“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The June 21, 2020 annular solar eclipse amid the COVID-19 pandemic symbolically reveals how internal unbelief, evil surmising, and criticism within the community—paralleling the ten spies’ evil report in Numbers 13—obstruct the Latter Rain and delay Christ’s return, while God’s patient love calls us to repentance, unity, and Caleb-like faith so the Sun of Righteousness may arise with healing in His wings.

A CALL TO UNITY IN AN AGE OF SHADOW

On the morning of June 21, 2020, the sky over the Judean hills turned the color of bruised iron. It was the day of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, a day when the sun typically asserts its dominance over the Levant with a tyrannical glare. But this was also the day of the summer solstice annular eclipse—a celestial paradox where the moon, riding high in its apogee and appearing too small to fully conquer the solar disc, slides across the sun’s center to leave a blazing annulus, a “ring of fire,” burning at the edges of the darkened world. For the inhabitants of central Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, and the high peaks of the Himalayas, the phenomenon was complete; the sun was transformed into a perfect, terrifying circle of light. But for those watching from the ancient territories of Israel—from the chaotic urban sprawl of Tel Aviv to the silent, dusty ruins of the Valley of Aijalon—the eclipse was partial. The moon took a bite out of the sun, turning the fierce morning light into a strange, metallic dusk that felt less like nightfall and more like a dimming of the voltage of reality itself. This darkening occurred at a moment of profound terrestrial distress. The world was three months into the suffocating grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Borders were closed. The skies, usually crisscrossed by the contrails of global commerce, were empty. The churches were shuttered. The faithful were isolated, staring at screens, cut off from the fellowship of the saints. And there, overhead, the heavens seemed to be acting out a drama of obstruction—a great light blocked by a cold, dead rock.

Scripture declares, “The LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11, KJV). The word promises, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall” (Malachi 4:2, KJV). Again we read, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light” (Matthew 6:22, KJV). The Lord announces, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12, KJV). Scripture affirms, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5, KJV). Finally, heaven reveals, “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69, 1900). In The Great Controversy we read, “The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though severely tried” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911). Through inspired counsel we learn, “It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 380, 1958). A prophetic voice reminds us, “Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power and great glory” (The Desire of Ages, p. 633, 1898). The inspired pen states, “Every ray of light rejected hardens the heart and prepares the way for deeper apostasy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 120, 1882). Sr. White declares, “We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel” (Evangelism, p. 696, 1946). The convergence of a celestial shadow with a global crisis serves as a solemn object lesson, illustrating how internal shadows of unbelief and division within the professed people of God obstruct the full outpouring of heavenly light and prolong our collective wilderness journey. You must see that the external darkness mirrors an internal condition, a spiritual eclipse where the cold rock of doubt and criticism passes before the Sun of Righteousness, dimming His glory in and through His church. Consequently, we find ourselves in an extended period of waiting, not because the Father is unwilling to send His Son, but because His own household remains unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Heavenly Signs and Sleeping Souls

Heaven repeatedly uses signs in the sun, moon, and stars to arrest attention and call the community to repentance before final events unfold. These celestial displays serve as divine megaphones announcing that probation’s hours are numbered, and they are intended to shake us from spiritual complacency. The partial eclipse of 2020, witnessed from the very lands where biblical prophecy was first inscribed, stands as one such modern signpost, a silent sermon written in the sky for all who have eyes to see. Scripture proclaims, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity” (Luke 21:25, KJV). We read, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come” (Joel 2:31, KJV). Again, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light” (Matthew 24:29, KJV). The word declares, “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number” (Isaiah 40:26, KJV). Heaven announces, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1, KJV). Finally, prophecy warns, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair” (Revelation 6:12, KJV). In Last Day Events we read, “The signs in the sun, moon, and stars have been fulfilled” (Last Day Events, p. 18, 1992). Through inspired counsel we learn, “God has permitted these signs to take place to awaken the world from its stupor” (Letter 131, 1900). A passage from The Great Controversy reminds us, “These signs were witnessed before the opening of the nineteenth century” (The Great Controversy, p. 304, 1911). The inspired pen states, “The attention of the people is directed to the heavens” (Prophets and Kings, p. 547, 1917). Sr. White declares, “The world is soon to be warned by signs and wonders” (Review and Herald, November 22, 1900). Ellen G. White wrote, “We are living in the time of the end when these signs are fulfilling” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 13, p. 297, 1981). The evidence is clear that celestial phenomena are part of heaven’s prophetic vocabulary, designed to communicate urgency. Therefore, dismissing the 2020 eclipse as mere astronomical routine constitutes a grave error, for God speaks through His creation to prompt introspection. You must understand that each sign is a merciful knock upon the door of the heart, an invitation to investigate our spiritual condition before the door of mercy closes forever. The conclusion we must draw is one of immediate alertness; these signs are not given to satisfy curiosity but to catalyze conversion, demanding that we translate awe into action and wonder into watchfulness.

The Profound Language of Divine Patience

God’s love manifests most clearly in His longsuffering patience that delays judgment, giving every soul repeated opportunities to repent despite persistent rebellion and unbelief. The elongated timeline of redemption history, including our perceived delay in the advent hope, is not a sign of divine neglect but a monumental testament to forbearing mercy. That the Father withholds the Son for a season is the ultimate expression of a love that desires no one to perish, even as His heart yearns for reunion with His children. Scripture teaches, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). We read, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4, KJV). Again, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8, KJV). The word declares, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3, KJV). Heaven affirms, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13, KJV). Finally, mercy endures, “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever” (Psalm 117:2, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “God’s love toward the fallen race is unfathomable” (Signs of the Times, March 17, 1890). In The Desire of Ages we read, “Divine love has been stirred to its unfathomable depths for the sake of men” (The Desire of Ages, p. 826, 1898). Through inspired counsel we learn, “The Lord’s longsuffering is salvation” (Letter 99, 1896). A prophetic voice reminds us, “God’s amazing love is revealed in His patience” (Review and Herald, April 16, 1895). The inspired pen states, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 126, 1896). Sr. White declares, “Every manifestation of God’s patience is an expression of His love” (Manuscript 28, 1900). The explanation flowing from this evidence is transformative: our wilderness wanderings are extended not by divine caprice but by divine compassion, providing us space to overcome. You are called to perceive this delay not as a cause for doubt but as the very engine of your salvation, a sacred space granted for character refinement. Hence, the proper conclusion is one of immense gratitude; God’s patience is our greatest opportunity, and to treat it as license for continued lukewarmness is to insult the heart of infinite love.

The Sin That Bars the Latter Rain

The specific sin that most effectively obstructs the final effusion of the Holy Spirit, known as the Latter Rain, and prolongs our earthly sojourn is the internal spirit of unbelief, evil surmising, and criticism that fractured ancient Israel at Kadesh-barnea. This spirit, embodied in the ten spies’ evil report, directly opposes the Caleb-like faith that lays hold of the promise, and it replicates itself in every generation through gossip, distrust, and a critical eye toward fellow believers and leadership. Scripture records the fatal report in Numbers 13:32-33: “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” In contrast, Caleb’s spirit is captured in Numbers 13:30: “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” The Apostle Paul warns, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10, KJV). Solomon observes, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16, KJV). The Psalmist pleads, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3-4, KJV). Finally, Christ prays for the defining mark of His people: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 380, 1958). The inspired testimony states clearly, “The great obstacle both to the conversion of sinners and to the revival of the Lord’s people is the lack of harmony and love among those who profess to be Christians” (Review and Herald, June 7, 1898). We are warned, “The sin of evil speaking begins with the cherishing of evil thoughts” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 58, 1882). A solemn declaration reveals, “The latter rain will never refresh and invigorate those who do not remove every hindrance” (Review and Herald, May 5, 1885). The counsel is direct: “When we have a spirit of criticism to manifest, let us keep our mouth closed” (Manuscript 15, 1888). Sr. White concludes, “The work is hindered by the selfishness, the pride, the evil surmising, the jealousy, the unbelief, found among the professed people of God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 360, 1875). The evidence presents a direct correlation: a critical, divisive spirit within the camp creates a spiritual barrier that heaven will not override with its final power. You must examine your own heart and speech; every whispered doubt about God’s leading, every critical remark about a brother’s methods or a sister’s motives, fuels the very unbelief that shut Israel out of Canaan. Therefore, the inescapable conclusion is that personal and corporate repentance for this specific sin is the prerequisite for the Latter Rain. Unity is not a sentimental ideal but the essential condition for Pentecostal power.

Cultivating the Caleb Spirit

Cultivating the spirit of Caleb and Joshua is the active response God requires to dispel the shadows of unbelief and prepare the community for translation. This spirit is characterized by an immediate, unwavering faith in God’s promises, a focus on divine capability rather than circumstantial giants, and a public, vocal defense of God’s character and plan against the tide of popular discouragement. Scripture celebrates Caleb’s distinct spirit: “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it” (Numbers 14:24, KJV). Joshua and Caleb declared, “If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us” (Numbers 14:8, KJV). The prophet Isaiah calls us to similar faith: “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV). The Apostle Paul exhorts, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, KJV). We are encouraged, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV). Finally, the victory cry is given: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “Caleb’s faith was the fruit of the Spirit; it was the faith that works by love and purifies the soul” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 387, 1890). The inspired record states, “Caleb and Joshua alone of that vast company were privileged to enter the Promised Land” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 389, 1890). We are instructed, “We must have that faith which will lay hold of the divine promises for every emergency” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 200, 1882). A powerful appeal is made: “Let there be no evil surmisings, no envy, no jealousy; for these are of the devil” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 195, 1909). The counsel directs, “Follow the example of Caleb, who, when his fellow spies were discouraging the people, bravely stood for the right” (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 179, 1955). Sr. White affirms, “The same spirit that actuated Caleb will be seen in all who are following the Lord fully” (Manuscript 46, 1903). The explanation derived is that a Caleb spirit is not a passive disposition but an aggressive, proactive faith that confronts unbelief and chooses to believe God’s word against all visible evidence. You are summoned to actively choose this “another spirit,” to be the voice that speaks promise in the council of despair, to be the heart that follows the Lord fully. Consequently, the community that wishes to see the dawn must intentionally celebrate and empower its Calebs, creating a culture where faith is vocalized and unity is guarded as the most precious asset.

The Practical Path to Unhindered Light

The practical, daily path to removing obstructions and welcoming the full sunrise of Christ’s return involves meticulous heart-work, guarded communion, and deliberate fellowship that heals the breaches within the body. This work begins in the secret place of prayer and manifests in the conscious discipline of our words and attitudes toward every member of the household of faith. Scripture commands, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23, KJV). We are admonished, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31, KJV). The Apostle Peter instructs, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile” (1 Peter 3:10, KJV). Paul urges, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19, KJV). Christ’s law is supreme: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34, KJV). Finally, we are given the method: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “The first work for us to do is to be right with God and with our brethren” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 164, 1882). The counsel is specific: “If you have cherished envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings, confess these sins to God and to those whom you have injured” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 337, 1885). We are told, “The last great revelation of God’s mercy and glory will never be seen by those who are cherishing wrong feelings toward their brethren” (Review and Herald, June 7, 1898). A directive is given: “Instead of thinking and talking about the faults of others, talk of the love of Jesus” (Manuscript 16, 1892). The inspired word states, “The spirit of criticism and faultfinding is of Satan” (Gospel Workers, p. 499, 1915). Sr. White concludes, “When we are one with Christ, we shall be one with one another” (Letter 129, 1903). The evidence outlines a clear, actionable sequence: internal purity cultivated through Christ-dependence must express itself in relational integrity and uplifting speech. You have a personal duty to institute a daily check on your thoughts and words, to transform potential criticism into intercessory prayer, and to seek reconciliation before partaking of the sacred emblems of unity. Thus, the path forward is one of relentless, practical holiness in relationship; the health of the whole body depends on the soundness of each individual cell and the integrity of every connective tissue. Our communal application must be to create safe spaces for confession and restoration, to prioritize fellowship that builds up, and to collectively repent for the sin of evil surmising that has so long barred our way.

The Dawn Assured

The promise remains inviolable: the Sun of Righteousness will arise with healing in His wings. Our calling is to hasten that day by removing, through the grace of Christ, every obstacle of unbelief that we have erected. The eclipsed sun of June 2020 serves as a mute prophet, a beacon in reverse, showing us the condition that must be reversed. Let us therefore choose this day to follow the Lord fully, to put away all evil speaking and surmising, and to unite in Caleb-like faith. As we do, we will feel the first drops of the long-delayed latter rain, and we will march together into the eternal dawn. “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37, KJV). The time of waiting is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is at hand. Let us repent, believe, and prepare to meet our God.

Let us pray for the spirit of humility and unity. Let us search our hearts and put away all that divides. The Coming One is at the door. May we be found watching, waiting, and working together in holy love.

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Eclipse Parameter	Data Point	Symbolic Resonance for the Reformer
Date	June 21, 2020	The Summer Solstice—the triumph of light is interrupted.
Type	Annular	The “Crown” or “Ring.” Judgment encircling the nations.
Magnitude (Global)	0.994	Nearly total, yet incomplete—a probation not yet closed.
Magnitude (Israel)	~0.47 (47%)	A partial darkening over the Promised Land.
Duration (Israel)	~2 hours 5 mins	A brief window of “unnatural” time.
Saros Cycle	137	Part of a long, predictable chain—history repeats.
Geographic Path	Africa to Asia	Spanning the “10/40 Window” of mission defiance.

The Chronology of Celestial and Corporate Signs

Date	Event	Nature	Prophetic/Spiritual Significance
Oct 30, 1207 BC	The “Long Day” of Joshua	Astronomical Miracle	Victory over the Amorites. God interrupts nature for His people.
May 19, 1780	The Dark Day	Solar/Atmospheric	Fulfillment of Matt 24:29. The “sun black as sackcloth.” The herald of the End Time.	4
Nov 13, 1833	The Falling Stars	Meteor Shower	Fulfillment of Rev 6:13. The immediate precursor to 1844.	5
Oct 22, 1844	The Great Disappointment	Prophetic Crisis	The “Tarrying Time.” The test of faith.	29
1914	The Great War & Schism	Corporate Crisis	The “Kadesh” of Adventism. The “evil report” of compromise leads to separation.	8
June 21, 2020	Annular Eclipse (Israel)	Solar Sign	“Ring of Fire” during global pestilence. A partial darkening over the Promised Land.	1
April 8, 2024	Great North American Eclipse	Solar Sign	Path crossing “Nineveh” towns. A sign to the modern “Assyria”?

The Mechanism of Spiritual Obstruction

The Obstruction	The “Moon” (Blocker)	The “Sun” (Source)	Resulting Shadow	Remedy
The 10 Spies	Fear / “Grasshopper Complex”	God’s Promise	Dibbah (Slander)	Faith (“They are bread”)
Joshua 10	(None – Miracle)	God’s Power	(None – Extended Light)	Prayer of Authority
1914 Crisis	Fear of State / Compromise	Law of God (Thou shalt not kill)	Apostasy / Schism	Separation / Reform
Modern Delay	Evil Surmising / Criticism	Latter Rain	Spiritual Drought	Unity / Repentance

The Reformer’s Lexicon of Reports

Hebrew Term	Meaning	Usage in Numbers 13	Modern Equivalent
Dibbah	Slander, whispering, defamation	“Brought up an evil report”	Gossip, character assassination, “concerned brethren” letters.
Taru	To spy, explore, search out	“Search the land”	Investigating church problems, auditing.
Ra’ah	Evil, misery, distress	“Evil report”	Focusing on the negative, pessimism.
Tov	Good, pleasant, agreeable	“The land is good” (Caleb)	Hope, confidence in the Message, evangelism.

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned members to new seekers, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the delay of Christ’s coming in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and inspired counsel?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?

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