Eclipsed by God's Glory
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Do you remember the first time you saw an eclipse? Maybe you have recent vivid memories of the total solar eclipse that we experienced in 2017 (total, that is, depending on where you lived and/or traveled to witness the eclipse).
The news will tell you the times it will happen, the weather during that time, and the best viewing locations. They will also have numerous warnings about not looking directly at the sun during an eclipse so that you will not do permanent harm to your eyes.
I remember the first time I saw a solar eclipse. Several of us teenage boys found some welding shields and layered them together and watch it through those lenses. It was a magnificent sight. Plus, there were some very interesting shadows that were cast on the ground through the trees. It was a very memorable and glorious occasion.
The apostle Paul tells of a time when a most glorious light shone directly on him and into his eyes blinding him. Acts 22:11 records: “And when I could not see for the glory of the light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.”
Reflecting on that text this week in my personal Bible study made me long to see that glory. You see, when we are blinded, we need help. We are much more willing to receive help as well. Paul was blinded by the glory of Jesus and now this man. who was the leader. is now being led by the hand. He was ready to listen.
Each day in our personal walk with God, we need to look directly into the glory of Jesus so that we can be blinded and then ready to be led by Him into the ministry for that day and moment. A personal walk with Jesus is our way of looking into that glory which then prepares our heart for the daily leading of the Holy Spirit to where He would have us go.
May each of us continue to be blinded by the glory of God and be willing to be led where God would take us.