Light on the facets of my life

Among our extended family you would find a few skilled photographers. So, on family holidays, the less skilled pick up that light is an important factor and soon start referring jokingly to perfect natural light: “The light! The light!”

Perfect supernatural light would of course be found in Jesus Christ who came as the light of the world. John 1:5, 8, 9 (NIVUK) describes it well: ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it. ⁸He himself (John) was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. ⁹The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

A precious stone (a hard, translucent mineral crystal) is formed in the Earth’s crust under immense pressure and/or heat. We can cut such a stone, e.g. a diamond, to have different facets that can refract light optimally – and then have a truly precious stone that is now worth even more to its owner.

It is no surprise then that an almighty God sometimes allows his children to go through situations of immense pressure and “heat” – then to pick us up and put us through a grinding/cutting process to best reveal the glorious beauty of the Light (Jesus) in our lives.

Isn’t it awesome that the Creator of the universe has chosen to make my life a precious gemstone where every facet of my life (my relationships, my vocation, my recreation, my ministry at church and in the world) can reflect something of his character, of his love and grace?

(The Afrikaans version is available here)