Praying Through the Eclipse

Last week we experienced a partial eclipse of the sun– a solar eclipse. This happens periodically, when the moon’s orbit causes it to pass between the earth and the sun, casting a shadow that temporarily blocks light from reaching the earth. The opposite can also happen, when the earth passes between the sun and moon at night, casting a shadow on the moon and keeping it from reflecting light at night– a lunar eclipse.

I was thinking about eclipses and how our spiritual lives can be impacted in ways that behave like an eclipse. We are to be a reflection of the light of Christ– in His own words, “The light of the world.” (see Matthew 5:14-16) So we are to act like the moon, reflecting the powerful light of the “Son” in a dark world. But we don’t always do that. Sometimes, as in a lunar eclipse, we allow the “world” to block out the light of the “Son”. The darkness and evil in the world can rob us of the light of hope and faith, causing us to live in shadow, and the darkness to triumph– temporarily. Other times, we actually get in the way of the “Son’s” light– grandstanding and promoting our own self-righteousness. Whether deliberate or just thoughtless, our actions can “eclipse” the Gospel of Jesus Christ and block out the truth of His Light.

God’s light is Holy, Powerful, and Eternal. We cannot offer a greater, wiser, or brighter light than Jesus. Our best efforts are darkness compared to His Holiness. Our job is to reflect HIS light to a darkened world as it awaits His return!

Wherever you were last week; whatever your experience of the eclipse, I hope you are able to rejoice in God’s light today! What a wonderful, powerful reminder that God’s Glory is brighter than 1,000 suns, and it will never be dimmed! What a privilege to reflect HIS love, mercy, grace, and wisdom to those around us!