the king's countenance

"In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain."

Proverbs 16:15

You know you're loved when someone looks at you and their eyes light up. In your presence, they quietly glow. Likewise, you know you love someone when they have that effect on you. It's this kind of light that Solomon speaks of: "in the light of the king's countenance"--in the light of his eyes, his face--"is life."

The second half of the verse is just as simple, just as relatable. Have you ever experienced drought? The long, dry parching near the end of summer when yellow dust climbs the air and coats everything, the grass turns brown, and the trees droop with exhaustion? Have you ever felt the oppression of unrelenting heat? And then, one day, a cool breeze begins to blow; and on it rides rain... gentle, cool, sweet rain that turns the earth green and brings life back. Such is the "latter rain" that comes like a mist; and such is the favour of the king.

To men and women living in Solomon's day, this had immediate and practical application. To be singled out for the king's favour was life indeed! It meant material blessings, safety, provision, honour.

Few people in our society today have the power of ancient kings to so lift us up. But we who live in a kingdom will find these words have just as much immediate application for us. Through Christ, the countenance of God looks on us with light. We are given His favour, freely, as a gift.

Jesus' words in John 14:23 drive this reality home:

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have made their home with me. They dwell with me. Each day they look on me with favour and love. It is true for all who believe and love Jesus the Christ. May our eyes be open to the light that shines from His face--may our every sense be cooled by the touch of His latter rain.