Isaiah_60

Scripture - What stood out?Isaiah 60:1-31 “Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.2 See, darkness covers the earth    and thick darkness is over the peoples,but the Lord rises upon you    and his glory appears over you.3 Nations will come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Observation - What does it say?The title to this chapter in NIV reads “The Glory of Zion”. The prophet Isaiah speaks to God’s future blessing and provision over Zion. The words seem to pertain to the people of Israel, the future king Jesus Christ who descended from the line of David, but I believe that this is a word that is for all of us who trust and believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   Understanding - What does it mean?I have never felt so confused in a very long time. With media, scientists, doctors, politicians, and religious figures all at odds over how to best respond to covid-19, I officially feel like there is a darkness that has covered the land. Maybe if you have lived longer than the 40 years I have perhaps you can remember a time when darkness covered the land much like I feel it does now.However…I believe that God is telling his people “Arise, shine, for your light has come…”“...the Glory of the Lord rises upon you.”And “Nations will come to your light.” Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Arise.

Do you have the Love of Christ in you? Shine.

The glory of the Lord rises with you.There are people living in darkness who need that light.

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Thank you Father for rising with me. Help me to share the light of Christ in everything that I do, from the mundane to the spectacular. Help me to be your light when times are dark. Help me to rise. Help me to shine. In the name of Jesus, amen. -kenneth lee