Mr. Sun and Mr. Cave
And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. -John 1:5
In a land where the sky kissed the horizon with hues of gold and the earth cradled secrets beneath its crust, lived two beings of legend: Mr. Sun and Mr. Cave.
Mr. Sun was the epitome of light, his rays stretching out like the loving arms of a parent, touching every corner of the world, banishing shadows and warming the earth with his presence. His light was the promise of day, the joy of morning, and the guide for all who walked under the sky.
Deep beneath this world of light, in the heart of the earth, dwelt Mr. Cave. His home was a labyrinth of shadows, painted in the colors of mystery and silence. Mr. Cave lived in a world where light was but a whisper, known only through stories whispered by the roots that reached down from above.
One day, the whispers grew louder in Mr. Cave's ears, tales of Mr. Sun's radiant glory. Intrigued and yearning to see this light for himself, Mr. Cave embarked on a journey most unusual. He clawed through layers of earth, his fingers digging through the soil and stone, driven by a desire to meet the one who could dispel darkness with mere presence.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Mr. Cave emerged to the surface. The light was unlike anything he had ever experienced - warm, inviting, and overwhelming. His eyes, accustomed to the dim glow of earthworms and glowing mushrooms, were dazzled by the brightness. Mr. Sun, seeing this creature from the depths, smiled, his light softening to welcome the newcomer.
"Mr. Sun," began Mr. Cave, his voice trembling with awe, "would you care to visit my home, to see where I come from?"
Curious and ever the bringer of joy, Mr. Sun agreed. Together, they descended into the earth, Mr. Cave leading the way back through the tunnels he had carved. But here's the wonder of their journey: no matter how deep they went, darkness dared not linger. Where Mr. Sun's light touched, the walls of the cave shimmered, revealing colors and textures hidden by the shadows. Even in the deepest chamber, where no light had ever dared to tread, Mr. Sun's presence made the darkness flee.
Mr. Cave was amazed, for he had never seen his home in such a way. Every corner was now a canvas of light, every stone a gem reflecting the sun's glow. And as they sat in the heart of the cave, Mr. Cave understood for the first time the true meaning of light.
"This is like the words spoken by Jesus, the Son of God," Mr. Cave mused aloud. "He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.1'"
Mr. Sun, his light steady and warm, replied, "Just as I cannot bring darkness where I go, so too does the Christ bring His light wherever He treads. In His presence, there is no room for darkness."
Together, they marveled at this truth, wrapped in the glow of understanding. Mr. Cave learned that light was not just for the day or the surface but was a gift that could penetrate the deepest of places, turning even the darkest corners into places of wonder and warmth.
And so, the legend of Mr. Sun and Mr. Cave spread, teaching all who heard it that light, both of the sun and of the Son, could transform the darkest of spaces into realms of joy and revelation. For wherever the light of love and truth goes, darkness must retreat, leaving behind only the beauty of what was once hidden. Mr. Cave proclaimed in awe: "Wherever the sun goes, there cannot be darkness!" And the eternal God of creation proclaims in like manner in regard to Jesus: "Wherever the Son goes, there cannot be darkness!"
References:
Old Testament:
Isaiah 9:2 - "The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them." This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy about Jesus bringing light to the world.
Isaiah 42:6 - "I am Yahweh, I have called You in righteousness, I will also take hold of Your hand and guard You; And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations." Here, the servant of the Lord, identified with the Messiah in Christian theology, is described as a light to the nations.
Isaiah 49:6 - "He says, 'It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'" Again, this refers to the Messiah's role in bringing light to all peoples.
New Testament:
John 1:4-5 - "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it." Here, Jesus is explicitly referred to as the Light.
John 1:9 - "There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man." This identifies Jesus as the true light.
John 8:12 - "Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'" Jesus directly claims to be the Light of the World.
John 9:5 - "While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." Another instance where Jesus describes Himself as the Light of the World.
John 12:46 - "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not abide in darkness." Jesus speaks of His purpose as bringing light into the world.
1 John 1:5 - "And this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." While not directly naming Jesus, this is often interpreted in the context of Jesus being the divine revelation of God.
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This refers to the believers' role through Christ, who is the light.
John 8:12 LSB — Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”