The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the Earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the Sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat. (Psalm 19:1-6; To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.)

See God In The Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will happen today, spanning across the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the Sun. Through the knowledge of where the Moon and Sun are situated in the sky at any given moment, astronomers can predict to the second when and where the eclipse will take place. According to Popular Science, it is possible to predict and map eclipses farther into the future, even centuries from now. By understanding the precise positions of the Moon and the Sun and how they shift over time, scientists can project the Moon’s shadow onto Earth’s globe. And with cutting-edge computers, it’s possible to chart eclipse paths down to a range of a few feet.

There is excitement in witnessing a total solar eclipse, with people traveling from around the world to be part of the unusual phenomenon. On average, there are only two total solar eclipses a year (in different locations), with a rarity of five taking place within a year (the last was 1935; the next will be the year 2206). Scientists calculate precisely the conditions needed to replicate the event where the Moon aligns perfectly with the Sun to block it totally. Is this a result of spontaneous generation or chance mathematical occurrences, or does this show the glory of God as the divine Creator? The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the skies display his craftsmanship. God is the Master Creator.

The universe is the divine canvas of the brush strokes of an awesome God who created a world that screams His name in every corner. Total solar eclipses are a phenomenon that has struck fear and awe in the hearts of men for centuries. Through science, understanding the how and why of the eclipse has taken the mystery away but has also cast into the shadows of a spiritual eclipse the knowledge this does not happen by chance. The reason scientists can predict to the second when and where the eclipse will take place is because of the precise nature of God’s creation. On the fourth day of creation, the Creator commanded lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night. They would be for signs and seasons and for days and years. God made two great lights, and they remain in orbit just as He ordained thousands of years ago.

Looking at the eclipse as a testimony of the glory of God is why the Lord placed these objects in space. The Sun gives light and warmth to the Earth, and the Moon serves as a barometer for the Earth’s movements. These have remained unchanged since the beginning. Adam and Eve looked upon the Sun and Moon, which are found in the heavens today. Considering that Adam lived 930 years, he probably experienced a total solar eclipse more than one time. What did he see? The glory of God.

Care must be taken today so as not to damage the eyes. Let today be a teaching moment for our children to show them the glory of God’s incredible universe that is ordered by a Divine Creator. Explain the reason the eclipse is happening and how the Lord placed the heavenly bodies in the sky to show His power and glory. Read the creation account in Genesis. Ponder the message of David’s psalm declaring the glory of the heavens. When you walk away today, having lived at a special time in our country to witness a most remarkable event, praise God. Give Him the glory He deserves for showing through the acts of nature His thumbprint of glory. Praise God for His wonderful display of glory.