The moon has recently been so bright and big that it almost seemed possible to step out my window, onto its surface, and go for a 2 a.m. stroll. It’s beautiful, but its brilliance has been disturbing the rest of our little light-sleeper son who keeps getting up—thinking it’s time for breakfast. On nights like these, it’s hard to believe that the moon is, in fact, dull, lifeless, and dark. Only the reflection of the sun allows us to see it.
Like the moon, we too are lifeless and lost in darkness without the brilliance of our Creator God within us. In Luke 11:33-36, Jesus reminds us that what we focus on will either make us shine brightly or leave us dull and dark (Luke 11:34-35). When we seek to follow Jesus, we live as light: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). When we see how lost and dark the world is, we should be inspired to let the light shine within us so that those who are lost in darkness can find their way to Jesus—a way revealed by the reflection of His glory in us: “A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house” (Luke 11:33).
We can be easily distracted these days, and it takes determined and intentional courage to steer ourselves away from the things of this world and to move toward the wisdom of God’s Word and His will. When we “[keep] our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2), we become “radiant, as though a floodlight were filling [us] with light” (Luke 11:36).
We see the moon because it reflects the sun. In the same way, we’re recognized as followers of Jesus when we focus on Him and let our lives naturally reflect Him. Let’s reflect His glorious light today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 15:1-37
More:
Read John 15:1-17 to see what it says about remaining in Jesus.
Next:
Where and what is the focus of your life? How can you live out the light of Jesus today?
LCC on April 9, 2014 at 5:58 am
Using the moon and sun – a very good illustration of being the light in this world. I have never looked at the sun and moon that way. A good one, Ruth!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on April 9, 2014 at 10:51 am
Thanks LCC – it’s an overriding principle that keeps me grounded and reminds me that it’s only ‘Christ in me – the hope of glory’ (Colossians 1:27).
Tom Felten on April 9, 2014 at 11:42 am
Good thoughts, Ruth. These verses from Paul reflect the idea of God’s light shining from our hearts: “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2: 14-15).
Mike Wittmer on April 11, 2014 at 9:41 am
Love this analogy, Ruth. May people see the light of Jesus reflected in me. It also takes the pressure off, knowing that I don’t need to manufacture the grace and light myself. I’m the receiver, not the achiever.