April 2023 - LPNI

Look at their faces!  So many of them, and there is so much we can learn from them!   Some faces appear happy, some appear sad, and some are just expressionless.  Some show a sense of being positive, optimistic, caring, and content.  Some show signs of tension, struggle, loss, pain, loneliness.  And depending upon what’s happening in your life, your face can express something different at any given time.   

In early April this year we remember Holy Week.  Before Palm Sunday, Jesus’ face was set toward Jerusalem.  No doubt it was a determined face.  He knew what was going to happen and he knew he had to endure it.  Likely, it also was a sad face.  We’ve all seen artists’ depictions of the face of Christ on the cross – painful, with anguish in his eyes that even expressed the hurt of being “forsaken.”  

You’ve seen many faces.  You’ve seen the faces of those experiencing circumstances that may not be too easy to bear or too hopeful.  People may need some time and attention from someone who truly cares.  They may need an understanding, considerate, hopeful, faithful face.  From time to time, you may need a person with a face like that, too.   

How blessed we are to also imagine the Lord’s resurrection face – confident, victorious, eternal – a face declaring the brightness and joy of God’s great plan for those with faith!  You have been blessed to see the shining face of the Lord through his word and through the blessings he has brought into your life.  In fact, it’s a face that gloriously shines as it did on the mount of transfiguration.  And it is still shining.

Along with the Psalmist, you can pray that the Lord’s face would truly shine upon you.  Your face can become an instrument of love and concern and encouragement to those you seek to serve.  You may even see faces light up when those needing care see your kind face.  It’s not unlike the face of your young child or grandchild lighting up when seeing you.  Those you serve can see that your kindness and attention reflect the loving and caring face of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Your face shines because the light of the Lord’s face has been lifted up and has shone on you.

We are thankful for the kindness of our loving Lord and celebrate his joyous resurrection.  It remains proof positive his light exists beyond darkness and his light is a gift the Lord is always happy to share.  So we pray, Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord, knowing that God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Paul Devantier, M.Div., M.S., LL.D.

Speaker, syndicated BY THE WAY radio program

2145 W. Twin Willows Drive, Appleton, WI  54914 USA

571-235-1616 pauldevantier@gmail.com