Radiance

"Those who look to him are radiant..." (Psalm 34:5); "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2).

Walk down any street and count the happy faces! We don't need to worry about running out of enough fingers. Our generation seems harried and hurried, rushing with long faces to Nowheresville and Everywheresville. Technology has become our shepherd and goes before us--and we will never catch up, physically or ethically. God must weep at our woe.

"Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance" (Ecclesiastes 8:1). Wardlaw shares this about wisdom: "It does not dazzle and overpower by the studied brilliance of self-display, but with soft and gentle radiance inspires delight, and wins affection; for of genuine wisdom, self-diffident humility is the invariable associate. Such wisdom gives to the countenance the expression both of dignity and grace."

Moses came down from the lofty mountain where he had spent forty days with God. "He was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord" (Exodus 34:29b). When we look to the world we are darkened in mind and face, for there is little there to brighten our day. When we look to the Word and Him who gave it, our minds and countenances are illuminated and we are granted wisdom to know what is truly excellent. We are given light for priorities and direction and, ultimately, joy.

"So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast" (Genesis 4:5). Then we have this contrast: "...They saw that his [Stephen's] face was like the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15). They were of two different spirits. The difference lay in their hearts and it showed on their faces. Stephen was willing to offer himself and Cain, after he murdered his brother, asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Is Christian joy finally the realization that, when all else is taken from us, we still have the lovely Christ? Is it knowing, in complete faith, that out of the thorns of life will grow the roses of love; out of the grave will arise our beloved dead; from the cross will come the crown; from the trials will come the victories; from the seemingly lifeless acorns will grow the mighty oaks? Is this finally what joy is: simply believing? Happiness and unhappiness cannot coexist, but joy and sorrow do. "...Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross..." (Hebrews 12:2). What a spiritual anomaly this is. But our Friend Jesus had a more exalted view.