Man in the Moon 2 - The Facts of the Moon

“The moon is unique, at 1/4 the size of earth, it is the only satellite of a size comparable to its planet, with a surface less than half that of the Atlantic Ocean. The distance between the earth and moon is 239,000 miles. It takes 27.3 days for the moon to complete a full revolution around the earth, and it takes exactly the same time for the moon to spin once on its own axis. This means that the moon remains at a standstill in relation to the earth’s movement so that it always presents the same face to earth.” (7700 Illustrations) “The most striking features on the moon are the many thousands of craters that mar her surface. These craters range in size from a mile or less across, to magnificent walled plains 150 miles in diameter. Moreover, there are high, sharp-peaked mountains, the highest of which reaches 35,000 feet (higher than Mount Everest).” (MSN Encarta)

            The deep scars that give character to the face of the moon and the absence of the same characteristic scars on its umbral surface, symbolize the face I show the world. I can hide none of the sins, failings or trials of my life; the scars of these wounds are visible for the entire world to see. It is the very scars of my life that Christ uses to share His Lovingkindness with a lost world. By displaying all my shortcomings to the world, (Isaiah 59:12,13), Christ shows the world there is no level of sin that has overtaken us, (Numbers 32:22,23, Tanakh), nor any trial that He has not already overcome on the cross, (1 Peter 2:24). Our scars have become badges, reflecting honor to the LORD, (Isaiah 60:1-3); in the same manner, the scars on the hands, feet and brow of Christ display the honor He gave His Father by His obedience. James 1:2-4 says. “2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 5:10-11 continues with.    “10As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” (NKJV)

            Half the moon is held in darkness and will never see the light of the sun. This is a representation of my sin nature. (Romans 7:14-25) The hidden or dark side of the moon has almost none of the characteristic craters, arteries or mountains that are prevalent on the earth viewed side.  The lack of maria on this surface, shows that there is no need for the enemy to temp those that are already lost, their demise is assured...except Christ. Christ allows a fraction of His incomparable light to pierce the darkness through our lives. That Light can go to our heads the same way that pride affected Satan, (Ezekiel 28:17; Isaiah 14:13), or we can be like a lighthouse; used to bring a lost vessel safely home.

The book 7700 Illustrations contains the following and several hundred more tidbits on the moon, stars and sun. I found it invaluable in my research. “Our sun is 93 million miles away, is 109 times the diameter of the earth and the temperature on the surface of the sun is roughly 11,000° Fahrenheit. It takes the light of the sun about 8 and 1/3 minutes to reach the earth.”… or the moon. The sun’s undiluted light is bright enough even at that distance, to wash out the scars on the surface of the moon. Christ’s light is also bright enough to wash away the scars of my darkest sins and present me white. (Is. 1:18) The Psalmist David in Psalm 19:1-6 extols the glory God imparts to His creation. “1The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. 4Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.” (NKJV)

            While the moon produces no light from within itself, it does reflect light; the moon reflects about 1/465,000th the light of the sun, and it is about 1/4 as bright as a candle at a distance of one yard. (7700 Illustrations) The light reflected from the surface of the moon is faint as a source of light goes, yet it is bright enough to illuminate the entire landscape. The Light reflected from our lives, when viewed against the immeasurable brilliance of Christ, is also very faint, yet this Light is sufficient to light the darkest heart. No matter how far I think I am from the LORD, He always sees me and is always close enough to shine His Light on me and in me and continually renew me and save me from the darkness.