stephen R Harrison

A sunrise or sunset at the beach is a beautiful sight to behold. In between it’s rising and setting, the sun has illuminated our sand castles and warmed our bodies from several dips in the ocean. At just the right angle and time of day, the sun’s rays can aid in attempts at capturing the perfect family photo. It may even be gained after about a dozen poses and yelling lovingly at young children.

It’s hard to imagine that anyone would ever worship the sun, but millions have across many centuries and civilizations. It’s larger than life presence that gave light, heat, and caused food to grow deceived many into worshipping the creation as the giver and sustainer of life rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). What’s interesting is it seems God created light three days before creating the sun (Genesis 1:3, 14) thus emphasizing His preeminence over the sun and His sole authority over creation. He can even cause it to “stand still” (Joshua 12). It is God that is worthy of worship, not His creation. The sun pales in comparison to the Creator. He alone is All-Powerful, “Who commands the sun, and it does not rise” (Job 9:7).

God not only created the sun, He will also outlast it! He has no beginning nor end (Psalm 90:2). Interestingly, I remember reading that certain scientists estimate that the sun would “burn out” in about 5 billion years. Whether you believe that or not, it’s not likely something anyone should lose sleep over in our lifetime. However, in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21), there will be no need for the sun. Revelation 21:23 reminds us Jesus will illuminate everything by His glorious radiance, “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Isaiah 60:19 also exclaims, “The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness the moon shall give light to you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light.”

So while when I sit in the sun to work on the illusive perfect tan, I stand on the truth He alone is God. I enjoy His creation of the sun, sand, and sea, but will worship Him as Creator of all.

What’s your favorite Scripture about the sun?