“……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew 24:29 NLT
This coming Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass through North America. Its path starts in the South Pacific Ocean entering the mainland on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The path continues through Mexico entering the United States in Texas and traveling in a northeastern direction through the United States up through New England and entering Canada in southern Ontario exiting off the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. This eclipse is being dubbed as the Great North American Eclipse as the moon makes its way between the sun and the earth. Thousands of people are making their way to the best locations to view the eclipse in its totality. From the small cities of Kerrville, Texas and Russellville, Arkansas, to Cleveland Ohio and Buffalo, New York, and everywhere in between spectators will be lining up to view the astronomical event. It is estimated that close to 50 million people are in the solar path, not to mention those travelling to it. Total solar eclipses are rare occurrences but happen within the astrological timetable. But there will be one last astronomical event as we know it that will darken not only the sun but the moon as well.
Jesus told His disciples He was going away, but He was coming back. When Jesus ascended into heaven from on top of the Mount of Olives two men dressed in white said to those who witnessed Jesus’ departure, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11 nlt) The Lord Jesus is going to return and plant His feet back on the Mount of Olives. Matthew describes this astronomical event as, “……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Mt. 24:29-30 nlt)
As we view God’s creation of the sun, the moon, and the stars during the solar eclipse, may we remember that His Son Jesus Christ is returning in a way that will rock the world. He will come back and rule as King on the earth for a thousand years. The total solar eclipse will darken the sun for a few minutes in a very small portion of the earth, but when Jesus returns the whole world will see the darkening of the sun and feel the cataclysmic effects upon the earth. But the light will reappear when Christ begins His earthly reign. Astronomers through careful study can predict the next solar eclipse, but even the most educated theologians cannot predict the when the Son of Man will come back again. Everything is in place and ready for His return. Are you?
Word for the Soul 