EP 760 • "BLINDED by the LIGHT: How God compares HIMSELF to the Natural Sun"

Words of Encouragement, Fri March 14th, 2025

EP 760 • "BLINDED by the LIGHT: How God compares HIMSELF to the Natural Sun"

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There was a song written by Bruce Springsteen, and performed by Manfred Mann in 1977, called blinded by the Light. It illustrates the point that one can become so focused on a certain thing that it removes their ability to see anything else. This is certainly true of God, and the Lord Jesus himself, who is called the "Son of Righteousness."

It is possible to become so focused on one specific aspect of Jesus, such as His healing ministry, or His feeding the multitudes, or any one part of His Words, actions or character, that we become unbalanced or blinded to all the other qualities He possesses.

For example; If we focus merely on the fear of the Lord, and not the love of the Lord, we will become unbalanced. The Scripture says I'm Romans 11:22, that we should behold, (which means to steadfastly gaze upon), both the "goodness and severity" of the Lord. Which, in my opinion , is a broad statement, that we are to carefully examine the entire nature of the Lord and not just one aspect. As we well know, He is not just a Lamb. He is not just a Lion. He is both. But if we only gaze upon one aspect, say, the "Lamb," and refuse to behold the Lion, then we will become deceived as to who He has said He is, and fall into a ditch. We must be willing to examine all parts of His nature.

Here are a few examples of what can happen:

1. Tunnel vision: Becoming so fixated on one aspect of Jesus' teachings or character, that we neglect other essential parts of who He is.

2. Idolatry: Elevating one aspect of Jesus to an unhealthy level, where we begin to worship our own understanding of Him, rather than who He has fully declared himself to be.

3. Legalism: Becoming so focused on following rules, regulations and commandments set down by Him (Jesus is called The lawgiver in James 4:12), that we lose sight of the Spirit of the those commandments and the heart of Jesus' message.

4. Spiritual Pride: Believing we have all the answers, or that we're more spiritually enlightened than others, leading to a sense of superiority.

In each of these cases, we can become spiritually blinded by our own limited understanding or biases, rather than allowing Jesus to illuminate our path and guide us.

However, it's essential to note that Jesus Himself is not the cause of spiritual blindness. Rather, it's our own misinterpretation, misapplication, or imbalance in our spiritual journey that can lead to this phenomenon.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ~

1. The Sun is bigger than you. And bigger than you can possibly imagine.

2. The Sun is necessary for life on earth to exist.

3. The Sun is always there even if you don't see it. It doesn't come and go. It is existent in every earthly situation.

4. The closer you get to the Sun, the smaller you feel. However, you are really just getting a true perspective that was there all along.

5. The Sun illuminates and gives vision. However, if you stare at it too long, it can take away your vision. Even your ability to see it. Therefore, the Sun & Son, must be approached with humility and respect. If you do not approach the Sun with respect, and become blinded, you cannot blame the Sun. The Sun is what it is. It didn't do anything contrary to its nature. It was you who disrespected it.

This is exactly the way the Holiness of the Lord is. He will not change His nature for anyone's benefit. He is eternal. The same yesterday today and forever. No matter how much you may want the Son to change, and for Him to become what you want Him to become, He cannot and will not change. He is Fixed. Stable. Unchangeable. Eternal.

SCRIPTURE COMPARISONS ~

There are several Scriptures that draw parallels or analogies between the natural Sun and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Here are a few examples:

1. Malachi 4:2: "But unto you that fear My Name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."

In this passage, the prophet Malachi compares the coming Messiah (Jesus the Son) to the Sun, emphasizing His Life-giving and healing properties.

2. Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a Sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly."

Here, the psalmist describes God as a Sun, highlighting His Life giving warmth, light, and protection.

3. John 8:12: "Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, 'I Am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life."

In this passage, Jesus declares Himself to be the Light of the world, drawing an implicit comparison to the natural Sun, which is a necessary source of light, and Himself the spiritual Son, who is also necessary for Life and Light.

4. Revelation 22:16: "I Jesus have sent My Angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches. I Am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning star."

Here, Jesus compares Himself to the natural morning star, which is often associated with the Sun and its life-giving properties.

These Scriptures illustrate how the Bible uses the natural Sun as a metaphor to describe the Light, Life, and warmth that Jesus brings to humanity.

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