The Dawn of Creation: Exploring the Significance of “Light” and "Good" in Genesis 1

Look for the good, if none, seek the good, if none, be the good.

The opening chapter of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, paints a majestic picture of creation. Within this account, the concepts of “light” and "good" emerge early, setting the stage for understanding the nature of God and His creative work.

"Good" and “light: came early in the Genesis account, with the very first day of creation dedicated to the separation of light from darkness. "God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:4) This simple yet profound statement carries immense theological weight.

Firstly, the creation of light signifies the divine act of bringing order out of chaos. The primordial state is described as "formless and empty," with darkness covering the face of the deep. Light pierces through this darkness, marking the beginning of a structured and purposeful creation. This act establishes the foundation for the cyclical rhythm of day and night, essential for life on Earth.

Secondly, God's declaration that the light was "good" introduces a divine standard of value. The Hebrew word for "good" (tov) implies not only something morally upright but also something that functions well and fulfills its purpose. Light, therefore, is seen as inherently good because it fulfills its intended role in creation.

Furthermore, the early appearance of "good" in the Genesis account lays the groundwork for a biblical understanding of ethics and morality. If God's creation is inherently good, then actions that align with this created order are also considered good. Conversely, actions that disrupt or distort this order are deemed evil.

This concept of "good" extends to humanity as well. We are called to reflect God's goodness by being "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Just as light dispels darkness in the physical realm, we are to be beacons of truth, love, and hope in a world shrouded in sin and despair. To be the light of the world is good because it aligns with God's original design for creation and reflects His inherent goodness.

But what does it mean to be the light of the world? It means actively seeking and promoting good in all circumstances. Look for the good, if none, seek the good, if none, be the good. Let your actions and words be a source of hope and encouragement to those around you. Let your light shine, and this is good. This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

The creation of light and the declaration of its goodness also foreshadow the coming of Jesus, who is described as the "light of the world" in the New Testament (John 8:12). Just as light dispels darkness in the physical realm, Jesus brings spiritual illumination and dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance.

The concepts of light and "good" are central to the Genesis creation narrative. They reveal God's character as a purposeful creator who brings order and beauty out of chaos. These concepts also lay the foundation for understanding the moral framework of the Bible and point towards the ultimate revelation of God's goodness in Jesus Christ and the call for humanity to reflect that same light by actively seeking, promoting, and being the good in the world.