Eclipsed by the Son

Eclipsed by the Son

Written by Rachel Morgan.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:9-10

Recently I have been somewhat transfixed on the image of an eclipse. Specifically, the definition and imagery coming to mind is the idea being “outshined or surpassed”. It fascinates me because I really see the Christian walk being this way. When we are walking in and through Christ’s power, we are being “outshined”. Our failures and missteps are outshined by his brilliance and power; our ignorance, his wisdom; our weakness, his strength. The result is a beautiful, mysterious phenomenon difficult to describe with words.

During this journey of discovering a passion in writing, I have come to realize I am more of a scribe than a writer. When I try to write on my own, even journaling, it comes out half-hearted, uninspiring and often boring and self-centered. When I write a devotional it comes somewhat easier and leaves me feeling refreshed and excited. I can’t wait to share it! This is how I know that God is using me and has given me this gift, because these kinds of writings are not on my own power. I am thankful for any participation with Him to accomplish the “good works which God prepared in advance for [me] to do”.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

His ability to use us, use me, to share his life-giving truth has everything to do with the fact that his word is not just dead on a page; it is alive! In the last few weeks, I have had conversations with a random assortment of people about how multifaceted scripture is.  Being in tune with the Spirit gives us the opportunity to learn and grow in different areas, at different times from the same scriptures. Isn’t it incredible how many sermons we hear throughout our lives and devotionals we read and leave feeling inspired, challenged, convicted, or refreshed from the same passages? The Word of God is surely alive and active! And He uses the lives of His people to show how He lives. The power of His truth shines in the darkness.

Lord, I pray that we will be open to your Spirit living in us and be ready to give an account for the hope we have in you. I pray that we will live to be outshined by your glory, your strength, and your story. That lives will be transformed through your living word moving in us and through us. Thank you for being so merciful and kind and including us in the incredible story that began so long ago and continues on today.

 ^“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

To read more about Rachel, click here.