August 3

Morning

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. — Rev 21:23 BSB

Quietly contemplate the Lamb as the light of heaven.

Light in Scripture is a symbol of joy. The joy of the saints in heaven is found in this: Jesus chose us, loved us, redeemed us, cleansed us, clothed us, kept us, and glorified us. We are there entirely because of Him. Each of these truths will be like a cluster of grapes from Eshcol to our hearts!

Light also brings beauty. Without light, beauty fades. The sapphire doesn’t shine, and the pearl has no peaceful glow. Likewise, all the beauty of the saints above comes from Jesus. Like planets reflecting the light of the Sun of Righteousness, they shine only because He shines. If He withdrew His light, they would fade. If His glory was hidden, theirs would disappear.

Light is also a symbol of knowledge. In heaven, our knowledge will be perfect, but Jesus will be the source of it all. Mysteries we never understood will be clear, and the questions that puzzled us will be answered in the light of the Lamb. Oh, what a glorious unveiling it will be!

Light also means manifestation. Light reveals. Here on earth, it’s not yet clear what we will be, but in heaven, Christ will transform us into His own glorious image. The poor and broken will be made radiant and pure, like crystal reflecting the sun. What a revelation that will be!

All of this comes from the exalted Lamb. Whatever light and splendor fill heaven, Jesus will be at the center of it all. Oh, to be there and see Him in His own light, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Evening

because his only daughter, who was about twelve, was dying. As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, — Luke 8:42 BSB

Jesus is on His way to Jairus’ house to raise the ruler’s daughter, but even on the way, His grace overflows, and He performs another miracle. Before the wonder of raising the girl has been accomplished, another work of mercy blooms along the path.

For us, it’s enough to focus on one task at a time, careful not to exhaust our energy before completing it. If we’re rushing to save one drowning person, we can’t afford to help another along the way. But our Lord has no such limitations. His power and grace are limitless. Like the sun that shines as it travels across the sky, His path is radiant with kindness and love. He is an arrow of love, reaching its target while spreading fragrance along the way. Virtue constantly flows from Him, just as perfume wafts from a flower and water bubbles up from a spring.

What encouragement this gives us! If Jesus is so full of mercy, always ready to heal, then we should eagerly place ourselves in His way, seeking His blessing. If He is so generous in giving, shouldn’t we be quick to ask? Wherever He can be found—there we should be, that we might receive His grace. If He is present to heal, why shouldn’t He heal us? And He is present, even now, for He never turns away from those who need Him. Don’t you need Him? Oh, He knows how much! O Son of David, look upon our distress and make us whole!