His Radiance!

In describing Jesus Christ, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews says:

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory . . . ” (Hebrews 1:3 TNIV).

What a beautiful way to describe Jesus! Radiance. I let the word settle into my soul.

What is it?
Radiance: the quality of an object emitting light or heat; filled with light and overflowing; bright; glowing; beaming; brilliance; luster;
Radiance: the quality of a person emitting joy, exuberance, euphoria, happiness, delight, pleasure.
Other Bible versions describe Christ’s radiance as;
the “sole expression of God; the Light-being, the out-raying of the divine” (Amplified Bible); “the Son reflects God’s own glory” (NLT).

What does it look like?
Small clues come from the report of three of the apostles who viewed Christ’s radiance when He took them up a mountain (Mark 9:3, Matt 17:2). Different Bible translations describe what they saw:
“His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them” (The Message).
“As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white” (NLT).

“And he was transfigured before them and became resplendent with divine brightness. And His garments became glistening, intensely white” (Amplified).

Of course, artists through the ages have painted their vision of this event (Christ's Transfiguration) from their imagination (or divine inspiration). Here is the top part of a 15-foot high panel painted by Raphael in 1517.

What is significant about Christ’s radiance?
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT). In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

After reflecting on the word “radiance” and how it might look on Jesus, the question struck me: Since I have Jesus in my heart, how am I shining his radiance out to the world around me? This is the challenge! While the Bible describes many ways to radiate Christ’s character, the Holy Spirit pointed out one passage in particular: Col 3:12-17. Here are the key components of the radiant Christ-like “clothing” we are to wear:

compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiving, peaceful, cooperative, thankful, Bible-focused, and above all, let love be your “basic, all-purpose garment”. Do everything in the Name of Jesus.

I let out a slow whistle as I absorbed this list of ingredients for radiance! Dear God, how can I ever do all these things? (pause . . . listening . . .) That is it! A challenge: focus on one of these virtues at a time over the next few months – then, surely, people will see Christ’s radiance emanating from me, too!

Dear readers, are you up for this challenge too? Follow along as I explore and practice each of these virtues.

Dear Lord, thank you for sharing your radiance with us. Infuse us with your love so that we may wear your character each day as we interact with those around us. May we let your Holy Spirit guide us and mould us into your radiance! Amen.

(the first challenge will be posted soon)