Recently, we were sitting around the table eating Sushi with some fellow pastors studying doctrine by Kevin J. Conner. This particular day, we were discussing that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and infallible. I know that this may seem basic but in a world that calls good evil and evil good, the integrity of God’s word has been watered down, altered and changed by many.

In our dialogue about the Holy Scriptures, we recognized several truths:
1. Scripture came to us by the revelation of God
2. Inspiration is the process by which the revelation was written down
3. Illumination is the process by which the Holy Spirit enlightens us to understand what was already revealed.

In the end, what this is communicating is that there is no new revelation of God’s Word, but illumination of it. It made us think of the loose way we use terminology that actually matters. This word illumination (comes from the root word illuminate) and speaks of shining light on, providing insight and clarity. All of a sudden, I was reminded that Jesus is the light. He is Jehovah Ori “The Light”. Let’s look into what this name means to us.

 “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?…” (Psalm 27:1) That word “light” is Ori (H0216) from illumination and directly means light. 

Jesus himself makes this statement in John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I AM the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

When God uses the term “I AM”, He is declaring that He is the fullness of Light itself. There is no darkness in him. Darkness is defined by the absence of light. It can’t overtake the light (John 1:5). It is also a Biblical representation of evil and lack of knowledge. 

The Bible speaks often of things that are done (hidden, plotted and secret things) in darkness but are exposed in light. For example, “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17) OR “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:22). 

This is what I love the most about Jehovah Ori, He is an exposer of darkness. He unravels lies and deception as they can’t hide in the light. It is why it is fundamental that we live in the light. It is a bearer of truth of righteousness. Don’t be deceived, God operates in the light and so should we. 

All this is summed up very well in 1 John 1:5-9:

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus (as the light) bears witness to the truth (John 18:37) and we who follow him recognize it. We are also designed to be lights in this world. As bearers of truth and the light (Christ) we are not to hide that witness of the glory of God but to proclaim it as Jehovah Ori lights our light in this world.

 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Before we finish discussing about Jehovah Ori, there is one more really important attribute that this name provides to us. Light gives us direction. (Psalm 119:105…light unto my path). Ori guides us, shows us the way, and protects us from the hazards of this world. We need the direction of God everyday, and the clarity that the light provides is just that.

As the light of the world, Jehovah will forever be the light even in the world to come (Revelation 21:23).

Let’s pray.

Father God, I thank you that you are the Light of the world. You are the fullness of Light itself. You shine bright and illuminate my way this day. Reveal to me the impurities of my heart as your light shines upon me. Show me the truth this day. Keep me from lies and deception. Shine upon those things that are hidden and done in secret. Evil schemes and plotting that only you can expose. You only are Light. Let my life be a light to others and let me do so with boldness as I reflect your Glory.