An Epiphany

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. —Genesis 1:14–16, KJV

I woke up early one morning to pray, and while in prayer, my mind was drawn to reflect on the power of the sun, which had just begun to pierce the eastern sky in all its glory and splendor. The sun pierces the darkness and provides light so that I do not have to grope and stumble in the dark. It makes it possible for me to find my way along a path.

The sun’s rays provide warmth for plants and animals and are vital for healthy growth and development. Sunlight enhances photosynthesis, which is necessary for plants to produce food. It is an essential link in the food chain. We certainly could not live without the sun. Just as we cannot live without sunshine, we cannot live without God’s Son.

He was the One who called it into existence.

The Son created the sun for the benefit of all His creatures.

He lives in heaven but is a very present Friend through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He said of Himself, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12, KJV).

The Son can penetrate down to our very bones and marrow.

Even the smallest, seemingly innocuous pebble in my heart He points out as sin. If left unchecked, it will grow, multiply, and before long, consume me.

The Son helps us to expunge these character traits through the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit. Through His power, we can become new creatures in Christ Jesus. Old things are passed away, and everything is become new (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

As we bask in the warmth and light of the sun, may the Lord help us to appreciate and experience the transforming power of the Son.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36, NLT).

Kollis Salmon-Fairweather