As a kid, I always enjoyed looking up at the moon. I could see it clearly from my bedroom window and sometimes I would stay up late into the wee small hours of the morning, enjoying its shape, movement, and brilliance. Occasionally, I would recite a child’s prayer about the moon: “I see the moon and the moon sees me. God bless the moon and God bless me.”
Decades later, I’m still fascinated by the radiance of the moon. I now realize that the moon has no light of its own, but it reflects the light of the Sun to Earth. I think that’s why in this psalm it’s called the sky’s constant witness.” So long as the Sun exists and the moon is still orbiting around the Earth, it will faithfully reflect sunlight to us.
As Christians, we are meant to be faithful witnesses of Christ’s Light on Earth. Some people believe that this means we’re meant to show Christ’s love to everyone. But it’s more than just that – we’re also meant to reflect the Truth of Christ, which sometimes conflicts with what the World will tolerate. Loving the World does not mean embracing its sins or condoning society’s errors. Being the light of Christ and His faithful witness calls us to wholly reflect His Teachings and Truth, as well as His Compassion. Love without Christ is just a temporary feeling; however, love with Christ’s Truth is an everlasting faith.
Point to ponder: How do I reflect Christ in my daily life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we try to be Your faithful witnesses in the world, but sometimes we allow ourselves to be people pleasers and acceptable appeasers, rather than messengers of Your Gospel and servants of Your Kingdom. Grant us the gift of discernment and help us to truly know what You would have us speak, do, and share with the people of this world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville,
Tennessee.
