Raise!Sample

Raise your eyes.

On 8 April 2024, thousands of eyes focused on the Creator’s skies as the land turned dark for four minutes and twenty-eight seconds. The moon passed between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. It is said that more than 44 million people lived in the path of that eclipse. Many people purchased special glasses so they could raise their eyes to watch this phenomenon. Those who saw this eclipse spoke words of wonder and amazement. God’s sustaining hand was at work in the created order!

We pause and think about the darkness that covered the earth in the last hours of Jesus’ life before he gave up his last breath. God the Almighty Creator’s hand was at work. He was speaking through the darkness. Imagine how many people raised their eyes upwards noting this phenomenal occurrence of darkness as Jesus laboured for every breath.

Creation is incredible. The Almighty Creator even more so! In Psalm 19:1-2 we read: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.’

Let us take ourselves to the cross. Let us imagine the land turning dark for three hours. Raising our eyes to see the darkness may we be reminded of, yes, God’s hand at work through his creation, but also of the unfathomable darkness Jesus carried of yours, mine and all the world’s falsehood, sin, shame, brokenness and even death.

Eyes raised to Jesus throughout the day also observed the darkness that lingered as the centurion cried out the declaration, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’ (Matthew 27:54 NIV).

Almighty God’s sustaining hand continues to be involved with creation. The skies continue to proclaim who he is.

Pray today that someone might come to know God through his creation.