“The sun is God’s candle.” -Matshona Dhliwayo, Canadian philosopher and author

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 119:1 

The April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse is a major event in the United States. 

An eclipse depends on the sun, moon, and earth having precisely the right size, composition, relative distance, and motion with respect to each other. If there were any variation in any of these properties, total eclipses as we know them would never occur today. 

A total eclipse reveals a true celestial spectacle:

• The diamond ring
• The sun’s glorious corona
• Strange colors in the sky
• Seeing stars in the daytime

In addition, the temperature drops 10-15 degrees and wildlife reacts as if it is night. 

 “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed,” Luke 23:44 

Darkness descended at the sixth hour until the ninth hour, and Jesus died about the ninth hour. Jesus was on the cross for about six hours, three of those in total darkness.

It is unlikely that the darkness of the crucifixion was a natural eclipse. Eclipses last for minutes, not hours. The light returned once Jesus finished His work and the penalty for sin was paid. 

“…he took on him the “form of a servant,” of a person of mean and low degree. But this temporary eclipse being past and over, it now shines forth in its infinite luster and beauty, which belongs to the present exaltation of his person.” –John Owen, Oxford Academic, 1616-1683

The eclipse today can be viewed as a sign of mercy—judgment has been swallowed up! Because of the resurrection, and the darkness of the hours, – “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” – James 2:13 

Prayer: 

Lord, my heart is large today with the magnificence of your mercy. By Your life, death and resurrection you have TOTALLY reconciled me to God and placed me in eternal favor. As I gaze upon the beauty of the skies and the perfect alignment of the universe I praise your mighty works. Amen