The Son Shines Through

      Yesterday afternoon I was working at our dining room table in the afternoon. While working I was listening to the Beach Boys. The sunshine coming through the exterior doors was extremely enjoyable and dreaming about a beach someplace was a nice distraction. The sun’s reflection off the snow was bright to the eyes, but the best part was the warmth. It’s like that feeling on a cold day when you get into a car parked in direct sunlight. It’s cozy and warm inside: a real relief from the bitter air between the building you’re coming from and the inside of the vehicle. Just inside that dining room window felt so warm. I usually shovel off my deck, but it was still covered with the weekend snow just on the other side of the glass door. By the time I had done everything else on Sunday, I was so disgusted that I didn’t want to have anything to do with the deck. Maybe I’ll just wait until warmer weather melts it away. It was nice to be on the inside looking out. It was nice to be on the receiving end of what happened to the sunlight as it shone through the glass. The sun was the ultimate source of the light and warmth, but as it shone through the glass, its impact was experienced so much more directly and personally.

Perhaps as Christians we are a little bit like that window glass. We are not the source of any light or warmth, but the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and the life of Christ “shines” through us. The life of Christ transforms us, but it also has an impact on those beyond us. It’s not that we “glow” or anything hokey like that. But the presence of Christ is recognizable in us. People experience Christ in us and that should have an impact. Is it possible, in a certain way, to say that people “feel” Christ through us? Whether it is our joyful perseverance through trial, the humility that characterizes us, attitudes that stand out in contrast to the world around us, our generosity toward people, or good works that God has prepared for us to do, Christ’s “shining” through us will be a blessing to others. The more we stand in His light (His presence), the more opportunities we will find to be “conduits” of His love, grace, and peace. It’s a privilege to be used by Him in such a way.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) ¹⁴  "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Psalm 4:4 (NIV) ⁴  In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah

Psalm 37:6 (NIV) ⁶  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Psalm 118:27-28 (NIV) ²⁷  The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. ²⁸  You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Luke 1:76-80 (NIV) (Zachariah’s praise for the son of his old age, John the Baptist) ⁷⁶  And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, ⁷⁷  to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, ⁷⁸  because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven ⁷⁹  to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." ⁸⁰  And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NIV) ⁵  For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶  For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

PRAYER:  Father, it’s a wonderful thing when people look at me and think of Jesus. I want that to happen more. Lead me into your Word and into your presence more and more, so that Christ may shine through me in ways that will bless others. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott