Reflections of Christ

​According to Space.com, the moon is the earth's only natural satellite.  It has quite an influence on the earth, the main one being that its gravity pulls at the earth, causing the ebb and flow of tides and waves.  As I sat and watched the mesmerizing rise and fall of the waves on a beach in Hollywood, Florida, I remembered the One who put the celestial bodies in the sky and gave thanks for His loving care over the Universe.  
 
The cycles of the moon are so predictable that the Jewish calendar is based upon them.  At sunset on November 9 the month of Kislev began.  It is the month to enter into a new level of trust in the Lord.  Contemplate the precision of the moon's cycles and their impact on the earth.  Remember how God cared for all the creatures of the earth in the days of Noah and how He placed a rainbow in the sky (during this month--Kislev) to make a covenant with Noah and all his descendants.  This should boost our trust in Almighty God.  Every time we look at the moon, we should worship the Lord who placed it in the sky.  Psalm 148 is a poem commanding all of creation to praise the Lord.  This includes people, angels, heavenly hosts and even the heavens. "Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars." (Psalm 148:3) 
 
The cycles of the moon and the way we see it depend upon the moon's position in relation to the earth and sun.  The beauty of the moon is in its light, for it reflects the light of the sun.  It depends upon the sun for illumination.  And we depend upon the Lord to keep all creation in motion so that we can live a life of order.  Psalm 8:3-4 says it well:  "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?"
 
There is a passage in Song of Solomon 6:10 where the beauty of the Bride is described like that of the moon.  "Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession?"  Isn't it interesting that the beauty of the moon is in its light that comes from the reflection of the sun?  Jonathan Cahn, in his devotional called "The Moon Bride," in The Book of Mysteries, points out that there are imperfections and patches of darkness in the moon's surface.  However, as it shines with the radiance of the sun, the irregularities fade into the background.  Jonathan says, "We are as the moon.  And He is as the sun...Our light and beauty come from God...Focus on the beauty of His radiance, then you will shine with His light.  And that light will overcome your imperfections...Dwell in the beauty of His presence."
 
The prophet Isaiah tells us that the beauty of the moon and sun cannot compare to that of the Lord.  "The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed; for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mt. Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously." (Isaiah 24:23) The Bride of Christ needs to turn her attention away from herself and toward the Son of Righteousness who shines brighter than the moon and sun.  As we dwell with Him our imperfections will fade, and our lives will shine the light of His radiance.