Isaiah 60: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Light shine? Glory of the Lord risen? In me? The dog decided to go out at 3 am. So I crawl back in bed and begin to pray and ponder on this scripture for the day. Then, I hear at 3:30 the microwave and the clinking of a spoon against a cup as Mom clink, clink, and clinks away making her coffee. Finally, silence again as I begin once more trying to focus on the Lord. If I won’t be allowed to sleep why not at least use my time to be alone with God. Finally, the alarm sounds at 4 (usually the time I spend the next hour alone with God); but, instead I get up. Coffee made and I sit down to meditate and write. Then, dog wants to go out, again. I study the scriptures in I Corinthians again and suddenly, Mom is in panic—she can’t find the Sweatshirt that she wore last week and I had washed yesterday for her. She doesn’t want to wear it today she just wants it in her hands to put away in the closet that has at least 40 other sweatshirts.Finally the sweatshirt is in her hands and I go back to try to write to you about God’s Glory shining forth in your life and mine. Got the picture? I wish I could say that I felt no frustration and God’s mercy and grace flowed forth as I went and grabbed the sweatshirt to place in her hands. It didn’t really; yet, that is Grace—because then after repentant prayer and seeking Him—these words came.
Arise and shine with the light of the Glory of the Lord? How? Yet, that is precisely what we are asked to do. The beauty of the gospel was given us so that we might display God’s Glory and truth to the world. Yet, it was given to us who are such frail vessels—quickly frustrated, distracted, and self-absorbed at times. So again, how does a vessel such as I ever arise and shine forth any light of God’s grace and glory?
Look at Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4 (Amp) 5 For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your servants (slaves) for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
Oh, how true that is; yet, does that mean I don’t shine His Glory because I am this imperfect, vessel? No, absolutely not. I still am to shine; but how?
Oh, that dear friend is what Paul had just finished writing in chapter 3 of second Corinthians which indulge me for a moment as I paraphrase these great verses (15-18) and I will leave you with the King James Version to compare.
“Even to this day, when the law is read there is a veil that lies upon the hearts and minds of man. That veil is stripped off and taken away whenever a person turns in repentance to the Lord for salvation. Only then, I might gaze upon the face of the LORD. The Holy Spirit comes into my heart and sets me free from the bondage of sin and I have liberty because of the gracious salvation given unto me. Because of that and as a part of that Salvation of Grace, I can now with unveiled face continue to behold the face of Christ (seeking and savoring Him above all other treasure). As I gaze upon His Glory though through a piece of dimmed glass, I am constantly being transfigured into the image of Christ. One tiny degree of Glory—little glories at first that become ever increasing splendor of Him shining forth through me, in spite of me at times. This work is done by the Holy Spirit.”
It is not me; but, God who is finishing the work in me. Oh, would that not just make me fall in love with Him more and seek Him more?”
So, dear Christian, a rise and shine. God will finish the work He began in you. Seek Christ with all your heart and soul. Savor His magnificent beauty and grace. Feast at the table of His word and your heart will overflow with love and joy. Your face will shine with His Glory. It is His work and He will complete it in me.
Listen to this song, Not What My Hands Have Done
2 Corinthians 3: (KJV)15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
©2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.