12 July | EVERYONE
«Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.”» Isaiah 60:1, 2
In the twilight of centuries, the life of the tired planet diminishes. A fine smell of an overwhelmed afternoon floats in the air, dark clouds appear on the horizon. They resemble a sheet dyed with mourning that strives to hide the clarity of souls. The world groans the death waves of human imbalance. Global warming, voracious industrialization that mistreats natural resources. As a consequence of universal folly, hurricanes blow, crazy floods come down from the heights, the earth trembles and the waters of the seas bury multitudes.
It is amazing to know that centuries ago Isaiah announced what was to come: “dark” times for the nations. The divine Word does not refer only to natural disasters. “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
Faced with this gloomy panorama, God’s message to his faithful is: “Arise, shine!” Well, as we have read above, the Lord enlightens us. It is a challenge to leave the theoretical gospel of the church and enter the streets full of people reflecting the character of Jesus.
The gospel is not just pretty words, it is sweat that relieves pain, a tear that cleanses guilt, a hand that is extended to alleviate the affliction of the sufferer.
Take Action
“The loveliness of the character of Christ will be seen in His followers” (Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 59). Do you believe and live this type of gospel? If so, “His glory will be seen upon you,” that is, His divine character. Others may know Jesus through you and will want to know more about him. Sing “Arise, Shine!” (if possible, with your family).