I’ve always loved the sun. Not just for the obvious reasons (like providing light to the entire Earth), but for kinda different reasons. I love the sun because it makes me joyful. It plasters a smile on my face. I love the sun because its warmth is like a giant hug…and if you know me, I love hugs. I love the sun because I hate darkness. I love the sun because it makes things grow and it sustains life. But mostly, I love the sun because it reminds me of Heaven.
When I was a little girl, I used to imagine that the gates of Heaven were situated right behind the sun. To me, that made perfect sense. The Glory of God is so bright that I imagined His radiance shining right through the sun, giving light to the world. Now that I’m older, I know that Heaven is not a tangible place that we can visit while on earth, but the illusion of It sitting right behind the sun is such a cool thought. Now that I think about it, I believe that there is a hint of truth in my childhood imaginings. In the book of John, chapter eight, Jesus even refers to Himself as the light of the world.
“Again, Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” ~John 8:12
If Jesus can call Himself the Light of the World and create the sun, moon, and stars, surely He is quite fond of the light as well. Anywhere that He is, He brings a little bit of light to. Because Heaven is His eternal home (and possibly ours someday), it makes perfect sense to imagine it like the sun…brilliant, illuminating beams that cause us to smile and have immeasurable joy. When we have a relationship with Him, He puts some of His radiance within us. He calls us to show others the splendor of walking in the proverbial light…instead of Satan’s dark paths.
“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. Let your light so shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” ~Matthew 5:16
Walking in the light will take us down a path that leads directly into the arms of the Light of the World. And to the place behind the sun.
Love Sees You 