[444 words]
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).
I was reading this passage the other day, and a word struck me that I had rarely paid attention to before. Did you notice in the text that we are called into God’s marvelous light? Why didn’t it just say light? Couldn’t the point have been made just as profoundly without using the word marvelous? No, it couldn’t have! Marvelous is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as “causing wonder or astonishment.” God’s light does indeed bring astonishment, and we should continually marvel at that fact. Notice, for example:
This light is marvelous because it emanates from God Himself. And no wonder, for God Himself is light (1 John 1:5). He created light for the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:3). His Word is light (Psa. 119:105) and gives light (Psa. 119:130). He eternally lights up heaven with His glory (Rev. 22:5).
This light is marvelous because it saves all who enter it. Those obeying the lighted gospel call (2 Tim. 1:9-10) when it shines in their hearts (2 Cor. 4:6), become children of light (1 Thess. 5:5), and partake of the inheritance that exists in the light (Col. 1:12).
This light is marvelous because of the wonderful things that take place when one walks in the light. By walking in the light and staying faithful in its path, the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us (1 John 1:7). Also, we are assured of life, blessings, and much spiritual fruit lighting our lives (Eph. 5:8-14).
Everyone outside of this light is in darkness. They sit in darkness (Psa. 107:10). They walk in darkness (Psa. 82:5). They will spend an eternity in darkness (Matt. 25:30). Why would anyone choose to spend his life here in spiritual darkness and his life after physical death in eternal darkness, in punishment, separated from God? God gave us Jesus as the true Light (John 1:9). Those who follow Him receive the benefits of His marvelous light (John 8:12). Are you in the light? Are you walking in the light?
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12).
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY