Fooled by the Eclipse


Greetings from the path of totality!  My family is fortunate to be living in a perfect setting to see the great eclipse of 2017.  Most are tracking this most supremely cosmic event, so when the sky goes dark in the middle of the afternoon, there won't be much of a surprise.  But perhaps there is that one guy.  He's been living detached from watching any news or hopping on any form of social media.  He's been happy living his days completely separated from the world.  Maybe he'll be shocked when the sky goes dark.  "What in the blazes!!" he might say, before running to his shelter to prepare for the apocalypse.

In all seriousness, there actually will be those that aren't expecting the darkening of the sky.  Animals and insects are among those unsuspecting creatures, and when the eclipse occurs, we should see some signs that God's other living creatures are completely under the impression that it is indeed nighttime.  Nocturnal animals may poke their heads out.  Birds will return to their nests.  Crickets will begin to sing.  We might even see some of those fancy fireflies, if it's not too late in the season.

Point being, for about two whole minutes, these creatures will be fooled into thinking that it is a late evening hour when it is actually just right after lunch.  The moon's path will cover up the path of the sun, making it seem like the sun has already set.  But, as soon as the sun peeks around the other side of the moon, the creatures will begin to go back to business as usual.

This got me thinking about a spiritual connection while preparing to preach out of Matthew 15 yesterday.  While talking about the Pharisees, whom Jesus considered to be hypocrites and without true faith, He told His disciples, "Every plant that my Heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.  Let them alone; they are blind guides.  And if the blind guides lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."  (Matthew 15:13-14)

In a social media fueled world, we've gotten to be masters at putting a pretty package and beautiful bow on the outside dressing of our reputations.  We're all good at making things look their best.  Essentially, there's nothing wrong with that.  It's good to want to present our best.  However, it's best if it is coupled by the right motivation.  Our walk with Christ is nothing we should ever try to dress up to make it appear better than it truly is in reality.  Jesus isn't interested in us having all the right outside features of a Christian.  He's interested in our heart.

With a good outside dressing, we can fool people for a brief moment.  But like the eclipse, eventually the truth will come to light.  It's like when I ask my kids to clean their room, and they shove everything into their closets and underneath their bed.  Upon initial inspection, it looks great.  However, as I search the cracks and crevices, I find that it is actually still filthy.  

Our goal as believers shouldn't be to work until the outside dressing looks presentable.  Forget that!  Let's work on having a presentable heart.  I think this is especially crucial during this time of social unrest in our nation.  The truth is coming to light.  Will an unbelieving world see Jesus come out of us, or will it see something else?  I pray it sees Jesus!