On Monday of this past week a celestial rarity, called a solar eclipse, took place and was all over the news. Actually, in doing a little research, I discovered that a solar eclipse isn’t really all that rare. A solar eclipse of some form takes place at least two times a year and can happen as many as five times a year. It just depends on orbits, alignment, etc. In fact, according to Royal Museums Greenwich, and Astronomy Magazine, a total solar eclipse happens somewhere on earth about every 18 months. What made this eclipse so special was that it was a total eclipse that stretched across an area of the United States. A total eclipse occurs in any particular area of the globe once every 400 years – give or take a few years.
What I find so interesting is how every time there is an event like the solar eclipse on Monday, it always brings out people who are claiming the eclipse is a sign of something awful about to happen, God’s judgment is upon us, or the end of the world is right around the corner, meaning Jesus’ return is near. Of course, the same predictions occur whenever there is another round of war in the Middle East or other parts of the world.
So, with all these predictions about the end, people ask me at times about my thoughts. What I tell people is that I am a firm believer in what Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 – “No one knows about that day or hour (of Jesus’ return) not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father.” Even when the disciples ask the resurrected Jesus, just before he ascended into heaven, if this was the time that he was going to “restore the kingdom” to Israel. That’s their wording and understanding for the end of one age and the beginning of God’s reign. Jesus said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by his own authority.” Acts 1:7 But in Mark and Luke Jesus does tell his followers to be alert and watchful. He also tells us that we are to live every day as if the Lord was returning tomorrow or soon.
My favorite passage, especially at the time of an eclipse, is that of John 1. John is writing about Jesus and John the Baptist, but primarily about Jesus being “light.” John 1:5 states, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not overtake it.”
To me those are beautiful words and the eclipse on Monday helps us see and understand the power of those words. Yes, there was a shadow of darkness that crossed our nation…and even crossed our world. But the thing is, it didn’t last. The darkness could not overtake or overwhelm the light. In just a matter of minutes the light was back at full strength once again.
This image of an eclipse is so helpful for all of life, I believe, even our faith journey. There are moments of darkness. But when we look to and follow Jesus, the light of the world, we can know that the light will always push back the darkness. There may be darkness for a period, but the light will return. That is in part what Easter is all about. While it was still dark, the women went to the tomb. It was empty. But when Mary finally saw and recognized Jesus, the light was dawning upon their world…and also in her life. Jesus, the light of the world, was alive and with her. That is our hope, too!! The darkness of Good Friday and Silent or Waiting Saturday does not last! Easter Hope, Easter Light, and Easter Life is coming!!
So, whenever an eclipse of any sort attempts to cover our world, our thoughts, or our lives with darkness, I always remember John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not overtake it.” Heavy emphasis on the DID NOT!! We are Easter People. We are people of the Light!!
Pastor Keith