Radiance: Its Owner
God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good.
Genesis 1:3-4 (NKJV)
The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Exodus 24:17 (NKJV)
Out of the brightness of His presence bolts of lightning blazed forth.
2 Samuel 22:13 (NIV)
His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His Hand.
Habakkuk 3:4 (NASB)
His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
Mark 9:3 (NASB)
I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.
Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)
God created radiance. He owns it!
He also owns light, in all of its forms, like glory, brightness, shine, glow, flame, and blaze.
Because God IS light: 'I am the Light of the world' (John 8:12). Light enables life.
Without light, people can’t live in this world.
Without Christ, people can't live in Heaven.
I think it's the same thing– or it should be!
Among light’s forms, consider RADIANCE to be like a beacon or a searchlight: 'Sending out rays of light, sending out heat, or intense joy' (Collins English Dictionary).
Radiance comes from RADIARE (Latin), which means 'to beam, shine or gleam' (Etymology Dictionary).
Thus, radiance is a beaming lighthouse, a seeking flashlight or brilliant spotlight--even in the fields of entertainment. For stars to rise, radiance is required!
Hollywood insiders often call it… CHARISMA, the IT or the X-FACTOR. Dictionary definitions include:
'A rare personal quality attributed to leaders who arouse fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm'
'Personal magnetism or charm: a television news program famed for the charisma of its anchors'
'Christianity: An extraordinary power, such as the ability to perform miracles, granted by the Holy Spirit'
#3 is the for-real #1, because 'charisma' comes from KHARISMA (Greek), which actually means DIVINE FAVOR.
Now consider one more definition:
'Someone with 'je ne sais quoi' (I don't know what): the indefinable something that makes someone special' (Wisegeek)
Why try so hard to define radiance? BECAUSE STARS HAVE IT AND GOD’S STARS NEED IT. For many, it's a cheap imitation. But for Christians, it’s real, as in Jesus.
Sadly, most fans don't know the difference.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: it's your duty and pleasure to show them.
Radiance: Its Owner (Part 1)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.