Saturday, May 15th, 2010 "WOW! You've Been in the Son!"

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
Title: WOW! You've Been in the Son!
Text: Luke 11:36 (NIV) Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you."

Today myself and my 2 boys, TK and Carson, went out to watch some lacrosse. It was a great spring day in North Carolina, but it was also probably the hottest day of the year, so far. As the day went on and the sun rose higher in the sky, of course the temperature and the effects of the sun began to be felt. But no one really minded and the fellas never even complained about the heat. The games were great, we hung out with friends and TK and Carson both ran around familiarizing themselves with their new sports interest. Both are die-hard football players, but their interest was certainly peeked by another sport where players wear helmets, you get to knock people down and even hit them with a stick. Sounds pretty cool to me.

Anyway, when the last game ended, we all said goodbye to our friends, loaded up in the car and made our way home. We were all a bit tired, yet our conversation definitely centered around a great day together and our introduction to lacrosse. When we got home and began to cool down for the morning in the sun, Carson came walking into the living room and simply stated, "I got a sunburned today!" All I could do was chuckle and then confirm the observation of my hilarious 6 year old son by saying "WOW! You've been in the sun!" It was one of those duh-huh moments. I mean, anyone Carson would have encountered would have no problem noticing the fact that Carson had been in the sun. All the signs were present. His face was red. His neck was red. And he was sporting quite the spectacular farmer's tan. But he didn't mind. He had a blast and was thrilled to have spent the time watching a game, and even whacking a few people with a stick.

The question I have to ponder is this one. When you and I have the opportunity to spend some time in the "Son", does it become glaringly obvious to those we come in contact with that we have experienced something very cool and even life-changing? Much like the effects the sun's rays have on our physical bodies, shouldn't we be effected by the interaction we have the Son of God? The blessings that come from the opportunity to spend time with the one who lived, died and made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and the fact that that very same person is passionately and intimately in love with each and every one of us, should leave us not only spiritually changed, but changed in such a way that enables each person we meet along our journey to see and experience the obvious effects of our physical, mental and spiritual selves. I mean, if we did have a true encounter with Christ, one that is not centered around what God can do for us, and instead is fully about basking in the greatness, love, compassion and grace of Jesus, how can the change in us not be as easily seen as the most brilliant farmer's tan in the history of the world?

So, if you consider yourself an authentic Christ-Follower, are others seeing the Son on your face? Or even more important than that, in your face? If not, maybe you should get out a little more. Get out of the shade and step into the presence of God. Then enjoy the effects. The best part is... no sun screen needed!