Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Isaiah 60: 1-4, NRSV.
Holy God, in these days of darkness that we are experiencing, we pray that Your people, wherever we may be found, will allow You to brighten the corner where we are, through us, that men, women, youth, boys and girls, will see You “high and lifted up,” and will be drawn to You. In the name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen!
This is a prophecy of Israel’s restoration from the early “decades of Persian rule” (NRSV, [1062 Hebrew Bible]). The invitation to “Arise” and “shine” is pregnant with hope! There is something about hope, that adds splendor to a situation; that causes the light that has been buried in the grave of hopelessness to shine out of the darkness. I can just imagine the joy that filled the souls of the Israelites who were captives in Persia when they heard that their captivity was almost over! I can just picture them as they listened to the prophecies of glorious things to come.
It is interesting to note that the time of captivity is usually a time of darkness. I believe that the reason for this is because sin, which is the cause of darkness, makes slaves out of people, and slavery is evil. The difference between a slave of Christ, and a slave of the adversary, is that the slave of Christ offer him or her(self) as a slave. The slave of the adversary is taken captive! The prophecy was two-fold. The first half speaks of the darkness that covers the earth, while thick darkness covers the people. I was just curious regarding the difference in the intensity of darkness over the people versus the earth. Could it be that the reason for this, is the fact that, the earth is an involuntary participant in the atrocities that take place in our world? It is only a witness to the evil that takes place. It does not take part in the evil; while the inhabitants are the actors and directors, of these evil deeds. Thus the greater darkness rests upon the inhabitants.
The second half speaks of light. When the glory of God is risen upon us, those around us will see the brightness and will be attracted to Christ the Light, the Savior of the world! “The Light which enlightens everyone” came into the world (John 1: 9), that we might have hope by looking to Him! The Bible says that “nations” will come to the light, and kings will come; attracted by the brightness that we, God’s people, emanate! People like light because light speaks of life and hope. When God’s people share His love with others, multitudes, from all walks of life, will want to join themselves to us.
People who are feeling hopeful usually talk about, “The light at the end of the tunnel.” At the end of the tunnel, you will find those things that were taken away from you through broken relationships, sickness, or bankruptcy, have been restored, in the same manner in which the sons and daughters of the Israelites, were brought back to them.
If you are willing to arise, God will provide the light, so that you can shine to His glory!
You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.