Arise! Shine!

Arise! Shine! That is both a command and a challenge! But how does that work in this day and age? Let us look at what we are told in Isaish 60:1-2,

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people:
but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.”

God does not say shrink back and hide – circle the wagons and hope you survive. God wants a people who realize who they are in Jesus. Regardless of what is going on around them and the darkness that is increasing in the world, they realize who they are in Christ. They will arise with the glory of God shining on them.

That may sound a bit idealistic, but God has purposed for His glory to shine through us and out to those around us. Rather than withdrawing from the darkness around us and hoping we will just survive. We must recognize and embrace the identity and purpose God has spoken over us. He gives the needed grace to accomplish all of His purposes.

What are we talking about, “God’s glory”? Moses wondered about this too. He asked God to show him His glory. (Exodus 33:18-19) God proclaimed His name by showing him His mercy and His grace. God showed Moses His character – mercy and goodness.

So, what is God’s glory and how is it displayed through us?

How is it recognized by other people?

It is recognized when we display the nature of God towards others. He is loving, merciful, patient, forgiving, and at the same time righteous and faithful. When we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, we are letting the glory of God shine out from us on other people.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

God’s glory is arising upon His people who realize the time has come to walk out their faith and display the love of God to those around them. God gives the needed grace to accomplish hard things. We must plug in and access grace for ourselves and our families. We do this by studying the Bible and spending time in prayer. Then we can not only stand boldly in these days but allow God to shine through us to touch other lives.