The Light of His Face: Discovering Salvation as Spiritual Infants
The Light of His Face: Discovering Salvation as Spiritual Infants
Daily Reflection: Psalm 80:1-3 - 11/30/2023
1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. 3 Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. — Psalm 80:1-3
It is preferable and a mark of humility if we regard ourselves as babies, learning to find our way in the big and wonderful Kingdom of God. This will help us understand the ways God is seeking to mature us and teach us to look to Him for everything.
Babies are utterly helpless and entirely dependent upon their parents. As they grow, this dependency translates into a kind of love that is sown within their bodies whenever their parents enter the room. A small child that is distressed becomes overjoyed to see their mother’s face smiling down at them, a crying baby may smile and turn eagerly upon hearing their father calling their name.
This is salvation.
As we, spiritual babes, grow up in the spiritual Kingdom of God, his voice, his presence, his "shiny face" — if you don’t know what this means, watch a parent when they see their child after work — becomes our salvation. Because when we know we are in God’s company, all other issues will melt away and be replaced by a knowledge that we are totally safe in him.
Therefore, spiritual growth is not about trying really hard; rather, it is about looking at our Father, the one in the heavens and experiencing his enveloping salvation.
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. — Isaiah 45:22 —
Abba, Father, Almighty God, thank you for bringing us into your family. We are like infants learning to live in your kingdom; we fail often, and we are often afraid. Thank you that our fears and failures do not bring a disappointed look from you but a delightful, shining face that encourages us to try again. Teach us, by your Spirit, to constantly look for you, and, in doing so, experience your salvation. It is in Jesus' name that we offer this. Amen.
