God in the Dark
“It shall be established forever like the moon, and the witness in the sky is faithful.” Psalm 89:37 NASB
Like the moon – Read this one at night, outside, with the moon overhead. God promises David something that speaks directly to us, but you won’t see the sign of the guarantee in the light of day. You will have to step into the dark to see God’s seal. “Like the moon” (keyareah), God’s promise is seen against a backdrop of impenetrable darkness. God promises that “it” will be established forever (olam ve-ed).
What is this that will be established forever? Look back a few verses. It is God’s covenant with David and Israel. God reminds David that He has sworn by His holiness never to break this covenant. Even if the descendents of David violate the commandments and do not walk in God’s instructions, God will not abandon them. He will bring punishment but He “will not break off My lovingkindness” (hesed). How do we know this? Look at the moon!
David’s song of praise reminds us of Yeshua’s comment about the Torah. “Not until heaven and earth pass away” is pretty much the equivalent of “established forever like the moon.” These statements reminds us of the beginning, when God placed the sun and the moon in the heavens as “signs” (Genesis 1:14). Signs for what? Signs for His covenant promise, according to the word of the Lord in David’s psalm. Moon watching is a righteous act because it is a reminder of the promise of God. It reflects the covenant. In fact, it isn’t very surprising to discover that the “new” covenant uses the same word as the “new” moon, hadash, a word that reminds us that it is the same moon we have seen before, revealed once again in the night sky just as the “new” covenant is something we have seen before, now written on the heart instead of on stone.
When will God renege on His promise? When the moon falls from the sky. When will the festivals no longer matter? When the moon disappears for good. When will the Torah cease to function? When there is nothing but emptiness in the heavens above us. There is a time when the covenant will no longer apply. That time is when there is no longer a moon for a sign.
Perhaps it’s worth reviewing Paul’s statement about esteeming days, eating certain foods and observing festivals. Perhaps Paul, who is Sha’ul the Jewish rabbi, isn’t so quick to overturn a sign in the sky put there by God. Perhaps his words need to be understood in a different way. Perhaps being “moon-struck” isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Topical Index: moon, yareah, olam ve-ed, forever, Psalm 89:37
All of these are mnemonic parables to cause us to remember.
We ‘surely’ are forgetful, fragile creatures. I’ve got a memory like a steel sieve. I’ve got a great memory, but it is exceedingly brief. I can (it seems) only remember for a moment. I’ll have a thought, -(and it’s a good one), but then- my “train of thought” derails- and I do not remember, and then,- well.. let’s just say- “trouble” happens.
What I need, what you need, what we need is Someone to cause us to remember. Remember what? – “Comfort one another with these words.” What words? The words of life. The living, active, authoritative, life-giving, life-sustaining, refreshing, restoring, renewing, reviving word(s) of G-d. His words, -not mine. Listen (shema) to Him. – “Whatever He says (has said) unto you- do it.”
Now about that Reminder. We do need some Help here- don’t we? -(fragile, forgetful, easily distracted, creatures that we are!..)
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (John 14.26)
“Both”- A teacher and Someone to remind us. Wow! Exactly what we need and when we need it! Thank you Blessed Redeemer for your faithful, unending, continual Providence- Amein!
I love this verse & it has special meaning to me – the/my Lord gave it to me in regard to a person on 4-21-2011 & shared it with them – it has now become a “rhema” word for sure:
“It shall be established forever like the moon, and the witness in the sky is faithful.” Psalm 89:37 NASB
We’ve had a lot especially beautiful full moons this year here in Milpitas
For the last few years they always seem to signal that something special is coming
And for some reason the moon often makes me think of the following song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVC2cszdTao
Neil Young Old Man live in ’71
Old Man
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
Twenty four
and there’s so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two.
Love lost, such a cost,
Give me things
that don’t get lost.
Like a coin that won’t get tossed
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life
I’m a lot like you
I need someone to love me
the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that’s true.
Lullabies, look in your eyes,
Run around the same old town.
Doesn’t mean that much to me
To mean that much to you.
I’ve been first and last
Look at how the time goes past.
But I’m all alone at last.
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life
I’m a lot like you
I need someone to love me
the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that’s true.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
It was pointed out to me years ago that the spiritual origin of my name is “reflector of God’s light.” Today’s article brings me special delight and comfort in the explanation of the moon’s purpose.
“There is a time when the covenant will no longer apply. That time is when there is no longer a moon for a sign.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyvD-THp5Zs piano solo by Jim Brickman
Hi CYndee,
I always encourage my daughter to practice her piano lessons.
Though I doubt she will ever play as beautifully as Mr Brickman 🙂
Somehow there’s such a fascination about the moon, perhaps because it can’t help but reflect the Son’s radiant light! So ought we to, as well. Amein!