Get Up and Glow

By Frank Fournier

Soon the “earth will be lightened” with the glorious attributes of God’s character. A multitude of reclaimed sinners will, in the power of God, “rise and shine” drawing the “forces of the gentiles” into the arms of an ever-welcoming Father. (Rev. 18:1; Isa. 60: 1-5.)

We are told that the Holy Spirit’s influence in the last days will be so compelling that the world will be gripped by an overwhelming sense of conviction. Selfless Christians will be seen rushing from person-to-person, house-to-house, speaking words given them directly from heaven. Thousands, perhaps millions, will respond. Their lips will resonate with a new song for in all of God’s host they see no man, but Jesus only.

In a Sabbath School discussion not long ago, one of our members remarked that a carnal person wishes to be somebody. They long to be recognized for something. But all such hope is misplaced. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing.” Therefore, anything we accomplish is accomplished by the power of God in us. To take the credit for what God alone can do is an insult to Him and is detrimental to us spiritually. Jesus only is our salvation; He alone is our glory, our righteousness, our all and in all.

For a long time, God has been poised to manifest Himself, His love, His wisdom, and power to a dying world, if only His people afforded Him a conduit through which He could work! Instead, by self-sufficiency, we “have limited the Holy one of Israel” (Ps. 78:41). Were we in touch with reality, we would not for a moment feel so “rich and increased with good, in need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).

“I saw,” says the prophet, “that the strength of the children of God is in their humility. When they are little in their own eyes, Jesus will be to them their strength and their righteousness and God will prosper their labors” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 307).

“To this man will I look,” says God, “even to him that is poor (in his own eyes), and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2b).

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isa. 57:15).

According to Ellen White, “The human agent who works most effectually has the greatest sense of his own weakness and his unworthiness, and he casts his helpless soul upon Christ. This is the character that God calls contrite. . . Here is our source of power” (1888 Material, p. 1458).

Must we wait until “every earthly support is cut off”? (Desires of Ages, p. 121) Do we need to be reduced to abject poverty before we feel our need of God’s helping hand? Are we waiting for the final persecution to humble our hearts? Do we need to hear the words “Behold the Bridegroom cometh” before we rise to the occasion?

Jesus is coming soon. Arouse, people of God!

Honoring God before the world will not get easier. Our hearts will never be more receptive to Christ’s righteousness than they are now. We must now humble our hearts based on our need and claim God’s power based on His promises.

God’s command to us today is:

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come,

The glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

Gross darkness the people,

But the Lord shall arise upon thee,

His glory shall be seen upon thee. . .”

(And, as a result)

“The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee,

And the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto . . . the brightness of thy rising.”

Isaiah 60:1-5 (emphasis supplied)

Frank Fournier is the pastor for Eden Valley Church at Eden Valley Institute in Loveland, Colorado.

Heart Challenge

Humility is the key to success in the Christian life, for as we recognize our great need, we throw ourselves upon the One who has all the righteousness we need, and He will give us victory. Don’t you desire victory over self, sin, and power in soul-winning? Don’t you desire to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis? Don’t you wish for Jesus to truly live in and through you, revealing His character of love, self-sacrifice and grace to all you come in contact with? What hinders you today in living under the righteousness of Christ? Is there self-righteousness in your life? What fears might you be holding on to when it comes to boldly and kindly sharing His love and truth with the people in your sphere of influence?

Be of good courage, Jesus will help you, if you reach out in your great need (John 6:37). He is more than willing to shine His glory through your life, starting today. Why not ask for Him to be glorified in your life, right now?

Prayer Requests

• Pray for a clearer understanding among believers of “righteousness by faith.”
• Pray for humility of heart and the gift of surrender.
• Pray for courage to share God’s Word with people around you through offering Bible studies, and through teaching and preaching.
• Pray for boldness in sharing God’s love and truth through your unique gifts.
• Pray that as we recognize the nearness of Jesus coming we would all take time to seek Him with all our hearts and dig deeply in His Word.

Resources to Go Deeper

Righteousness of Christ Made Simple – From Pigpen to Salvation – Series by Frank Fournier

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