HYBRID ECLIPSE

I guess you were also caught up in the eclipse fever.  It was all over the place that on Sunday, 03/11/2013, a hybrid solar eclipse will sweep through most parts of the world, with Africa having the best views. I was really looking forward to witnessing the eclipse.  The anticipation was almost palpable all around, especially with the international news media reminding us practically every hour. The day finally arrived and hours turned into minutes and then…I did not see anything. All the preparation was in vain. The closest view I got was from the news.

In preparation for this rare occurrence, many people committed immense resources, while a few travelled to choice locations for ‘Prime time’ viewing. And to think that the best scene would last for just a measly four minutes…

And what is four minutes when compared with eternity. If we could quantify all the efforts expended in the preparations for the eclipse, it may actually turn out that it’s more than we spend in preparing to reign with our Father – preparing for the place where only the spotless and the blameless can reign.

In the third chapter of Peter’s second letter, he gave some very sound counsel that demands more than just a close look:  

¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

¹⁷ Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If we lay it to heart that our time on earth is just like the passing four minutes of the eclipse, we will be motivated to spend less time chasing THINGS and channel our energy towards this most important preparation. If it were not possible to live holy and godly lives, Peter would not have encouraged the people to work towards it. The same also goes with being found spotless and blameless.

The King of Kings is looking forward to welcoming us to that glorious reign. Let’s make every effort and be on our guard so as not to miss out. Great grace is available.