Benediction of the Mighty Sun

“So may all your enemies perish, O Lord!
    But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” Judges 5:31

“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.” 2 Samuel 23:4

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork…
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.” Psalm 19:1-2,5

“Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.” 37:5-6

“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.” Daniel 12:3

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43

“I, Jesus,.. am the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16

There is nothing quite like the fiery orb, whose rays blaze to diminish the night before appearing above the horizon. Her regal presence draws thoughts high, piquing wonder and anticipation. Her palette color-washing the sky fascinates and feeds the imagination, awakening both creativity and worship. Day in, day out, life and soul are sustained by the Lord’s solar benediction. (Genesis 8:22)

What does the sunrise arouse in mind and spirit? Do we relish its splendor? Do we take the time to watch, wonder, and praise the Source of Light? Do we ponder eternity, and the infinite attributes of our immortal, uncontainable God? Do we behold the glory of almost imperceptible changes in hue and shadow and movement over just seconds, hold our breath in awe, and contemplate how the Lord changes us over time? Would we thank the Creator and Sustainer for these blessings? (John 8:12; Colossians 1:16-17; 1 John 1:5)

Has this new day risen with fresh hope for my longings, fresh wisdom for my work, a lifting of weighty grief? Will I welcome its light on my path forward- the decisions I need to make, issues I must address, priorities I must set, and keep? When will I invite its healing warmth into anger and bitterness toward another, its comfort into pain over wickedness and injustice? (Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 119:105)

With whom can I share the benediction of the Son? What can I specifically do to stay alert to needs, and carry God’s light to meet them? How will I pass along His blessed graces to be received by broken or lonely hearts? What sunlight of truth, love, compassion, mercy will I spread today?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King'” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Light of light, may every sunrise fill me with the Son, so I can shine You like the mighty sun in this dark world and magnify Your glory. (Philippians 2:14-16)