Don't Let the World Eclipse the Son!

   April 8 is the date of another solar eclipse crossing our nation.    
    Sadly, the current weather forecast for this day calls for clouds across much of the optimal viewing region, so there is a great possibility that the many people who have travelled to witness this "sign in the heavens," may actually be staring at the clouds getting dark (PS. Do NOT stare directly at any solar eclipse event!!)
     As we have been engaged in a sermon series from the Gospel of John that is concentrating on the word "world," (this word most used in the Gospel of John) we have been learning that:
1) Jesus created the world;
2) Jesus was "sent" to the world;
3) Jesus would "save" the world, and bring "life" to it;
4) Jesus will testify against the works of this world and judge it;
5) Jesus identified a "ruler" of this world who would be "cast out;"
6) Jesus predicted that the world would hate his followers; 7) the "Helper" would be sent to the world,
8) Jesus has "overcome" the world;
9) Jesus and his kingdom are not of/from this world;
10) the world does not "know" God, and
11) the world cannot contain enough books to describe all that Jesus has done!
     These references help us to conclude that the world was originally a place of light and life, but darkness and hostility toward God has invaded. Yet, God's love for a treasured people in this world would result in a chosen people to be brought back into "the light and life."
     So when the moon obscures the sun for a few precious moments on April 8, 2024, take a moment to remember that the "Light of the World" will also soon appear to reveal the eternal glory of God with His gift of salvation for all those he has been sent to save out of this world!