Have you ever noticed how plants position themselves to get to the sun? They’ll stretch out, grow at odd angles, and even not be as strong just to get the life-giving rays. 

They cannot resist the need to be in the light, so they engage in a sun stretch.

This light is, of course, from the sun, and the idea brought me to the realization there is much to learn about the holiness of God through our interaction with the sun. Psalm 99 helped me make the connection.

The sun is so bright it cannot be stared at directly. We can close our eyes, turn away, put on sunglasses, or go inside.

Regardless, it is us who makes a change in that moment, not the sun.

God’s holiness is such that it’s too much for us to fully see, but He invites us to be with Him. Our sin may cause us to turn away from the life-giving light, but the option to return, to let go of the sin to be with the Holy One is always there.

The sun provides life to us on the planet. It gives us warmth, sets our rhythms, helps plants grow. It’s also far enough removed that it doesn’t scorch us. The delicate balance of our atmosphere keeps us protected.

So it is with our belief in Jesus. He stands in the gap and shields us from the magnitude of God’s holiness by making it possible for us to survive. Without His sacrifice in our place, we would be scorched.

We would actually not be able to survive in God’s presence.

As it stands, we are able to enjoy the benefit of the sun. We can be in awe of the sunrises and sunsets. We can be enamored with God and just how holy He is, knowing it would not be possible without Jesus.

I want to be like a plant in that I will grow and stretch and will not rest until I get to the light. I want my new growth to bring me closer to Him, much like plants get taller as they grow.

Being in the presence of the Holy God is just as necessary for me as the sun is to plants. 

So, let’s do a sun stretch and get to the light, whatever it takes.