Last summer I was watching the moon rise over the lake…one of the most beautiful moments I have experienced each summer…something I truly look forward to each year! This particular time I was struck by the thought that, “I am like moonlight…just a reflection of the Son.” 
As I prepared last week to speak at our church service yesterday, I was confronted with a new challenge in Paul’s exhortation for us to “shine like stars” (Phil 2:15)…stars have their own light…they do not simply reflect.
Then this morning, I was studying the two times that God speaks out to affirm Christ, once at the river during His baptism, and once on the mount of transfiguration. Both times God says, “this is my dearly loved Son, in who I am well pleased”. Something within me longs to hear God speak this over me…yet I am aware that I am powerless to achieve this on my own. I am simply not able to be good.
I was brought to an awareness that Christ, on the mount of transfiguration, experienced a metamorphosis; a change on the outside that comes from the inside. Jesus did not simply reflect God’s glory, but rather it radiated from within Him, and thus He shone like a star.
I guess, as pretty as it looks, I don’t just want to be moonlight. I’d rather be transformed from within…to experience God intimately so that He shines forth from within me…and in this being glorified.
Posted under Transformation
This post was written by David E on January 11, 2010
Hey David,
Great thought! This has become a great area of focus for me in many different ways. It was pointed out to me by a pastor online that scripture tells us to ‘rise and shine’ not rise and reflect. It is a constant battle, I believe, for all followers to make sure that the Light within us shines. Can’t tell you how much this was such a perfect word for me to be reminded of today. thanks!
Aaron
Blessed to share the journey with you my friend.
DW