As I watched in anticipation of the total eclipse today, several thoughts were running through my mind. Some of the words used by news reporters today were; amazing, emotional, spectacular, peaceful, beautiful, astronomical, phenomenal, totality, and one even used the word spiritual. As people gathered from all around the world to see this event I thought about what it will be like when Christ returns. Was this a glimmer into what that day will be like? One reporter said that people just looked to the sky, they were so impressed and drawn in with the experience. Some people where so emotional they had tears of excitement. As totality occurred people clapped and cheered with joy and happiness all across North America. They were in awe of the forces of nature, all centered on one event and absorbed in the moment. Just as there were millions of people happy with the experience of totality there were also those where that was just out of reach because clouds prevented being able to experience the excitement, happiness and joy. In fact some were disappointed in their view or not being part of the event. There were others that just thought the hype was silly and they scoffed at those who had anticipation.

On the day that Christ returns the bible tells us that he will come back in great splendor. Matthew 24:27 tells us that when Christ returns it will be like lightning lighting up the entire sky from the east to the west. Unlike the eclipse ALL will be able to see and everyone will be aware of the presence of Jesus. He will appear in great splendor and I imagine that the words used to describe the eclipse will feel woefully inadequate. The children of God will be so excited to worship King Jesus, they will praise him with more joy than can even be described in words. Like those who experienced totality with the eclipse the children of God will realize it has all been worth it the King of Kings will be back. Jesus will have fulfilled his promise to return in Glory.

Much like eclipse day, there will be those that will be saddened because they realize the joy of being with Jesus will have passed them by. They never took the time to fully accept Jesus as Lord of their lives and they will not experience the splendor of his return as his followers will. I imagine there will be an overwhelming sense of despair. There will be those that previously felt the “hype was silly” when it came to Jesus and they will be faced with the .severity of their mistake. Every knee will bow, but some will be realizing their error.

As everyone cheered today along the path of totality I could not help but think that excitement which was palpable will be so small in comparison to the praise for JESUS when he returns. Let’s be as ready for the coming of Jesus as we were for the Eclipse. Jesus came to bridge the gap for all who follow him. The only real totality is a relationship with Jesus.

Webster describes totality has “the whole of something.”. Jesus is what makes it wholly possible for us to be reconciled to God and able to look forward to the return of Jesus with more excitement and anticipation than any eclipse no mater how spectacular it is. If there are “clouds” in your life that have kept you from seeking Jesus as your Savior maybe it is time to ignore the clouds and look into this thing called saving Grace and the Good News.