Rise and Shine

_________________________

God’s revelation of himself and his plans through the prophets amazes me. In Isaiah 60, he wrote of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, the people’s return to Israel from being scattered around the world, the Magi who would visit Jesus as a child, and life in God’s presence as all things are remade in the end. So many of God’s promises are kept time and again, repeatedly, as if to say, “Hey, if you missed it the first time, here it is again!” Truly astonishing, if you let that sink in.

Okay, so what’s your point, Dad? Thanks for asking! My point is that God gives us every reason to be confident and excited about the things he has promised. We should daily “Rise and Shine” and glorify God in all we do and say. He is the fulfiller of promises, the light that overcomes the darkness, the healer of all that has been broken. He is worthy of our praise. Even though it’s a children’s song, the chorus of Arky, Arky is on repeat in my head as I give God the “glory glory” today.

Son, don’t let the ups and downs of life interrupt your faith. People who don’t know God paint a picture of him that is completely wrong. They try to prove that our faith is unfounded and foolish. To make that point they attempt to undercut the reliability and authority of the Bible. They have to take that route because when you read the words of the prophets, you will see the truth in them. When life is discouraging, turn back to God’s word, not away from it. Satan uses the devices of this world to mask his true identity—to make us doubt his existence. Don’t buy it. Don’t abandon the truth of God’s word. It is God’s direct revelation of himself, his character, his nature, and his plans for all of creation. Read it. Let it take hold of your heart and transform your mind. Rise and shine and give God the glory! He did what no one thought possible, what no one could imagine. His wisdom confounds all others.

_________________________