On Monday afternoon, Hyemi and I brought our camping chairs out to the driveway and put on our eclipse sunglasses to enjoy the celestial show. Our heads were lifted up the whole time to observe the unique moment for a few minutes. Millions of other people traveled to the path of totality to experience the wonderful phenomena, a rare sight we will not be able to see for another 20 years on US soil. People anticipated, waited, and looked up.
The Millerites did the same thing on October 22, 1844. After a careful study of the scriptures, they were certain that Jesus would return that day. All day long, they anticipated, waited, and looked up (I don’t think they had their eclipse sunglasses on though) waiting for Jesus. He didn’t come that day. There was a Great Disappointment. I think it was a blessing in disguise in two ways. First, the experience made the pioneers dig deeper into the Word of God, and eventually understood the scriptures. Second, we will get to experience the second coming of Jesus.
When Jesus returns, we will experience something much greater. Solar eclipse will be nothing compared to His second coming. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. The signs are clear. He is coming soon. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28.