Let There Be light

By Pastor Juliana T Akinbami

Let There Be Light – Introduction


The Power of Light

Theme Scripture: Genesis 1:3

  • Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.
    • In this verse, we see the first recorded words of God in Scripture: a command for light.
    • God spoke, and instantly, the chaos and void were dispelled. This wasn’t just physical light—it represented His presence, order, and power over the darkness.

The Nature of Light in Scripture

  1. Light Represents God’s Presence
    • Throughout the Bible, light is a metaphor for God’s glory and His divine presence.
    • Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
      • God’s light brings courage, confidence, and hope.
    • Exodus 13:21: God guided the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of fire—a manifestation of His light.
  2. Light Represents Revelation and Understanding
    • Psalm 119:130: “ Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained. “NET
    • God’s light brings clarity where there is confusion and reveals hidden truths.
    • When God’s light shines, what was once unclear becomes clear, and we gain insight into His will and purpose.
  3. Light Represents Victory Over Darkness
    • John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
      • God’s light isn’t passive; it actively overcomes the power of darkness.
    • From the first moments of creation, God established that light is victorious over darkness.

The Call to Walk in the Light

  • Matthew 5:14-16“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
  • When God speaks His Word, darkness is dispelled in our lives—whether it’s the darkness of sin, fear, confusion, or hopelessness.
  • God’s light doesn’t just illuminate our lives; it calls us to reflect that light to others.

Today, we will explore how God’s light manifests in different ways:

  • As a force to bring order to chaos.
  • As a revelation of truth.
  • As guidance toward salvation.
  • As a call to reflect His light in the world.

·  Thank God for the Power of His Light:

  • “Father, we thank You for the command You spoke in the beginning: ‘Let there be light.’ Thank You for the power of Your Word that brought light to dispel chaos and void.
  • “Lord, we praise You for being our light and salvation. Thank You for the courage, confidence, and hope Your light brings into our lives.
  • “We give thanks for the light of Your Word that shines in our hearts, giving us clarity and understanding. Thank You for revealing Your truths to us, even in moments of confusion. Your instructions are truly a doorway of light, giving insight and wisdom where we lack understanding.”
  • “Mighty God, we thank You that Your light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Thank You for the assurance of victory in every battle we face. From the very beginning, You established light as triumphant over darkness, and we walk boldly in that victory today.”
  • “Father, we are grateful that Your light transforms every area of our lives. Thank You for illuminating our paths, giving us guidance, and drawing us closer to You. May Your light continue to shine brightly in and through us.”
  • In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

1. God’s Light Brings Order to Chaos


Scripture: Genesis 1:3
“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

  • The opening chapter of the Bible introduces us to a formless, void earth shrouded in darkness. God’s first act of creation was bringing light.
  • This simple yet profound act demonstrates the necessity of light as the foundation for life, order, and clarity.

God’s Light in Creation: A Closer Look

  • Formlessness and Void:
    • Before God’s intervention, the earth was in a state of chaos—unformed and empty.
    • Darkness covered everything, symbolizing disorder, confusion, and the absence of purpose.
    • God’s command for light immediately brought structure and initiated the process of creation.
  • The Power of God’s Word:
    • God didn’t wrestle with the darkness; He spoke, and light came into being.
    • This illustrates the power of God’s Word to create, transform, and bring clarity to any situation.

God’s Word Still Brings Order Today

  1. Light in Personal Chaos:
    • Many of us experience seasons of formlessness—times when life feels overwhelming, chaotic, or purposeless.
    • When we invite God’s Word into these areas, His light brings clarity, purpose, and direction.
      • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word guides us step by step out of confusion.
  2. Restoration of Hope:
    • Just as God didn’t abandon the earth in its dark and chaotic state, He doesn’t abandon us. His light pierces through the deepest darkness to bring restoration.
  3. Isaiah 61:3: God gives beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning,
    The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
  4. Breaking the Grip of Darkness:
    • Darkness often represents fear, sin, or ignorance. When God’s light enters, it exposes what is hidden and drives out fear and confusion.
      • John 8:12Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

When We Invite God’s Light, Our Confusion is Dispelled

  • Chaos and darkness cannot coexist with God’s light. His Word brings:
    • Clarity: It illuminates our next steps when we feel stuck.
    • Peace: It settles the storms within us.
    • Purpose: It redefines our identity and realigns us with God’s plans.

 

  • Where are you experiencing chaos in your life?
    • Is it emotional turmoil, financial uncertainty, or spiritual dryness?
  • God’s Word is ready to speak light into those areas, bringing peace and clarity.
    • Will you invite His light into your situation today?

Join me as we declare, “Let there be light.” 

Prayer: God’s Light Brings Order to Chaos

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who speaks light into darkness and brings order to chaos. Just as You declared, “Let there be light,” and transformed the formless void into a beautiful creation, I invite Your light into every chaotic and dark area of my life.

Lord, I invite Your light into my heart, my thoughts, and my circumstances. Where I feel uncertain, let Your Word guide me step by step, for I know it is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

Father, I surrender the chaos in my relationships, my work, and my personal struggles (as appropriate) to You. Shine Your light of clarity where I feel stuck. Replace my fear and doubts with the confidence that comes from Your presence.

I declare Your promise in John 8:12, that as I follow Jesus, I will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

Father, I ask that Your light would:

  • Bring clarity: Illuminate my decisions and guide me in Your perfect will.
  • Bring peace: Calm every storm within me and replace anxiety with Your divine comfort.
  • Bring purpose: Align my identity and life with the plans You have ordained for me.

Today, I speak Your creative Word over my life, I boldly declare, “Let there be light!” let it transform every void into fullness and every brokenness into wholeness.

Let Your light dispel every shadow of chaos and confusion, and let Your glory shine in me and through me for Your glory.

In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen 

2. God’s Light Reveals Truth and Exposes Darkness


Scripture: John 1:4-5
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

  • These verses reveal Jesus as the source of life and light for all humanity. His light isn’t passive; it actively confronts and overcomes the darkness of sin, ignorance, and evil.
  • God’s light doesn’t just illuminate; it reveals truth, exposes lies, and challenges us to confront what is hidden in darkness.

The Power of Light to Reveal Truth

  1. Light Exposes What is Hidden:
    • Darkness can hide sin, shame, and confusion. But when God’s light shines, it brings these hidden things into the open for healing and restoration.
    • Ephesians 5:13“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”
  2. Light Brings Truth and Understanding:
    • God’s light reveals His truth, helping us see life from His perspective.
    • Psalm 119:130: “Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained. ” NET
    • When we walk in God’s light, we are no longer deceived by the lies of the enemy or the world. His truth sets us free.

Biblical Story: The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)

  • The Darkness of Condemnation:
    • A woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. They wanted to use her sin to trap Jesus and condemn her to death.
    • She stood exposed in her sin, surrounded by accusers who sought judgment, not redemption. (Just the same way the accuser of the brethren always seeks judgement against God’s people Revelation 12:10)
  • Jesus, the Light of the World:
    • Instead of condemning her, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
    • One by one, her accusers left, convicted by the truth.
    • Jesus then spoke words of grace and redemption: Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11), Jesus dealt with the sin of humanity once and for all. 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Note:
    • Jesus didn’t ignore the woman’s sin, but His light revealed the truth of grace over condemnation.
    • God’s light exposes sin, not to shame us, but to free us and lead us into transformation.

 


God’s Light Redeems and Restores

  1. Exposing Sin Leads to Freedom:
    • God’s light doesn’t expose sin to punish but to heal.
    • When we confess and repent, His light brings forgiveness and renewal.
      • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
  2. Redeeming Relationships:
    • In situations where relationships are broken, God’s light reveals areas of pride, unforgiveness, or misunderstanding, paving the way for reconciliation.
  3. Walking in Integrity:
    • God’s light empowers us to live authentically, without fear of being “found out,” because we walk in truth.
      • Proverbs 4:18“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

 

Prayer: God’s Light Reveals Truth and Exposes Darkness

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today, acknowledging that in You is life, and that life is the light that shines in the darkness. Thank You for being the light that no darkness can overcome (John 1:4-5).

I invite Your light to shine into every corner of my heart and life, to expose what is hidden and reveal Your truth.

Lord, I recognize that darkness can hide sin, shame, and confusion, but Your light brings freedom and healing. Just as You exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and brought grace to the woman caught in adultery, I ask that You reveal anything in my life that needs Your redemptive touch.

Shine Your light on my thoughts, actions, and relationships, and bring transformation where it is needed. Father, shine Your light in my home, business and all domains of my life.

Father, help me to embrace Your truth and walk in the freedom it brings. Your Word declares that everything exposed by the light becomes visible and leads to understanding (Ephesians 5:13).

Teach me to see life through the lens of Your Word, which is a doorway to light and insight (Psalm 119:130).

Lord, I confess my sins to You, trusting in Your promise that if I confess, You are faithful and just to forgive and purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Redeem and restore the broken places in my life, including any relationships that have been damaged by pride, unforgiveness, or misunderstanding. Let Your light pave the way for reconciliation and healing.

Help me to live authentically, to walk in integrity without fear of being “found out.” May my path be like the morning sun, shining ever brighter until the full light of day (perfect day) (Proverbs 4:18).

Father, I invite You into every hidden area of my life, even those I struggle to surrender. Confront my fears, heal my struggles, and replace my doubts with faith. Guide me to live by Your Word and make decisions that honour You.

Let Your light in me be a beacon for others, pointing them to Your love and redemption.
I declare today that darkness has no power over me because Your light is my victory.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.


3. God’s Light Guides Us to Salvation


Scripture: Matthew 4:16

“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

  • This verse highlights the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, marking Jesus’ coming as a beacon of hope for a world trapped in spiritual darkness.
  • Jesus didn’t just bring light to the earth—He is the light that leads us out of sin, despair, and death into salvation, life, and purpose.

The Prophetic Nature of God’s Light
  1. The Light Dawned Amid Darkness:
    • The world before Jesus’ coming was entrenched in spiritual darkness—dominated by sin, ignorance of God’s ways, and separation from Him.
    • Jesus’ birth, life, and ministry brought a divine light that revealed the truth about God’s love, grace, and redemption.
  2. A Light for All People:
    • This prophecy speaks of a universal light, not limited to the Jews but extended to all humanity.
    • Isaiah 42:6“I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Examine Paul’s Conversion on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-18)
  1. Paul’s Spiritual Darkness:
    • Paul (then Saul) was zealous for God but blind to the truth of Jesus as the Messiah.
    • His direction was misguided—persecuting the very church he believed he was defending.
    • Paul’s story illustrates how we can be fervent in our actions but walk in ignorance and darkness without God’s light.
  2. The Transformative Encounter with Christ:
    • On the road to Damascus, a bright light from heaven stopped Paul in his tracks. He fell to the ground, blinded and humbled.
    • Jesus spoke to him, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4).
    • This encounter changed everything for Paul. The light of Christ revealed the truth about who Jesus was, transforming Paul from a persecutor of the church to one of its greatest apostles.
  3. The Role of Surrender:
    • Paul’s transformation began with surrender. He submitted to God’s light, allowed himself to be led to Damascus, and waited for further instructions.
    • When Ananias prayed for him, Paul’s sight was restored, both physically and spiritually.

God’s Light Guides Us to Salvation and Purpose
  1. God’s Light Interrupts Our Misguided Paths:
    • Like Paul, we may be going in a direction we believe is right, but it’s rooted in ignorance or misunderstanding.
    • God’s light doesn’t just stop us; it redirects us toward His truth and purpose.
  2. Salvation Comes Through Surrender:
    • Salvation isn’t achieved through our efforts or merit. It’s a gift we receive when we allow God’s light to reveal our need for Him and guide us to repentance and faith in Jesus.
    • John 8:12: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
    • Ephesians 2For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
  3. God’s Light Brings New Purpose:
    • Paul’s encounter didn’t just lead to salvation; it launched him into a life of purpose, preaching the gospel and planting churches.
    • God’s light isn’t just about saving us from darkness; it’s about calling us into His Kingdom work.

We declare, “Let there be light as we ask God to shine His light on your path, revealing the truth about your direction and purpose.

Prayer: God’s Light Guides Us to Salvation

Heavenly Father,

I come before You, grateful for the light of salvation that You have brought into my life through Jesus Christ. Your Word declares, “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:16), and I thank You that this light has dawned on me, leading me out of sin, despair, confusion, ignorance and death into life, hope, and purpose.

Lord, I acknowledge that without You, I am lost. Like Paul on the road to Damascus, I have pursued paths that seemed right in my own understanding but were far from Your truth. Today, I invite Your light to interrupt any misguided direction in my life. Shine brightly on my path and reveal any areas where I need to align with Your will.

Thank You for Jesus, the light of the world, who leads me out of darkness into the light of life (John 8:12).
I surrender to Your guiding light. I trust You to lead me to repentance, forgiveness, and the abundant life You have promised. I let go of my own ways and embrace Your truth, knowing that Your light brings salvation and eternal hope.

Father, just as Your light transformed Paul’s life, I ask that You transform me. Let Your light not only save me but also shape me into the person You’ve called me to be. Open my eyes to the purpose You have for my life, and give me the courage to walk boldly in it. Help me to live as a child of light, reflecting Your love, grace, and truth to others.

Today, I declare, “Let there be light!” Shine on every area of my life—my decisions, my relationships, my work, and my faith. Illuminate the path You have set before me, and let Your light guide me into a deeper relationship with You and a greater purpose in Your Kingdom.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

4. God’s Light Makes Us Light to the World

Scripture: 1 John 1:5
“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
  • This verse establishes the essence of God’s nature as pure light, completely devoid of darkness.
  • As God’s children, we are called to embody and reflect His light, becoming a source of hope, guidance, and transformation in a world shrouded in darkness.

The Call to Reflect God’s Light
  1. We Are Made to Shine:
    • As believers, we carry the light of Christ within us.
    • 2 Corinthians 4:6“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
    • This light is not for personal benefit alone—it’s meant to radiate outward, drawing others to God.
  2. It is a command
We are to shine in a dark world. Our shining will cause people to come to the brightness of our rising.

Isaiah 60: Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.

  1. Our Light Reveals God’s Glory:
    • The purpose of shining God’s light is not self-glorification but to point others to Him.
    • Matthew 5:16“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Biblical Story: The Lamp on a Stand (Matthew 5:14-16)
  1. Jesus’ Teaching on Light:
    • Jesus calls Us “the light of the world.”
    • A city on a hill cannot be hidden, and a lamp is not lit to be placed under a bowl but on a stand to give light to everyone in the house.
  2. The Nature of Light:
    • Light by nature dispels darkness, reveals what is hidden, and provides direction.
    • Hiding light contradicts its purpose. Similarly, as Christians, we are meant to openly reflect God’s light in our actions and words.

We declare, according to Isaiah 60:1-3 our light subdues darkness and many come to the brightness of our rising
 
Prayer: God’s Light Makes Us Light to the World

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for being the God of light, in whom there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Your light is pure, perfect, and eternal, and I am grateful that You have called me to reflect this light in a world that desperately needs hope and truth.

Lord, I acknowledge that You have placed the light of Christ within me, just as You declared, “Let light shine out of darkness” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Help me to live in a way that radiates Your glory and draws others to You. May my words, actions, and character reflect Your goodness, love, and truth.

Father, I embrace Your command in Isaiah 60:1-3 to arise and shine, for my light has come and Your glory has risen upon me. Though darkness covers the earth and deep darkness the people, I declare that Your light in me will subdue the darkness around me. Let nations be drawn to Your light and kings to the brightness of my rising.

I pray for the boldness to let my light shine before others, that they may see my good deeds and glorify You, my Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Help me to never hide the light You have entrusted to me but to place it on a stand so it gives light to everyone around me.

Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your love and redemption. Use me as an instrument to dispel darkness, reveal truth, and provide direction for those who are lost. Empower me to shine brightly in every area of my life—my family, work, community, and beyond.

Today, I declare that Your light within me will not be hidden but will shine boldly for Your glory. According to Isaiah 60:1-3, my light will subdue the darkness, and many will come to the brightness of my rising. Thank You for the privilege of being Your vessel of light in this world.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

May your week be blessed beyond measure. Thank you for allowing me into your space. May the light of God be revealed in every area of your life and cause you to experience great transformation in Jesus’ name. 

Blessed to do life with you 

Pastor Tee