Is Today's Eclipse Just an Eclipse?

The Bible tells us that the Hebrew people seek to understand God through signs, while the Gentiles seek to understand God through knowledge.  As a Gentile Christian, I understand why many are dismissing the significance of today's eclipse (they don't look for signs, but seek the wisdom of man).  For my fellow Gentile Christians, let's consider a few things...

(1) Is God in control of all things?  Does He control the sun, moon, and stars?
(2) Does God do things without purpose?

I believe that God is in control of all things (including the sun, moon, and stars).  I also believe that He does all things with order and purpose.  As Gentiles, we tend to think because we can explain HOW something occurs, we know WHY something occurs.  For example, we can explain HOW the rainbow reflects light.  The question is not how something is done, but why is God doing it.

Let's consider a few things that my Messianic-Christian friends understand better...

(1) In the Hebrew calendar, the year is 5777.  In Hebrew numerology (i.e. gematria), the number "5" is the number for grace.  The number "7" means "complete" and "perfect."  Now, I am not a "date setter."  I am not suggesting that this guarantees Jesus' return this year, but it is a significant year.  This year is also a year of Jubilee (every 50 years).  The Jubilee begins with a "trumpet blast of liberty."

(2) Genesis 1:14 says, "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years."  As Gentile Christians, we overlook the fact that God said in His Word that He will use the sun and moon as signs.  God has used celestial signs before.  Remember the star at His birth?  Remember the eclipse at His death?

So, what does this mean for us?  I believe that Christ's return is certain.  I don't know when, but I know Scripture says it is imminent.  I also believe that America is living in darkness (light and dark are major themes of Scripture as well).  As the eclipse passes over America (at the same time it will be dark in Jerusalem), perhaps God is simply telling us to repent for the days of grace will soon be complete.

As Christians, let us consider today's eclipse as a reminder that we live in dark days.  Let it remind us of the urgency of the Gospel into a dark world.  BTW, the next eclipse is expected in 7 more years!