Greater Than an Eclipse

Last month there was a flurry of excitement regarding the solar eclipse. For days and perhaps weeks, people prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime event. My brother’s in-laws drove several hundred miles to visit him in order experience it. According to news reports, people traveled from distant countries to be on hand for it. Science teachers and other subject matter experts suddenly became popular and were sought out to answer questions regarding the phenomena. The eclipse even got its own official website. Here in the Northeast, most folks were only able to catch a partial glimpse, if at all, but thanks to the internet we saw hundreds of photos from friends, family, and strangers.

In addition to the excitement, there was concern. If not viewed properly, damage to a person’s eyes was possible. Companies and organizations sold protective glasses, and each claimed theirs was the best product. Then a recall of a certain brand of eyewear occurred. Fear ensued. Experts again weighed in, and all was well.

The great day has come and gone, and for the most part, the excitement has died down, but people seem proud to indicate if they were able to see the eclipse and where they were when it happened.

However, as spectacular as the eclipse was, there is another event that will far surpass its grandeur.

Christ’s second coming.

And no one will miss it or have to travel to see it. (Rev. 1:7a “He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him.” Matthew 24:27 “For just as lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man be.” NASB)

And like with the eclipse, preparations must be made. If you’re like me, you sometimes get caught up in day-to-day living: going to work, paying your bills, spending time with loved ones, attending church, and volunteering your time. But when Jesus returns, he wants us to be ready for him. Have we accepted him as our personal Savior, and just as important, have we led others to accept him? Do we feel the urgency that now is the time to respond to his invitation?

It’s been more than two thousand years since Jesus was on earth, so perhaps it’s easy to feel complacent that it may be another two thousand years before he comes back. The good news is that God is patient, and he seems to be waiting so that as many people as possible can come to him. But he won’t wait forever.

What have you done to prepare?
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“For our citizenship is in heaven,
from which we eagerly await for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 3:20 (NASB)

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Linda Shenton Matchett

With a BA in Psychology and Masters in Human Resource Management, Linda Matchett has had a wide and varied career as a crisis counselor, HR generalist, B&B owner and youth center director. She is currently the Front of House, Snackbar & Catering Manager at Brewster Academy. A journalist and blogger, she has written for numerous online and print publications. An author of Christian contemporary and historical fiction, Linda is also a a motivational speaker. Available topics include Life on the (WWII) Home Front, Wartime Baking, Women in the (WWII) Workforce, The Writer’s Life, God in the Workplace, The Proverbs 31 Gal: The Woman We Love to Hate, and Ruth: Lessons from a Foreigner. Linda is a member of First Baptist Church Wolfeboro where she sings in the choir and serves as Church Treasurer and a member of the Fellowship Team.