Crossing Boundaries and Barriers

by Gwen Smith | | 10 comments

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The glasses we had to wear looked ridiculous. They came in lots of shapes, colors and styles and were sold for weeks leading up to the big event. Some people made viewing machines out of cereal boxes. Others went against the warnings and attempted to see the celestial wonder without eclipse glasses.

The epic 70-mile-wide “path of totality” stretched across fourteen states, from Oregon to South Carolina, changing day into night for a few unforgettable moments. It was the longest total solar eclipse of the century, the first in forty years, and all of the North American continent was amped up to see it.

The day was electric.

People from every state and around the world celebrated the light show.

It was August 21, 2017. The sun beat its chest powerfully with temperatures that rose above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in North Carolina as my mom, daughter and I met up to experience the Great American Eclipse together. For an hour and a half, the moon’s shadow traveled east over the face of the sun, wooing millions of people along the way.

And as incredible as the moon dance was during the Great American Eclipse, the resplendent light of the Lord is galaxies greater. “You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game” (Psalm 76:4).

God outshines all others. Every wonder of earth!

A song and psalm of Asaph, Psalm 76 celebrates the awesome power of God that crushes and brings judgment on all who rebel against Him. His is the great name that breaks flashing arrows and weapons of war… the name that is worthy of our praise, honor, awe and gifts.

“No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power” (Jeremiah 10:6 NIV).

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV).

“Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26 NASB 95).

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is his name” (Luke 1:49 NIV).

JESUS is His name!

And in the powerful name of Jesus, the Name above all other names, all who believe are given eclipse glasses of grace to see, know and experience the radiance of the Son, the bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).

The vibrant grace of heaven shattered darkness and forged a path of light that crosses human boundaries and barriers… goes beyond shame, despair, and brokenness… and illuminates cities, states, countries and continents with redemption, hope, love, and peace.

Pure in radiance. Awesome in power. The Name above all names: Jesus.

“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6 NIV).

Let’s Pray

God of Wonders, surely You are more awesome than I know. Help me to see You more clearly today. Help me to trust that even when darkness rises against me, Your light is within me to strengthen, help, correct and direct my heart. Please increase my awareness of the powerful ways You are at work around me.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 

Is there something or someone  that is eclipsing the light of Jesus in your life? If yes, what steps can you take today to move beyond the shadows?

Read Matthew 5:14-16, then consider what this might look like for you today. Tell me about it or write a prayer of response in the comments section of this post.

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© 2022 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.

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