I have grown up with collectors; my maternal grandmother – stamps, my paternal grandmother – postcards, my father – coins.  I have watched as they sift and caress each treasure, studying each detail and holding it up to the light for a better view, a deeper knowledge, a hidden detail.

Grandma Shaben and I would sit for hours looking through her different stamps.  We would put them into piles separating them by color, value or design: ships, horses and birds to kings, queens and presidents.  But when we used a light and magnifying glass, something seen every day and took for granted became elaborate and beautiful.

Grandma Matts had a scrapbook that she pasted every postcard, invitation and ticket she ever received into.  I loved that scrapbook mostly because of the amazing treasures it held, including Gram’s handwriting, but also because when held up to the light, hidden images were revealed within each gem.  It was exciting to see what the next treasure secretly held; postcards and baby shower invitations that when held up to the light they sparkled, revealing something new!

My Dad loves coins and he has shown me how unique coins can be; how much we can learn from them and how rare and special it is when one is found with a mint error that so often can not be seen at a casual glance.  The coin has to be magnified and illuminated to truly see it’s worth.

There are differing ideas as to who wrote the book of Job and when exactly it was written…which I am not a debater and am not interested in starting one here.  However, what I do want to point out is that it seems Job was one of the first books of the Bible written.  It predates many of the wonderful old flannel graph stories we grew up with in Sunday school, and certainly Job was not around at the time of Jesus.

I am in chapter 9 of Job and I have seen Job’s countless confusion and questioning as to why He has been allowed such suffering.  He has lived a good life, followed God well and yet has endured such loss and pain he doesn’t understand it.

So here’s my question.  What did Job have to compare his suffering to?  Where did his friends gather their knowledge and teaching from?

Life.

They had only the stories passed down from generations before and the experiences they lived through.  They didn’t have a book full of examples of people with incredible faith, were terrible liars, had amazing courage, lost their tempers, gained astonishing strength and raised naughty children to learn from.

They weren’t able to use a magnifying glass.  They weren’t able to run their decision through with a fine-toothed comb.  They didn’t have a light to reveal their choices.

We do.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”   John 8:12

When a light is turned on, yucky things scamper, monsters disappear and fears vanish, but also truth is revealed.  We can’t hide in the light.  When God’s goodness illuminates our desires and choices, we can’t help but notice the flaws and errors.

Life Application Study Bible Commentary:
Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and his life brings light to mankind.  In his light, we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior).  When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin.  He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live.  He removes the darkness of sin from our lives.
Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine into your life?  Let Christ guide your life, and you’ll never need to stumble in darkness.

What is God trying to reveal to you?