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The glasses we had to wear looked ridiculous. They came in lots of shapes, colors and styles and were sold for weeks leading up to the big event. Some people made viewing machines out of cereal boxes. Others went against the warnings and attempted to see the celestial wonder without eclipse glasses.
The epic 70-mile-wide “path of totality” stretched across fourteen states, from Oregon to South Carolina, changing day into night for a few unforgettable moments. It was the longest total solar eclipse of the century, the first in forty years, and all of the North American continent was amped up to see it.
The day was electric.
People from every state and around the world celebrated the light show.
It was August 11, 2018. The sun beat it’s chest powerfully with temperatures that rose above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in North Carolina as my mom, daughter and I met up to experience the Great American Eclipse together. For an hour and a half the moon’s shadow traveled east over the face of the sun, wooing millions of people along the way.
And as incredible as the moon dance was during the Great American Eclipse, the resplendent light of the Lord is galaxies greater. “You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.” (Psalm 76:4)
God outshines all others. Every wonder of earth!
A song and psalm of Asaph, Psalm 76 celebrates the awesome power of God that crushes and brings judgment on all who rebel against Him. His is the great name that breaks flashing arrows and weapons of war (v3)… the name that is worthy of our praise, honor, awe and gifts (v11).
“No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” (Jeremiah 10:6)
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)
“Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26)
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.” (Luke 1:49)
JESUS is His name!
And in the powerful name of Jesus, the Name above all other names, all who believe are given eclipse glasses of grace to see, know and experience the radiance of the Son, the bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).
The vibrant grace of heaven shattered darkness and forged a path of light that crosses human boundaries and barriers… goes beyond shame, despair and brokenness… and illuminates cities, states, countries and continents with redemption, hope, love and peace.
Pure in radiance.
AWESOME in power.
The Name above all names: Jesus.
“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6)
God of Wonders,
Surely You are more awesome than I know. Help me to see You more clearly today. Help me to trust that even when darkness rises against me, Your light is within me to strengthen, help, correct and direct my heart. Please increase my awareness of the powerful ways You are at work around me.
In Jesus’ name, amen
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
Is there something or someone in your life that is eclipsing the light of Jesus in your life? If yes, what steps can you take today to move beyond the shadows?
Read Matthew 5:14-16, then consider what this might look like for you today. Tell me about it or write a prayer of response in the comments section of my blog.
SHINE ON, Friend!!
GWEN
Did you ever start a Bible Study and not finish? Yeah, me too. It’s normal and it happens to all of us. But studying the Bible is important to help us know God more and to equip us with power, perspective and peace. Don’t let the unfinished studies in your desk keep you from going after what you truly know your heart and soul needs. Let’s open His Word together!
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Comments 10
If the sun is that brilliant that special glasses must be worn during an eclipse, I can’t Imagine what it will be like standing in His presence! He outshines the sun! May I, like the moon, reflect His brilliance
Darkness and light cannot exist in the same body. We have to make a choice. A long time ago I decided to keep my eyes on God and live a godly life. I have no regrets but it has been difficult. I do not plan to turn back. There is nothing in this world for me.
My prayer is that I keep moving towards the Light that is God.
Lord, I pray that Your light will shine through my eyes and my smile today wherever I am.
The past week has been quite the week! Our daughters ex boyfriend came into where she was sleeping and shot her and her friend. A week ago yesterday. Our daughter went to jail for past warrants we were unaware of. And her baby’s dad is in jail and the daughter won’t be getting her baby back. She is actually 6. So we are now the babies only hope to stay in the family. When I read this it was perfect! It’s amazing how my life relates to what you blog! Loved it and thank you! Through God it’s possible! Would love some prayers for our situation! God Bless!
Heavenly Father You day we are the light of the world, that our light cannot be hid. You say our light is to shine and give light to others. Father I pray today that Your light would shine in and through me and all Your children. May each of us see You and may others see You in us. Shine Your light and be glorified today in all our lives. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen
This post hit the mark and reminded me that I do sometimes hide the light because of the response I may not like. Jesus is the only light and he gives the illumination we need to be strong and stand for Him.
Powerful in praise and worship. How great is our God!!
I’m in what I feel is a needy, eclipsing relationship- is my light really intended for one person only? I feel that His light is hidden within my relationship , blocked from view to all but one in my life, restricted and squashed. The problem is that I don’t know whether this is actually God’s will for his light within me. I may be rebelling against His calling me to that one person or whether I should not be eclipsed from others in this way.
That was what I needed to hear! I know God will help me with anything! I just need to trust Him more about everything even the smallest details to having two baby showers within two weeks of each other! Praise God!
Wow-So powerful to me- I needed something today, I just didn’t know what it was I needed until I read this! Thank you!
I liked your comparison of the excitement of the way people got ready for the eclipse and the way we need to shine for Christ and not to let anything over shadow our light into the world. We are the light of the world and should always shine no matter what to let people know of Christ.