The Response of Shining
Responding to God’s glory by giving it back begins with thanksgiving, but it doesn’t end there. Let’s look at a few more glory-giving responses as we finish this series.
We glorify God by letting our light shine. Isaiah prophecies,
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples:
but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (60:1-3)
In the Sermon on the Mount, I believe Jesus continues this thought by saying,
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father
who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
There is an important distinction about letting our light shine. The light doesn’t come from us. It is the glory of the Lord upon us. John says it like this. In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. (John 1:4)
Salvation comes from Jesus alone—he starts and finishes the good work in us (Philippians 1:6). And Jesus’ life always glorifies the Father! We respond by letting his glorious light rise upon us. Don’t hide this light. It breaks darkness, and it gives glory to the Father.
As we set our hearts on you coming, Jesus, and your coming again, we will not hide our light. We will let the light of your life on us break the darkness around us! Father, be glorified again by the light of your son.
7 Responses to or for Glory: Thanksgiving, Shining, Celebrating His Presence…
Brave Sparrow 