Showing posts with label shine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shine. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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In this blog, I provide encouragement and biblical teaching on the glory, majesty, and power of our Lord Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness.

As the Scripture says:

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves." (Mal 4:2)

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." (1 Jn 1:5)

Some of the topics covered include the deity of Jesus, the supremacy of Christ, the Lordship of Christ, the ongoing earthly ministry of Jesus, His ascension, the name of Jesus, the Refiner's Fire, and the bodily form of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I hope this will be an edifying and encouraging experience for you that will help you to grow in your walk with the Lord.

Light of the World Being a Light in a Dark World Is Jesus God?
Supremacy of Christ Candle in the Dark Ongoing Earthly Ministry of Jesus
Christ's Two Ascensions The Eternal Firstborn of All Creation All Things Handed Over to Jesus Christ
The Name of Jesus Jesus is Yehova The Refiner's Fire
The Bodily Form of God the Father The Bodily Form of the Lord Jesus Christ The Light and the Glory
Christ the Beginning Jesus Alone Reveals the Father The Glory of the Lord Revealed
Prophecy of Christ's Resurrection on the Third Day There's No One Like the Lord The Sinlessness of Christ
The Titles of Christ Coronation of Christ as King The Name Above All Names
Three Stages of Christ's Earthly Mission The Seven Last Words of Jesus Jesus is Light, Life, Love, and Living Word

Attribution notice: Most other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted.

Please read Opportunities to Serve the Body of Christ.  You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

The Light and the Glory

Over the years, the Lord has given me insights into his glory and what that means.  This study is a compilation of those insights. In it I seek to answer questions about the glory of God.  What is glory?  Is it visible or is it a moral attribute?  How does man give glory to God?  How does God give glory to man?  What is the relationship between glory and character?  And what is the relationship between the kingdom of God and the glory of God?  Is the glory of God something that we can experience now or is it strictly a future expectation? And finally, what is the relationship between light, darkness, and glory?

The Radiance of God's Glory
First, I’ll address the question, “Is glory visible or is it a moral attribute?”

“When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands he was not aware that his face was radiant, because he had spoken with the Lord.  When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.”

“When Moses was finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with Him, he removed the veil until he came out.  And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant.  Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.” (Ex. 34: 29-35).

From this passage, it is abundantly clear that the glory of God on Moses was visible; it was not merely a spiritual or moral characteristic.  His face was radiant.  This means that there was a shining or a glow about it.  We also observe a cause and effect relationship here.  Whenever Moses would spend time in the Lord’s presence and speak with the Lord, this glory would appear on his face.  We also know that this was limited to Moses at that time, as it did not happen to all the Israelites.  It was so unusual that everyone else who saw him was afraid of the bright glow on his face.  That’s why he covered up his face with a veil.

But now under the New Covenant, this is not limited to one man.  All believers have access to his presence, and the Lord’s glory is now reflected on the faces of all who know Him.  In fact, this glory is even more glorious than what Moses experienced.  Paul spoke of this to the Corinthians.

“Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness?”  (2 Cor 3:7-9)

“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.  We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away…But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:12-14, 16-18).

Stephen is a New Testament example of someone on whose face the glory of God was visible. “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” (Ac 6:15)

When we spend time in the Lord’s presence, praying, meditating on the Word, worshipping, and adoring Him, our faces reflect His glory in a greater way than even Moses ever did.  At the same time, we are being transformed into His likeness. As we are transformed in this way, the glory that radiates from our faces is always increasing.

Jesus Glorified the Father
Glory is something that may be given to another.  Jesus said to the Father in prayer, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” (Jn 17:4).  This prayer was about glorifying God.  How do we glorify God?  Put differently, how do we give God glory? In this statement, Jesus teaches us that the way He brought glory to the Father was by completing the work the Father gave Him to do.

Just as Jesus did, we too bring glory to the Father on earth by completing the good works He has given each of us to do.  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:14,16).  When people see our good deeds and praise God in heaven, it glorifies Him.  God is glorified by our obedience to Him.

The Father Glorified Jesus
After Jesus prayed about glorifying the Father, He prayed that the Father would glorify Him.  “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (Jn 17:5).  This is significant, because it shows us that there are two distinct but related things happening here.  Certainly Jesus glorified the Father during his life on earth.  Yet the Father glorifying Jesus was something else. 

For the Father to glorify Jesus meant for Him to give Jesus the glory He had before the world began. The “glory” Jesus “had with the Father before the world began” was something Jesus divested himself of when He came into the world in human likeness.  This was the "kenosis" Paul referred to.  He emptied Himself and “made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant…being found in appearance as a man.” (Phil 2:7,8).

Jesus Glorified His Disciples
The Father did give Jesus glory, and Jesus in turn gave that glory to His disciples.  Speaking to the Father in prayer regarding His disciples, Jesus said, “I have given them the glory that you gave me” (Jn. 17:22).

This has application for us today.  We know that Jesus has given us (as disciples) the glory the Father gave Him.  We “all reflect the Lord’s glory” and we are “being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18).

So it is true that we all reflect the glory of the glorious Lord.  We reflect the glory we have been given.  How do we reflect that glory? We do so with “unveiled faces” ( 2 Cor 3:18).  Just as the glory of God was reflected in the face of Moses, so the glory of God is also reflected in our faces.  Just as it was with Moses, that glory is seen as a certain radiance about us.  “We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.” (2 Cor 3:13).

Also, whereas the glorious radiance on the face of Moses was such that it faded away, the glory we have been given is an ever-increasing glory (2 Cor 3:10).  It is shining ever brighter until the fullness (Prov 4:18).  It surpasses the glory given to Moses.  This is both a greater glory and a lasting glory!  “How much greater is the glory which lasts!”  (2 Cor 3:11).

The Relationship Between Glory and Character
According to Webster’s Dictionary, character is “the combination of emotional, intellectual, and moral qualities that distinguish one person or group from another.”  While there can be no glory without a godly character, the glory of God is not the character of God.  It is rather the effulgence of light that comes from His presence. 

For us who are still earth-bound, the glory of God is not something we currently display in its fullness, although God is glorified through our lives (as when men see our good works and glorify God in heaven).  While we do have glory in part now, our final glorified state is yet future.

The apostle Peter said, “I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who will share in the glory to be revealed.” (1 Pet 5:1).  Peter spoke of his sharing in the glory as something yet future that would eventually be revealed.  As an elder, Peter was a man who displayed godly character.  We can clearly see that in the book of Acts in the first 10 chapters. Yet he spoke in the future tense of sharing in the glory to be revealed.

Peter also spoke of the Spirit of God as the Spirit of Glory, saying, “The Spirit of glory…rests on you.” (1 Pet 4:14).  So we see that this glorious Spirit already rests upon us presently.  Yet there is an aspect that is yet future.  What is it?

Paul said, “When Christ, who is your life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory” (Col 3:4).  From this we see that Christ will appear one day in the glory of the Father and His angels.  When that occurs, then we who believe in Christ will appear with Him in glory.  This is not a present state, but a very specific reference to a future event.

Paul also referred to “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).  Christ in us presently is the hope of a glory that is yet future. If we already radiated glory in its fullness, then we would not hope for it.  Who hopes for something he already has?  But we hope for what we do not yet have.

While our final glorified state is yet future, Paul indicated that we do presently reflect the Lord’s glory in part. He said that our transformation into Christ’s likeness is happening in such a way that causes us to increasingly reflect His glory more and more.  “We who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18).

Paul said that if the Lord knew us before we were born, He predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus.  And if He predestined us, He also called us by name to serve Him.  If He called us, He also justified us.  “Those he justified he also glorified.” (Rom 8:30).  This is an amazing thing that we have been given in Christ by God.  But there is still something much greater to come that is yet future.  Paul spoke of  “The glory that will be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18). He also said “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:2).  Both of these statements refer to something that has not happened yet. 

Even Jesus, while on earth, prayed, “Father, the time has come.  Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you…I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.  And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (Jn 17:1,4,5).  First of all, since we know He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we know that His character never changed. (Heb 13:8)  Yet we see that Jesus did not claim to be in a glorified state, but spoke of the glory He previously had with the Father (past tense), and the glory he would have in the presence of the Father (a future state). 

This is why we certainly cannot claim to have the fullness of the glory of God, nor can we claim we will have it until Christ is revealed.  Even Jesus didn’t claim to possess it while walking the earth, and we know his character was impeccable.  Therefore, the glory of God is not the character of God.  Rather, glory reflects ones true character.

Bright Eyes, Light-filled Bodies, and the Kingdom of God
The holy angels who come from the Lord’s presence carry His glory, which is visible upon their bodies. One example is when an angel of the Lord appeared and announced our Savior’s birth to the shepherds staying out in the fields of Bethlehem, and keeping watch over their flock by night. “And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.” (Luk 2:9)

Brother Daniel Ekechukwu experienced a terrible car accident in Nigeria in December 2001.  While he was in the ambulance, being taken to the hospital after the accident, he died.  Two angels appeared to him.  He said their appearance terrified him.  They wore bright white robes that appeared to be attached to their bodies and the pupils of their eyes were white.

Jesus said that if our eyes were good then our whole body would be filled with light.  The reason is that our eye is the lamp of the body.  He said that if our eye is bad then our body would be filled with darkness.  He went on to say, “see to it that the light within you is not darkness.” (Lk 11:35)

So from this passage we learn that there is supposed to be light within our bodies.  This is God’s purpose.  But it depends on the quality of the eye.  In the natural, a person whose eyes are bad (or who is blind) sees nothing but darkness.  But when our eyes are good, we see the light around us as it enters our eyes and reaches the optical nerves, sending signals to our brain to interpret the images we’ve seen.  Likewise, in the spirit, if we are able to see well spiritually, then our whole body will be full of light.  Jesus concluded saying, “Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” (Lk 11:36).

This final state that Jesus described indicates how we will appear if our whole body is full of light and no part of it dark.  When that happens, then our whole body will be completely lighted.  In fact he said it would be like the light of a lamp is shining on us.  Clearly he meant our bodily appearance would be visibly affected.

On the contrary, when someone is filled with wickedness, they will not have this bodily appearance.  We have all seen someone who is living in sin and depravation, and it seems they have an actual darkness about them.  In order to understand this phenomenon, it is helpful to see an illustration in real life.  First we find an example of those whose eyes were bad in Luke 11:37-54.  The Pharisees wanted to look bright and clean and to have their cups and dishes look that way also.  So they cleaned the outside.  But Jesus said they were full of greed and wickedness, which is darkness.  So they were going about it backwards.  If they would rid themselves of the darkness in their hearts, they would be bright and clean on the outside.  But it all began with the eye, and their eyes were bad.  As we read the rest of the passage, it is clear that they did not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. They were blinded.  That’s why they “opposed Jesus fiercely, besieged him with questions, and waited to catch him in something he might say.” (Lk 11:53,54)

Now for an illustration from real life of someone who had good eyes and whose body was full of light.  For that we turn back to Lk 9:28-33.  Jesus’ eyes were good and, of course, His whole body was full of light.  But he took upon Himself the nature of a servant. He was made in human likeness being found in appearance as a man.  Just as the angels can allow men to see their glory or not, so Jesus chose not to allow His glory to be seen.  He also told demons to hush when they declared who he was.  And when he healed people, he told them not to tell anyone who did it.

But he told His disciples that He would come in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Lk 9:26).  That coming will usher in the kingdom of God visibly into the world.  For He went on to say, “Some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” (Lk 9:27).  The way Mark recorded it, Jesus said, “Some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1).

Only 8 days later, “He took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to pray.  As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lighting.” (Lk 9:28, 29).  Mark recorded that “His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them”  (Mk. 9:3).  So these three disciples got to see the kingdom of God before they tasted death, just as Jesus said.  They saw the kingdom of God as Jesus allowed them to see His glory. It says, “They saw His glory and the two men standing with Him.” (v. 30).

Peter, James, and John were the closest disciples of Jesus.  They had walked with Him for nearly 3 ½ years at this point and knew Him.  They had seen His holy, loving, and merciful character every day.  But now for the first time they saw His glory.

Moses and Elijah also appeared with Him in “glorious splendor” speaking about His departure.  So we find here a perfect example of those whose eyes are good, whose bodies are completely lighted as when the light of a lamp shines upon them. 

Does this mean I can have that today?  What’s the practical application for my life?  Well, to a certain degree, I can have this today. 

A Modern Day Transfiguration
Dr. Richard Wurmbrand once told of his experience in the communist Romanian prison, where he was confined for fourteen years for his faith in Jesus Christ, because he was a pastor.  There were others in the prison, too, besides Christians, including political dissidents and capitalists.  During his years in solitary confinement, kept in a dark, sound proof cell underground, there were times when the Light of Christ appeared to him.  And later when he was put into a common cell with about two hundred other prisoners, there was a Christian peasant there who had determined to lead one particular professor from the Royal Academy of Science to Christ, who was also a prisoner in that cell.

The professor would ask the peasant some challenging questions, many of which he could not answer, while others stood around them in a circle listening.  And one time brother Wurmbrand heard the peasant say that although he may not be able to answer all those questions, He knew Jesus was real, because he walked with Him.

The professor ridiculed him, saying that it is impossible to walk with Jesus, since He lived far away in Palestine two thousand years ago.  He said that even if he were to give the peasant a globe, he could not even point to Palestine on it. And besides that, he said, Jesus is supposed to be in heaven, which is millions of light years away, so it would be impossible for him to walk with Jesus here on earth.

The peasant replied, “You may be right in your thinking, but I walk with Jesus.  I talk with Jesus. I see Jesus.”

The professor was really indignant.  “You dare to say that you see Jesus?”

He replied, “Yes, sir. I see Him.”

He continued to ridicule him further by saying, “You say that you see Jesus. How does Jesus look to you? Indignant? Annoyed? Bored? Indifferent? Happy to see you? Or does He sometimes smile at you

The peasant replied, “Sir, how did you guess? He sometimes smiles at me.”

The professor laughed, “Jesus smiles at you?” He said to all the prisoners, “What a stupid thing! This man says that Jesus smiles at him.”  He turned to the peasant, “Jesus smiles at you?”

“Yes He does,” replied the farmer.

So the professor said to him, “Show me how Jesus smiles.”

Brother Wurmbrand says that all the prisoners were hungry, ugly, due to malnourishment, they were unwashed, and there faces were like scarecrows.  Their faces were only skin and bones with dark circles under their eyes. They wore the uniform of prisoners.  They were very, very ugly – unimaginably ugly. But when the peasant smiled at the professor to show what Jesus looks like when He smiles at him, his face shone with the glory of God. Brother Wurmbrand says it was like the transfiguration of Jesus before His disciples on the mount, and it was the most beautiful episode he had ever seen in his entire life.  The peasant began to shine and a gorgeous smile appeared on his face, as he radiated the light of God’s glory that is in the face of Christ.  Brother Wurmbrand said that he had seen many smiles in his lifetime, but never one so beautiful as the peasant’s smile that day. There was so much yearning in this smile, and so much compassion for the lost soul whom he had near him, and so much desire to see him saved, and so much love and so much goodness.  The whole splendor of heaven was in this smile. And the professor bowed his head and said, “Sir, you have seen Jesus.”  (See Dr. Wurmbrand tell the story here.)

That simple peasant had walked with the Lord and had seen Jesus.  He radiated His glory on that day supernaturally when he smiled.  That was a supernatural manifestation, which God can do anytime through the earthen vessels of His servants here on earth.

So I can experience this today, if the Lord wills it. Then ultimately in my glorified state, I will appear fully glorified.  “When He appears, we shall be like Him.” For the time being though, I am being changed from glory to glory in a gradual way.  And since Jesus was telling the truth, I will experience the light of His glory now to the extent that my eyes are good, and to the extent that I rid myself of all darkness.  Then one day I will be completely glorified (Rom 8:30).

What will my body be like?  The “sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.” (1 Cor 15:41). The word we translate as “splendor” here is doxa, which means glory.  Notice that the sun, moon, and stars all have a splendid light, or a glory, about them.  But they vary in intensity and brightness.  Likewise, my final glorified state will have a splendid light, a glory, about it.  Its intensity and brightness will be in proportion to the extent I follow the Lord in obedience now and walk in the light during this earthly journey.  As Dale Rumble once said, “The garments we’ll wear for eternity are the ones we’re weaving today.”

“See to it then that the light within you is not darkness.” (Lk 11:35).

Suffering Produces Glory
The apostle Paul’s life was full of sufferings like persecution, afflictions, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, sleeplessness, and hunger. He said he was “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus.” ( 2 Cor 4:10a). He also said,  “We who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake.” (2 Cor 4:11a). But he did not get discouraged by his sufferings, because he knew they were producing glory.

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Co 4:16-18)

All the sufferings we experience for the sake of the Lord and for the gospel are producing an eternal weight of glory that we will enjoy in heaven far beyond any comparison to our sufferings. In fact, our sufferings here on earth are merely light and momentary compared with the eternal weight of glory to be revealed in us one day.  So if we want to experience that glory, we must not be afraid to suffer for the Lord.

Also see Seeking Glory from God.

Radiating the Light of God’s Glory
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His Powerful word.” (Heb 1:3)  Jesus is described as the radiance of God’s glory.  The Greek word for radiance is apaugasma, which means radiance or effulgence.  Effulgence is a brilliant radiance.  So apaugasma may be seen as a brilliant radiance.  In this passage, the writer says Jesus is the apaugasma  tas doxas, which is the brilliant radiance of the glory of God. The church fathers (Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, Theodoret, and Chrysostom) said that the Greek meaning of this verse was phos ek photos, which means Light out of Light or Light from Light.  That’s what Jesus is.  He described Himself as the Light.

“The light shines in the darkness…The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world…We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son.” (Jn 1:5,9,14).

The apostles who walked with Jesus saw His glory.  And we see that same glory with the eyes of our hearts, when we believe in Jesus.  “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2Co 4:6)  Where there was once darkness within, now there is the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God. 

God is the One who has shone in our hearts, just as He caused light to shine out of darkness at the creation. Until He did so, we were all perishing as unbelievers, and the god of this world had blinded our minds, so that we could not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2Co 4:3-4)

Saul of Tarsus was one unbeliever, who was perishing and could not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Yet the Lord in His mercy revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus, and the Lord’s glory is so bright that when Saul saw Him in the brilliance of the noonday, the Lord’s glory blinded him.  “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3).  Afterward, “Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.” (Acts 9:8).  The glory that the Lord radiates is far brighter than the sun.

Perhaps one of the most powerful passages in the Bible is in Revelation 1.  There the apostle John described what the glorified Lord Jesus looked like when he saw Him on the Isle of Patmos. 

“And among the seven lamp stands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.  His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters.  In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.  His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance” (Rev. 1:16).

When John saw Jesus like this he fell at His feet as though dead.  Who can see the glory of God’s face and live?  Who can see Jesus in this glorified state and not be forever changed.  The brilliant light in his eyes and body is unlike anything we have ever seen. 

We shall be Like Him
Yet we will be like Him when He appears.  John said, “What we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself” (1 Jn 3:2,3).  We who believe in Jesus have this hope in us of seeing Jesus as He is, and being made like Him.  As John said, we purify ourselves in preparation for it.  Until then, we continue to reflect his glory in an ever increasing way as we do the good works He created us to do.

Putting it All Together
As the Scripture reveals to us, glory is something visible.  As Dr. Rodman Williams states, “The divine glory is the radiant splendor and awesome majesty of God Himself. Glory is not so much a particular attribute but the effulgence of splendor and majesty that shines through in every aspect of God's being and action.” 

We give glory to God by completing the good works He has given each of us to do.   This includes spending time in the Lord’s presence and speaking with the Him.  When God gives glory to man it affects his appearance, making his face positively radiant.  When we walk in the light, that light is reflected and seen in our being.  Those who walk in darkness cannot experience this divine glory.  In fact, they cannot experience glory at all, except in some temporal, worldly sense, such as that associated with fame, fortune, power, and physical beauty.

But the path of the righteous is like the dawn, shining ever brighter until the full day.  As our character is gradually transformed to become more like Christ’s, there is a gradual increase in his divine glory upon us.  Glory follows godly character, but is not itself that character. 

In the kingdom of God, Jesus rules and reigns supreme.   Because of that, His glory is evident in His kingdom.  When the disciples saw His kingdom, they saw His glory, and it was brighter than the sun.  While the glory of God is something that we can experience now, there is a future consummation of glory in the world to come for those who know Christ.  The deepest longing of mankind is to see God Himself, and that will be fulfilled when we see his face.

Attribution notice: Most Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted.

Author's Note: If you enjoyed this article, you may also like: Light of the World, Being a Light in a Dark World, The Bodily Form of the Lord Jesus Christ, Seeking Glory from God, and For the Glory of God Alone. You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.  

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

The Bodily Form of God the Father

Artist's depiction of twenty four-elders around the throne
Prior to His incarnation, Jesus was always the Word and was always with God, self-existent from the beginning.  John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Joh 1:1-2, 14)

We know from Scripture that Jesus has a body now, because took on human likeness when He was born (Phil 2:7).  There was a definite point in time when the Word became flesh (Joh 1:14), and that body of His was crucified on the cross.  We also know that He subsequently rose from the dead after three days, and appeared to His disciples in a body made of flesh and bone, which they could touch.  In that body, He could eat food and walk through locked doors.  He could materialize and dematerialize at will.  He also ascended to heaven in the body right before the eyes of His disciples.  Now He sits at the right hand of God in His glorified body.  While He still has that eternal, corporal body, we know that the Church is His Body on earth indwelled by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:23; 4:12; 5:30).  All of these are well-known, elementary truths of the Word.

However, did you know that the Father in heaven also has a bodily form?  Some people think that He does not have a form, because the Scripture says God, who is Spirit, is invisible and that no one has ever seen God (Joh 4:24; Col. 1:15; 1Ti. 1:17).

It's true that Jesus did say, “And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form.” (Joh 5:37)  Yet when He spoke of "the form" of the Father, He did not deny that the Father has a form, but merely said that those to whom He was speaking had never seen it. The Greek word for “form” is “eidos” meaning “1) the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape; 2) form, kind” (Thayer).

The Father does have a form, figure, or outward appearance. In fact, Moses beheld the form of the LORD in the pillar of cloud.  In the account of Aaron and Miriam's sin of criticizing Moses, God said of Moses, "With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?" (Num 12:8). 

In fact, there was one occasion when not only Moses, but also Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders saw God up on the mountain. Scripture says, "Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank." (Exo 24:9-11). This proves that it is possible to see God.

Jesus said, "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.” (Joh 6:46).  Up to that point, nobody on earth had seen the Father, except for the instances I just mentioned, because God allowed it.  But Jesus did affirm that He had seen the Father, indicating that the Father can be seen by those in heaven.

We know that the Father is in heaven, according to Jesus, who always referred to Him as such the heavenly Father or the Father in heaven (Mat. 5:16,45; 6:1,9; 7:11,21; 10:32,33; 12:50; 16:17; 18:10,14,19; 23:9; Mark 11:25,26; 13:32; Luke 10:21; 15:18,21).  And we know that He is shrouded with a cloud of glory, encircled by pure light.  But He does condescend to commune with man, since that was the purpose for which He created man.  And that means He can reveal Himself to man in such a way that man can relate to and comprehend.  So let’s look at Scripture to find evidence of God’s form, even prior to the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Face of God
The Scriptures speak of God's face:

Moses spoke to God face to face. "Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent." (Exo 33:11)

Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! (Psa 27:9)

God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us. (Psa 67:1)

Jesus said, “"See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Mat 18:10).  So even while Jesus was on earth, the angels in heaven were able to see the face of the Father in heaven continually. That means the Father’s face is visible to those in the spirit realm.

"For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."  (1Pe 3:12)

Also see Psa 10:11; 80:3; cf., 80:7,19; Eze 39:29; Dan 9:17; Isa 59:2.

Nostrils
The Scriptures speak of God's nostrils:

Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.  (Psa 18:8)

Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.  (Psa 18:15)

"Who say, 'Keep to yourself, do not come near me, For I am holier than you!' These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day.  (Isa 65:5)

Eyes of God
The Scriptures speak of God's eyes:

"Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, And I will destroy it from the face of the earth; Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob," Declares the LORD.  (Amo 9:8)

“Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” (Psa 17:8)

"Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and listen to all the words of Sennacherib, who sent them to reproach the living God.  (Isa 37:17)

"For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."  (1Pe 3:12)

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” (Gen 6:8)

"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars." (2Ch 16:9)

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.” (Pro 15:3)

Also see Deu 11:12; Deu 21:9; Psa 34:15; Pro 5:21; 22:12; Zec 2:8; 4:10, as well as The Eyes of the Lord.

God’s Ear
The Scriptures speak of God's ear:

“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear.” (Isa 59:1)

“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.”  (Psa 34:15)

“Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy.”  (Psa 86:1)

Also see 2Ki 19:16; Isa 37:17; Neh 1:11; Psa 10:17

Mouth of God
The Scriptures speak of God's mouth:

“Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.” (Psa 18:8)

"He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.” (Deu 8:3)

“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.” (Psa 33:6)

“For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Pro 2:6)

"But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken. (Isa 1:20)

Psa 138:4; Isa 34:16; 40:5; 58:14; 62:2; Jer 9:12, 20; 23:16; Mic 4:4

God’s Head
The Scriptures speak of God's head:

"Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter.”  (Psa 108:8)

God’s Arm
The Scriptures speak of God's arm:

Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; Awake as in the days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not You who cut Rahab in pieces, Who pierced the dragon? (Isa 51:9)

“Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”  (Isa 53:1; cf., Joh 12:38)

'You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.” (Deu 5:15)

“O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.” (Psa 98:1)

“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,” (Jer 32:17)

Isa 30:30; 40:10; 48:14; 62:8; Deu 4:34; 7:19; 11:2; 26:8; Eze 20:33

Hand of God
The Scriptures speak of God's hand:

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear.  (Isa 59:1)

Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.”  (Jer 1:9)

“As is Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.”  (Psa 48:10)

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isa 41:10)

“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mar 16:19)

But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Act 7:55-56)

Some prefer to believe the theologians, who think that the term "right hand" of God is simply figurative, meaning the place of authority.  If you believe that, then you need to read the section below on the apostle John's revelation of the throne.  The Father was actually holding something in his hand.

Also see Deu 4:34; Luk 22:69; Act 2:33; Act 5:31; Rom 8:34; Col 3:1; 1Pe 3:22; Heb 10:12; 12:2.

Finger of God
The Scriptures speak of God's finger:

“When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God.”  (Exo 31:18)

"The LORD gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.”  (Deu 9:10)

Jesus said, "But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Luk 11:20; cf., Exo 8:19)

Feet of God
The Scriptures speak of God's feet:

"But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.”  (Mat 5:34-35)

“Heaven is My throne, and earth is the footstool of My feet; what kind of house will you build for Me?' says the Lord, 'or what place is there for my repose?”  (Act 7:49; cf., Isa 66:1)

God’s Sandal
The Scriptures speak of God's sandal:

“Moab is my wash-pot; upon Edom will I cast My sandal; over Philistia will I shout aloud.” (Psa 108:9)

God’s Wings
The Scriptures speak of God's wings:

“Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”  (Psa 17:8)

“He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” (Psa 91:4)

God's Back
The Scriptures speak of God's back:

Moses had asked to see God's glory. "But He said, 'You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!' Then the LORD said, 'Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.'" (Exo 33:20-23)

To See Jesus is to See the Father
The prophet Isaiah said, “In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.’ And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’" (Isa 6:1-5)

Isaiah said, “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne.” He even saw His robe! He said, “My eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”  Whom did he see?  Was it the Father or the Lord Jesus?  The apostle John said, “These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.” (Joh 12:41).  John said He saw the glory of Jesus, and that happened seven hundred years before the birth of Christ.  Jesus Himself said, "He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me.” (Joh 12:45)

The apostle writing to the Hebrews says that He is the radiance of His glory (He 1:3a).  So even before He had a body, He had glory with the Father in heaven, as Jesus Himself said (Jn 17:5).

The Prophet Ezekiel's Revelation of the Throne of God
The prophet Ezekiel also had a revelation of God's throne. In the opening of his first chapter, he describes the awesome appearance of the four living creatures that are always around the throne of God, and he described the One who is on the throne above the expanse that is over the heads of the four living creatures. You have to read the entire first chapter to get the full picture, but here is what he saw and recorded specifically about the throne:

"And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings. Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli [sapphire] in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man. Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking." (Eze 1:25-28).

As we can see from this passage, there was a figure with the appearance of a man. The Hebrew word for "figure" is "shape", so we see that he was referring to the form of the one on the throne as resembling that of a man's appearance. In addition to all of the features of God's form that I have already described in this post, Ezekiel also described God's loins and upward appearing as glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it. He further described God's appearance from His loins and downward appearing as something like fire. Moreover, he described the appearance of the glory around the Lord as a radiance that surrounds Him, which resembles a rainbow in the clouds. What a glorious picture the prophet has given us of God's awesome and majestic figure!

The Apostle John’s Revelation of the Throne of God
The apostle John had a revelation of God's throne, too, which helps us to properly understand the Trinity. In order to do so, you must read Revelation chapters 4 and 5 together, where you will see the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  So I will quote the two chapters here in their entirety:

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.’ Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.’ And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.’  (Rev 4:1-11)

In this fourth chapter of Revelation, John described One sitting on the throne, Who is called The Lord God, the Almighty, and seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. He saw the Father and the Holy Spirit. Then John continues in Revelation 5, where he describes Jesus.

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders *said to me, ‘Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.’ And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they *sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.’ Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.’ And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.’ And the four living creatures kept saying, ‘Amen.’ And the elders fell down and worshiped.” (Rev 5:1-14)

In this fifth chapter of Revelation, John stated that in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne was a book. The Father has actual hands!  Then John saw between the throne and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God.  The angel also described Him as the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.  We know this is our Lord Jesus Christ. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. If Jesus were the One whom John saw sitting on the throne in chapter four, He would not be taking the book from His own right handThe fact is that He took the book from the right hand of the Father.  The heavenly worshipers then sang “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”  Notice they worshiped both Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb.  This is a clear reference to the Father and the Son.

Personal Testimonies About the Heavenly Father
All personal testimonies must be subjected to God’s Word.  But now that we have seen what the Word says, here are some testimonies from people who have been to heaven, regarding what the Father looks like. 

Anna Rountree describes what the Father is like in her books, “The Heavens Opened” and “Priestly Bride.”  She says, “The Heavenly Father has Huge hands of light. He has two huge eyes aflame -- beautiful, terrible beyond description. Within the resplendent light, part of the Father’s form can be seen. You can see what appears to be His feet and that which looks like a garment falling in drapes to the sea of glass. Flashes of lightning are in this garment. Within the searing light there is something of His hands and the loose sleeves covering His arms. Above His waist, the light emanating from Him is so blinding in its intensity, purity, and holiness that one can see no further…The Father can change his appearance into a burning flame of love.”

She also said, “The Father’s heart is represented by white-hot coals of fire, aflame with love. The heart of our Father is pure, aflame, and holy. You must be invited to walk amid the coals of fire, for although our Father loves all, not all are invited within.”

She continues, “The dark cloud that surrounds God is actually the dense oil of the Spirit, a great good, a visible sign of the magnitude of the anointing, incomprehensible to mankind and therefore seemingly dark. To the majority of mankind, He is hidden in darkness. Light that they cannot see emanates from Him. To many of His children He seems hidden, but the fire of His love is burning through the density of that oil now and will allow His children to see His love, His mercy, and His fatherly compassion, as well as the startling reality of His holiness.”

Listen to "The Heavens Opened" 

Listen to "Priestly Bride"

Brother Yong Doo Kim, in his book, “Baptize by Blazing Fire,” says, “The Heavenly Father’s hand is bigger than a giant mountain.”

In his book, a woman in his church described her experience of being caught up to heaven to the throne.  She stated:

“Jesus took me to Heaven…Jesus asked me, ‘Yoo-Kyung, remember the promise I made to you yesterday? Do you recall?’ I answered, ‘Yes, Jesus. You promised to show me God the Father.’ Jesus faithfully kept His promise and took me to meet His Father. Our Father is larger than we can imagine, reaching up to the top of the Heavenly sky and shines brighter than the sun. He was sitting on an enormously large throne.

I was filled with joy, singing praises before God. I sang  ‘Bless the Lord, my soul’ and God the Father listened to me sing. He danced with joy and whenever He moved, unfathomable colorful rays of light brightly poured out of Him. In front of Father God was a book, larger than a mountain, and He was looking at it. God’s huge hand stretched out and gently stroked my head. The magnitude of how large His hands are can’t be described in words. The upper part of God’s body was covered with fog, like a cloud. Jesus requested I continue singing praises, so I did. God rejoiced in my praising by clapping His hands together and holding my hands swinging back and forth. I was so happy I swung my arms all around. Jesus cautioned me, ‘In the presence of our Father God don’t swing out of control!’ He taught me to raise my arms up high with my head bowed down respectfully. Later, Jesus took me back to the Church.”

Regarding another instance when she was taken to heaven, she described it like this:

“While I was dancing, I saw Father God swaying on His throne. From the throne, Father God displayed a brilliant shining light. God was light. I wasn’t able to look at Him. There were several angels and they were all busily writing something onto books that were displayed in front of the throne. Father God is enormously huge. One cannot imagine His size. Even if one attempted to glance at Father God, it would be impossible due to the brilliant light. The light is too strong for one to look toward. Father’s gown was very long and it reached down to His ankles. I was only able to see His feet.”

“Father God spoke to me as His voice echoed. ‘Yoo Kyung, isn’t it great to be here? If you continue to pray earnestly, I’ll bring you here more often. Therefore, earnestly pray without ceasing.’ I bowed down and replied, ‘Yes sir, Amen.’ After I had spoken, His huge hand appeared from the light and patted my head. Jesus then said, ‘Yoo Kyung, look at me!’ When I turned to see Jesus, I became very sad and my heart broke. I almost cried. On both His wrists, I saw the huge scars where He had been pierced by nails. I also saw the scars on His feet. The Lord continued, ‘As I had my blood poured out, I died for you. Always think of me!’”

Brother Kim also recorded his son Joseph’s testimony of being caught up to heaven.  Joseph described the heavenly Father like this:

A gigantic…giant?..was wearing a garment that was whiter than the snow. He was sitting on the throne. There were rainbows surrounding and shinning all around, and there are no words to describe what I was seeing. Also, the area above the chest was covered by fog-like clouds. As soon as I tried to lift my head up, it automatically bowed down, and the majesty, glory and light weighed down on me. I thought inside, ‘This is Jehovah God,’ and I lifted my head up to see. God’s figuration was like us humans, and He reached the top of the sky sitting down. He was tremendously big and seemed unfathomable…An intense light poured out from God the Father’s facial area, and my head automatically bowed down once again. God spoke with a strong, thundering voice, ‘Oh, Joseph, my little pig has come. You went through a lot to get here. I will give you mighty abilities, so continue praying diligently!’ As soon as I heard our Father God’s voice, my body froze in place like I was just hit with an electric shock, and I could not move at all.” 

Joseph quoted Revelation 4:2-3 to describe the Father and stated:

“After that, I followed Jesus to travel around heaven, visiting many places that were like the Garden of Eden. It was an amazing place.” He went on to describe it in detail.

Joseph also described another instance when he was taken to heaven:

“That day we started with prayer first and then later pastor followed with praising and a sermon. While I was worshipping, I could see clearly the throne of God. I could see it with my eyes closed as well as opened…I resumed praying in tongues and I was immediately taken before the throne of God. I felt even more insignificant than a speck of dust before God’s presence…Then, while I was still at the throne of God, I saw precisely four beasts: one was a lion, a calf, a beast with the face of a human, and an eagle soaring with its wings -- just as it is mentioned in the book of Revelation 4:7. There were six wings attached to it, with countless eyes in the front as well as the back, and it looked closely and observed what was happening on earth where we lived. As the angels opened up the book of life before the throne of God, God turned the pages of the book one by one looking for something. A short while later God’s enormous hand found and confirmed the matter He had in mind from the book of life. So, after He found it, He pointed at me saying, ‘Joseph Kim!’ and then commanded, ‘Bring me Joseph’s bottle for his tears, as well as sister Shin, Sung-Kyung’s tear bottle to me.’” Then Joseph quotes the psalmist, ‘Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?’ (Psalm 56:8).

Joseph continues, “Immediately after the command was given, in a blink of an eye, an angel brought the bottles, but some were big and some were small. I didn’t know the reason why God asked for deaconess Shin and my tear bottle, but lately she’s been crying often while she prayed, so I think God wanted me to verify it with my eyes.”

Another member of brother Kim’s church described her experience before the throne of God.  She stated:

“Today, Jesus took me to Heaven. One cannot possibly express the sight of Heaven with human words. We were in front of the Father's throne. The Father's majesty and glory were so great, I could not lift my head. I bowed before Him. The essence of the Father is indescribable. His majesty is beyond great. I attempted to lift my head to get a glimpse of the Father, but the pure brightness of the light prevented me from seeing Him. Father God is light. A finite mind cannot comprehend or imagine His glory. The magnitude of Father God appeared as though He covers the height and depth of Heaven. His throne appeared as though it covers the ends of Heaven from east to west. There seemed to be a formation of clouds hovering over His throne. A luminous light brighter than the sun showered down. I felt like a speck of dust as I stood before God.”

Rev. Oden Hetrick described God’s face in his book, “Inside the Gates of Heaven.”  He stated: “When God sits on His Throne before a gathering of saints, He makes Himself big enough so that all may easily see Him.  But when His is giving a personal interview, He appears to be, if He were standing, only twelve to eighteen feet tall.  And His Throne also appears to change in size.”

So God can dial Himself down to the level that we can handle.  He can dial down His brightness, His glory, and the level of His presence to a level that we can handle.

Brother Oden said, “One day Jesus wanted to present me to His Father in Heaven.  Now I knew from previous experiences that Jesus refuses to let me think that I am unworthy, because He has told us to pray that we should be considered worthy to stand with Him.  (Luke 21:36)  So although I was a little afraid, I did want to go with Jesus to see God the Father.”

“Jesus said to His Father, ‘This friend of Mine has been wanting to see You,’ -- and I looked into the face of Love!  My anxiety vanished.  His expression was so loving and kind that I lost all my fear, and my soul was calm.  His love made me feel free, and able to love Him in return.  He gave me the impression that He waited from eternity just to see me face to face.  He looked like a handsome young man and Light was shining from His face.  He completely ignored the fact that I am only a creature, and His manner of speech made me feel like a long-time good friend of His.  Being in His presence has not only changed my idea of Him but has also changed me -- forever!

“Seek His presence.  Seek His face.  He loves YOU.”

Putting it All Together
So we can see from Scripture that God has a bodily form with a head, face, eyes, ears, a nose, mouth, arms, hands, fingers, loins, feet, and sandals.  He may even have wings, as the Scriptures say.  Even Jesus spoke of God’s feet in the third person as His feet, finger, and face, and it seems quite clear that most of these references in the Bible are about the Father in heaven. 

Therefore, the body of Jesus Christ is not the only body God has.  The incarnation of Jesus was the only time God’s body ever became flesh and bone. The Father and Jesus are one, yet the Father appears in a bodily form, too. His body is not one of flesh and bone, but of Light and Spirit, since God is Spirit.  Jesus said that He had seen God the Father.  He also said the angels in heaven were able to see the face of the Father in heaven continually, even while Jesus walked on the earth. That means the Father’s face and body, although invisible to those in the natural realm, are visible to those in the spirit realm, to whom He chooses to reveal Himself.

"Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually." (Psa 105:4)

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Author's note: Please prayerfully watch and review these testimonies in their entirety, and use the Testimony Review Process adopted by this blog, as you decide for yourself whether the Lord has spoken to these people.  For issues and concerns, each person must confirm with the Lord, whether something is valid or not.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like The Name of Jesus, The Bodily Form of the Lord Jesus ChristThe Bodily Form of the Holy SpiritIs Jesus God?  The Holy Trinity, The Eyes of the Lord. You may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.  

Selected readings:

Inside the Gates of Heaven - Testimony of Oden Hetrick Michael Thomas Sambo's Revelation of Heaven and Hell Angelica Zambrano Second Visit to Hell
Baptized by Blazing Fire Vision of Hell by Emmanuel Agyarko Angelica Zambrano Hell and Heaven
Australian Pastor Raised from the Dead Nigerian Pastor Raised from the Dead Revelation of Hell to Seven Colombian Youths

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Being a Light in a Dark World

As disciples of Christ, how can we be a light to the world? Why is that important?

Jesus Christ said, "No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. "The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. "Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. "If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luk 11:33-36)

Lamps Must Be Out in the Open
Jesus taught that in order for a lamp to be effective in serving its purpose, it must be elevated and placed out in the open. (v.33). The same is true of our lives. If we are to light the world, we need to let others see our good deeds done in love. Don't hide it.

Our Eyes are a Lamp
Our bodies have a built-in lamp from God, which is our eyes. (v.34). A blind man sees no light.

The same is true spiritually. There is a direct connection between the eyes and what is going on in a person’s life (v.34)
- If your body is full of light, your eyes will be clear.
- If your body is full of darkness, your eyes will be bad.

It's Up to You
The choice is yours. It is up to you to see to it that your body is not filled with darkness rather than light. (v.35). No one can do that for you. If you choose to live for Jesus and die to yourself, then He will fill you with His light.

If your whole body is full of light, with no dark in it, your whole life will be lit up as if a bright spotlight were shining on you. (v.36)

How to Become Full of Light
How does our body become full of light? By repenting of all known sin, receiving forgiveness from Jesus, and walking in the light continually. That means your life and character will be in line with Jesus and His Word. You will walk in love with Him and each other.

And when you remain in fellowship with the Body of Christ, you need to make yourself accountable to someone for the way you are living. If you are a woman, make yourself accountable to a sister in the Lord. If you are a man, then be accountable to a brother in Christ. Confess your sins to one another in mutual accountability and pray for each other. Give each other the freedom to ask accountability questions on a weekly basis, such as "Have you viewed any sexually explicit material this week?" and "Have you entertained any lustful thoughts this week?" For others maybe the question should be, "Have you gossiped about anyone since we last met?" or "Have you had a critical attitude toward anyone?" Whatever the areas are that you struggle with, give your accountability partner permission to ask you about these areas any time they want to. And be committed to answering them honestly and sincerely.

How Does Darkness Creep In?
You may be wondering, "How does darkness creep in?" it creeps in when you allow hidden sin to enter into your life and remain there. By not confessing. By not being accountable to anyone for the way you are actually living. By choosing not to part with sin and allowing it to stay. This then opens the door for demons to enter into you, and they bring bondage which destroys your life.

The Eyes Will Tell
Can people tell by looking at our eyes whether we are walking in the light? Yes. If they are discerning, and look at your eyes, they will see that there is something different about you. If you are walking in the light, you will have that sparkle of joy and peace...that twinkle of love and that softness of humility in you. They will see that it's different from the rest of the world, whose eyes are darkened.

Can you tell whether another person is walking in the light or in the darkness? Yes, in my opinion, their eyes will tell and their actions, too. Next time you look at someone, notice their eyes. Notice whether they walk in love. Do they live as Jesus did?

Putting it All Together
This world is a very dark place. People are groping around and stumbling in the darkness. They need a light. Since we are called to be the Light of the World, we need to let people see the Light of Jesus within us. One way they will see it is through our eyes. If our eyes are full of light, our whole body will be illumined as well, just as if we were on stage under a spotlight for all to see.

If you are filled with darkness today, there is still hope for you in Jesus Christ. Repent of sin and receive forgiveness from Him. Keep your life free from sin. Walk in the Light as Jesus is in the Light. And when you are out in this dark world, let people see your eyes. Look right at them, and let your light shine into their dark lives.

But this is not just about appearances. If you are truly walking in the Light as Jesus is in the Light, you will be in fellowship with Him and the Body of Christ. You will love Him with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and you will love your brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Attribution notice: Scripture quotation taken from the NASB.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.  

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Light of the World

Most people love the sunshine. It’s so beautiful to look at and it warms the air. When the sun is shining, people are in a better mood than on a cold, dark rainy day. The sunshine brightens our world and makes all the colors so pleasant to see – the blue sky, the green grass, the red flowers and the white puffy clouds.

Many people spend a lot of time sunbathing and playing in the sun. When people go several days or weeks without sunshine, in times of bad weather, they often become rather depressed and long for sunshine once again.

Yet in the darkness, when there are no lights on, there’s not much to see. I recall when I was in the Mohave Desert during my days in the Army Infantry. During the day, the sun was shining brightly and blazing hot. But at night, there were no lights from the city or from artificial sources, since we were in lights-out, tactical combat mode. So when the moon was not visible in the sky, it was pitch-blackness. If you put your own hand in front of your face, you could not see it.

Jesus Christ is referred to in Scripture as the Sun of Righteousness. That’s a very interesting name, and it has wonderful implications for your life. I’d like to explore this name with you. Let’s take a look together and find out what this means.

Sun of Righteousness
The prophet Malachi wrote: "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze," says the LORD of hosts, "so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. (Mal 4:1-2).

The word for sun in this passage is the Hebrew word , שׁמשׁ, “shemesh” (sheh'-mesh). It comes from an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun. So while the expression “Sun of Righteousness” sounds like the English expression “Son of Righteousness,” this is not the case in the original Hebrew language the Scripture was written in.

This Hebrew word shemesh is the same word used for the actual sun in our sky, which is the closest star to the earth. But the Scripture does not confuse God with the sun, and never does it teach that the sun is God or that we should worship the sun.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psa 84:11)

God Created the Sun in Our Sky
The sun is one of God’s creations. It is not God or even “a god” as the sun worshippers believe. In the beginning, when all was dark, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Gen 1:3). And "God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also." (Gen 1:16)

The psalmist wrote: “Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, For His lovingkindness is everlasting; To Him who made the heavens with skill, For His lovingkindness is everlasting; To Him who spread out the earth above the waters, For His lovingkindness is everlasting; To Him who made the great lights, For His lovingkindness is everlasting: The sun to rule by day, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, The moon and stars to rule by night, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (Psa 136:3-9). Clearly we are to give thanks to the one who made the sun. We are to give our thanks and praise to Him alone.

In fact, the sun itself is commanded to praise the Lord. “Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light!” (Psa 148:3)

The Lord gives the sun to light up our day. “Thus says the LORD, ‘Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar? The LORD of hosts is His name.’” (Jer 31:35)

The Sun Will One Day Cease to Shine
In the age to come, we will no longer need the sun. "No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory.” (Isa 60:19)

“And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 22:5)

Jesus is the Light
We know that God dwells in unapproachable light. The apostle John wrote: “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1Jo 1:5) The apostle Paul also wrote, God is the One “who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.” (1Ti 6:16)

Jesus proclaimed that He Himself is our Light. “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’" (Joh 8:12). He also said about Himself:

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. "While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world."
(Joh 9:4-5)

So Jesus said to them, “‘For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.’ These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.” (Joh 12:35-36)

"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. (Joh 12:46)

The apostle John wrote this about Jesus: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (Joh 1:4-5). He also wrote: “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.” (Joh 1:9)

The apostle Paul put it like this: “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2Co 4:6). Paul meant that the very One who created the light is the One who shone in our hearts. He is the One that gave us the Light in our hearts to know the Lord and see the glory of God in the face of Jesus.

Visible Light
The light of Jesus is sometimes manifested so that men can physically see it with their eyes. This was the case when Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up on the mountain and He was transfigured before them.

“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. (Mat 17:1-6)

The apostle Paul saw the light of Jesus when he was heading to Damascus to persecute Christians. “As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (Act 9:3). In fact, Paul said the light was brighter than the sun. “At midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me.” (Act 26:13)

You’re Either Full of Light or Darkness

More important than the light we see outside our bodies is the light that is within us. It can be completely dark outside and yet our whole body can be full of light. On the other hand, it can be as bright as the noon day sun outside and our body can be filled with darkness. Jesus said, "The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays." (Luk 11:34-36).

When we are light and our bodies are full of light, there is a certain fruit in our lives. “For the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Eph 5:9). The apostle John wrote: “The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.” (1Jo 2:9,10).

Walk in the Light
We need to live in the light once we have it. This lifestyle is compared to walking. Jesus taught about walking in the light rather than the darkness and compared it to how men walk in the natural light as well. "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." (Joh 11:9-10).

The apostle John put it this way: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1Jo 1:7). When we walk in the Light, we have fellowship and relationship with the Light and with the sons of the Light. We’re cleansed from all our sin.

And as we continue to walk in the Light, our path grows brighter each day! As the Scripture says, "The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Pro 4:18). The Light within the righteous is ever-increasing. The personal revelation of Jesus Christ, as well as the personal knowledge of Him grows daily. This continues until there is no darkness remaining at all.

Let Your Light Shine
When Jesus lives inside of you, you are the Light of the world. That’s exactly what He said, so we need to act like it, too! "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Mat 5:14-16)

"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. (Luk 8:16). Jesus was warning us not to hide our light or keep people from knowing that we have the light within us. We need to let it shine so they can see it.

We also need to tell others about Jesus the Light. This was the apostle Paul’s mission in life once he came to know Jesus. The Lord said that Paul’s purpose was “‘to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'” (Act 26:18).

People Love Darkness

We know that Satan blinds many, so that they cannot see the Light right now. The apostle Paul wrote that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2Co 4:4)

People are living in darkness and actually prefer the darkness. Jesus said, "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” (Joh 3:19)

"For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (Joh 3:20). This is the reason so many reject the gospel. It’s because they know their deeds are evil and they fear their deeds will be exposed.

Why not bring our evil deeds into the light and confess them and turn away from them? “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” (Eph 5:13). Why not become accountable to others for the way we live and become transparent?

Called into His Marvelous Light
The people of God have been called to live in His marvelous light. As Peter wrote: “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1Pe 2:9). Can you hear the Lord Himself right now, calling you into the Light?

Morning Star
The apostle Peter wrote about that time when he was on the mountain with James and John when Jesus was transfigured before them. That was the time when a light shone around Jesus and his clothes became dazzling white, brighter than anyone on earth could bleach them. Peter wrote: “For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased’-- and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” (2Pe 1:17-18)

You see, Peter and the other two apostles saw the Majestic Glory and heard the Heavenly Father’s voice come from the Majestic glory, which honored Jesus. That’s why Peter could say that all the prophetic words in Scripture about Jesus the Messiah are now confirmed and made more certain by what the apostles have seen and heard. He said, “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” (2Pe 1:19). You need to pay attention to the prophetic words about Jesus written in the Holy Scriptures. You should pay attention to them like you would if you were in a dark place and paid close attention to a lamp burning near you. Peter said that if you do this, then eventually the day will dawn for you personally and the Morning Star will arise in your heart. When the day dawns, the morning star that arises is the sun.

Putting it All Together
Jesus is the Morning Star. He's the Sun of Righteousness. He's the Light of the World. When you come to know Him, you never have to walk in darkness again. And even when the sun is not shining, He lights up your world, because you are full of Light.

Those of us who know Him should walk in that Light. Goodness and righteousness and truth are the fruit that should be evident in our lives. Rather than hatred, there should be love. There should be an ever increasing aspect to the righteousness within us.

That should spill over into other people's lives around us, so that we're shining our light. We need to point people to Jesus, and that includes using words, too. Then they too can turn from darkness to light.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. The "Light of the World" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.  

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also access the Main Directory for this blog, or my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.