As a teenager on the beaches of San Diego (Carlsbad, CA), I spent countless days surfing. Between catching waves, I’d take a break—leaning back on my board, soaking in the sun's warmth, and feeling the gentle embrace of the ocean breeze. Those days were simple, carefree, and full of sunshine. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a bright, beautiful day? Whether near the ocean, in the mountains, or just lounging in your backyard, the sun's warmth makes everything feel a little more glorious. But here’s the thing—there’s an even greater light than the sun. The brilliance of a summer day pales compared to the radiance of God’s glory. As the sun illuminates the world, God’s presence shines in our lives, revealing His truth, love, and salvation. But what does that mean?
If you’ve read Ephesians 6, you know we’re called to put on the Armor of God—a divine set of spiritual gear to help us stand firm in faith. One of the key pieces? The Helmet of Salvation, which includes glorification, is salvation's final stage. Glorification is the completion of God’s redemptive work in us. It’s when we are finally and fully transformed into the image of Christ, freed from sin, and perfected in Him. It’s not just something to look forward to after this life—it begins now and grows brighter as we walk with Him. Paul puts it this way in Romans 8:30: "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified."
This means glorification isn’t just about waiting for heaven—it’s about living in His light today. God the Father, the ultimate source of love, is at the heart of glorification. He’s the warmth behind the glow, the power behind the brilliance. And if the Father is the source, then Jesus Christ is the light that illuminates the path (John 1:14). Think of it this way: Just as the sun nurtures life, Jesus’ grace and truth work in us to refine and shape us for glory. His grace covers our imperfections, while His truth purifies and aligns us with God’s will. And here’s the best part—we don’t just see God’s glory; we become partakers of it (2 Corinthians 3:18). This is what it means to walk in the light. The more we embrace Christ, the more His glory shines through us.
Jesus made it clear—we’re not called to keep His light to ourselves. In Matthew 5:14, He reminds us: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." That means your life matters. Your faith matters. Your influence matters. Think about the moon. It doesn’t generate its own light but reflects the sun’s radiance. In the same way, we reflect the glory of Christ. When we walk in His light, we radiate His love, truth, and righteousness to the world around us. This isn’t a burden—it’s an honor and a privilege!
As breathtaking as a sunlit beach day may be, it’s just a taste of the greater glory that awaits us. The warmth we feel from the sun? A reflection of God’s love. The light that reveals the beauty around us? A mirror of Christ’s truth, guiding our steps. One day, glorification will be complete, and we’ll stand in the full presence of our King. Just as Revelation 21:23 declares: "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp."
Until that day, we walk in His grace and truth, transforming from glory to glory. So, as you ride the waves of life, may you rest in the warmth of His love and let His light shine through you!!!!! Therefore, stay salty and shine bright (Matthew 5:13-16)!
Pastor Drake
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