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.
Poor 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?" (Genesis 4:9).