The Light of the World

There will be a few disappointed Iowans today. We awoke to thunderstorms and rain (for which we are very thankful during this dry summer). However, today is the day for the great solar eclipse that will cross the United States. Our location in Central Iowa was to get a partial view of the moon coming between the sun and earth between 11:42 am and 2:33 pm. We could have traveled south about two to three hours to see the total eclipse, along with thousands of others I imagine. We didn't buy safety glasses for viewing (I hear they are sold out) and were only planning to bask in the changing light to darkness as the rare event occurs.

For me it is a time to contemplate God's great wisdom, knowledge, and power.

"And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day", and the darkness he called "night". And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day," (Genesis 1:3-5 NIV).

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the fourth day," (Genesis 1:14-19 NIV).

I am filled with wonder and awe as I consider the works of our God. The intricate design He created that is flawless and perfect. Everything that God brought into being works exactly as He planned. The solar system revolves in foolproof precision. Our days and nights alternate automatically as clockwork. Days increase and decrease by seconds to complete God's plan for the seasons, years, and all time. Only His blueprint for life shows the day that Jesus Christ will return for His second coming.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven," (Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV).

On this unique day of temporary solar darkness, let us lift our praise to the One and Only God who brought light into the world that we may share that light of Jesus with others. Glory to God in the Highest! Amen.