I read a note from Jon Courson last week about the moon. My paraphrase, is that a purpose for our moon is to reflect the light of the sun. To whatever degree the sun is able to shine upon it, without the earth getting in its way, reveals how bright or full the moon is.
We are moons. Our purpose here is to reflect the light of our Creator’s glory and nature. Often times, I fail. Just like with our physical moon and sun, to whatever degree the world has gotten in the way – and affected (or infected) my way of thinking, that is the degree to which I reflect (or fail to reflect) His light.
At times I let the world dictate to me what it means to be prosperous, successful, smart, beautiful.
The world speaks and I listen. When I let it tell me what to believe, and let that shape my action-plan, the light of my moon is not as bright as it once was. I’m a half-moon, or sliver of a crescent (Braylon & I always call those “God’s toenail clippings”). Or even a full eclipse. When this happens, I let the world tell me that my God is smaller than my circumstance.
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world… ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do. And now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began’.” ~ John 16:33,17:1,4,5
I bet he missed that glory they shared together, sitting by each other in heaven before he was called to earth. I can tell, he yearned for it again. He was like, let’s get ON with this action-plan! And it was to give glory back to his Father.
How? How am I supposed to reflect the light of the glory of Christ, back to God? Vs.4 says how,
“…by doing everything you to me to do”.
I’m to make up my mind each day, to obey everything I feel God telling me to do that day. It may seem impossible, crazy, pointless, frustrating, or fruitless…but THIS is how we bring him glory. THIS is how to “let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). It is a great and daily task. But God is whispering to me…”never grow weary in it, for the reward is greater. Press on to more faith and bolder works and let them work in tandem with each other. Press on in obedience, for when the darkness of night comes, as it always does, you will be able to shine with the brightness of a full, new moon!”.
It brings new meaning to Psalm 119:55 .
“I reflect at night, on who you are, O Lord; therefore I will obey your instructions”
Chelan 