not be wrong if your mind raced to Jesus as the aforementioned example, but it must be understood that Christ proclaimed “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12a, emphasis added) and He is prophesied as “the Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2a, emphasis added) thus portraying Him as the source of light; not an object borrowing light. In other words, Christ is the light that must be reflected in every Christian’s life, by imitating Him (1st Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2). Therefore, the Lord Himself spoke the following about John the Baptiser, “He was the burning and shinning lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light” (John 5:35, emphasis added). When the Master made this proclamation, He was defending His decision to heal a man who had an infirmity that had hindered his mobility for thirty-eight years, on the Sabbath day (John 5:1-47). Understanding that under the Law He required two or three witness to corroborate His testimony (John 5:31, Deuteronomy 19:15-21), John’s ministry is “called to the witness stand” on His behalf. The Lord reminded His accusers that they had “sent to John and he has borne witness to the truth” (John 5:33, emphasis added). What Jesus alludes to is “when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ’” (John 1:19-20, emphasis added). Instead, when John saw Jesus the day after he was questioned by them he proclaimed, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me” (John 1:29-30, emphasis added). Observe that the Lord’s presentation of John as a “burning and shinning lamp” is in reference to what he preached in regards to the Christ. The inspired John, the beloved disciple, further elaborates that “there was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light” (John 1:6-8, emphasis added). Thus, it is fascinating that Jesus Christ (the Light) presents John (the witness of the Light) as a “burning and shinning lamp” through his ministry. John’s example concurs with the attributes depicted by the Bible in the figure of light. John was a moral man who denounced Herod’s adultery (Mark 6:14-29), was wise in deducing the Pharisees and Sadducees true motives when they appeared at his baptism (Matthew 3:7-10), understood what his mission was in regards to the Christ (John 3:25-36), and guided many to repentance (Luke 3:7-18). Without question, John reflected the light that came from God in him, brightly. It must not be ignored that his radiant devotion and love for God, attracted all types of people to him; godly and ungodly. The beloved Physician penned that “Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, also added this, above all, that he shut John up in prison” (Luke 3:18-19, emphasis added). This is what Jesus referred to when he stated “you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light” (John 5:35b, emphasis added). Still, this did not stop John from continuing to shine his light before Herod, nor did it intimidate him to blow out the flame from his lamp. John comprehended that it was necessary for his candle to burn out, for verily he clarified to his disciples, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, emphasis added). Allowing his light to burn out, would prove that he was not the source of light, but an artificial light that emulated the Light. John gladly accepted that he was sent to prepare the way for Christ’s arrival, and once He arrived his mission would be complete. The beauty of this Scriptural example? That this truth still applies to the children of light today (1st Thessalonians 5:1-11).