Light at the end of the tunnel

Two weeks ago, I wrote about waking up in the dark due to the time change. The Bible says a lot about light, especially pertaining to God being the light at the beginning and end of this dark world’s tunnel, so to speak (Genesis 1:1-5; Revelation 22:1-5; John 16:33; Matthew 6:34).

Next Sunday is Easter, the annual celebration of Jesus’ triumphal resurrection over our sin (Acts 2:22-24; 1 Peter 2:21-25). We often see pictures of light coming out of the open tomb at Easter, and I’ve wondered about a Scriptural basis for that because I figured as soon as the stone was rolled away, Jesus left the tomb. Some might consider that odd to wonder about, but I figured out a possibility while studying for this article.

The artists’ depictions of light coming from the open tomb could’ve been from the angels sitting where Jesus had been laid (John 20:1-18; Luke 24:1-16; Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8). Both John and Luke indicated there was nothing special about Jesus after his resurrection, and even his closest companions failed to recognize him. God can conceal his glory (actually his very self) whenever he wishes, and there are many things, such as our sinful lifestyle, that keep him hidden from us (John 1:1-5; 3:19-21; 12:35-50; Isaiah 59:1-2). Still, he’s often showed his full glory in a safe way for the intended observers (Exodus 33:17-23; Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-4; Luke 9:28-29).

The angels in the tomb, brilliant as their clothes were, as often described of such messengers from God, likely exuding their own light (Daniel 10:1-11; Luke 2:8-9; Acts 1:1-11; 10:30-33; 12:7; Revelation 15:5-6). Like Moses, after meeting with God on Mount Sinai and in his tent pitched outside the camp, the angels merely reflected the light of God’s glory from having been in his presence (Exodus 34:29-35; 33:12-13).

Jesus said while he was in the world, he was the light of the world (John 9:5; 8:12). Jesus is still in the world by living in Christians (Galatians 3:26-29; 4:6-7; Acts 2:36-39). We’re to reflect his glory as the light of the world by living like Jesus, as best as we can (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12; 1 John 2:6; 1:5-9). This doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect — sinless, like Jesus — but, people should see our lifestyle as being distinctly Christian — of Christ (Acts 4:13; 2 Corinthians 3:7-14; 4:1-18; Luke 6:43-49; John 13:34-35; Proverbs 4:18-19).

While many are remembering Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection this week as an annual reminder, the New Testament example is to meet every first day of the week to be reminded of the resurrection and that there is light at the end of this dark world’s tunnel because Jesus is coming back (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 14:1-4). Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection also is portrayed (participated in) during baptism (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:1-2). Additionally, Christians are to follow Jesus in cross-bearing daily to show their light to the world (Luke 9:18-37; Philippians 2:12-16).

Is your light shining or faded?

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].