These days we block out natural light with curtains and blinds whereas in the ancient world, people organised their activities around the pattern of daylight.
According to Genesis, light was the first thing created ; in Revelation the Holy city ‘has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb’. Throughout the Bible, light is powerful imagery for the transforming grace of God. ‘For it is the God who said ‘let light shine out of darkness’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the glory of God in the face of Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
When I was very young, Mum took me along to her weekly Women’s Meeting at Church. They had a blessing when they sang to end every meeting based on the blessing of Numbers 6: 24-26, “The Lord bless and keep thee, make his face shine…” Seeing God’s face is about being close to Him. One of the brilliant things about being a Grandma is the way the grandchildren’s faces light up when they see you (usually because of the treats in the bag!!). It’s like God’s face lights up when we come to Him at least metaphorically speaking. How amazing is that! That the Awesome Creator should be pleased to have the attention of the flawed creatures He made and loved but who often can’t be bothered to give Him a second thought!
Jesus called people to come into His presence. In the Old Testament, often people didn’t survive an encounter with God even though they desired to see His face. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says the ‘pure in heart’ will see God’s face. Once in God’s presence, a person’s face might reflect His glory as a glow or radiance (eg Moses, Jesus at his transfiguration). Psalm 17 :15 compares God’s initiative, active power and will to save to the radiance of the sun at daybreak.
Also, Light in the Bible can symbolise the guidance of God and the life illuminating revelation of His Word. ‘Your Word is a lamp to guide me and alight for my path’ Psalm 119: 105 preventing us from stumbling and falling, shining brightly reaching into all parts of human life. The people in Isaiah 9:2 saw a great light which moved them from death to life. In John 9, Jesus calls Himself The Light Of The World. His light overcomes the darkness of the world. Even just one little bit of light makes the dark no longer there. The light of the Torah shines in the face of Jesus; He is the radiant face of God Himself so there is no longer any need to fear the darkness. In John’s gospel, the concept of Jesus being the Light is illustrated with the miracle of sight being restored to a blind man. The natural sense of sight is compared to having spiritual insight and understanding. isHis
‘Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law’ Psalm 119:18
Again we see (whoops, sorry!) the topsy turvy ness of God’s kingdom. We are born in sin and walking in darkness, but see a great light and come to a knowledge of God. The religious authorities in Jesus ‘time are stumbling in impenetrable darkness, their eyes aren’t sound. God’s face lights up when one sinner approaches Him. Light is the symbol for God working in the world. It symbolised the beginning of His Creative power but is superseded by Jesus. His salvation means there is no more dark.