The great solar eclipse of 2017 created quite a buzz. People were scrambling at the last minute for eclipse glasses, Interstate 77 was a parking lot south of Rock Hill, and people waited in line 30 minutes to get Krispy Kreme’s “eclipse” chocolate glazed donuts. Monieca and I enjoyed watching it together at home, relaxing on our lounge chairs by the pool. It was a fun afternoon.
Even though the moon blocked about 98% of sun from view here in Rock Hill, I was amazed at how much daylight remained. I guess it goes to show just how bright, hot and powerful the sun really is.
I will remember that lesson because of what we talked about Sunday at FBC. In my sermon I used the eclipse as an analogy for the reality lost people face. I mentioned that just as the moon blocks the light of the sun from the earth, Satan blocks the light of the gospel from lost people.
II Corinthians 4:3-4 says: “And even if our gospel is veiled (hidden), it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of the unbelieving (lost) so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ…”
Try as he might, Satan is not more powerful than God. Just as the sun’s corona remains visible during a total eclipse, the light of the gospel will shine through Satan’s darkness when we share the good news of Jesus with someone who is lost. Satan cannot fully block God’s light. Blessed be our Lord!
This week, I urge you to pray daily for people you know who are lost.
I also urge you to fast one day this week for those you know who are lost, asking the Lord to work in their lives and draw them to faith in Jesus.
Defeat the darkness by praying, fasting, witnessing and trusting Jesus.
Remember, the light of Jesus’ gospel is available every moment of every day to every person alive. It is not a once in a century occurrence.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Keith Pruett says
Pastor Hogg,
I shared this great analogy of the eclipse with a close friend of mine after Sunday’s sermon. He too was amazed at the simple yet creative way you explained the word of God. Thank you so much for what you do. I feel like I’ve had a Bible study each week and not just a sermon delivered to me! Keep up the great work that inspires me to share your teachings of the gospel.
Steve Hogg says
Thank you for sharing God’s word with others. The Lord gave me that analogy in the middle of the night before I preached that Sunday morning. Glad it was a help.