Habakkuk 3:4 His splendor was like the sunrise;

Habakuk writes, that God's splendor was like the sunrise. That power came like the sun's rays from his hands. Now, the first part sounds very pretty and beautiful. We have a God full of splendor and majesty. Habakuk 3:3 His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. 4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. 5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. This is the day of the Lord, when he will avenge his children. His radiance, like sun in a desert, will scorch those, who have not found refuge in him. This is Old Testament saying, of course. And I wouldn't want anybody to experience God's wrath. But this speaks about the power of God. Power that is often forgotten, when helplessly his children raise their hands to the skies in half unbelief that he will hear or help. God's power is greater than the sun's power, but this image may help to understand what happens, when somebody enters God's presence unprotected. This is why nobody can see God and live, without the protection Jesus gives. God cannot be other. Like the sun in the desert at noon, he will scorch all that is. This is a reminder of his power, of his might, of being wise enough to take refuge on time. Before the high noon hits. It will hit. Sooner or later. And it is marvellous to serve such a God. Splendor and glory accompany him. He deserves full service. Nothing less will do. There is a song that says, though in completely different context: "But if you've got no other choice, you know you can follow my voice....". (from: Wicked Little Town) Sometimes it needs this "no other choice", it needs the knowledge, that the sun will be burning all living things at noon, to get up and go to God. Sometimes it is his Grace that brings this point about, to bring home his beloved. Habakuk writes about those in verse 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Are you wise enough to be safe?