“Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isa. 49:6. “For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.” Acts 13:47-49. The light of the Law was too weak to lead anyone to a perfect salvation. They could not bear the strong light of life for salvation from all kinds of sin, including covetousness. It was not only God’s plan to lead Israel back to their land, but, through the light of faith, to lead those who are appointed to it right to the throne of God. Rev. 3:21. If the heavenly light has been kindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, then we have also been appointed to be missionaries to pass on this light for the others’ great salvation and joy. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light . . . .” 1 Pet. 2:9. The saints have rejoiced in this marvelous light right from the days of the apostles. The light enters into all the virtues of Christ and makes them great and glorious. There is great darkness on earth, and people cannot find their way, whether it concerns their marriage or the economy. Everything becomes chaotic. However, everything becomes clear and blessed in God’s light, and the result is harmony and joy in marriage and in all other aspects of life. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they should become discouraged.” Col. 3:18-21. These words are light from God and produce salvation and joy. “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like utter darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” Prov. 4:18-19. Jesus is our great example. He was anointed with the oil of gladness more than His companions because He loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. Heb. 1:9. The light of righteousness enters into everything we say and do. Those who have led many to righteousness will shine like stars, always and for all eternity. We have a great responsibility to pass on the heavenly light if it has been kindled in our hearts. How good it is to know that we are children of light and of the day, and that we do not belong to the night or to darkness. 1 Thess. 5:5. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Eph. 5:8. We can only have fellowship with each other if we are children of light. 1 John 1:7. In the religious darkness people seek honor and gain which causes unrest and strife. By walking in the light, we are led into a genuine, unfailing brotherhood in the peace and rest of faith. “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another . . . .” 1 Thess. 4:5. This teaching is the light of life. “Who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, and apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” 2 Tim. 1:10-11. Bringing out the light by proclaiming the gospel is the most exalted task anyone can receive. Each Word of God is a radiant light that brings about transformation and glory. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6. This glory radiates from the bride in Song of Solomon 6:10 and in Revelation 21:9-11, where the bride has God’s glory and the light was like the most precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. This heavenly light was burning in the five wise virgins. They shone in the darkness of night with all the virtues of Christ. Not all of them shone equally bright, but all of them were faithful in the light with which God had entrusted them. The evil of the darkness of night could not quench their light of eternal joy and peace. “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:23. Jesus was the first, the greatest, and the most excellent One who through sufferings—on resurrection ground—could proclaim light to all mankind. His followers are also led by the virtues of Christ through sufferings to glory. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is in all goodness, righteousness and truth).” Eph. 5:8-9. We must proclaim this glorious light until the very day when Jesus comes again. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matt. 24:14. This will happen quickly in the last days!Aksel J. Smith