Eclipse!

Last night [September 26, 1996] we saw the last total lunar eclipse visible this millennium to viewers in our region. The earth and moon, each in their own complex orbits, gradually lined up with the sun. The resulting earth shadow edged slowly across Luna's face.

Our family enjoyed the celestial display, awed by the beauty and action. We were impressed by the orderliness of the universe and, therefore, by its predictability. This morning, as I strode through the crisp, cool clearness of the morning, I thought again of the sun-earth-moon show last night, and was challenged in my spirit.

Malachi 4:2 speaks of the Sun of righteousness, referring to the Lord Jesus. I thought of mankind as moons and of the earth as this world system. Do you begin to see what I see?

Do not let the world come between you and the Lord! The world's shadow will edge over you, blocking off the Sun's rays upon you. As the world watches (and they do!), they will be impressed by the increased darkness in your life. No longer will you shine forth with the glory of the Lord and the light of the Gospel. Unlike the natural eclipse, this is not a display of beauty, but a display of shame. Like last night's eclipse, this is just as predictable. Unlike the solar manifestation, the eclipsing of our lives is preventable.

First, never allow anything to interpose itself between the Lord and you. The closer you keep to Him, the less danger and possibility that this will happen. Never let down your guard. Never assume a little interference doesn't matter. And beware of the creeping interloper that would gradually, imperceptibly interpose itself between you and Jesus.

Second, yield your body to the Spirit as His temple. With His holy light streaming forth from within you, you will always be a shining beacon, even in the thickest darkness. We Christians are not suns. And in a sense, we are not moons either. You see, unlike the moon, we are lit from within!

As we orbit in life, let us "be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom [we] shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15). Since we are "light in the Lord," let us strive to "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

No more eclipses!

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