Transformed by Truth: Arise, Shine, Your Light Has Come Isaiah 60:1-2
Introduction:
Today, we gather to delve into a powerful passage from Isaiah 60:1-2, a text that calls us to arise and shine because our light has come. Let's read from the New Living Translation:
"Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you."
In this sermon, we will explore three key points: The Call to Arise, The Glory of the Lord, and Shining in the Darkness.
1. The Call to Arise
The book of Isaiah is filled with prophecies of hope and restoration for Israel. Isaiah 60:1-2 speaks directly to the exiled Israelites, promising a future where they will reflect God's glory. The Hebrew word for "arise" (????, qum) implies standing up and taking action.
Ephesians 5:14 (NLT): "For the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, 'Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'"
Here, Paul echoes Isaiah’s call, urging believers to wake up and live in the light of Christ.
Romans 13:11-12 (NLT): "This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living."
Paul again emphasises the need for believers to rise and live righteously, anticipating the coming of Christ.
God calls us to rise from our spiritual slumber and embrace the life He has for us. This means actively engaging in our faith, seeking His presence, and living out His commands.
Consider a runner at the starting block, poised and ready to spring into action at the sound of the gun. We, too, must be ready to arise and move forward in our spiritual journey.
2. The Glory of the Lord
The "glory of the Lord" (??????? ??????, kavod Adonai) refers to the manifest presence and splendour of God. In Isaiah's time, it symbolised God's presence with His people, guiding and protecting them.
Exodus 40:34-35 (NLT): "Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle."
This passage shows the tangible presence of God with Israel, which brought guidance and protection.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT): "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."
Paul explains that we, too, reflect God’s glory as we are transformed into Christ’s likeness.
God's glory is not just a historical event but a present reality in our lives. We are called to reflect His glory through our actions, words, and lives.
Think of the moon reflecting the sun’s light. While the moon has no light of its own, it shines brightly by reflecting the sun. Similarly, we are to reflect God’s glory in a dark world.
3. Shining in the Darkness
Isaiah contrasts the glory of the Lord with the darkness covering the earth. The "darkness" symbolises ignorance, sin, and the absence of God’s presence. Yet, amid this darkness, God's light shines through His people.
John 1:5 (NLT): "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."
John speaks of Jesus as the light that overcomes all darkness.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT): "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Jesus calls us to be visible lights in the world, demonstrating God’s goodness through our actions.
We live in a world filled with darkness, but we are called to shine brightly. Our lives should be a beacon of hope, truth, and love, drawing others to Christ.
Imagine being in a pitch-dark room and someone lighting a candle. The light dispels the darkness and provides a sense of direction and safety. As Christians, we are to be that candle, bringing light to those around us.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Beloved, God calls us to arise, shine, and reflect His glory in this dark world. Let us embrace this call, live in His light, and be beacons of His love and truth.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your call to arise and shine. Help us to reflect Your glory and bring Your light into the world. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you leave today, remember your call to be a light in this world. Reflect God’s glory, live out your faith boldly, and draw others to the hope we have in Christ. Amen.
