Day Thirteen: RADIANCE
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man,
That he may bring forth food from the earth . . . [and] oil to make his face shine.
—PSALM 104:14–15
In biblical days, grooming and maintaining a clean appearance reflected our joy with the Creator. Rubbing the face with oil, often called the “oil of gladness,” was seen as a pleasurable gift from God that made the face glow with health. Using the oil of gladness was a sign that life was, indeed, good. Having a radiant face was also the direct result of intimacy with God. Moses, after spending time in the Lord’s presence on Mount Sinai, was said to be so radiant that he had to cover his face. Everything associated with God is radiant:
His commands are radiant (Ps. 19:8).
His angels are radiant (Rev. 10:1–3).
His robes are radiant (Mark 9:2–4).
God is radiance, and everything emanating from God or in His presence is touched by this same light: the land is radiant with His glory (Ezek. 43:1–3).
Those who look to Him are radiant (Ps. 34: 4–5).
Radiance is not dependent on the mechanics of outer construction:
Radiance is not dependent on the mechanics of outer construction: there is no mention of proportions between noses and eyes, hair colors and skin colors. In the Lord’s presence, there is simply the beauty of radiance. How lovely to think of a spiritual world just beyond our own where racism and judgment no longer exist, replaced by a radiance that allows us only to see the light of God reflected on each other’s faces.
Ask: Bless me with Your radiance.
Believe: When people see me, they will see the radiance of love and gladness.