The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And the expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.
~Psalm 19:1-2
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
~2 Corinthians 3:18
As I was sitting on my back patio as the sun began rising above the horizon, the underbelly of the clouds began to glow pink. Brighter and brighter, the sky exploded in color. In praising God for another day, my thoughts meandered to the miraculous daily variations of each sunrise and sunset. As our earth turns, the sun “rises” and “sets” (not really, but you know…), shifting slightly north to south with the seasons. But it’s the same ball of fire—up and down, up and down, day after day. So, I thought, why is the canvas of morning and evening skies painted so uniquely each day?
Well, it completely depends on how the sun is being reflected. The cloud formations might generate streaks of heavenly beams, refracting the light to unveil awe-inspiring spectrum. The air quality and density, the humidity, and the temperature all impact how colorful or purely white the sky will be. But it’s all due to the sun—all that magnificence is a reflective response to the greater light (Genesis 1:14-19).
Then there’s the moon. Its phases help distinguish the times and seasons—and it also illuminates dark nights. But it only serves humanity in this way because it is reflecting the sun. It has no source of light on its own—it shines on us in reflection of its source.
And what about the flowers? Think of beautiful blossoms and their intricate array of colors and forms (Luke 12:27). They all bring glory to God—and joy to us. How? Because they soak in the light and heat of the sun (photosynthesis)! Their splendor is a reflection of the sun. Oh yeah, we also savor the food we eat (at least “real” food) because the rhythms of the sun draw out this bounty from the ground or trees. It wouldn’t be so without the sun.
Each of these glories and gifts are distinct and splendid reflections of the sun.
Oh beloved, do you see it—is your spirit soaring at the thought? The same is true of the Son. As believers, we are each made to reflect our Source. With a unique color palette, distinct expressions, and perfectly knit-together characteristics, we are meant to reflect Jesus. Like the starry host flung across the sky or a field of wildflowers, our diverse beauty is designed to declare the glory of God. Ah, but there is a difference. Creation reflects the sun—a source of light. We are made in God’s image—with His very breath in our lungs—to reflect the Son. The Light of the world (John 8:12). And we, “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). See, the more we follow after Him, becoming more and more like Him, that mirror—our glorious reflection of Him—gets less foggy, until the day we see Him clearly face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12) when we move into Glory ourselves. For His glory, and as we move to our final glorification.
So, let’s consider our thoughts, words, actions today. Are they reflecting selfishness, pride, anger, ego? Or are our eyes so fixed on the Lord so that, like Moses, our faces shine at the reflection? Let us gaze, sweet friend, at His lovely face. And like the sky, moon, and flowers, let’s become a beautiful reflection of the glorious Son.
Oh, Lord, You are glorious! May I keep my eyes only on You as I walk through this world toward Home, so that I can both reflect Your beauty to others…and be constantly transformed into Your likeness.
