There's Something About the Moon

There’s something about the moon. It is beautiful, mysterious and enchanting. Its soft light draws you in and mesmerizes. When reflected on water, the glow is particularly breathtaking. The moon can also be spooky, illuminating the darkness with only enough light to dimly see, while leaving things hidden in the shadows.  

Yet, as is common knowledge, the moon is not its own light source. Alone, it does not generate light, but merely reflects the sun’s light. Like much of God’s magnificent creation, this celestial body serves a purpose. The moon regularly rises, keeping ocean tides in motion with its gravitational pull on the earth. Its phases come and go like clockwork, determining our weeks and months. 

Scripture tells us that God created the moon to rule the night, as a lesser light than the sun. He made it for signs to mark the seasons, days and years (1, 4). Our Creator set it in place and established it forever as a faithful witness in the skies (3). He fixed the order of the moon for light by night (10).

God’s Word also tells us the moon moves in splendor, has its own glory and praises its Creator (6, 8, 11). Our heavenly Father makes peace in His high heaven and even the moon is not bright in His eyes (7). God established the darkness and night for the forest beasts to creep about while humans are sleeping. In the morning when the sun rises, they go back to their dens to lie down so man can safely go to work (4). He will never let the moon strike us by night (5).

There was even one entire span of time that the moon stood still. At Joshua’s request to prolong the daylight for battle, God stopped the moon for about an entire day (2)!

The Bible also tells us about the future of the moon, that it no longer will give its light because God, Himself, will be our everlasting light (9). The city of God will have no need of a moon, for His glory will be the light and the Lamb, its lamp (12).

So, the next time we look up into the night sky and gaze at the moon, let that “something” about the moon help us reflect on the glory and majesty of God and His creation. Remember that the moon is a temporary placeholder for light. He placed it there for us until the day we live with Him and no longer need the moon. We will have the Creator Himself illuminating our lives. 

Scripture:

“I often think of the heavens Your hands have made, and of the moon and stars You put in place. Then I ask, ‘Why do You care about us humans? Why are You concerned for us weaklings?’ You made us a little lower than You Yourself, and You have crowned us with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5 CEV).

Feel free to pray with me:

Heavenly Father, I thank You and praise You for Your magnificent creation. Thank you for the moon and all it accomplishes according to Your purpose. And thank you most of all for the reminder that I need Your light to guide my life. I look forward to the day when You Yourself will be my everlasting light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Verses Referenced (All ESV):

1. Genesis 1:14, 16

2. Joshua 10:12-14

3. Psalm 89:37

4. Psalm 104:19-23

5. Psalm 121:6

6. Psalm 148:3

7. Job 25:5

8. Job 31:26-27

9. Isaiah 60:19-20

10. Jeremiah 31:35

11. I Corinthians 15:41

12. Revelation 21:23