The word luster is defined as “a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface”. Precious metals such as gold or silver display luster when light shines upon them. Brass will from time to time need to be polished so that its luster can be restored. When brass loses its luster, we say that it has become tarnished. We live in a world that has been tarnished by sin, sickness, and suffering. Only Christ can restore the luster to our lives. He can shine brightly upon us, restoring our life, vitality, and sense of purpose for living. When we receive His Word and the light of His Spirit into our lives, we too display “a gentle sheen or soft glow” that lets others know that God is real and that he can make a real difference in their lives as well. May we always remember that although metals may tarnish, and our lives may too at times lose their glow, there is a love that never loses its luster. That love is found in Jesus Christ.
I would now like to share with you a Puritan prayer that I found in The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, editor Arthur Bennett.
My Father,
Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips,
Supply words that proclaim “Love lusters at Calvary”
There grace removes my burdens and heaps them on thy Son,
Made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;
There the sword of thy justice smote the man, thy fellow;
There thy infinite attributes were magnified,
And infinite atonement was made;
There infinite punishment was due,
And infinite punishment was endured.
Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
Cast off that I might be brought in,
Trodden down as an enemy
That I might be welcomed as a friend,
Surrendered to hell’s worst
That I might attain heaven’s best,
Stripped that I might be clothed,
Wounded that I might be healed,
Athirst that I might drink,
Tormented that I might be comforted,
Made a shame that I might inherit glory,
Entered darkness that I might have eternal light,
My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
Groaned that I might have endless song,
Endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
Bore a thorned crown that I might have a glory diadem,
Bowed His head that I might uplift mine,
Experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
Closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,
Expired that I might for ever live.
O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,
My every step buoyant with delight, as I see
My enemies crushed,
Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed,
Sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,
Hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross,
Mighty to subdue, comfort and save.
As we begin to prepare our hearts for Easter, may these words sink deeply into our souls. At the cross, the bright shining love of Jesus was on full display for the world to see. If the world is going to experience this love, it will be through us, His people, as we display his love to the world through our lives, our actions, and our words. Love did luster at Calvary. I pray that the luster that Christ brings to our lives, would help others to see more clearly a wonderful Savior that loves and died for them.
Blessings,
Mark