1/6/12

The Umbra that never ends!!!


When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, we see the following on Earth.  In the above picture (left to right), we see the full moon and then a darkening of the moon (penumbra) and then the golden center (umbra) and then the reverse.  

Wikipedia says "The term is derived from the ancient Greek noun ἔκλειψις (ékleipsis), which means "the abandonment", "the downfall", or "the darkening of a heavenly body", which is derived from the verb ἐκλείπω (ekleípō) which means "to abandon", "to darken", or "to cease to exist,"[2] a combination of prefix ἐκ- (ek-), from preposition ἐκ (ek), "out," and of verb λείπω (leípō), "to be absent""

Okay, I know this is technical stuff, but it is important.  Important because of the first meaning of the word eclipse, "The abandonment".  At this point, read John chapter 1...

WEB: John Chapter 1
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. [6] There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. [9] The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

[10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. [11] He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. [12] But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: [13] who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. [15] John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’” [16] From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. [17] For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. [18] No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

God made the human race and we let him down.  We sinned and have kept right on sinning.  God could have "abandoned" us, but instead he sent Jesus to put light into our lives.  We let him down, but he didn't forget us.  We are NOT ABANDONED, we are loved.  Jesus is the proof of this and his light will never end.  So, the next time you see an eclipse (of any sort) think of what God has done and give him the glory.

What must I do to be Saved? By Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac16_30.htm

One of the most important lessons you will ever read... Gary