Realizing Your Radiant Face

 “..those who look to Him their faces are radiant.” Ps 34:5

“29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them.”  Exodus 34: 29-31

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians today who abide with the LORD looked so different to those around them– so radiant – that it would initially frighten people?

What a sight a radiant face would be to desperate and disheartened individuals!! It would draw attention and questions. Onlookers would wonder and stare at the site of a radiant, glowing, sparkling, dazzling face! Initially, caution may prevail, but fear would quickly morph into curiosity. Like Moses, the Christian with the radiant face could call to the frightened, and their inquisitiveness would win out. Then they would listen.

Strangers would ask what happened to make the believer’s face shine. Then, with the tenderness of the Holy Spirit, a Christ follower could describe why his/her heart is ablaze with the love of the LORD. He/She could testify to His unfailing love, His gracious mercy, and His timeless faithfulness.

In the face of a teen’s tragedy, a parent’s despair, and voter’s confusion, a radiant Christian could connect his/her brilliant glow to spending time in the presence of the LORD. And then could invite them into that intimate place - the Mercy Seat. We could  invite a lost and hurting world to enter in the tabernacle and meet the LORD, who sent His only Son as a sacrifice for all our sins. With a radiant, shimmering face, the believer could be a herald to the King of Kings declaring the good news to all!

Be that person – the one with the radiant face! The one who draws people to ask about your LORD.  We have all seen believers with radiant faces and wondered. The shimmering eyes of a missionary  who shares such a brilliant smile that you know she has a story to share. The glow of a cancer survivor who is so blessed by another chance at life that her every step is an act of worship.  The sparkle in the heart of a widow who has sent her love to be with our LORD, but still praises the Maker of the universe. The radiant face of a mother who buries her 18-year-old son but sings the praise of an awesome God for provisions along the way. The radiance in a choir member who lifts her eyes to the Lord in worship as she sees the joy in life again. Or the dazzle in a child who innately knows the joy of the LORD because the message is so simple and true.

Spend time with the Lord. Meditate on His Words. Hear His heart. Look upon Him. Then, share your radiant face.

Fingerprints of the Lord

Christine A. McCloy