Monday, August 21, 2017

A Total Eclipse of the Son


Today, millions will step outside to view an unusual phenomenon, the total eclipse of the sun...or at least a partial if you're not in the "path of totality."  Why would people take time from work and play to view something we take for granted-the sun?  Because an eclipse of the sun is so rare.

On the other hand, how rare is an eclipse of the Son?  Many "objects" can come between Jesus and us.  And because of the frequency of these occurrences, most of us don't stop to take notice when we can't see the Son.

Jesus declared He is the Light of the world, and those who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).  And this light brings freedom to our lives!  Speaking of the Son, Isaiah prophecies the Light of the world will come...

to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.  (Isaiah 42:7)

I want nothing between me and the One who give light for my path, life for my soul, and freedom from my bondage to darkness!

So what may block my view of the Son?  Here are three obstacles to consider:
  • Money 
    • In Matthew 6:21-24 the Son himself warns of the blinding effect of money.
      • Matt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. 
  • Religion
    • Jesus had some harsh words for the Pharisees who were so blinded by their religiosity they could not recognize the Son of God.  In Matthew 23 Jesus repeatedly condemns these religious leaders as "blind guides", "hypocrites", and "blind fools."  Their outward religion kept them from dealing with the heart issues the Son was shining His light upon.

  •  A Lukewarm Life
    • Although the Son loves His people, lives that are neither hot nor cold make Him sick and result in blindness to this reality on our part. 
      • Revelation 3:15-18 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 
Although looking at the sun blinds us and makes our journey in this world difficult, looking at the Son opens our eyes and brings us great joy and freedom on our journey.
    •  Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Join me and take some time from work and play to view Someone we should not take for granted, the Son who shines light, joy, and freedom into our lives.