“So may your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” “The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Judges 5:31; 2 Samuel 23:3-4; Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43
In a land with lots of sky, the sun is a constant companion, and she shows herself in a myriad of ways throughout each day. Rising, she begins by tinting the ink expanse, causing it to be distinguished from the horizon, then blush the faintest hues of purple, then blue. Her rays split the darkness and spread abroad her favors, bringing into focus all that has lain asleep and invisible. Over the day she runs her course, declaring God’s handiwork, broadcasting His glory, penetrating warmth to all who reside below. And at the end of day, she just as regally makes her departure, washing the sky from west to east with her fiery shine and brilliance as she dips below the horizon. (Psalm 19:1-6)
The scriptures tell us that the wise man, the leader, the beloved of the Lord, shine like the sun. We’ve seen the radiant, serene and kind, full of love and warmth, generous with wisdom and justice, aglow. We are drawn to such friends and leaders; they uplift, and their light has a regenerating impact on those around them. Would the Lord have us be as such?
What would it take for us to rise like the sun in might, breaking strongly, confidently into the world’s dark places with blazing, irresistible hope? Do I earnestly seek the Lord’s filling of mercy, compassion, insights, love, wisdom, so my presence even makes a difference? Are there people I avoid because of their despair, their complaining, their crazy addictions or personalities or complicated issues, who need the light of Christ? Would I risk being bold like the sun instead? As light brings security, do I offer a safe place to those who need a confidante? Am I willing to take the time and thoughtful preparation to be someone’s morning light by speaking truth that is clear, blazing the goodness and grace of God, giving eternal context by which they can see and understand their identity and value?
“Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.
By influence of the Light divine
Let thy own light to others shine.
Reflect all Heaven’s propitious ways
In ardent love, and cheerful praise.” ~Thomas Ken (1637-1711)
Lord on High, as I awaken and rise with Thee, so rise in me to be a shining light to the world, a radiant reflection of Your glory.
As the rain and snow 