What were you doing last Monday mid-afternoon?
Well, if you were like me (and millions of others), you were intently looking up into the sky. Why? Because a solar eclipse that only happens once in a generation (20 years) was taking place. It tracked across North America right over our region before proceeding through eastern Canada.
They estimated over one million people invaded Niagara Falls for the event. This made some local officials nervous to the point of declaring a “state of emergency”. Local merchants were rather in a “state of ecstasy” as millions of tourist dollars poured in. I heard that hotel rooms were going for $1000 a night.
So, what was all the excitement about?
A Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun. When it is directly in front blocking the sun’s rays, the earth below darkens and the temperature falls as though night has suddenly fallen. That was the weirdest (and most exciting) part for me.
By contrast, a lunar eclipse happens about every six months so doesn’t cause much excitement. It takes place when the moon moves into the earth’s shadow causing the moon to darken. No big deal.
But a solar eclipse is a big deal and many people prepare for it. The sale of special solar glasses went sky high (excuse the pun). One couple from New Jersey booked their hotel room in Niagara Falls months in advance so they could experience the eclipse and renew their marriage vows at the same time. Others chose that moment to get engaged or pronounce their vows of marriage. Most were just content to peer through the clouds, catch a glimpse of the disappearing sun, and experience the darkness.
Another Celestial Event
Scripture tells us about the origin of the sun and moon. “And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day (the sun) and the lesser light to rule the night (the moon) — and the stars.” (Genesis 1:16).
The sun is also used as a symbol for God. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11)
Scripture also tells us that the most exciting celestial event is still future. It will involve the sun but the real focus will be God’s Son.
When asked by his disciples about the end of the age (world history), Jesus gave them several signs to look for. Near the end of the list, Jesus said this – “Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.” (see Matthew 24:29) That sounds to me like a solar and lunar eclipse combo.
Jesus continued, “The stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
Now, that’s an event you do not want to miss.
A short time after giving this prophecy, Jesus was crucified, buried, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. His disciples witnessed it all.
“He (Jesus) was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (see Acts 1:9-11)
Jesus told us that no one knows “the day or the hour” except God the Father. I wonder… when that day arrives, how many will be ready?
Believe me, it will far eclipse what so many of us experienced last Monday.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
