A Lesson from Nature

As I watched the orange-tinged moon slow drop to the horizon, I was thankful that I listened to the alarm clock and rose early to work out that morning. I really felt like sleeping in but fought the urge to snuggle under the covers and chose to rise and put on my walking shoes. I was rewarded with a view of the gorgeous full moon deep in the western sky.

As I prayed, God reminded me of what the moon does - reflect the light of the sun. And isn't that what we are supposed to do - reflect the light of God's Son, Jesus? As I looked at the beautiful orange orb in the sky, I wanted to do the same thing the moon was doing - shine brightly as I reflect the Son.

Some of the most beautiful people I know are those that the world wouldn't describe as lovely to behold; yet they beautifully reflect their love for Jesus. It has a magnetic draw on others that a camera can't adequately capture. Just as the moon pulls the tides, so we too draw people to Jesus by reflecting His light in our lives.

Psalm 19:1 sums this up well. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." All of creation displays God's creativity. We see His handiwork everywhere.

The purpose of reflecting the light of Jesus is to bring glory to Him, not ourselves. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Our desire in reflecting the light of Jesus is to point others to our heavenly Father.

As people see the light of Jesus in us, they may be drawn to us and ask how we can have such hope and joy in the midst of such uncertainty in our world. Again, the Bible provides the answer in I Peter 3:15. "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

As we reflect the light of Jesus in our lives, let us always be ready to share with others why we can demonstrate such hope and joy in our lives during these challenging times in our world. Only Jesus can provide the answers for the hurt people carry. Let us be the vessels God uses to bring others into His shining light by bearing His reflection. Let nature, in this case, the moon, remind us to reflect His glory each and every day.