I awoke in darkness. I could sense a deep slumber still draped over my friends. Somewhere on the men’s side of the tent I could hear my husband snoring and I had to stifle a laugh! I knew I would not be able to fall back asleep on my mat, so I quietly got up, collected my flashlight, camera and my jacket and made my way out of the tent. Our tour group had spent the night in a Bedouin camp in Israel and it was quite an experience! I saw an area near the camp which looked just perfect to watch the sunrise and headed in that direction. A thin layer of light was already beginning to show on the horizon. A few moments later I was joined by my friend Catherine and after a brief “Good morning” and “How did you sleep?” exchange in whispered tones, we settled into a comfortable silence to watch the sunrise. The sliver of light expanded and grew. Vibrant colors were painted on the clouds of night until suddenly the sun appeared in all its glory forcing us to shield our eyes for a moment as they adjusted to the light. The brisk pre-dawn cold evaporated in its golden glow. The darkness quickly dissipated as well. And so did the year 2004. It was a new day and a new year. Catherine and I prayed together and as we finished we could hear the rest of the group beginning to stir. Welcoming in a new year in Israel is still one of the most glorious sunrises I have ever witnessed and I also have pictures to remember it by!
It is not hard for those of us who have watched a sunrise, whether in our own backyard or on a special trip, to equate the sun’s brilliance with God Himself. And that comparison is not our sole propriety. The Psalms frequently use metaphors from nature to describe the Lord and the sun is one of the most obvious choices. While people often equate David with authorship of the psalms, he is not the only composer of these poetic masterpieces. The “sons of Korah” are among several other individuals and groups which composed or compiled the collection of psalms we find in our Bibles today. As descendants of Levi they were assigned the duties of gate-keeping (1 Chr. 26:1, 19) but later rose to prominence as Temple musicians. Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, and 87-88 are all credited to them. Psalm 84 has spawned its own contemporary music versions as well. Nature imagery runs throughout its verses culminating with the grand statement that “The Lord God is a sun and a shield” in verse 11.
Most of us know that light is foundational to life. I am no scientist, nor did I excel in the sciences when I was a student. But I do remember learning about photosynthesis and I’m always intrigued by those machines that use light to help soothe aching joints and muscles. And as a photographer, I know that without light, even a very small amount, I’m not going to get much of a picture. What an appropriate metaphor for the Lord. According to Psalm 84 His hand guides swallows to build their homes (v. 3) and puts the desire to travel through barren valleys to worship in Jerusalem (vv. 5-7) in the hearts of men. As the fundamental element to all life, the Lord is both protector (a shield- vv. 9, 11) and sun (v. 11). Like the sun beams which fall upon plant life and cause those flowers to bloom and grow, the Lord showers grace and glory upon the person who “walks uprightly” before Him.
Most of us tend to think that grace is purely a New Testament concept. But the word here (hen) means “an unmerited favor or regard in God’s sight; a special standing with God”; a meaning clearly continued, not developed, in the New Testament (Jn. 1:14-17; Ac. 15:11; 20:24; Rom. 3:24; 4:16; 5:2; Eph. 1:7; 2:5, 8-9; 4:7; Tit. 2:11; Heb. 4:16 and so many more!). We’ve all enjoyed the benefits of a sunny day in our lifetime. Some days the sun is so bright we find ourselves seeking shelter under the nearest shade tree. But those glorious days when the sun is shining and the temperature is just right, those are the kind of days that lift our spirits and make us feel great. They are a perfect picture of the glory which God bestows on His people. The Lord as our sun withholds “no good thing” from those who walk uprightly before Him (v.11). The wording here signifies something that is appealing and pleasant to the senses and a relationship that is pure. Like a plant which sits upon a windowsill and follows the path of the sun throughout the day, our faces should be turned towards Him constantly. When they are, we can’t help but called ourselves “blessed” (v. 12). This word describes a person’s state of bliss, and in Biblical terms it is used of a person or nation who enjoys a relationship with God (Dt. 33:29; Jb. 5:17; Ps. 33:12; 146:5). So, take a cue from nature and Psalm 84:11 this week. When you feel the sun falling upon your face, remember it is God’s grace and glory falling upon you and give thanks to the One Who made it all possible (Rom. 5:15).
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 6/19/2016
It is not hard for those of us who have watched a sunrise, whether in our own backyard or on a special trip, to equate the sun’s brilliance with God Himself. And that comparison is not our sole propriety. The Psalms frequently use metaphors from nature to describe the Lord and the sun is one of the most obvious choices. While people often equate David with authorship of the psalms, he is not the only composer of these poetic masterpieces. The “sons of Korah” are among several other individuals and groups which composed or compiled the collection of psalms we find in our Bibles today. As descendants of Levi they were assigned the duties of gate-keeping (1 Chr. 26:1, 19) but later rose to prominence as Temple musicians. Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, and 87-88 are all credited to them. Psalm 84 has spawned its own contemporary music versions as well. Nature imagery runs throughout its verses culminating with the grand statement that “The Lord God is a sun and a shield” in verse 11.
Most of us know that light is foundational to life. I am no scientist, nor did I excel in the sciences when I was a student. But I do remember learning about photosynthesis and I’m always intrigued by those machines that use light to help soothe aching joints and muscles. And as a photographer, I know that without light, even a very small amount, I’m not going to get much of a picture. What an appropriate metaphor for the Lord. According to Psalm 84 His hand guides swallows to build their homes (v. 3) and puts the desire to travel through barren valleys to worship in Jerusalem (vv. 5-7) in the hearts of men. As the fundamental element to all life, the Lord is both protector (a shield- vv. 9, 11) and sun (v. 11). Like the sun beams which fall upon plant life and cause those flowers to bloom and grow, the Lord showers grace and glory upon the person who “walks uprightly” before Him.
Most of us tend to think that grace is purely a New Testament concept. But the word here (hen) means “an unmerited favor or regard in God’s sight; a special standing with God”; a meaning clearly continued, not developed, in the New Testament (Jn. 1:14-17; Ac. 15:11; 20:24; Rom. 3:24; 4:16; 5:2; Eph. 1:7; 2:5, 8-9; 4:7; Tit. 2:11; Heb. 4:16 and so many more!). We’ve all enjoyed the benefits of a sunny day in our lifetime. Some days the sun is so bright we find ourselves seeking shelter under the nearest shade tree. But those glorious days when the sun is shining and the temperature is just right, those are the kind of days that lift our spirits and make us feel great. They are a perfect picture of the glory which God bestows on His people. The Lord as our sun withholds “no good thing” from those who walk uprightly before Him (v.11). The wording here signifies something that is appealing and pleasant to the senses and a relationship that is pure. Like a plant which sits upon a windowsill and follows the path of the sun throughout the day, our faces should be turned towards Him constantly. When they are, we can’t help but called ourselves “blessed” (v. 12). This word describes a person’s state of bliss, and in Biblical terms it is used of a person or nation who enjoys a relationship with God (Dt. 33:29; Jb. 5:17; Ps. 33:12; 146:5). So, take a cue from nature and Psalm 84:11 this week. When you feel the sun falling upon your face, remember it is God’s grace and glory falling upon you and give thanks to the One Who made it all possible (Rom. 5:15).
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 6/19/2016
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