Son Exposure

For one glorious day they set all their differences aside and were captivated, enthralled, enrapt by a bright vision above.
A recent day occurred when politics & divisions were set aside and everyone focused on something beyond themselves—a solar eclipse.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, & the firmament shows his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1)
From the beginning mankind has been awed by the starlit sky and has sensed something beyond the scope of human reason. In fact many ancient peoples have worshipped the sun as a god. Even the Israelites were prone to worship idols & so were warned in Deut. 4:19 by Moses to take heed not to worship nor serve the sun, moon & stars when they saw them rather than the Lord their God. The apostle Paul said that the visible things of creation testify to the invisible Creator (Rom. 1:20).
What a different world it would be if man’s focus was shifted onto something greater than himself—particularly if it was on “the Son” above—”the True light”, which is the light of men (John 1:4, 9, 8:12) and in whom all things (every infinite detail of creation) was made (John 1:3, Col. 1:16, Isaiah 44)!
As I, too, partook in the rare phenomenon of the solar eclipse, I found it interesting that after I placed the solar eclipse glasses over my eyes everything else except the sun was blocked out so my focus could be solely on it.
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to put on a pair of sunglasses to help stay focused on the Son and block out everything else that tries to eclipse Him?

Focus: /fŌ•kəs/ The center of interest or activity
Distraction: /də•strak•sh(ə)n/ a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else

Trying to stay focused (without becoming distracted) involves purposeful concentration. When a distraction appears (whether good, bad or benign) one needs to prayerfully consider the rightful attention it’s due or whether it should be ignored and disregarded entirely.
“Set nothing wicked before your eyes” Psalm 101:3
“You were running well who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from Him who calls you” (Gal. 5:7-8). Don’t be duped, Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14).

Whenever I sense darkness & lies trying to creep into my thoughts, I picture a light switch on my mind that needs to be turned to the ‘on’ position which enables me to refocus on the Son & cast off the darkness (Rom. 13:12, Ps. 18:28, 36:9, 119:130). The truth of Eph. 6:12 also becomes apparent as it reminds me that my struggles are not against visible flesh & blood but against dark spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. The weapons believers are given by God, through Christ, are not carnal but mighty for pulling down (destroying) strongholds. Imaginations (thoughts, reasoning, arguments) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God is cast down and every thought can be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5, Col. 2:8).
The believer’s protection from the dark forces is complete in the full armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-17–Specifically the Shield of Faith (Christ Himself, Gen. 15:1), that will quench all the fiery darts (anything thrown, Satanic temptations) of the wicked (vs. 16).
SON RADIATION VS SON BLOCK:

SON RADIATION: “For God Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).
•Illumination through the Word that shines in dark places, forgiveness of sins, eternal life & light (Jn. 3:16, Eph. 1:13, Col. 1:12-14, 2 Pet. 1:19).
•Healthy Glow, the more radiant as there is more exposure to the Son— emanating an inner beauty of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, & self-control (Gal. 5:22-25); clarity, discernment and renewal of the mind in the image of the Creator (2 Cor. 4:16, Eph. 4:23-24, Col. 3:10, Rom. 12:2, Dan. 2:22)
•Powerful antioxidant against the lusts of the flesh & free radical dark forces, promoting stability, security and peace (Eph. 6:10-17, 1 Cor. 14:33, Phil. 4:6-7, 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

SON BLOCK: “in their case the god of this world has eclipsed (blinded) the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4).
•Fear of exposure to the Light where their evil deeds will be revealed (Eph. 5:11-13, John 3:20).
•Easily burned as they are deceived, tempted & drawn further into darkness (James 1:14, 1 Jn. 2:16, Gal. 5:19-24, Eph. 4:18-19, Rom. 1:18-32)
•Side effects (some lethal) include: instability, shame, unrest, confusion, wrath of God, death (Prov. 4:19, 11:2, 16:18, Jn. 3:18-19, Col. 3:5-6).

Keep your face toward the Son & all your distractions, like shadows, will fall away (2 Cor. 4:6, Eph. 5:8).
Laura