Aglow in the Spirit!
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11, NASB)
For Insight
We may not use aglow very much anymore. Like many other words or expressions “aglow” has been replaced and updated with other words that seem to fit better but it’s meaning has never changed nor gone out of style. To be “aglow” means to be glowing or beaming with excitement or warmth, to be especially genuine in love, brotherly (or sisterly) affection, on fire for the Lord. There are Christian organizations that have adopted the name “Aglow” to operate under. Even if you didn’t know the formal definition just by looking at or saying it you can be filled with warmth and bring a smile to your face.
In the Old Testament, when came down from Mt. Sinai with the two tablets after meeting with God he was radiant, aglow with the Spirit of God. So bright was his countenance, to the point it was reflected on his face, the people were afraid to look upon him. Not because he appeared disfigured, but he wore the Lord’s brightness, filled with God’s glory. So, Moses began wearing a veil whenever he came out of God’s presence until the glow faded. That way the people would not be afraid or overwhelmed. Imagine being so filled up with the Lord, soaking in so much of God’s glory and Spirit during your time in prayer, daily devotions, or worship that you are glowing to the point that God’s glory and brightness is over you in that way?
At times you may have experienced or participated in a Christian retreat, seminar or workshop that left you aglow with the Spirit or glory of God and you remained that way until you got back to your daily routine, when the glow started to fade.
Being aglow with the glory or Spirit of God is not limited to physical appearance but can be detected by our attitude and heart; that lingering sweetness, gentleness, kindness, loving spirit, compassion, reasonableness that will have attached itself to us just by being close to God for a period. The time we spend with God can be like the time we spend in the sun on a warm summer day where our skin has been kissed by the sun.
In Romans 12 Paul tells us to bask in that special filling—not feeling as in emotion but filling as in filling us up, when God’s countenance and face has shined upon us. To not let the world, life, circumstances, or people diminish it, not even any presence of darkness so envious of that lingering and indwelling—which is so easy to succumb to. But to enjoy and nurture it as a gift of the time spent with God.
Praying Romans 12:11
Lord of glory let your glow remain with us for as long as You allow, as a reflection and evidence of the time spent with you. Amen
Prayer Challenge
Check your attitude after a time in prayer or meditating on God’s Word. Does it reflect the Lord’s or are you still yourself?
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 