As the rain is falling and I opened up today’s devotional, the topic of lightning came up. I started to wonder and ask what some analogies or use in scripture are. Let’s check out what we found.
The Bible frequently employs the metaphor of lightning to communicate different facets of God’s power, judgment, and divine presence.
Here are some biblical analogies and references:
God’s Presence and Power:
Psalm 97:4: "His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles."
Matthew 24:27: "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
In these verses, lightning symbolizes the brilliance and powerful manifestation of God’s presence.
Judgment and Divine Wrath:
Revelation 4:5: "From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God."
Here, the association with the throne of God depicts divine authority and signals the imminent judgment.
Lightning as a Symbol of God’s Majesty:
Job 37:3: "Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth."Here, lightning serves as an illustration to depict the vastness of God’s majesty and His sovereign control over the entire earth.
Lightning as a Symbol of Divine Intervention:
Zechariah 9:14: "Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning."Lightning is likened to the divine intervention and guidance of the Lord.
Lightning as a Symbol of Spiritual Illumination:
Luke 17:24: "For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day."Metaphorically, lightning represents the revelation and illumination brought about by the presence of the Son of Man.
In understanding these analogies, one can reflect on the awe-inspiring power of God, His authority, and the symbolic significance of lightning as a manifestation of divine attributes. These references can prompt believers to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and prepare for the day when the Son of Man returns.
Let’s be the dads who are illuminated by the idea of lightning in the following ways:
Exemplify God’s Authority with Love:
Similar to how lightning symbolizes God’s authority in the Bible, fathers are called to exercise authority within their families. Nevertheless, this authority should be grounded in love and care, reflecting the divine example. Dads can lead with strength and guidance, ensuring that their actions and decisions reflect the love and compassion seen in God’s interactions with His children.
Model Godly Character and Integrity:
Lightning is often associated with the majesty of God. In a similar manner, fathers should strive to model godly character and integrity within their homes. By living out the principles of faith, honesty, and righteousness, dads provide a shining example for their children, just as lightning illuminates the sky. This can help instill a sense of reverence for God and a desire to live according to His teachings.
Prepare and Guide for the Future:
The biblical analogies of lightning as a symbol of divine intervention and the coming of the Son of Man serve as reminders for fathers to be diligent in preparing their families for the future. Dads can take on the role of spiritual leaders, guiding their children in understanding and embracing their faith. Just as lightning is a sign in the sky, fathers can help their families recognize the signs of God’s presence and be prepared for the ultimate return of the Son of Man.
By drawing parallels between the biblical symbolism of lightning and their roles as fathers, individuals can gain insights into how they can fulfill their responsibilities with love, integrity, and a focus on preparing their families for a life centered on faith and righteousness.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: LIGHTNING STRIKE
Verse: Matthew 24:27 (NIV)
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
What is lightning?
Today’s Devotional kicks off providing us details and statistics about lightning. It shares that “more than a hundred lightning bolts strike the earth per second which is nearly ten million strikes a day”. Exploring the nature of lightning reveals that it is a sudden electrostatic discharge occurring during a thunderstorm. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the accumulation of electrical energy in the atmosphere, typically between clouds or between the atmosphere and the ground.
The discharge produces a visible flash of light, often accompanied by thunder. Today’s Devotional says it travels at “60,000 miles per second”. It also shares that it “can be ten miles long and brighter than 10 million 100-watt lightbulbs”. Can you imagine if we could harness that energy? “A single flash can generate as much as all the electrical plants in the US.”
Jesus’s Return:
Recently, as we navigate through Daniel during weekend services and delve into Thessalonians in Wednesday night Bible studies, discussions about the end times and Jesus’ return persist and unfold. Amidst all of this, the source of comfort and encouragement lies in the exhortation not to worry. Rather, our calling is to be prepared and vigilant, carefully observing the signs. They even spoke of how we shouldn’t get or be deceived by the false prophets and predictions. Today’s Devotional speaks to how Jesus tells us that “when He comes, there will be no doubt.” He uses lightning to make His point as we read in today’s verse:
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Today’s Devotional closes with this point to cling today as we head into today: “The next time you see a bolt of lightning cleave the sky, think of it as a reminder that His coming is near.”
“Light in the eastern sky, Jesus returning! Light in the western sky, Jesus is near!”
DANIEL B. TOWNER
