Ironically enough it seems that Hurricane Harvey has eclipsed the eclipse. The tragedy of the current has pushed last weeks news off the front page. August 21, however, was an incredible event when America experienced a total eclipse. The moon covered the sun. Flowers closed their petals and animals responded negatively. A host of things occurred that disrupted the flow of the creatures and plants of the earth which are too numerous for me to mention. I suppose that I can find a spiritual application for everything, but this I cannot pass up.
Think of the audacity the moon must have to totally block earth’s most needful aspect for life. The moon gives no light in and of itself. It offers almost nothing of significance to the earth. Without the sun we wouldn’t even know it exists. The sun provides light, heat, and the necessary ingredients for photosynthesis. The sun is the constant in measuring our times, years and days, not the moon. The moon only reflects what the sun allows. It’s not even that unique. Planets of all sizes have moons, but no planet has a sun like ours.
The “moon” is everything (or anything) that blocks our view of Jesus, the Son. The “moon” is the care of this life; the ambitions of the flesh; the fads and trends of our society. Jesus is speaking and things are getting in His way. The Lord is shining and something is blocking His message of Truth. He said, John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life:” By His own admission, He is exclusive. The Shema of Dueteronomy 6:4 reads exactly like Paul’s writing in Ephesians 4:5: “There is One Lord,” i.e., nothing is and should be before Him.
The challenge of our days is to keep things out of the way. This endeavor is never accomplished in a moment; meaning it is never completed. Keeping our hearts clean and our minds uncluttered is a daily task. Crucifying our flesh is a constant thing. Paul died daily because something, even his own attitude and spirit was standing ready to eclipse the mission. Job took control of his mind when he determined to “take into captivity every thought” because our minds can hinder His voice.
I submit that somebody or something will try to block you from what the Spirit is saying and the vision of the church. Someone or something will always be standing in the way of the Light. There is a wedge designed to deter you from worship and the Word. We must endeavor to clear the path and remove every obstacle that would eclipse His light.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
One response to “The Moon …”
Well said Pastor, the great thing is that darkness can only overtake when there is an absence of light.