I am not sure if you have heard, but next week there is an event happening that is blocking out a lot of the news. If you have not heard by now, we are on the path of Totality! (Which can sound very ominous but should give us a great view.)

Whenever these solar or lunar events happen, some religious person or group always loves to make more of it than needed. In my lifetime, I remember the fervor around 2000, along with Harold Camping’s Billboards of Doom campaign in 2011, along with the most recent Blood Moon events.  

Last week I was forwarded a clip of a preacher informing his congregation that the last time the solar eclipse happened the pathway crossed 7 cities named Salem, which has a connotation of peace, and is also a city in the book of Genesis is where Melchizedek is king. This year, the line of totality passes through 7 cities named Nineveh, referenced in Jonah and 18 other places in the Bible. The preacher went on to say that this is a sign from God that destruction is at hand. For whatever reason, we cannot see these events happening in the universe as a sign of God’s goodness; instead, we interpret them as signs of death and destruction at work.

This is my suggestion: whenever you come across any of these predictions, or really anytime you have concern in your heart, trust in the words of Jesus.

As we look in the scriptures, we have a clear message about just this type of event in Mark 13:

But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.

Mark 13: 32-33

If even Jesus doesn’t know when the end times are coming, then we should also all be okay with not knowing ourselves! So next Monday, enjoy the eclipse if you have time. While you are watching the moon cover the sun, may you be brought into the wonder of God’s creation and how God draws us together as one.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Tim

PS: If you have not made plans, check out the programming at our local Lutheran camp for a great opportunity https://hopewoodoutdoors.org/program/pines_solar_eclipse/