Until recently, scientists had reason to believe deep space was pitch black. According to a new study in the Astrophysical Journal, scientists have learned that outer space is actually filled with light! The discovery was made using a spacecraft called New Horizons, originally designed to explore Pluto. After reaching Pluto, the spacecraft journeyed beyond on the dwarf planet and is now four billion miles away from earth. This means New Horizons is far from major sources of light contamination. Deep in outer space, New Horizons helped scientists realize the amount of light coming from unknown sources is equal to the amount of light coming from known galaxies. They went through a process of eliminating known light sources only to discover there was still plenty of unexplained light. Outer space is still dark, but not as dark as everyone originally believed. 

The role of light in the Bible

The light scientists discovered in the faraway depths of outer space serves as a reminder that God is always present. King David in the Book of Psalms identifies God’s presence as light that we can never escape from claiming, and even darkness isn’t too dark because God is light (Psalm 139:7, 11-12). Through the power of God’s spoken word, light was also the first element of Creation introduced in Genesis, bringing order to a dark and chaotic world. Throughout Scripture, light is used metaphorically as a symbol of God’s Word, holiness, goodness, truth, life, salvation, guidance, wisdom and the divine presence of God.   

Jesus is the Light 

Jesus declares himself as the Light of the world, promising that those who follow him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 8:12). Jesus, the very Word and Light of God was with God at the very beginning of Creation. Knowing Jesus as our Light is the foundation for trusting in God’s goodness and promise of eternal life.

Question of the day: When is the last time you literally experienced nearly total darkness?
Focal scriptures: John 9:1-7, 35-38; John 1:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.