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The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent (Matthew 12:41, NLT).
Today, right over the house where I write Interruptions, there will be a total eclipse of the sun. It will begin at 1:54 p.m., but the totality will start at 3:10 p.m. and last for 2 minutes and 33 seconds.
There has been a lot of conversation and media posts about tens of thousands of people visiting our city. There have been predictions of food, gasoline, and even COVID-esque toilet paper shortages.
I’ve been thinking, “Wow, I hope it’s not a cloudy day.”
Several Christians have told me, “Did you know that the path of the total eclipse of the sun will pass over seven cities named Nineveh in the U.S.A.? Do you think this is sign of the soon return of Jesus?”
I have been a Christian, pastor, and student of Scripture for decades and conclude that believers can find a sign of the return of Jesus in almost anything. But I admit the eclipse over my house and the reference to Nineveh piques my interest.
What do we know? We can stand on the words of Jesus in Scripture when He talks about Nineveh.
Jesus said that when He returns, the people of Nineveh, who repented at the preaching of the Prophet Jonah, will stand in judgment against this generation of lukewarm believers who watched the eclipse, read Scripture, and proclaimed Jesus—but did not repent.
HHHHMMMHHM! Perhaps those fascinated with this eclipse should focus more on humbly following Jesus than the signs of the times.
But is it true? On the internet I’ve researched the topic extensively, for about ten minutes, and surmise that the answer is “yes” and “no.”
Talk about being lukewarm!
The total eclipse will pass over two towns named Nineveh—Nineveh, Indiana, and Nineveh, Ohio. I especially believe the citizens of those two towns should repent for living in a place called Nineveh!
There are also about five (some say six) small towns, villages, and townships named Nineveh which will experience a partial eclipse. However, I’m not sure if a partial repentance will be acceptable when Jesus does return.
So, “yes” and “no” to the eclipse and the seven towns called Nineveh.
But Jesus said something else. His message of repentance and the city of Nineveh was given in the context of these words…
One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign…” (Matthew 12:38, NLT).
Unfortunately, many followers of God, beginning with the Pharisees and continuing with believers today, are more interested with fascinating signs than actual repentance.
That’s my take on the eclipse today, the seven towns of Nineveh, and the signs of the times.