Darkness surrounded the car as I drove through the barren wilderness of Nevada. Interstate 80 through Nevada offers passage to Salt Lake City, UT with twisting roadways between the mountains and straight stretches along the salt flats. Both represent uneventful and monotonous travel.
It was the middle of the night. The morning sun would not ascend for another 2 1/2 hours. Nevertheless, light shined in the darkness as the full moon seemed to chase our vehicle. Revealing a completed orb, the moon reflected the bright sun from the other side of the earth shining upon it. This floating reflector ball in the sky kept me company as I stared into the jet black landscape before me.
Not only did my friend, the moon, accompany me, but so did the reflectors along the roadway. These shining devices varied in size. Some resembled squished apples along the edge of the pavement, while others stood like sticks stuck into the ground setting a border beside the asphalt. Although these reflectors didn’t actually create light, they reflected the light beaming from the car’s headlights. They worked together to help drivers like me see the highway lane markers when the light of the sun is concealed.
Reflector – A a piece of glass, metal, or other material for reflecting light in a required direction.
As the vehicle hummed along the highway I discovered myself wondering about the reflectors around me. They each reflected light.
In John 9:5 Jesus spoke to the people saying, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Additionally, while speaking to His disciples, Jesus taught that “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Using the metaphors voiced by Jesus, that He was the Light and that now we are the light, I ponder my impact as a reflector of Him. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, followers of Jesus, by design, shine back the light of their relationship with Christ.
What do you reflect?
Much exists in this world which reflects the heart of man. Actions, attitudes, and words reflect what is within the interior life of each of us. These might include cultural influences such as prosperity, freedom, work, entitlements, biases, etc. The inner life also reveals God’s formation and movement toward humility, service, selflessness, diligence, tenderness, commitment, etc.
We reflect whatever we ingest.
TV, radio, newspaper, books, technology, community, education, conversation, and more knock at the door of our hearts. Notice three attitudes or behaviors you take into your being on a daily basis.
Proverbs 27:19 states that “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Are you reflecting Jesus; His convictions and conduct?
Last week I had the privilege of auditing a doctor of ministry class at Denver Seminary. This small class composed of six students revealed the many ways we live as reflectors of Jesus.
- A retired army chaplain reflects the love of Jesus as he plans to relocated in order to support his daughter’s academic pursuits.
- The professor leading the class shared his spiritual journey allowing each of us to see the reflection of God’s grace.
- A young mother in ministry endeavors to rightly reflect the justice of God within her turbulent community.
- One gentlemen, serving as a hospice chaplain, urges those grieving to notice the presence and peace of God surrounding their soul.
- A seasoned disciple, moving to another state, plans to serve the incarcerated, pointing to true and lasting freedom.
- A retired police officer, looking toward the second season of life, hopes to help others receive emotional healing from God.
- For my part, I long to reflect the ways of Jesus by coming alongside others as they anchor to their Savior.
What about you? How do you reflect Jesus in your relationships, work, attitudes, and endeavors?
To be strong reflectors spending time with Jesus Christ, the Light, is essential. Intentional commitment to being with God allows disciples to reflect the Truth of the Word and experience of the Spirit. If, on the other hand, we think we can reflect God and His ways without investing in our spiritual journey toward transformation, we are mistaken. That light will be quite dim.
Look at the moon tonight and ponder the light reflecting upon it. Notice the roadway reflectors as you drive. Ask God, to draw you deeper into communion with Him so that you live as a brilliant reflector of His grace, truth, and love.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
John 8:24
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Wesley Tracy, Steve Harper, Gary Cockerel, Donald Demaray. Reflecting God. Kansas City, CA. 2001.
Anthony M. Coniaris. A Beginner’s Introduction to the Philokalia. Minneapolis, MN. 2017.
Sprinklings of truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
John Elefante. That’s Why God Made the Moon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnbLo9I6fCw
Newsboys. Shine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=givCI1M9Rh0