Have you ever tried to walk outside after dark without a flashlight? Unless you’re familiar with the path, it’s nearly impossible to avoid bumping into hidden objects. However, if you allow your eyes to adjust, the glow from the moon is enough to illuminate your route. Even though it’s dim, this light shining within the darkness helps you dodge potential stumbling blocks littered along the way.
Think about it. The moon is merely a reflection of the true light-the sun. Yet it’s able to give us direction like its source since it always rises in the east and sets in the west. The moon’s gravitational pull controls the tides in the ocean used by seafarers for centuries. Its influence is lesser in comparison to the sun, but the moon bears the image of the greater one.
In the same way, we are all reflections of a greater One.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
the words of Jesus from John 8:12 NIV
Each one of us, you and I, are made in the image of God even though we’re imperfect representations of Him. When I truly examine my nature, I shudder at the thought that I’m an image bearer of the divine. Yet, Jesus says . . .
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV
As His followers, Jesus gives us the honor and responsibility of bearing His light and reflecting it to the world. Similar to rays from the sun, the glow from Jesus’ light offers us warmth, comfort, direction, and life.
The moon has no choice but to reflect the sun’s rays. We, on the other hand, must make a decision to accept the light Jesus offers. When we do, His light infuses our being. We cannot hide it from the world any more than the moon can block out the sun.
Until Jesus’ return, we are but an imperfect reflection of His glory, a dim substitute for the Son. Yet despite all our failings, Jesus calls us children of God and sends us out as beacons of love into the world . . . His light shining within the darkness.
So, even if you feel inadequate, please don’t hide the light you’ve been given. Who knows. Someone close to you may desperately need your illumination to keep them from falling and to show them a better way.
Let your light shine.
