Signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars

Joel 2:30-31

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the
earth: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood, before the
coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

   Today, November 28, 2012, there was a penumbra lunar eclipse. This was the second and last lunar eclipse of 2012. There has also been two solar eclipses in 2012.

   The prophet Joel told us that in the latter days there would be signs in the heavens and in the earth. A lunar eclipse isn't a very spectacular event in this day and age. Sure, if you happen to be lucky enough to be in a part of the world where you're able to observe either a solar or lunar eclipse, then it's pretty neat to be able to watch it. But nothing earth shattering in the grand scheme of things. But when was the last time you saw the sun darkened or the moon turned to blood? In a total solar eclipse, it looks like the sun is darkened, but it just a shadow covering the sun. We also have what we call blood moons. A blood moon happens because of refracted light. And how much refracted light depends on how much dust and clouds are in the atmosphere. Again, it looks like the moon has turned to blood, but it's just the way the setting sun hits the clouds and dust around it. I used to think that Joel meant a solar eclipse and a blood moon when he said that the sun would be  turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. But really, what kind of signs would those be if that's what they were?

   In my mind, when we are given signs to look for, that means something out of the ordinary. Why would God use signs that could be explained away by man? I mean, He's free to do that obviously. He's God. But if man can explain away a sign or two, then how is that going to get someones attention, which is what the signs are all about? A total eclipse of the sun isn't something we see very often. But they still aren't going to get much attention outside the scientific community, the press and a few astronomer wannabes. According to the NASA website, we won't have another total eclipse of the sun until August 21, 2017. And although blood moons are more common place than a total solar eclipse of the sun, and awesome to look at, they are still common place enough to not get that much attention. In fact, the last one I saw was a pretty disappointing sight and barely pink, much less red. That's not to say that the Lord wouldn't use eclipses and blood moons in some way as latter days indications that the church age is about to come to a close. But I just don't think that's what He meant by this passage in Joel.

   We have to remember that the world (and man) has been going through the most cataclysmic time in history.  The church has been raptured and man has gone through the seal, trumpet and bowl judgements. The armies of the Antichrist have gathered in the valley of Megiddo to fight against the Lord Jesus Christ. Tribulation saints are waiting in expectation of the second coming of the Lord Jesus with all His saints. They know their wait is almost over.  For some reason, I just don't see a total eclipse of the sun or a blood moon making much of an impression on anyone right about then. But if the sun is really darkened and the moon turned blood red, I can see those two signs making saint and sinner alike taking a second look.

  Jesus told us in Luke 21:11 that there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. As neat as a total eclipse of the sun or blood moon ares, I just don't believe they are in the category of a great sign. I could be wrong, it has been known to happen, but that's my opinion. There was one more sign Jesus told the church to look for: Luke 21:28~ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

   If you don't know Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life, I invite you to ask Him to forgive your sins and save your soul. The closer we get to the rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ, things in the world will get worse, not better. The time is getting close. If you need help asking Jesus into your life, please feel free to contact me.

Romans 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth

and traavaileth in pain together until now.

Until next time!
~Nancy

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