Pause

The illumination that comes from a light's source is important. We are dependent on these sources; we could not see without them. But illumination that comes from reflected light is also important.

If we are aware of it at all, we hardly notice the difference between one or the other, but we are, actually, dependent on both kinds of light.

The light of the world, we sing, is Jesus. But those of us who follow him also reflect his light. The world is illuminated by each - the source and its reflection.

Listen

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Exodus 34:29-35

Think

Have you ever seen an older married couple that look just like each other? Studies have shown that people who share life experiences can actually take on each other’s physical characteristics over time. They may smile, frown, laugh, walk, and talk the same way. And this isn’t just marriage; it can happen among friends and even between people and their pets!

So it was with Moses. When he encountered God, he was so filled with the glory of God that it beamed from his pores—literally.

We mirror the things that fill our lives. Though you may discount the effect of that particular movie, or a snarky Facebook post, or even the habits and language of your friends, these become a part of you. But when you fill your life with the light of Christ, you will be a reflection of that light to others. And before you know it, those with whom you share your time may take on the personality of Jesus, too.

Daniel Ingram

Pray

Help me to make wise decisions with my time, my relationships, my body and mind, so that my whole life can be a reflection of your love. Amen.

Go

But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:7