Radiance: Looking Like God
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Covenant Law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.
Exodus 34:29 (NIV)
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them...
Luke 2:8-9 (NKJV)
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His Face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1-2 (NIV)
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Acts 6:15 (NIV)
In reverence, the Psalms describes God as 'Radiant with light' (Psalm 76:4).
In amazement, John describes Jesus with 'Eyes like a flame of fire and Feet like fine brass' (Revelation 2:18).
In reflection, God shares His Light with us: 'The Commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes' (Psalm 19:8). 'They looked to Him and were radiant' (Psalm 34:5).
When we follow Jesus, when we meet God, when we hear, read, and contemplate His Word, we actually grow to look like Him!
'But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord' (2 Corinthians 3:18).
My favorite GLORY definition is this one: brilliant illumination! A perfect light! Because God is perfect, and God is Light. He gives His Light to us in many ways, including:
Wisdom: 'A man's wisdom makes his face shine' (Ecclesiastes 8:1). 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him' (James 1:5). 'Ask and it shall be given to you' (Matthew 7:7). Find wisdom in His Book, in His Spirit, and within His most seasoned disciples. Wisdom makes us helpfully radiant.
Righteousness: 'The light of the righteous shines brightly' (Proverbs 13:9). 'For He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him' (2 Corinthians 5:21). 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow' (Isaiah 1:18). Righteousness makes us clearly radiant.
Media: Media? Yes! 'Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising' (Isaiah 60:1-3). Media will broadcast your radiance.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: consider this simple job description:
Rise into the destiny God gives you.
Shine brightly on media’s airwaves,
But most of all--strive to look like Jesus.
Radiance: Looking Like God (Part 2)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.