Darkness

The Eclipse

It seems that there are many different emotions and opinions surrounding the upcoming solar eclipse. Many people are excited about the opportunity for what, for many of us, will be a once in a lifetime event. On the other hand, many others are pursuing an economic profit from the visiting spectators. Still, many others are concerned about problems that could range from minor inconveniences to full on catastrophes. Finally, I am sure that many people are just ready for it to all be over. 

However, it does seem that those who have experienced a total eclipse almost universally report a significant experience. I am sure that that type of experience is a mix of expectations and surprises. Those who come to the eclipse with scientific interest probably are impressed by what they can learn and observe in the event. Others who come to the eclipse with spiritual, even pagan or mystic expectation, will probably have some sort of sensual experience. Still others will witness the rare and incredible product of our awesome and sovereign God through His own creation. Remember, the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

Danger

It is amazing to me how everyone is so attracted to some fleeting moments of darkness. I know that there will be interesting things to observe in the daytime sky which are usually obscured by the sheer brilliance of our sun, but still, we do experience darkness every night. The fascination with the totality of darkness illustrates a Biblical truth. 

Jesus tells Nicodemus that the light of God had come into the world. He meant that He was the light meant to lead those who could see and love the light to eternal life by trusting in Him (John 3:19-21). But Jesus also points out in this same text that humanity loves darkness because man’s deeds are evil. The point is that darkness helps us to hide both our sin and the shame and guilt that comes with our sin. Even in a society that seems to flaunt even grotesque sin in the broad daylight, it is still true that men love to hide away their sins in the darkness.

Darkness is dangerous not only because it affords us the opportunity to hide our sin from others but we can often even deceive ourselves as long as the light does not expose our evil deeds. As long as we remain trapped in the practice of wicked works we will continue to seek out the darkness rather than the light because we know that our deeds are evil.

However, when by God’s grace and through faith in Jesus, we are delivered from the domain of darkness by having all our sin forgiven, we now come to the light (Colossians 1:13-14). This sudden attraction to the light is not to show off that we are now doing right and true things but rather to glorify God who is the source of these righteous actions (John 3:21).

Impact

So what should we do with this eclipse as believers? 

First, we should seek to behold the glory and grandeur of God in the breathtaking beauty and vastness of His creation. 

Second, we should not be looking for this eclipse to fulfill biblical prophecies. Let me give you a couple of reasons. The texts dealing with the darkening of the sun or signs in the moon and stars were primarily figurative and most, if not all, have already been fulfilled in the immediate context of the Bible. But even if that is not the case there is no reason to interpret prophecies given to Israel or the first century Roman world about signs in the heavens to be fulfilled over North America. 

Finally, we should look for every opportunity to use this eclipse to tell others about the true light who has come into the world. The greatest experience a person could have on April 8, 2024 is to come to a saving faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:12).

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