The Moon

I've always thought the the moon is an amazing analogy for the Christian life. When I was in eighth grade I even wrote a sort of poem to that effect. The moon by itself is a cold, dark thing. Yet, when it is fulfilling the purpose for which it was created (Genesis 1:15-16) it reflects the glory of the sun and gives light to the earth.

Likewise, when apart from God we are hopeless, helpless, condemned, slaves to sin, lost in darkness. Yet, out of His infinite grace and mercy He chooses to save us. Not only that, but then he chooses to use us: we have the job of reflecting the glory of the Son to a dark and sinful world.

However, sometimes in the life of the moon an event happens which decreases its effectiveness as a light-giver. Such an event happened last night: a lunar eclipse. During this event, the earth comes between the sun and the moon and casts its shadow over the moon.


You can, of course, still tell the difference between the moon and the rest of the night sky -- it doesn't get that dark. Nonetheless, its effectiveness is diminished.


The same thing can happen with Christians: we become enamored with the world. We let it come between ourselves and God. We find that the glory we are trying to reflect is sullied. Our witness is greatly lessened.




Fortunately for the moon, this shadowing only lasts a couple hours. Very shortly it is uncovered again and clearly reflecting all the sun's rays.


We followers of Christ, though, how long do we allow our lights to be overshadowed by our love of the world? Especially here in America where there are so many things to be distracted by, where materialism is rampant and sin is so often made to look so attractive. When will we again truly reflect the glory of the Son to a dying world?

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17