The Splendor of the Son

God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
(1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Monday, Seventh Week after Pentecost

O Lord, the source of eternal light: shed forth your unending day upon us who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship may give you glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Dear friends,

The European Space Agency (ESA) in cooperation with NASA just released some exciting photographs of the sun that were taken by its Solar Orbiter that was launched February 9, 2020.  It made its first pass in mid-June which resulted in stunning detailed pictures of our sun which is setting the scientific community “on fire” with excitement.  If you are interested, go to NASA’s site to see more: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/sun/overview/

What I find amazing, is that we can discover these things because God has given us a clear window into his universe.  He literally placed the earth in one of the best segments of our Milky Way Galaxy so that we can see the splendid wonders of his handiwork without anything blocking our view.  The view of the heavens has inspired us through the ages, and recently as we send up satellites to see more.

What is more amazing is that God has more glory than the sun.  He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16).  When God’s own Son reveals the glory underneath his human skin, he appears brighter than the Sol in our solar system. (Acts 26:13; Matthew 17:2).  Praise be to God!  He who created everything with His word, is greater than His Creation! How awesome is that!

But what is infinitely more jaw dropping than all of that combined, is that God in all his glory invites us sinners to share in his glory.  We are burdened with the terrible darkness of our sin in our soul.  Yet God forgives us through Christ Jesus, his Son.  He transforms us by his Holy Spirit to live a new life, so that one day, we may enter into the splendor of His glory and stand.  We too shall become glorious creatures (not gods) but creatures who reflect the glory and beauty of the Son.  We shall be like Jesus! (1 John 3:2)

God reveals in Daniel 12 that on the last day we will be transformed:  “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Dan. 12:2-3 NIV)

My encouragement to you:  Live for the glory of God. Lead people to Christ who is our Righteousness.  Jesus promises:  If we live for ourselves, we will lose our life.  But when we give up our life for the sake of the Gospel and live for God, we will gain our life.  May it be so for you!

Take heart!  When you belong to Christ, you have a really bright future ahead of you.

In the Light of Christ,
Pastor Langdon Reinke

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