The Impact of Light

Born in London in 1775, by the early 19th century Joseph Turner was recognized as one of the world’s great painters. Yet he kept looking for ways to improve his art. A major turning point for him was in 1819, when he visited Italy for the first time.

In particular, what struck Turner was the Italian light. Suddenly, it seemed he was seeing life in a new way, and his approach to painting changed. In his biography of Turner, James Hamilton describes “the shock of this first encounter with Venice.” More than ever before, he realized the importance of light.

Through his paintings, particularly after his experiences in Italy, Turner sought to illustrate the difference made by light. As he realized, light gives us perspective and changes how we look at people, things, and events in the world. When the light shines brightly, it changes how we see problems and challenges.

The Bible tells us that as the first act of creation, God spoke light into a world filled with darkness (Genesis 1:2-5). God Himself is our Light (Psalm 27:1), and He called us “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). We know that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5), but He also told us that, now, we are the Light of the world (Matthew 5:14). And only in His Light can we truly see Light.

Today, the world is filled with spiritual darkness. People cannot see—they need the Light. And we have it! We are called to bring the Gospel to them, to testify to the truth, and to be His witnesses! Dedicate yourself to this task. Walk in the Light, and let the Light of Jesus shine brightly through you.