In light of the recent eclipse, I’d like to take a moment to reflect upon the Son.
My middle Tennessee home gave me a nice vantage point from which to view the eclipse on August 21, 2017.
While a solar eclipse provides us with a unique way to see the sun, the gospel of John provides us with a unique vantage point from which to view the life of Christ.
Unlike the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, who all refer to an ecliptic event at the time of Christ’s crucifixion, John makes no mention of darkness. Instead, he focuses on Christ’s declaration in chapter 8, verse 12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
The book of John is often referred to as “the book of signs.” John, through his eyewitness accounts, passionately describes many of the miracles Christ performed. Like those of us who saw the eclipse, albeit through our specially-made glasses, seeing is believing.
In this book we see the Son of God as a teacher, a healer, and a shepherd. We see a divine, yet human, being who possesses humility, compassion, mercy, and love.
“In the beginning was the Word.” We see Christ through the Word of God.
For centuries, before humans understood the mysteries of science and astronomy, people believed that an eclipse paralleled portents and the evil ways of man. They did not see the power of God at work in the world.
For example, Pliny states that a solar eclipse occurred after the death of Julius Caesar. Plutarch reports that a comet was seen in the sky for seven nights after Caesar’s murder. He also refers to “the dimming of the sun.”
In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul states, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” We can understand more as we allow ourselves to grow closer to the Son.
Approximately 200 million people looked toward the heavens last week when they witnessed the eclipse. Many were awed by what they saw. WSMV reporter Rudy Kalis was so moved that he shared an on-air emotional tribute to the power and greatness of God.
As I watched the eclipse, the words of “How Great Thou Art,” the beautiful hymn by Carl Boberg, came to my mind. “I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.”
I challenge my readers to wake up every morning with a new look at the Son. Start with the book of John, and reflect upon the awesomeness of chapter 3, verse 16.
John 12:35; Psalm 36:9
