Is the Eclipse of 2017 a Sign from God?

It’s funny. I’m seeing quite a few similarities between Y2K and the solar eclipse. Anybody else? If you will remember, we were warned by many Christian leaders and others that we should stock up on water, food supplies, and fuel for heat, because the advent of the year 2000 was going to mess with the world computer systems and cause mass failures all across the globe in power grids, hospital computer systems, food supply lines, and even possibly nuclear launch computer systems.

This all sounds very terrible, doesn’t it! But the reality, when the year 2000 finally came around and was celebrated by some very creative, unique situations around the world, was “none of the above.” I am seeing the same “warnings” across the internet in religious circles concerning the solar eclipse of 2017 and I want to set your mind at ease and maybe even encourage you!

Some people seem to be enamored with the idea that God is going to judge (I.e. punish) America for her sins. And so they look for “signs” to prove He is sharpening the ax so to speak. I see this especially from many religious leaders and it’s a shame.

Perhaps we Christians have forgotten that Jesus actually took on Himself ALL the punishment for ALL of the world.

Therefore, the only judgment left for all of us is for not receiving that grace God freely gave us in Christ, and this will not happen to nations, but to individuals. Everyone will have to answer to the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” If He is Savior and Lord, His death counts as your judgment. If He is anything else, like “a great teacher,” “a good man,” “a lunatic,” “just a man,” then His death doesn’t cover you and you are dead and judged in your sins.

Come to think of it, JESUS WAS the believer’s “moon” in this scenario. He Himself bore the heat and piercing exposure of breaking God’s commands in His own body in our place. A Holy, yet loving God held back the just judgment until the body of Christ stood directly between us and the punishment we rightfully deserved and earned by our own rebellion, causing it to fall squarely on Him. He Himself, exhausted both the guilt and punishment due for all of our sins, once and for all. All of us that choose to hide under His cloak of righteousness are completely shielded from that wrath and destruction, just like those in the totality of the eclipse are completely shielded from the heat and radiation of the sun. Under the shadow of His wings, we find peace, coolness, quietness, calm, and as the wrath against our sin is completely consumed in the body of Christ on the cross, all that remains for us is the Father’s love.

So, as you enjoy this amazing celestial event on Monday, please use it as an opportunity to rejoice in the Father’s love for you and that as the Father looks at you, He sees only the Son, brilliantly shining with the glory of the Father.