Service & Submission

Last week I witnessed something that only happens once in a blue moon (ok, a copper moon). I observed a total eclipse of the moon. Here’s the official explanation. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes into Earth's shadow and is blocked from the sun's rays that normally illuminate it. During an eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon line up, leaving a darkened moon visible to observers on the night side of the planet. The moon doesn't go black because indirect sunlight still reaches it after passing through the Earth's atmosphere. Since the atmosphere filters out blue light, the indirect light that reaches the moon transforms it into a reddish or orange tinge, depending on how much dust and cloud cover are in the atmosphere at the time. Well, enough of astronomical precepts—the moon went dark.
After pondering on this I began to realize the parallel between this occurrence and service and submission (we preachers can draw analogies from just about everything).
We are called to reflect God’s glory. Jesus said that while he was in the world he was the light of the world (John 9:5) but also told his followers, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Well, which is it? Actually, it’s both. We are to continue Jesus ministry of being a light in the darkness. Now, to my lunar eclipse analogy. When anything gets between us and our source of light we aren’t able to shine in the darkness like we were meant to. It would be great if this only happened once every few years but the truth is that it happens with almost daily regularity. Jesus characterized his ministry time and again as one of serving others. If we’re not serving the purpose for which we were created we’re eclipsed. Let’s serve God and submit to His authority. Then we’ll serve others and shine for Jesus.