'In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' - John 1:4-5
Today a fascinating study was published by Northwestern University documenting the discovery of a bright flash of light that occurs at the very moment of conception. The study reveals that not only is there a flash of light, but the intensity of the flash is an indicator of how healthy the new embryo is or isn't.
Upon reading the study and watching the video, I couldn’t help but to consider just how Biblical this is. Throughout Scripture light is equated with life and all that is of God. It only makes sense that the moment of conception, the very moment when we and all who have ever lived are endowed with life, would be marked by a flash of light.
The study also states that the intensity and brightness of the light is an indicator of how healthy and viable the life will be. What an incredible parallel that the brightness of the light would be an indicator of health, just as our life in Christ is evidenced by our brightness in the world. The Bible frequently uses light as a reference for our spiritual walk:
"that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Teresa Woodruff, one of the study's senior authors states that, “All of biology starts at the time of fertilization.”
All of biology.
All of life and all that makes up life, starts at the time of fertilization. How fitting that this scientific ideal echoes so closely the start of all things, the Beginning of all things, when God spoke into the void “Let there be Light”.
How fitting that each morning, and each new life begin with the stunning reminder light of that long ago creation of all things.
As science reveals new things about this world in which we live, I continue to be amazed at how each discovery, each breakthrough, ultimately points us back to the giver of life, the Creator of all things.
As we strive to be life and light to the dark, confused and searching world we live in, let us take our direction from Ephesians 5:8-9,"for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true."