The long-awaited total eclipse is only hours away.  Thousands of people are traveling to places all across America to witness 100 percent darkness.  I have seen stories where small towns like Beatrice, Nebraska and Atchinson, Kansas are expecting thousands of people to come into their city.  What should Christians make of the total eclipse?  This is a wonderful day where creation will point itself back to the Creator.  In a few words, let me simply say, when you look into the heavens today, see God and worship Him.  

Some Christians are trying to convince people that the eclipse is a precursor and a sign of the end times:  I think not.  First of all, eclipses are not rare.  Most calendar years include a total of 4 eclipses somewhere on the earth.  While a total solar eclipse in the United States is rare, we must realize that America is not central to God’s prophetic clock.  This eclipse is not a precursor to the second coming. In fact, scripture says He will come like a thief in the night.  We are able to predict an eclipse with pinpoint accuracy but we can never predict the time or day a thief might arrive.  The coming of Jesus will come at an unexpected time so always be ready.

So what should we make of the total eclipse this afternoon? Let me encourage you in four rather simple areas:

1. The Glory of God

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”  As you look at the eclipse (with your government approved safety glasses of course), be overwhelmed with the glory of our majestic God and be left speechless.   Too often we look into creation and miss the wonderment and awe of our faithful Creator. So, when you look into the heavens today, see God and worship Him.

2. It’s all about God

We are living in a time where our technological and scientific advances lead us to think that humans are the center of the universe; it’s almost as if we believe we control the universe.   Let this total eclipse remind you that God is sovereignly in control and He is the center of all things.  As the moon passes by, be reminded that God controls the universe and not man.  You are doing absolutely nothing to cause this God-magnifying event in the sky.  Be amazed as you look into the heavens and see God and worship Him.  

3. We are small but incredibly and entirely loved by God.

Psalm 8:3-4 “When I consider your heavens the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”  As I look into the heavens today, I will be reminded of how small I am and how majestic God is.  I will be humbled by the simple thought that the creator loves his creation and cares for it; including me.  Who am I that God would think of me?  Who am I that He would die for me?  When you look into the heavens today, see God and worship Him.

4.  Remember the cross.

Finally, as my world grows dark 1:03 pm, I will think upon the day nearly 2000 years ago when my Savior hung on a cross, becoming sin for me, and absorbing the wrath of God upon Himself.  From noon that day until 3:00 pm, “darkness came over the whole land” (Mark 15:33).  As I stand in the dark at midday today, even for a couple of minutes, I will praise my Savior who gave His life for me.  When you look into the heavens today, see God and worship Him.

Remember, the eclipse is not a precursor to the end times, but it is a beautiful reminder of our glorious God and His immensely vast love for us. They say there will be a time when the sun will shine behind the moon with a brilliance of a diamond.  I pray as you look into the midday sun, God will shine for you in all His brilliance. I pray that you will be humbled and left in reverent worship and submission to our faithful and wonderful God.  When you look into the heavens today, see God and worship Him.