Casandra Martin

Summer means sunglasses. Even my early morning walks find me reaching for my sunglasses as the sun crests over the horizon and greets the dawn with brilliant light. It only takes a moment. The soft stillness of those quiet moments before the break of day suddenly give way to exuberant colors and dazzling illumination as the sun rises in the eastern sky. It is breath-taking and humbling to watch the daily miracle of a sunrise.

This morning my walk turned toward the east just as that moment when the sun took its place in the clear blue sky. Even with my sunglasses on, the sight was overwhelming. I had to look down, bowing my head in wonder and praise. As I averted my eyes, it dawned on me that the sun holds only a fraction of the brilliance of God’s glory. I can’t even look at the sun in our sky without bowing my head and covering my eyes. Imagine what it is going to be like to stand in the presence of the Lord.

The descriptions of heaven that we find in the Bible are filled with images that speak to our senses. Choruses of praise fill the air as people from every nation, tongue, and tribe worship the Lamb. The sweet aroma of the incense of prayer draws our hearts toward the throne. The wedding feast offers a tantalizing array of exquisite flavors and tastes as heaven celebrates the coming of Christ’s bride. Living water quenches the deepest thirsts of our souls. Feet walk on gold streets while hands hold fruit that brings life and healing. But it is what we will see that will bring the grandest thrill of all.

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 22:4-5

Looking into His face will make the sun seem like a mere shadow on a cloudy day. His eyes will shine with love, invitation, grace, and acceptance. Basking in the brilliance of His glory will chase away the last remnants of darkness as we take our place in the Son. No more tears. No more sorrow. No more pain. No more death. Sonshine, twenty-four, seven.

My Jesus Resolution today is to wear my sunglasses. Every time I put my sunglasses on today, I am going to let them remind me of the glory of God. I want Him to shine brightly in my life. I want His radiance to be evident in my heart. I am going to remember that whatever shines here on earth is merely a glimpse into the glory of heaven.