The Light is Shining 

“Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].”

James 1:17 (AMP)

For the British Isles there is a scheduled eclipse of the sun today, but the best place to see it is likely to be obscured by clouds. The best place, with a possible 98% view, is in the far north, but at the time of writing it is forecast that clouds will hide the spectacle from sight. Other places further south may get a lesser glimpse of the eclipse. If you do decide to look at it, make sure you wear protective glasses!

A total solar eclipse is when the earth’s tiny moon moves into a position between the earth and the sun so that the light of the sun is completely obscured. The diameter of the sun is over 400 times greater than the moon’s, which makes it more amazing that something as comparatively small as the moon can block out the sun’s rays. Of course, despite the eclipse, the sun’s light is still shining.

God’s glory is compared to the light of the sun in Habakkuk 3:4, “And His brightness was like the sunlight; rays streamed from His hand, and there [in the sunlike splendor] was the hiding place of His power”. James also uses this analogy in the leading scripture.

If we give our problems the wrong kind of focus, it will feel as if they block us from the Father’s light. With us even small clouds can hide Jesus from our view. It may be that we are disappointed or in despair due to a difficult situation in our life. Jesus may seem far away. Perhaps we are so overtaken by personal sin that we can’t see the clear light of day.

The encouraging thing for us is that the Father’s light is always shining on us. That was James’ message to Christians. James knew that they would be surrounded by trials and difficulties and that therefore believers might think that they are in darkness from time to time. See a different perspective, was his message. We may not see it sometimes, but the light is still shining. There is no rising or setting of God’s constant light, and nothing eclipses it from shining on us.

Walk everyday in God’s light.

Prayer

Father of all light, thank you that nothing gets in the way of your kindly light which surrounds me each and every day. I know that, even in the darkness of my problems and sins, your light still shines. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Study by James Henderson

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About the Author:
James Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. This weekend James is speaking at our Birmingham church.  You are welcome to attend any of our local congregations.  For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

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