As we consider scripture and read about the saints of old we see the privileges they extolled and the lifestyle they proffered and expected, which was wholly focussed on God. David, the sweet Psalmist, could say “For the zeal of thy house has eaten [or consumes] me up…” [Psalm 69:9]. This significant message of his life was emplaced around him like sentinels or missiles ready to protect, for that passion was his power. Without such ardour little can be achieved. As the days darken, and militant atheism riddles the country, we must rise above such force of opposition into the realms where our God reigns. We do have scriptural assurance and help to fortify our faith which is daily attacked.
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” [Psalm 84:11]. His great personage thrills us and fills us with certainly and relief. However, David is lamenting the rise of Absalom, his son that drove him away from the temple which he misses. He announces his distress My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! [Psalm 42:4].
Perhaps reading this, one would assume he was too pensive and gloomy, but contrariwise, he was a champion of the highest order, an undoubted hero, with a list of victories of wonderful deeds and conquests. He fulfilled many offices as king over the nation, a general over the armies, a judge over delinquent disorder, a government official over vain speculation and as a psalmist with songs of praise to His Lord. So much so, his harp could drive away demon powers. “David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” [1 Samuel 16:23]. However, above all these distinctions and attributes the main desire that throbbed within his breast was expressed simply like this – “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple” [Psalm 27:4]. Such a vison dominated his waking thoughts, his living stance was God only, and he says several things over various times as a variation on that central theme:
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God. [Psa. 84:1, 2]
He further states: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. [Psalm 84:10] and so he comes to our text, previously spoken: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” it bears repetition for from his panting desire there bursts out the titles of our sovereign God and his loving qualities towards us amidst the swirling doubts and opposition in all forms. A sun and shield to lighten our way and defend our soul.
Creation changes “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” [Psalm 40:8]. The sun changes not, for it shines in its everlasting circuit. Adam walked in the garden and Noah built his ark under that same sun. Moses floated down the Nile and Jesus hung on a cross – the sun did not change except God shrouded it in a black cloth to save Jesus from the mocking gaze of wicked men in His humbling agony [Matt. 27:45] “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.” The crucifixion, history’s greatest travesty, was covered.
Yesterday I walked in my garden in the winter and an extremely low temperature but the sun was shining, that same sun saw Jesus rise from the dead. It stirs creation to bring forth harvest, and witnesses succeeding generations; the rise of one dynasty and another. That precious luminary is always the same, like God in His love for us. Our Divine Sun beams on our soul, brightening our future. This same sun saw Jesus going about doing good, he always did, and he does not change. It can shine on a rubbish tip and catch no infection. “Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world.” [John 11:9]. We can see beyond all others into the future and know that God is with us, within us and for us. Hallelujah!
After the chilling nights of winter the sun will soon appear again, it is not lost, it continues its course, set to please the sons of man. We catch that likeness and live its function – “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” [Prov. 4:18]. Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:” [Ecc. 11:7]. Those that see God’s disciples should also see God in their example, witness and lifestyle. Thus we should bring sun-smiles as we arrive. “With the choicest fruits of the sun and the rich yield of the months,” [Deut. 33:14]. It is productive and persistent, “[the sun’s going] forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” As it is, it will be, in the end time. No one will escape God’s judgement. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” [Rev.21:5]. However, before that, hear the Word: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart,” [Ecc. 3:11]. Thank God for that miracle of mercy. “Eternity in our hearts,” immortal guarantee.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” [James 1:17]. As father he is responsible for creation, and thus the sun is a heavenly gift for humankind. Further He is the light that calls us out of darkness; “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” For “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” [2 Cor. 4:6]. What an amazing privilege, focus and favour. Then, with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you will know the confidence that is produced by God having called you,” [Eph.1:18].It is overwhelmingly good and blessed. God scattered the darkness that covered the earth, and brought glorious and unparalleled light to the fore. Not only natural but supernatural light into being. Without light nature would be drab, the birds would not sing and the flowers would not bloom. Light is essential and enlivening. “With the rich fruit that grows in the sun, and the rich harvest produced each month;” [Deut. 33:14]. In our spiritual life also, there emerges revelation of divine proportion and principles. A harvest of spiritual perception is brought to completion. Light on the earth, light in the soul. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called–his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance” [Eph. 1:18].
MWC
