And just like that, the sun and moon continue on the path that God ordained for them. 

Nothing of any significance happened — unless we can call the spending of millions of dollars, and many hours of TV time dedicated to the eclipse significant. The eclipse itself was rare and worth watching if the weather where you were permitted its observation. The news personalities were certainly very vocal in their expressions of amazement at the alignment of the sun and moon, and the various other planets and phenomenon visible during the eclipse.

Many religious folk offered spiritual explanations for the time, place, and direction of travel of the eclipse. Others were certain that this was a sure sign from God that the end is near, while some were disappointed that the end did not happen with the eclipse.

Personally, I believe that this was a great opportunity to observe God’s handiwork and observe His creation as it performed flawlessly, just as He intended it. In spite of all the hoopla and speculation about the end, and the multitudes of scientists who pored over their charts and computers, Moses said it best in Genesis 1:16-19 (NKJV): “Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule over the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.”

God has created this world in which we live; it is His creation, and He placed us here to be “fruitful and multiply,” and to honor Him in the process. This eclipse has brought much publicity to the alignment of the sun and moon producing darkness for a few moments. The television announcers were ecstatic in their reports. How will the world react to the coming of the One Who created the sun and moon? 

When Jesus comes, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26). 

There will be no more night, no lamp will be needed, even the sun will not shine; the Lord God will give us light, and He and the Lamb will reign for ever and ever.

The Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.