JOHN NEWTON "On the Eclipse of the Moon" July 30, 1776

I saw the full moon early this morning outside my window. As I studied it's bright, glowing face in the chilly winter air, I thought about a hymn John Newton had written about the moon. On the evening of July 30, 1776, a lunar eclipse inspired John Newton to write these words: "The moon in silver glory shone, and not a cloud in sight; when suddenly a shade began to intercept her light." John Newton was keenly aware that all of creation declares the glory of God and he perceived a parable to our hearts, likening the eclipse of the moon to the events surrounding the death of our LORD JESUS Christ, in the garden and at the cross. Newton wrote: "Thy people's guilt, a heavy load, when standing in their room, deprived Thee of the Light of God and filled Thy Soul with gloom."

Truly, when the LORD Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of His people's sin, His Own Light was gradually diminished until it was fully snuffed out. The Bible declares that darkness descended upon the whole earth for 3 hours as the Son of God labored and was crushed beneath a load of sin. He Himself descended into the lowest pit of hell to pay the debt of sin that was owed. But then, praise God, by divine decree, the Light of God was restored to Him when the penalty for sin was fully paid.

Praise God, death could not hold Him! He rose up from the grave on the third day and is alive forever more. He is full of power and might, moving by His Spirit to reveal these great truths to His people through the Word of God.

Beloved, the spectacle of a lunar eclipse is a sketch to us from the Hand of our Great Creator God. It is a token to us who love Him. The dark night of sin is passed away and being cleansed from our sin, we behold our LORD JESUS Christ in the Gospel of His grace. We see Him now by faith, but soon, very soon, we shall see Him "Face-to-face".

When you look at the moon, what comes to your mind concerning our Blessed Saviour and LORD?