Look Up! The Great American Eclipse

On August 21, 2017, there will be an exciting astronomical event which is being dubbed “The Great American Eclipse.” This will be a rare total solar eclipse which will cross over the United States from sea to shining sea. Americans living in the path ranging from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina will be treated to the full effects of the solar eclipse, while the remainder of the country will experience it to lesser degrees depending on location. Here in northeast Pennsylvania, there will be an approximate 72% solar eclipse which will still be pretty impressive. We are hoping for a cloud free day!

So, why are we excitedly going to be watching this celestial event? Because we understand that as followers and believers in Jesus Christ, we are also watchmen. All of God’s word ultimately points to Jesus in both His first and His second coming. He first came to earth a little over 2000 years ago as an infant.  Jesus Christ will return as a king to set up his kingdom for 1,000 years. However, before that, Jesus will call His body (His church) up to be with Him forever and ever.

We are excited because Jesus told us what to look for, so that we would know His return is near. Luke 21:25 (CEB) “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves.” There is currently a convergence of events which encourage us and give us Hope that His return may not be far away. We have the American eclipse on Aug 21st and exactly 33 days later, there will be a celestial configuration that seems to be another sign that is mentioned in the book of Revelation.
 

Revelation 12:1-2 (NKJV) (The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon)

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.  Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

The subtitle alone alerts us to the significance of this celestial constellation. We will discuss the Revelation 12 sign more next month, but for now, suffice it to say, there are signs in the sun, moon, and stars.

We are aware that many in our nation are eagerly awaiting the August 21^st eclipse by preparing to view the phenomenon in a celebratory manner. At the same time, there are some Christian leaders urging caution and even predicting doom as a result of the eclipse. Please note that we are not making any dire claims because we simply do not know if anything will happen on that day other than the sun crossing over our land in a dark shadow. We plan to watch and more importantly, we plan on praying because that’s what watchmen do. To ignore blatant signs in the sky would be foolhardy. Jesus taught us this in Luke 12.  

Luke 12:56 (AMPC)

You play actors (hypocrites)! You know how [intelligently] to discern and interpret and prove the looks of the earth and sky; but how is it that you do not know how to discern and interpret and apply the proof to this present time?

Jesus told us to understand the times and that is what we are attempting to do; not with trepidation but with hope. We trust Jesus to never leave or forsake us and we choose to look up.

1 Corinthians 1:22-23, 30 (NKJV)

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified… But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Luke 21:28 (AMP) 

Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.

Note* We are continuing to work on our book, Hope Over Chaos, Transitioning From Darkness To Light. It will be released on Amazon as soon as possible.

You can watch the great American Eclipse live online at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/

~ Sarah and Joanne