From
the dawn of human history, people have looked in wonder, awe and fear at solar
eclipses, comets, meteor showers and other celestial phenomena. The ancients
considered such phenomena to be omens of good fortune or of impending disaster
and death.
Solar Eclipses and Superstition
The
Roman historian, Dio Cassius, tells how a bright comet with a long tail streaked
across the sky in a.d. 79. Such a
phenomenon was considered a sign of the death of a king and Cassius considered
it an omen portending the approaching death of the emperor Vespasian.
When
this was mentioned to the emperor, who was sick at the time, he brushed it off
and said the omen was for the Parthian king with whom he was at war. Alluding to the comet's long tail, Vespasian
insisted the omen could not be for him, for he was bald. Nonetheless, he died
shortly thereafter.
God’s People are Different
This
sort of superstition and fear of heavenly phenomena was not to be a part of
God’s people. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, Thus says the
Lord, “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of
heaven for the Gentiles are dismayed at them” (Jeremiah 10:2). God wanted His ancient people
to trust Him and not live in fear of heavenly signs as did the heathen.
The
following prophecy by Isaiah was given in regards to the approaching fall and
destruction of Babylon. The Babylonians were known for their study of
astronomy, which they mixed with astrology and superstition. The prophecy shows
that God was not impressed with their astrological activity, and He said
through Isaiah,
You are
wearied with your many counsels;
Let now the astrologers, those who prophesy by the stars,
Those who predict by the new moons,
Stand up and save you from what will come upon you.
Behold, they have become like stubble, fire burns them;
They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame.
(Isaiah 47:13-14; NASB)
Let now the astrologers, those who prophesy by the stars,
Those who predict by the new moons,
Stand up and save you from what will come upon you.
Behold, they have become like stubble, fire burns them;
They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame.
(Isaiah 47:13-14; NASB)
Eclipses at the End of the Age
Yes,
the magi, who were probably Babylonian astrologers, were led by a “star” (a
comet perhaps?) to the new-born Messiah. This, however, instead of being an
affirmation of their astrological practice, simply shows that God honors honest
seekers of truth.
The "star" they saw was no natural comet for Matthew says, The
star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood
over where the young Child lay. A comet, as we know them, would not guide
someone to a specific location and then remain stationary. There is a
supernatural element to this. This was God’s GPS system leading these truth
seekers to the precise location where Truth had been born.
This
supernatural element should also be considered when reading the words of Jesus
concerning the end of the age in Luke 21:25, where He said, And there will be signs in the sun, in the
moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations. Matthew 24:29
elaborates on this, saying, The sun will
be darkened and the moon will not give her light; the stars will fall from
heaven . . ..
I
see no reason to assume that this describes a natural eclipse and meteor shower
that can be scientifically explained. These are supernatural phenomena that
cannot be predicted by astronomical calculations or explained as natural
phenomena. They are supernatural events that cause perplexity and dismay on sophisticated
planet earth.
No Fear
So, is the August 21 solar eclipse an omen of portending judgment, destruction, repentance or revival? Those who think so will probably find what they are looking for in the days ahead. However, I am confident we will get a much better sense of the future and God's will for our lives by prayerfully reading our Bibles, listening to the Holy Spirit and letting Jesus be our example and guide. As my friend, Myles Holmes, says, "Keep your eyes on the Son, not the sun, moon and stars."
Dr. Eddie Hyatt is an author, historian and ordained minister. His book, Pilgrims and Patriots, documents how America was birthed out of a great, Spiritual awakening and shows why she must have another such Awakening to survive. It and other books by him are available from and Amazon and his website at www.eddiehyatt.com.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteEnlightening article. Thank you Eddie!
ReplyDeleteThe turning to God's Word is wisdom in the face of every event, tribulation and controversy.
ReplyDeleteGood perspective .
ReplyDelete