By Doug Redford
On Monday, August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse received significant coverage in the news. It was the first total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States in 38 years. Various online sites provided all you needed to know about how to prepare for the eclipse, particularly how to view it in a safe manner that would not harm your eyes.
In the days leading up to the eclipse, the town of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, received significant attention because it was supposed to be “ground zero” for viewing the eclipse. During the eclipse, Hopkinsville would become, according to one news story, “the center of the universe.” One lady in Hopkinsville distributed “eclipse countdown clocks.” She reportedly was having nightmares that she would oversleep and miss the big event.
Yes, a solar eclipse is a major event. Followers of Jesus, however, understand that another major event in the heavens is coming, though it is futile to assign a specific date for it. Any “countdown clock” is useless. That event is the return of Jesus. Peter writes of “scoffers” who mock the very notion of such an event (2 Peter 3:3-4). But for those who belong to the kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36), this is a “big event” indeed. Preparation requires a daily commitment to living “holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11) and making “every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace” with the Lord (3:14).
Communion every Lord’s Day is an important part of our preparation—a “big event” in itself! Paul tells us, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). We share in this meal on earth, anticipating the greater meal, the “wedding supper of the Lamb,” to be shared with all followers of Jesus through the years (Revelation 19:9). We gather every Lord’s Day, a day we can mark on our calendars, in anticipation of the Day—a date known only to the Father in Heaven (Matthew 24:36). It is a big event that will “eclipse” any other sight in the heavens—including a solar eclipse.
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come.
Thank you for the communion thoughts. I might add that in addition to the Eclipse, interest is also growing in “Alien encounters” as an “earth-changing event” however, we, in showing the “Lord’s death until He comes” look forward to the ultimate cosmic event!