Last week we had an opportunity to witness a total Solar Eclipse in this country. Many were very excited about this eclipse. I personally think eclipses are amazing works of God. Some were calling it once in a lifetime event. In the 20th century there were 226 solar eclipses. Somewhere around the world, eclipse happens about once every 18 months or so. They’re not as rare as some people would suggest.
Some suggested that it’s a sign from Heaven or God, that judgement is coming specifically on the nation of America. Other say the solar eclipse is a sign of the end of time?
Well, it is true that Jesus—in what we call the Olivet Discourse, found in Matthew 24—talks about the end times and says the sun will be darkened (Matthew 24:29). Is that speaking of what is going to happen when we experience a solar eclipse? The answer is no because that is a specific reference to what will happen in what is called The Great Tribulation period. Let’s take a closer look of the prophetic calendar… That is the events to come before the end of time. The next event on the prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the church. Which is Christ coming back to earth and taking the believing Christians home to Heaven.
After the rapture, tribulation starts with the emergence of the Antichrist as a world leader, and it ends with the return of Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom. The Great Tribulation period lasts seven years. The Antichrist will bring peace to the earth for the first 3 1/2 years and rebuild the Jewish temple in Israel. By the way, plans to rebuild are already drawn up and they are currently raising money to rebuild the original Temple in Jerusalem.
In the middle of the Tribulation period, after the Antichrist has rebuilt the Jewish temple, an event happens called the “abomination of desolation.” At that time the temple will be desecrated by setting up some type of sacrilegious object.
So, we know the temple is going to be rebuilt. Then, Christ comes back, and then the Millennium happens (That is the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth).
Fulfillments of Bible Prophecy. Back to the eclipse. . . During an eclipse, the sun will not give its light, but that’s not an event of the Tribulation period. Tribulation has not started. But there are many things happening that are fulfillments of Bible prophecy. Such as the increasing isolation of the nation Israel. Since that horrific attack by the terrorist organization, Hamas, on the people of Israel—in which over 1,000 people were murdered and now 200 are still hostages—you would have thought that the whole world would turn in support of Israel. But, instead, the opposite has happened. Even the United States unconditional support of Israel is starting to waver. This is fulfilling Bible prophecy because the Bible says in the last days Israel would be isolated. She would stand alone, so God could step forward and be strong on her behalf. There are many other things I could talk about—the anarchy, the violence in our nation and around the world—that are fulfillments of Bible prophecy, but my point is simply this: Let’s not major on minors and get hung up on eclipses, blood moons, and rebuilding of the temple.
Look, Jesus is coming. The Rapture of the church, in which the Lord comes for His people, can happen at any moment. Just be ready for that. It can happen today, tomorrow, or even ten years from now… we just don’t know. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” The big picture is this: Jesus is coming again.
My question to you is… How’s your relationship with God? Do you have a relationship with God? If not… Today is a great day to get that relationship. This may be the last day on earth for you. Remember, everyone who died yesterday had plans for today. They thought they had more time. Please don’t put this off any longer… you may never have another chance. Please today… make a commitment to the Lord.
Please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
I pray that God will Bless and Keep!!!
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com or the form below.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
