1 Timothy 6:13-16 (ESV) – I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

One of the themes of Scripture is light. The first recorded words of Scripture are God saying, “Let there be light.” From this command came the creation of the universe. Then you open John’s Gospel and the first chapter tells us that the true light, which is the light of men, was coming into the world. That light, of course, is Jesus. Jesus Himself in John 8:12 calls Himself the “light of the world.” What does Jesus mean by this? It means that He is the Holy and Righteous One of God. He is the pure one in a sinful world. He is the light and the darkness cannot overcome Him.

We read in our passage today another description of Jesus as light. Notice again the description of Jesus as the “blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light…” This is incredible. Jesus dwells in unapproachable light. That’s where He lives. Why? Because that’s who He is. 

At the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17, we read that Jesus was transformed in the sight of James, Peter, and John. His face shone like the sun and His clothing became white as light. Why is this? What is the meaning of this event? Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain as He conversed with Moses and Elijah was a glimpse at His true nature. On this mountain, the three disciples got a peek at His true identity. He is the One who dwells in unapproachable light. He is the light of the world. The Holy and Righteous One of God. 

What does this mean for us today? First, it means we shouldn’t take Jesus lightly. He is holy, holy, holy. He is not light on sin. Jesus doesn’t look the other way. Second, we should repent of our sins and live obedient to Christ. We cannot say we have fellowship with God and walk in darkness. Why? Because God is light, and in Him is no darkness (1 John 1:5). This means we must live holy as the Lord our God is holy. Lastly, we look to Jesus as our righteousness.

Our only hope as broken sinners in a dark world is to come to the light. Jesus invites us to find our hope and peace in Him. In Christ is forgiveness. In Him is eternal life.  

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Reflection & Journal:
- What does it mean that Jesus is described as light?
- What are the implications for us that Jesus is light?
- How is the Lord speaking to you through this devotional and text?

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