I went to the beach Saturday and got sunburned. While this may not surprise you, I was quite startled
at the redness revealed on my return, for except for the few steps from our
camper to the coast and a short morning swim in the surf, I spent the entire
day cowering under an umbrella. In fact,
I constantly repositioned my chair to ensure that all of me stayed in the
shade. And yet, in spite of my best
efforts, my skin soaked up lots of sun.
My current discomfort is a constant reminder of the
might of our nearest and dearest star.
Its rays are so powerful and intense that their mere reflection makes a
major difference, and even those seeking shade end up affected. I do find it ironic that the very object I
worked so hard to avoid was the actual reason I was able to experience and
enjoy the day. The sun provided light so
the beach and its beauty could be seen.
Its rays brought welcome warmth which chased away the cloudy sky and the
chilly air. Its energy gave food to the
sea grapes, sea oats, and the not-so-native Australian pines I watched in the
breeze. Even though I tried to shun the
sun directly, I desired its benefits and blessings, and I could not elude its
effects.
The obvious analogy can’t be lost—even in layers of
aloe. The Son is very powerful,
all-powerful, actually, and His power gives us life and sustains our very
existence. “In him all things were created..and in him all things hold together”(Col
1:16-17). He is the light that “shines in the darkness”(John 1:5) and
reveals the beauty of the Father and of His creation. “The Son is the radiance of
God’s glory and the exact representation of His being”(Heb 1:3). It is His energy which works inside of us(Col
1:29). It is His appearance that chases
away the gloom of sin and the chill of death, and it is His light that
brightens our way and shows us His path.
“For the sunrise from on high has
come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in the darkness and in the
shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace(Luke 1:78-79).
The Son’s light is now shining in the lives of those who
are His, “for God who made light shine
out of darkness has made his light shine in our hearts”(2 Cor 4:6). As children of light we are to live
reflecting His glory, goodness, and grace, “for
the fruit of the light consist in all goodness, righteousness, and truth”(Eph
5:9). Sadly, many people are a lot
like I was on Saturday—wanting to experience and enjoy the Son’s benefits and
blessings while avoiding direct contact, and they go to great lengths to stay
in the shade. But they cannot, for the
power of God is so prevalent and so potent that all are affected by His light
and His might. For some, His presence is
painful because their cold, hard hearts will never receive the warmth of His
love, but for others, His light is pleasant and precious and is our only source
of joy and hope.
The Son is forever shining. Soak in Him, share Him, and don’t get
discouraged when those around you seek the shade. Your reflection of His brightness will affect
them even if they’re trying to avoid the light.
Trust me—but don’t touch me—I know. 
No comments:
Post a Comment