“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV
Reflection: do you see the light of Christ?
The first and general accepted definition of “darkness” is the absence of light. We can easily verify that by going into a dark room with no windows, and then turn on the light. Darkness disappears. But what happens if we leave the light on, but cover it up? It is the same effect as if the light was never turned on. And, we see that darkness reappears, if light is covered up.
In our focus verse, Paul makes a reference to creation, when God spoke life into existence, out of nothing, reminding us that “God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the only one who can create something out of nothing. And, Paul continues to how it is therefore possible for God to bring light into dark hearts which have never seen His light. That this Paul writes that God, “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6b ESV. Isn’t it interesting that we see the parallel of creating light in our individual hearts to the creation of the universe itself? What Paul is saying here is that it is just as big of a miracle – the creation of light in a heart of darkness, as the universe creation.
An amazing truth.
Because, we in ourselves are unable to create something out of nothing. To create light out of darkness. We read then Paul’s explanation “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-5 ESV.
Ok there are further deep mysteries here, including how “the gospel is veiled for some”. That seems as if that is God’s doing, right? But notice carefully the explanation here, that for unbelievers, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV. The god of this world keeps the light covered up, veiled. The light is there, ready to light up the darkness. Light up dark hearts. So who is “the god of this world”?
Simply put, it is Satan, the devil.
But what is in his dominion? It is the things of this world, that we all know so well. That our flesh is tempered by. Paul makes the point that it is a conscious decision to “renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways”. We have to refuse the ways of darkness, not dabble in it. Not allow evil in. He goes on talking about how they delivered the gospel, saying that they “refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word”. Also very relevant to many churches today, who are not speaking the whole truth because it can be offensive to some. Paul said that they they went forward speaking only truth, “by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God”.
If you have received the light of Christ, that you see his light and are being transformed into his image, recognize the magnitude of the miracle of what God is doing in you. As significant as creation itself. That God could create light out of darkness. Praise Him today – our creator God, for He is glorious.