Eclipse!
We all remember a time in our life where there was a total solar eclipse. It was so fascinating to watch. Depending on what your age was when you watched it, the thoughts about what was happening were different. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon gets between Earth and the sun, and the moon casts a shadow over the Earth. It may not always be a total eclipse. Also when an eclipse happens it may not be visible from where you are.
It fascinates me to think about how this occurs. This can only occur at the phase of the new moon. And actually, there are four types of eclipses: total, annular, partial and hybrid. When you think about the sun being around 864,000 miles in diameter, where our moon is only around 2,160 in diameter, it seems like an impossible event. But the moon is closer to the earth than the sun thus this event is able to happen. Although there are some differences between the different types of eclipses I am not going to get into that here. The main point I want to make here is the difference in power and size between the sun and the moon.
Illustrations
There are so many spiritual illustrations a person can see through looking at an eclipse. I have in the past talked about the moon and how it would have no light except for the reflection of the sun. And it is the same with us as Christians. If we don’t allow the Son of righteousness to shine on us so that we can reflect Him, we are nothing. We are dark so no one can see Christ and we really have nothing to give to others. But as I was reflecting on this again another thought has come to me. There are so many illustrations that God can give us through nature.
There are different kinds of eclipses. Some are full eclipse but others are different variations of partials. As Christians, it can be easy to start allowing the world to creep into our lives. It can be gradual and almost undetected at first because of how slowly it comes into our lives. It can be something very small and we think, “Oh, this is really no big deal. I don’t want to be different so I will just compromise a little bit.”
At that moment of compromise, the shadow of the “moon” (the devil) starts to cover the “sun” (Son of righteousness). And we don’t really detect or notice. I know when I have watched an eclipse it seems like it is taking “forever” but in reality, it is happening very quickly. It seems that with each step of compromise it gets easier for the next one and then the next one until we wonder how in the world we ever got here. And it happens more quickly than we could ever imagine.
It is that moment of realization when you feel so far away from God. You feel as if you are in the dark. But the fact is that the “sun” is still shining. It is us that have changed not God. He still loves us and wants to fully shine on us. But because He is a true and loving God, He never forces His way into our lives. He has given us the freedom to love and serve Him or to reject His ways.
God is still here
I am so grateful for God’s mercy and love. And that He never leaves us or forsakes us. He keeps “shining” even though we can’t see it. He is waiting for us. And He has promised, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). We can confess and He will forgive. And the most wonderful thing will happen.
When we watch an eclipse it slowly covers and then slowly goes away, right? But when we confess our sins and ask God to forgive us, the response is immediate. The “eclipse” of the devil doesn’t slowly go away, He has to immediately leave. And then we receive the full “Sun” (Son of Righteousness) shining upon us. What a miracle!! And what love God has for us.
I love these verses that show the love and power of God. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity…” (Jeremiah 29:11-14). The captivity that the devil has placed upon us by “eclipsing” us from the “Sun” will be removed as we come to God and seek after Him.
Dear Father,
Lord, You are all mighty and powerful and can accomplish all things.
You have defeated armies and healed people both physically and emotionally. You have forgiven all who come to You with a contrite heart.
Please show us areas in our lives that we need to confess so that our lives do not become a total “eclipse”. We praise Your name that You can forgive and cleanse us with Your shed blood. And that You will accomplish the work that needs to be done within us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Go to God. He will forgive and cleanse you.
Love you all!
Do you have a story to share how God has reached out, forgiven, and saved you? I would love to hear your story. Comment below.