August 21, 2017 – Devotions
Total Solar Eclipse

“Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still [dom] upon Gibeon; and you, Moon, in the valley of Ayalon.’” (Joshua 10:12).

Researchers note ancient stories where a deity stops the sun, but they say the biblical story is unique because it also mentions the role of the moon. That has led many to the conclusion that it referred to a solar eclipse, during which the moon passes in between the sun and the earth, blocking the sunlight. Now, from a Christian perspective, the solar eclipse can remind followers of Jesus that they are in the “umbra” of the Cross – in the totality of the Cross’ purpose. Just for definition purposes, the “Umbra” is that area that is within the complete shade of the object whose light is being blocked – they also call it the area of “totality”. There will be an approximate 70 mile swath of the earth within the borders of the 48 contiguous United States that will experience the “totality” or “Umbra” of the eclipse today.Paul said, “For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:17-18) In other words, the message of the Cross can effect a full change in a person’s life. It is the power of God – the power of the shadow we are called to live within.

While hanging from the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). totality. Completeness. Robert Coleman said, “The cry of the Cross, ‘It is finished!’ was the most thrilling word ever heard by men or angels.” No other words were ever spoken that shook creation to its core (Matthew 27:51). In the shadow of the cross of Jesus, the clear message of life-saving grace can be seen. Only when you are standing within “Totality”, within the full shadow of a solar eclipse can you view the sun without eye protection. During that short few minutes, the sun’s corona, the chromosphere, and many other solar prominences like solar flares can be seen by the naked eye. In the same manner, only when we stand within the full shadow of the Cross can we see the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for its full power. The Bible says, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” (I Corinthians 15:3b-4).
W.A. Criswell once preached, “The shadow of that Cross not only overshadowed the life of our Lord in all of His ministry, but the shadow of the Cross has fallen across this world and the centuries of time. In the center of the world, and in the heart of time, our Lord has planted His cross. And the world can never be the same again because He lived here and died here.” (Don Hamlin, Solar Eclipse, 2017 – a Christian Perspective, July 30, 2017)

Today, the moon will fully cover the sun in places across America and a shadow will be cast upon the surface of the earth. It is appropriate for the eclipse of 2017 to come to America in these times because there is such a shadow that is being cast upon our country – the shadow of hate, separation, division, and evil. The Cross of Jesus has cast its message upon mankind for two millennia, but the message has lost its effect – not its power. That message is the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord. The apostle Peter said, “The word which God sent… preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – that word you know… Whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day and showed Him openly.” (Acts 10:36-37a, 39b-40). Perhaps the total eclipse may help us pause today to remember the shadow of the cross – the only hope for reconciliation and redemption for a lost people.

Pastor Dave