Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Feel the sun again

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2

The warm sunshine of an early March morning shines upon my face as I write today. Its rays renew a sense of joy and energize me for the tasks ahead. I could bask here all day. This feeling makes the bitter cold of only a few short weeks ago seem like a distant memory. Spring has sprung, and so have I.

When that bone-chilling winter air hits your face, the sun seems like nothing more than a giant ceiling light up in the sky devoid of any real life-giving warmth. One would assume that the sun is millions of miles farther away from the earth in the winter than in the spring and summer. But if your elementary school science lessons are a distant memory as well, you would be as surprised as I was to find that in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is actually 3 million miles closer to the earth in January (called the Perihelion) than it is in July (the Aphelion).[1] The seasons are caused by the tilt of the earth on its axis rather than its distance from the sun.

Throughout scripture, the sun is used as an allegory of the Son. Malachi 4:2 declares that the “Sun of righteousness” will arise with healing in his wings for those who revere the name of the Lord. This prophecy foretold the coming of Jesus, who would bring the hope and healing of salvation to everyone who believes in Him. It also points to the second coming of Jesus when he returns to take his children to heaven where there will be no need for sun or moon because his glory will be the light (Revelation 21:23). Isaiah spoke of Jesus when he prophesied, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee” (60:1). In Revelation He is “the bright and morning star” (22:16).

It is no wonder that prolonged seasons of trial or heartache are often compared to winter. Those times can bring with them a sense that God is more distant than in times of abundant happiness and blessings. But as we saw with the Perihelion and the Aphelion, our perception is not always the same as our reality, especially when our faith is in the Son of God. Psalm 34:18-19 says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

If you are experiencing a wintery season of life, may you be reminded that the Son is near to those who call on him, especially when you cry out to him from a broken heart. With Jesus, the winter never lasts. You will feel the sun again.

[1] “Winter Sun Close Encounter.” Episode 193, January 2, 2021. earthdate.org