Moses instructed Aaron and his sons to bless the children of Israel using these words:
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
The image of the Lord “shining” or giving light to his people appears many times in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Job and Psalms. Isaiah invited Israel to look forward with joy to the coming of their Redeemer with these words: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1).
During Alma’s sermon to the people of Zarahemla, he used similar imagery to describe the future arrival of Jesus Christ:
Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men.
(Alma 5:50)
A little over 100 years later, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Savior visited the American continent following His death and resurrection. While the people prayed, He blessed them, and “his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them” (3 Nephi 19:25).
Jesus commanded that same group of people to let their light shine unto the world. “Behold,” He said, “I am the light which ye shall hold up — that which ye have seen me do” (3 Nephi 18:24). Disciples of the Savior receive light from Him and share that light with others.
President Russell M. Nelson recently reiterated this duty of discipleship:
The increasing darkness that accompanies tribulation makes the light of Jesus Christ shine ever brighter. Just think of the good each of us can do during this time of global upheaval. Your love of and faith in the Savior may very well be the catalyst for someone to discover the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(“Hear Him,” General Conference, April 2020)
Today, I will remember that the Savior is the source of spiritual light. I will strive to receive His light and to share it with others.