May 24: Eager to See the Lord

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:3-5

The sun and other heavenly bodies were created on the fourth day. One might wonder, “How could there be light when the sun wasn’t yet created?” The days of Creation show us that God is making a distinction between material, created sources of light and the divine light of illumination that He Is.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

How lovingly He condescends to teach us of Himself! His word is a catalog of metaphors and illustrations to expand our spiritual comprehension. The Source of all light is distinctly expressing His separateness from all created things. But created things can be used as great object lessons. Our brightest material light is the sun. We must learn early not to look at it directly, as damage to the retina—even to the point of blindness—can occur. Moses had found grace with the LORD and made a bold request: “Please, show me Your glory.” Yahweh honored his request, but Moses was covered and protected from a ‘too soon’ view by the LORD’s own hand (Exodus 33:18-22).

If I allow the Lord to sanctify me (for only He can do the work, but I must choose to allow Him in), I will realize that He desires to make me fit to behold Him in His full, unveiled glory. Growing love for Him is accompanied by a growing yearning to see Him. And, beloved, He wants to be seen!

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24

Sanctification means willingly cultivating an eagerness to hear and obey the teachings of the Master. A true disciple studies His word and distinguishes His voice from worldly voices.

The gentle way of Him who said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) is to bring more light to those who are eager to learn of Him and respond to His voice. It is Christ living in me that enables me to honor His commandments and share His truth with others. This is what character transformation is all about: overcoming selfish desires. This inclination of the heart determines the direction of a life.

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” Luke 8:18

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27