stephen R Harrison

Christians, when it comes to the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024:

1. Let the creation point you to the Creator!

May we be in awe of His marvelous wonders on Monday! Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

2. Let the sun point you to Jesus the Son.

Colossians 1:15-16 says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

3. Let it point you to the God of the Bible.

God used the sun, moon, and stars often to point to His glory. They are mentioned over 200 times in Scripture! (i.e. Genesis 1 in creation; Joshua 10 and the sun and moon standing still; Luke 23:44 eclipse at the crucifixion of Jesus; etc.).

4. It’s not THE sign of the Day Jesus will Return

There’s nothing like an eclipse to stoke end times hysteria. If someone says “this will be the day that Jesus is coming back”, they’re wrong. Eclipses are more common than you might realize (partials a few times each year and full about every 18 months somewhere on earth). With thousands happening before this one and the fact we can predict the exact day (even minute), we can be sure it isn’t THE sign of the Day of His return. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). Be sure though, Jesus is coming back. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

5. Steer Clear of Prophetic Speculation

Prophetic speculation usually results in gross misinterpretation (sometimes mutilation) of Scripture. Don’t get goofy and weird. Some people already have. Some have done biblical gymnastics to make Monday’s event (and other celestial events) be “prophetic signs of the end times”. Beware of those using certain numbers (i.e. length/time of eclipse) to point to certain biblical references (1:33 of darkness must be pointing to Psalm 133, right?). Beware of those who put their words right up there with Scripture. This type of bad proof-texting hasn’t worked well in the past. All it does is sell a lot of books that usually feed fear and end up containing several false prophecies and bad interpretations of Scripture (and not much repentance ever happens when these authors/pastors/”prophets” are wrong).

6. Use it as an opportunity to love the people traveling to your area and share the gospel with them.

If you’re in the path of the eclipse, you’re likely to encounter a lot of guests in your hometown. Pray about how you can welcome them sincerely and serve them generously. Share with them how Jesus has changed your life. It might be just the time for them to believe the gospel. Even if it isn’t happening in your area, everyone’s talking about it. How can you shift the conversation to Jesus? As people look safely on the sun, may we find opportunity to point them to the Son. Sharing the gospel may be the only way we can affect the end of times (Read Matthew 24:14).

7. Have fun!

We’ve got our eclipse glasses. It won’t happen in our area again in our lifetime (check out NASA’s website for more eclipse dates). It will be a great memory for our family. School’s out and work is cancelled so we’ll make it a family day. We will use it to point our family to Jesus who created everything, deserves all the glory, and sovereignly reigns over all creation.