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| Photo by Jason Howell, Unsplash |
For weeks now we've been told to gas up our cars; stock up on food and water and generally be prepared for an influx of visitors coming our way. Hotels are beginning to fill up; Eclipse parties are planned and savvy people are renting out private parking spaces for the viewing.
SO WHAT!?
Let's start with the obvious! Whatever you believe... this occurrence is a big deal! It is an unusual historical event and significant even if you're not into astronomy or other sciences. The last time a solar eclipse was visible from the U.S. was August 21, 2017. The last time Indiana experienced a total eclipse was in 1869. The next one is projected to be in 2099 (man's estimation of course).
As Christians we've studied the bible and know that the Hand of God has often been shown in unusual ways! Some have included phenomena occurring in the sky, water, and earth. Remember the Wise men who followed a star in Matthew 2:1-12; or Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea in Exodus 13:21-22; and who can forget the great earthquake at Jesus' resurrection, Matthew 28:2. Any disruption of nature's norm occurring on our planet especially during these times should be of great interest to us (Matthew 24:3-6).
Now, let's get to some questions I'm hearing: Should I go out during the eclipse? Can I go to the bathroom? (honest this was asked!) Should I take a shower after the eclipse? Will a baby born during a a solar eclipse have birth defects? Should I take a nap during the eclipse? Is this a sign that Jesus is coming or the end of the world is near?
Before answering let me remind you that luna (moon) is the root word for lunatic. It originally was used to describe someone driven mad by the changing phases of the moon (ie. Wolf Man movies). This accounts for some of the questions coming up! Many are based on ignorance of science or simply superstitions. A couple have their basis in religions other than Christianity. What's not covered here you'll probably find on social media - the feeding ground for all conspiracy theorists and lunatics!!!
With all this talk about the moon you can see the connection. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun and the moon blocks the sun for a viewer on earth. A total eclipse is when the moon lines up perfectly to fully block the sun. The whole thing lasts only a few minutes! On April 8 (Lord willing) this sight will be awe-inspiring I'm sure. But what about a time in ancient history (estimated October 30 1207 BCE) when God made the sun stand still and the moon stay in its place until His people defeated their enemy (Joshua 10:12-14). Now that would be something to see!
WHAT TO KNOW!
PLEASE HEED ALL WARNINGS FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY: Don't look at the Eclipse with the naked eye, using sun glasses or through a camera. without a solar filter. Don't do a Selfie! Special glasses should be used at all times. I've read no where that you cannot go out during the eclipse but know if driving, more people will be moving about and there will be total darkness for a few minutes so be careful.
NO SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION: But some people have experienced eclipse sickness or eclipse anxiety —fatigue, balance issues, flu like symptoms during the eclipse. But remember if you're already diagnosed with a mental or anxiety-related disorder, the eclipse is not the cause but it might trigger some type of negative response.
THERE'S NO SCIENTIFIC BASIS: That solar eclipse affects your health. Regarding birth defects of children born during an eclipse; the need to shower before or after viewing the eclipse or prohibition against eating, drinking, napping or using the restroom! There is no evidence that doing these activities will cause harm! But if you're uncomfortable know that God gives you wisdom (James 1:5)
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES: Darkness and uncertainty always brings about fear! For centuries people groups around the world have equated eclipses with warnings of judgement, doom, or links to specific prophecies. This has caused unusual behavior among the adherents. But if you are a Christian all we need to know is written in His Word. In it you will find that God is Sovereign Ruler over EVERYTHING! (Colossians 1:16-17)
- God is Creator! He controls both darkness and light. (Genesis 1:1-5; Amos 8:9; Psalm 19:)
- God has a Plan! Like seasons, climates, tides and times-- their rhythms and cycles help us maintain life as we experience it on a daily basis. (Genesis 8:22; Ecc. 3:1-2; Psalm 74:17, Jeremiah 8:7 ) God has a purpose for everything!
- God keeps His Promise! We will not be deceived by false prophets and fall into apostasy. (Matthew 24:4, 10-13)
WHAT TO DO!
- Pray, Praise, and Worship: While others may be partying Christians should be inspired to marvel at God's great handiwork! Seeing the wonder of our Lord should invoke praise and reaffirm our faith in our AWESOME, POWERFUL MAGNIFICENT LORD! (Psalm 19:1-6; 24:1-10; Psalm 89:8).
- Talk to Unsaved Family and Friends: This is an excellent time time to brush up on your personal testimony! Just as an eclipse is a rare event with an uncertain timing; we never know when we will have another opportunity to witness to an individual. We are in a season of grace and now is the acceptable time to receive the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:2). While others are looking at the sky remind them that one day Jesus is coming back and they need to be prepared (Acts 1:10-11)
STILL DON'T CARE?
Let me leave you with some final thoughts from that great Christian theologian Charles Spurgeon who witnessed an eclipse, March 14, 1858 and had these words of wisdom to impart from a sermon!
All things teach us, if we have but a mind to learn.
There is nothing we can see, or hear, or feel which may not be the channels
of great instruction to us. Let us see whether this may lead us this morning
into a train of thought which may under God's blessing be something
far better to us than the seeing of an eclipse.
(When you see the Eclipse my Prayer is that you also see JESUS)
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
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