“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
REFERENCE:
This famous Bible verse forms the lyrics of gospel songs we may have sung at different times without paying attention to what we are saying. Today, we are going to pay attention to the verse and receive the instructions in it. Yes, it is a command! ‘ARISE’ denotes an action. It is a verb. These three dictionary definitions reflect this:
1. To come up from a lower to a higher position
2. To come up or get up from one’s bed or place of repose
3. To spring up; to come into action, being, or notice. To become operative, sensible, or visible; to begin to act a part; to present itself. (Wiktionary)
Isaiah declared that light has come, glory is present, and victory is upon us. Yet, the occasion demands us to first ARISE, change position, move, spring into action, and get up! You cannot remain where you have always been or do what you have always done because the Light has come. There must be a change in your position. You cannot ‘stay down’ in sin, defeat, and failure. You cannot remain in stagnancy when the light comes. Rising is evidence that you have met light.
When Jesus encountered the paralytic at Bethesda, the first thing He instructed him to do was ARISE. After telling the person with paralysis brought through the roof by his four friends that his sins were forgiven, the next instruction was ARISE. When He went to where Jairus’ daughter lay lifeless, He said to her, ‘Little girl, ARISE,’ her spirit returned, and she arose immediately.
Jesus is the Light, and when He comes on the scene, we must ARISE and position ourselves to obey His next instruction to manifest our change and victory. When illumination comes through His Word (sermon, song, word of knowledge, or counsel), ARISE in your mind, heart, and even physically where necessary. Change your talk, your outlook, your habit, and even your location. Spring into action and take a position befitting your new status because the light has come.
You have to first arise if you must get anything done. It may be as simple as getting up from bed or changing your diet for the light of healing has come, apologizing to your spouse or parents for the light of love has come, finishing up the assignment you have been putting off for the light of prosperity has come; whatever it is, you must ARISE!
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Luke 8: 50-55, John 5: 6-9, and Matthew 9:6-7
ACTION:
Reflect on these questions: Do your actions or speech reflect the light of the Word you have in health, finances, or favor with people? Are you still hanging on to that habit instead of fighting it and resisting the devil?
What will you do differently to show your decision to Arise?
