Light or Dark?

After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were protected by the pillar of cloud that “came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel” (vs. 19-20). The Israelites and Egyptians saw the same cloud, but their perspective and conclusions were completely different.

The Israelites saw light. For them, the cloud was part of God’s guidance and protection, the way He directed their path. But the Egyptians did not know God or understand His ways. All they saw was a cloud that blocked the light and overshadowed their lives with darkness. It was an object that inspired fear and uncertainty.

That experience symbolizes the different ways people view the things of God. Those who don’t know Him and aren’t born again are spiritually dead, without spiritual eyes. They see objects and events, not the work of God. His ways are dark and mysterious.

But when we’re born again, our eyes are opened spiritually, and we see events in a completely different way. Illumined by God’s light, “we see light” (Psalm 36:9). His Word comes alive, and we think differently. We’re able to receive His wisdom and a new perspective.

Paul experienced this transformation in his own life. For a time, he actually was blinded, but then his physical and spiritual eyes were opened (Acts 9). Later, he realized that his mission was to open the eyes of the Gentiles “in order to turn them from darkness to light” (Acts 26:18).

Today, remember these truths when you think about the people around you. Pray that God would open their eyes, so they would be born again—so they can see!