“Nations will come to your light, and kings to your shining brightness.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I saw a documentary about sea turtle hatchlings recently. Apparently they are innately drawn to the brightest horizon which is usually over the ocean. However when there are bright lights near the beach the become disorientated and wander inland where they get run over, drown in pools, starve or dry up, instead of heading to the relative safety of the sea.

Of course this also makes me think of moths bonking into my windows at night when they are attracted by the kitchen light.

Humans too are drawn to light. When we are lost we look for a light to guide the way. And our senses are thrilled by bright flashing lights at clubs and parties. The developers of ads and phone apps know how well bright colors and flashing lights retain eyeballs.

But the lights of this world are dim compared with the shining glory of God. Jesus came to earth and brought this light so all who followed Him would find their way to God.

Isaiah wrote today’s verse way before Jesus’s arrival on earth as a human and Savior. And yet this is the light he’s referring to. He’s talking about the New Jerusalem the same way John did in the book of Revelation. There John says there will no longer be a need for the sun because God will illuminate everything with His glory.

The sun is the brightest thing I know. So bright it’s dangerous to look directly at it. So bright that the reflection of it off the moon is often the brightest thing at night.

But God is brighter. And when Jesus comes, making a new place for us to live, everyone will be drawn to His awesome light like sea turtles rushing toward the warm and welcoming sea.

Dear God,

Thank you for your shining glory and your promise of a bright future with you. Thank you for the sun, the moon, and all of your magnificent creation. I look forward to the day when the only light I need shines directly from you, and I can bask in your beautiful glory forever.