Awe Alignment

                                                                     * Photo by NASA

2024 Total Solar Eclipse; Psalm 19

04.14.24 Mars Hill UMC

<Once in a Lifetime Event: A Total Solar Eclipse>

As Victor shared with you last Sunday, the past two weeks posed numerous challenges for our family with the multitude of Holy Week services, Easter celebrations, sickness among the children, and several doctor's appointments. Despite our busy schedule, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event of a Total Solar Eclipse.

There were several pre-planned programs for visitors; the town set up a photo booth, provided large eclipse glasses, organized a fireworks display, and many people arranged concerts, opened stores, and hosted fun activities. Many scientists brought a bio bus, and some individuals from NASA arrived with a huge telescope.

Our church also made preparations, offering an organ tour, public supper, warming center, and café. Many families and friends gathered together, and Pastor Kwan Lee's family attended the service, marking a 50-year reunion in that church. Pastor Palmer, who was a pastor's kid about 50 years ago in the Houlton church, also joined us. It was truly a historic service filled with fellowship and joy.

 

Before Monday, many people were anxious about security, lack of food or water, and even concerned about the shortage of toilet paper. I was anxious about having visitors in my house; it seemed like it wasn't ready for guests. However, all the events in town, at church, and even our fellowship with our visitors went very well by the end of the day. Not only did they go well, but they were extraordinary and excellent moments.

Just as the star shone light in the small town of Bethlehem when Jesus was born, a total solar eclipse came to the small town of Houlton. All Airbnb accommodations were fully booked at over $600 to $700 per night, 40 jets arrived at the Houlton airport, 20,000 people visited, and Getty Images came to Houlton church to take some pictures. Everyone was excited to witness the miraculous and wonderful handiwork of God.

 

We witnessed the phases of the eclipse. The edge of the Moon began to overlap the edge of the Sun at the first contact. Even with just 1% of the Sun visible, it was still incredibly bright. As the Moon covered the entire disc of the Sun, we were able to see the Sun's corona. The sky darkened to twilight, and some people even saw what appeared to be a 360-degree sunset. Animals settled as if it were evening, and temperatures dropped suddenly while winds picked up. We were able to see Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter. It was a moment of amazement and awe, and we glorified God just as those in Luke 5:26 did, saying, “Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying “We have seen strange things today” 

The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth was powerful, just as the alignment of our town, local churches, and people was beautiful over the last weekend. The alignment of family, friends, and neighbors was also remarkable. We witnessed the power of unity as we became one through this wonderful moment. It made me think that one day, when Jesus comes again, we will all look up to heaven together once more, and it will be the most beautiful moment. Hannah and I even spoke about my grandmother in heaven. I asked, "Grandma, did you see the eclipse?" To which Hannah responded, "You must not need the glasses." Victor added, "Grandma might see even more beautiful things every day in heaven.

What are we anxious about right now? Frankly, I am anxious about my appointment with the endocrinologist this Tuesday. I am also anxious about my children’s future, the General Conference for our denomination, the upcoming presidential election, the conflicts in many places around the world, and whether I am prepared for the end of the day. However, the eclipse became a good sign of hope. We couldn’t control everything. We did our parts, and waited to see God’s handiwork in heaven and on the earth. May this special gift of the eclipse in Northern Maine give us hope. May God take away our burdens and proclaim that He is the Lord, the owner, King, and Savior, through Psalm 19 today.

 

<Psalm 19>

There are three parts to this Psalm: the revelation of God’s glory in Creation (verses 1-6), the revelation of God’s grace in the Law (verses 7-11), and the believer’s response to such revelations.

1. The Revelation of God’s Glory in Creation (verses 1-6) As we witnessed the Eclipse, the Psalmist exalted in God's glory evident in His creation. Particularly, the heavens reveal God’s majesty and splendor. The term "firmament" refers to the sky or the expanse of the heavens. It testifies to God's craftsmanship, with nothing in the heavens escaping His creative touch.

The Psalmist poetically describes the Sun, likening it to a bridegroom emerging from his wedding canopy and a strong man running his course with joy. The Sun's journey spans the heavens, providing light and warmth to all. Even when it is reduced to just 1%, its brilliance still fills the sky, and its warmth is felt. Symbolically, the Sun represents the Creator, providing energy, light, and heat for our spirits, just as it sustains life on Earth.

 

2. The Revelation of God’s Grace in the Law (verses 7-11) After contemplating the Sun, the Creator, David turns his attention to the Law, known as the Torah, which means instruction or direction. In verses 7-9, six words are used to describe the Law, along with their evaluations and results.

Six Words for the Law	Six Evaluations of Law	Six Results of Law
v.7 The law of the Lord is	perfect	reviving the soul
v.7 The decrees of the Lord are	sure	making wise the simple
v.8 The precepts of the Lord are	right	rejoicing the heart
v.8 The commandment of the Lord is	clear	enlightening the eyes
v.9 The fear of the Lord is	pure	enduring forever
v.9 The ordinances of the Lord are	true	Righteous altogether

The Word of God, the Law, is as powerful as the Sun, and it is the only foundation upon which we can rely. What else can be perfect, sure, right, clear, pure, and true? We only have one life to live, and it is imperative that we anchor ourselves in the Law. By doing so, we experience the revival of souls, gain wisdom, find joy, receive revelation, and most importantly, obtain eternal life.

In my prayers for our children last week, I asked that they may clearly discern the truth when tempted and be delivered from the evil one, and that their only addiction would be to the things of God. It is not sufficient to merely dedicate our time, energy, and resources to God; our hearts must also be aligned with His will.

 

3. The Believer’s Response to Such Revelations (verses 12-14) After proclaiming the glory of God and the magnificence of His Word, the Psalmist reflects on his own imperfections. He acknowledges his errors, hidden faults, insolent attitude, and great transgressions. He humbly asks God to deliver him from all iniquities. His heartfelt prayer is encapsulated in the final verse:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

The Psalmist desires unity with God, seeks to align himself with God's will, and longs to please Him in all aspects of life.

Grace answered the question, "Write about what being a branch of Jesus means." She expressed, "Being God’s child feels amazing! It means a lot to me. I wish everyone accepts Jesus into their hearts. When you are a branch of God, not everything goes your way but you still know that God is with you. It is so easy, all you have to do is confess your sins and accept Jesus into your heart and just say the words out of your mouth. Once you do, it is WORTH IT!" Through her testimony, we understand that being a child of God brings an incredible sense of fulfillment and assurance. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He becomes our rock and redeemer, guiding us through life's journey.

 

<The Beauty of Alignment>

The recent solar eclipse beautifully demonstrated the power of alignment. As the Sun, Moon, and Earth aligned, we witnessed the stunning corona surrounding their unity.

Similarly, the Bible reveals numerous examples of the beauty of alignment, particularly in the concept of the Trinity: Father God, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit.

We also see alignment in the threefold relationship of evangelism: our relationship with God, with the church, and with those who are not yet part of the church.

This triangular relationship is emphasized in Matthew 18:19-20: "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

When we align ourselves with Jesus as our Savior and seek unity with one another, we experience the divine alignment that empowers us for our mission of making disciples.

Ultimately, through unity with God, we can experience the spiritual corona—the brilliance of His presence—not just during rare celestial events, but every day of our lives.

 

<Father, Where Your Heart Is>

In graduate school, one of my colleagues wrote this song. He said he couldn't read music and had never learned music theory. However, he was aligned with God, and this song became one of the most popular Contemporary Christian Music. I sing this song when I need to be tuned and aligned with God. I pray for this song to be our prayers and confession. Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Father, Where Your Heart Is

 

Words and Music by Kyungwook Seol

 

아버지 당신의 마음이 있는 곳에
Father, where your heart is
나의 마음이 있기를 원해요.
may my heart be there with yours.
아버지 당신의 눈물이 고인 곳에
Father, where your tears are gathered
나의 눈물이 고이길 원해요.
may my tears gather in the same place.
아버지 당신이 바라보는 영혼에게
Father, to the souls where your eyes are fixed
나의 두 눈이 향하길 원해요.
may my eyes be fixed as well.
아버지 당신이 울고 있는 어두운 땅에
Father, on this dark land for which you are weeping
나의 두 발이 향하길 원해요.
may my both feet walk towards it.
나의 마음이 아버지의 마음 알아
May my heart know that of my Father
내 모든 뜻 아버지의 뜻이 될 수 있기를
and be one with his will.
나의 온 몸이 아버지의 마음 알아
May my whole body know the heart of my Father,
내 모든 삶 당신의 삶 되기를.
and may my life be that of yours.