This week’s devotions are based on this week’s message: Let Easter Change you: Input Godly Wisdom…his Word! (WATCH HERE)
Happy Eclipse Day 2024!
What does the eclipse happening today, April 8, 2024 have to do with Sunday’s message? Nothing really, but the next total eclipse on US soil is in 20 years in Dakotas and Montana, so the chances of having the opportunity to share some devotional thoughts on a day of a total eclipse are slim.
In Georgetown, Texas we are projected to have 3:14 of total eclipse…the challenge as of the writing of this, most of Texas will be under the clouds…so we will experience the darkness and rely on other places to provide the pictures.
Wait, let me take that back. There is something about the eclipse and yesterday’s message. As we considered the power of God’s Word to change us, the point was shared that God’s Word can make sense out of the current events of this world. So what sense does the Bible give about a total solar eclipse?
First, we are reminded that the sun and moon and planet earth are all creations of God. While some may pose other theories of the origin of all three, Genesis 1 states it clearly as the result of day four of God’s creating activity:
Genesis 1:14-19 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.
Second, there is nothing random about the positioning and orbits of the earth around the sun and the moon around the earth. Consider this, even back at the time of Jesus, there is evidence that individuals knew how to predict the eclipse of the sun. With the precision of instruments and calculations, astronomers can know the exact position and time the eclipse will take place…YEARS before it actually occurs. Something based on randomness would never be able to predict these things…but with the God of Creation and good order, we have the precision of the heavenly bodies. What we witness in an eclipse may be spoken of as “random” but rather it is the detailed result of a divine creator.
Third, the distance of the moon to the earth and from the sun creates a perfect cover to the sun. At totality, the sun proper is covered and just the corona is visible. Random? Or designed that way? Let’s go with God’s design!
Fourth, the experience of the eclipse is going to be a memorable one…clouds or clear. Some have even suggested that the impact of total eclipse is realized even more with cloud cover because the visual is one of that like midnight. It will be odd for sure. Eerie? Probably. What makes it cool is we know the light will return…we don’t have to live in the darkness of an eclipse for very long and that’s a good thing. Perhaps a day of an eclipse where the sun goes dark for a few minutes is intended to remind us of a spiritual truth recorded in John 1:1-4
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
When the “diamond ring” effect appears as the sun reemerges from behind the moon, we are reminded that light overcomes the darkness. The jewel of our Savior Jesus is that his grace, love and forgiveness shines as a bright light in a world darkened by evil, sin and unbelief. Just as the darkness of an eclipse will not overcome the light, so the darkness of evil will not overcome the light of Jesus.
So enjoy the eclipse today from wherever you get a chance to view it. Be reminded of the power and precision of God to create the sun, moon and earth and make them move as accurate time keepers. Most of all remember that Jesus is the light of the world and the one who came to overcome all darkness of sin in your heart and life!
Apply: Make sure to wear proper eye protection to keep your eyes safe! Enjoy the eclipse and marvel at yet another aspect of God’s creation.
Prayer: Lord God maker of the heaven’s and the earth. Thank you for reminders of your power and precision along with your love and grace. AMEN.