RPG Adults
OUR FATHER OF LIGHTS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
James 1:17
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
OUR FATHER OF LIGHTS
The “Father of lights” (James 1:17) was an ancient Jewish title of God, referring to Him as Creator, as the great Giver of light, in the form of the sun, moon and stars (MacArthur). God is the source of light even before He created all these heavenly bodies of light (Gen 1:14-18).
He always gives: Light is a constant giver of brightness. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights. He is a good Giver. “Good” (James 1:17) is the quality of things advantageous, like fertile soil to the plants or a useful deed to needy individuals. Here, the action of giving is emphasised, showing us the value of the gift to the recipients. The word “perfect” describes completeness with its chief component of totality instead of partial or limited. It tells us the nature of the gift which is entire and lacks nothing. This gift from above is appropriately suited to the person and to the occasion.
He does not change: As light is constant, it does not change. Nevertheless, lights may change as they have various phases and movements. The sun and the moon are sometimes clear and sometimes eclipsed. Yet, the Father of lights gives without variableness. This reflects His attribute of being the unchangeable God. God is always the same. He is constantly discharging His goodness without any hint of a shadow of evil. He is immutable as the perfect “I AM” yesterday, today and forever.
The Jehovah God of the Bible, the same as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, changes not. His promises are true and faithful. Believers in great distress or under persecution can trust in His never-changing love and care for them. This dark and evil world may sometimes attempt to drown us with its filth, but our Father of lights will never fail to supply us with His beneficial gifts that are appropriate for His beloved children. Are you one of His children?
Dear reader, you can only be assured of God’s unfailing and unchanging gifts when you become His child (John 1:12).
THOUGHT: Am I fully trusting the unchangeable God of the Bible?
PRAYER: Father, please grant me the grace to be confident in Thy unfailing and unchangeable promises.