The recent eclipse came and went, like all others before it, a natural spectacle enjoyed by all who were privileged to see it. We always stand in awe of such phenomena that so clearly portray God’s wonders in the fine-tuning of the universe. Seldom have we seen the hype about an eclipse than we saw with this one. Some states and cities even declared states of emergency, and advised everybody to stock up on necessities. The fear mongering machine went into overdrive. For days prior to the event it dominated the headlines, even though eclipses are not known to cause harm to earth dwellers.
With fake news from secular sources already suspect in the minds of many people, most of us simply ignored the warnings. History provides enough evidence to learn from. What did pose some kind of threat though, was people with evil intent that could take advantage of the fear mongering to give expression to their dark dreams. This is actually a real possibility these days, given the fact that we live in an increasingly hostile world where safety is never guaranteed.
What is most concerning though, is the hype about the eclipse that came from Christian media and even some very prominent ministers. The event was analyzed to the minutest of details, even bringing the 2017 eclipse into it to add to their “revelation.” The path of the 2024 eclipse crossed the path of the 2017 event, (and the symbolic seven year difference between the two wasn’t lost on them) to form what looked like the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the letter Tav — which indicates end, like the Greek Omega.
Also, apparently, the path of the recent eclipse passed over several cities and towns with Biblical names, and those names were added for greater meaning by believers who look into the prophetic. Below is an excerpt of one such article:
The upcoming April 8, 2024, eclipse will cross a location called Omega/Tav in Marion County, Illinois. Once both of these total solar eclipses have taken place, they will have made a clear Tav across the United States. Two rare total solar eclipses seven years apart crossing the US making a Tav. “And He said to me, It is done! I am the Aleph and the Tar the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts ‘(Rev. 21:6). The Tav is the mark indicating the presence of the divine hand of God. God’s mark, sign, and seal, it represents completion of God’s word or covenant.
Dots that had nothing at all in common were connected to strengthen their conclusion that God is judging the world. Below is a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a very well-known minister with a large public ministry:
What is so troubling about these “insights” by Christian leaders is that they reveal a shallowness, a serious ignorance of the Scriptures. The Bible has absolutely nothing to say about eclipses, certainly not as signs of anything about to come. If this is how leaders explain the Bible, the church is in big trouble. Such hastily reached conclusions reveal how bankrupt the church really is.
There is only one way to combat ignorance and deception, and that is by immersing yourself in the Scriptures. There is no shortcut, unfortunately, but your reward is that you will not be deceived if you know the truth.
There can be no doubt that we live in the age of deception, and it is coming at us from all sides. The most dangerous deception though comes from the pulpits that have been hijacked by ministers who lack a solid Biblical foundation.
It is important for every Christian to understand that you cannot delegate your personal study of the Bible to anyone, including your pastor. Your eternal future is far too important for such a thing. Your pastor has a major role to play in your spiritual formation and edification, but he can never replace the development of your personal relationship with the Lord. You get to know Him through your own study of the Scriptures and prayer.
Even more disappointing than participating in the hype and the spreading of fear, is the complete lack of apology for it after the eclipse passed without a single incident. This behaviour violates the most basic of Christian principles, and should be regarded as a major red flag.
Beware of those who always look for an opportunity to preach judgment and condemnation, for we still live in the era of grace. God’s day of judgment will certainly come, but the door to His grace and mercy stands wide open. All who want may still enter in. The goodness of God leads to repentance, according to Paul, in Romans 2:4. We warn without announcing judgment or passing condemnation, for it only hardens hearts.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31,323
