Today marks a special event that we have been thinking about for over a year. It is the first total solar eclipse to be seen by Northeast Ohio since 1806. Another won’t be visible here until 2444. This is literately a once in a lifetime kind of day for our little part of the world.

What makes this event so amazing, is that the moon will pass over the sun and completely block it out for a few minutes during the day. It is such a bizarre experience, it has been said, even the animals get confused and begin nighttime behaviors. Crickets start chirping and bids become silent. It’s as if the whole creation says, “Wait! Who turned out the lights?”

Well…we know who did it….

The Bible is full of times when God uses the sun, moon and stars to mark significant events. When Jesus was born, a large star marked his location. As Jesus was about to die on the cross Mark writes, “At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Soon after that, He took His last breath. The Bible tells us in the book of Revelation that the end times will be marked with signs in the sun, moon and stars.

Obviously, the heavens play a huge role in God’s plan for us. They are there to mark seasons, days, years. The Bible also says they are there to show His power and glory. Psalm 19:1 reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

One of the most common questions asked by believers and unbelievers alike, has to do with people in the world who never hear about Jesus. Because Christians believe Jesus is the only way to Heaven, many people are troubled by the fact that people have different levels of exposure to the Savior. From being raised in a Christian home, to living in a village that has doesn’t even have a translation of the Bible, how can God judge the world fairly? This opens a whole can of worms that we could talk about for hours. But for today let’s keep it simple. What does the Bible say and how does it relate to the eclipse?

In Romans 1 Paul tells us that God has revealed himself in nature. If we look at creation and how it miraculously works in perfect harmony, we see there must be intelligent design. From the beginning of human life, photosynthesis and cellular biology, to the frightening ocean, magnificent mountains and delicate flowers, God’s creation is crying out! And of course the cherry on top is the heavens. With its countless galaxies of stars, and our perfect sun to guide us by day and our moon at night, how can all of this be a cosmic accident? It is impossible! We are without excuse, according to the Bible. We must look at nature and see there is a Creator. And knowing that, should lead us to want to know Him.

Doesn’t it seem odd that the small moon is able to block out the giant sun during an eclipse? It is strange, because they appear exactly the same size for a few minutes during a total solar eclipse. One article I read called it “Mother Nature’s coincidence” and said that the sun just happens to be 400 times bigger than the moon, and 400 times further away, making them appear the same size. What a coincidence. What are the chances?

None of this is accidental. God created this world for people to live in, enjoy and care for. He also made it with miracles happening all around us, pointing to Him. Whether we live in a far off culture in Africa or in the Bible Belt, He made this world so that we can know He is powerful…He loves us…He wants a relationship with us…one that will last forever.

If you are able to see the eclipse today, enjoy it! And if you listen closely, you may hear the crickets chipping, the birds get quiet, and His faint whisper…I made this because I love you…