“You know that Earth would be a dismal place without its bright, shining neighbour-the sun. But did you know that the moon would also be just another dull orb if not for the sun’s rays?” (Livescience.com)
Lately, I have been pondering the above quote and thinking about how we are much like the moon. Without the sun, the moon would be just a rock. Nothing too extraordinary really; it wouldn’t light up the night sky or help people see in the darkness.
Without the Son, Jesus, we too wouldn’t have our eternal light to shine out from within or be able to help others out of their darkness.
In John chapter one it speaks of Christ being the eternal Word. Verses four and five says, “Life itself was in him and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it”.
Jesus says in Matthew chapter five, verses fourteen to sixteen that we are the light of the world and we are not to hide our light. Instead, we are to put it on a stand and let it shine for all. Our good deeds should shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise our heavenly Father.
In this way we are similar to the moon in that we are to reflect the Son’s rays. We are to be a light for others, even when it is difficult to do so and even when we don’t feel like it.
What or who are we reflecting?
I have been challenged over this and thinking about whether I have been reflecting the Son. Not just occasionally when I’m feeling happy and everything is going smoothly but rather every day and despite my current circumstance:
Am I reflecting joyfulness or heaviness? Am I positive or negative? Do I love others unconditionally?
Do I turn the other cheek? Do the words I say sting or speak life? Does the way I compose myself in every facet of life reflect that of Christ?
I am definitely not perfect and there is scope for me to improve and in some areas to improve greatly!
Paul, in Ephesians chapter five, speaks about living in the Light and how we are to follow God’s example in everything we do. In chapter eight and nine he says that, “For though our hearts were once full of darkness, now we are full of light from the Lord and our behaviour should show it”. This light within produces only what is good and right and true.
I believe God will help us if we ask him and are sensitive to his Holy Spirit. He will never leave us or forsake us.
Jesus said in John chapter eight verse twelve, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life”.
I am so very thankful for Jesus and the light he gives to us. There is so much darkness in the world and it is easy to become despondent to it all. You only have to watch the news to be bombarded with the evil that is all around.
But in the words of Martin Luther King,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Jo Fuller is a primary school teacher with degrees in journalism and education. She lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast with her husband, young son and baby daughter.
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