[Psa 19:1 KJV] 1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
In the realm of spirituality, the significance of celestial events in the sky within the kingdom is a topic of intrigue. Many wonder if these events hold any spiritual meaning or if they serve as a premonition for future events. On October 14, 2023, a celestial phenomenon will occur as the Moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the Sun. However, unlike a total eclipse, this particular event will result in a striking display known as an annular eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon does not entirely cover the solar disk, transforming it into a magnificent “ring of fire.” Individuals residing within a roughly 125-mile-wide path extending from Oregon to Texas and onward into Mexico and northern South America will bear witness to this extraordinary sight. Additionally, individuals located outside this path can still experience a partial solar eclipse, granted favorable weather conditions.
The question of whether such celestial events carry spiritual significance or act as harbingers of forthcoming occurrences remain unanswered among those who place no weight on the testimony of Scripture. Yet, God told us plainly in the beginning that the stars in the heavens are there to point at and indicate signs and seasons in the affairs of men. Not astrology but rather the heavens making declaration according to God’s plan.
[Gen 1:14 KJV] 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
What might God be saying in the current season? The anticipation surrounding the upcoming annular eclipse captivates the imaginations of countless individuals. As they eagerly await this mesmerizing event, some may ponder the potential spiritual implications surrounding this celestial display. Will it mark the beginning of an important phase, signify overwhelming cosmic event of prophetic significance, or foretell imminent changes within the kingdom? Regardless, the allure of these celestial sights continues to draw individuals from all walks of life, reminding us of the vast wonders that exist beyond our earthly boundaries. As North America prepares to witness this distinct solar eclipse, anticipation and curiosity intertwine, leaving us to marvel at the enigmatic nature of the celestial world above.
In August 2017, another eclipse caught the attention of spiritually inquisitive hearts. Many people offered their interpretations and theories about what this celestial event may have meant. While some saw it as a sign of impending catastrophe and an apocalypse, others viewed it as a herald of a new age and a shift in consciousness. In my heart, I am hesitant to add to the plethora of voices discussing the next eclipse or cosmic event. I don’t want to contribute to the confusion and dissonance that often accompany such events. However, during a time of prayer, I had a vivid experience that changed his perspective. He saw an image of an eclipse, with the moon at the center and a blazing corona of fire surrounding it. This is similar to the “Ring of Fire” eclipse upcoming in October. As I pondered this image, he heard the words, “This is the Sun-Clothed Woman!” This reference to Revelation 12, which speaks of a woman in the heavens clothed with the sun and the moon at her feet, intrigued him.
According to scripture, the moon represents the church, which reflects the sun’s light, symbolizing God’s glory. In Genesis 37, Joseph has a dream in which the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bow down to him. This dream suggests that the moon represents the bride of Christ, the church. The church does not emit its own light but rather reflects the glory of God, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus calls his followers the “light of the world,” indicating that they are to shine with the light of the gospel.
The upcoming eclipse of the sun, in which the moon moves between the sun and earth, creating a ring of fire appearance, can be seen as a powerful image of the church cloaked in the glory of God. Where this eclipse will be seen indicates where the hotbed of potential in the move of God’s Spirit might come – from Oregon to the south, southeast to Texas, into Mexico, and beyond. The suggestion is that if God is conveying a message through the eclipse, it is primarily directed toward the United States and Mexico. Just as the sun was eclipsed at Jesus’ crucifixion, signifying the end of the dispensation of the law and the beginning of something new, this eclipse may signal a similar transition.
To further explore the significance of the eclipse, we turn to the Bible and astronomy (not astrology). Again, Genesis 1:14 states that God created the lights in the heavens to serve as signs and markers of time. He also references Psalm 19:1 and Romans 1:20, which assert that the heavens declare the glory of God and reveal something about His eternal power and Godhead. The idea that God speaks through astronomy is supported by the Greek zodiac, composed of 12 constellations, originating from the Hebrew mazzaroth mentioned in the book of Job. These constellations have been recognized in various cultures throughout history and often convey symbolic meanings.
Virgo, the Virgin, is one of the constellations in the Greek zodiac. In every culture and time period, this constellation always represents a woman. In the biblical context, Virgo can be seen as a symbol of both Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the church. Interestingly, on October 23rd, 2017, at 10:11 in the morning, Virgo, the moon, and the sun had a rare alignment. Astronomers say that this alignment, which happens only once every 7,000 years, will occur. This speaks eschatological in type and shadow of the sun-clothed church manifesting in the end times.
The question then arises: what is this message? The appearance of a woman (sun-clothed woman, ring of fire eclipse), in the heavens, already in the process of giving birth, as depicted in Revelation 12, indicates that something significant is happening. He points out that counting the days between the eclipse earlier that year on August 21st and the alignment on October 23rd equals 34. In Hebrew, the number 34 is made up of two words meaning “authority” and “door.” This connection between authority and door is significant because Revelation 12 speaks of a man-child who was born to rule all nations with a rod of iron. This man-child, identified as the overcomer, carries authority and opens doors.
What is our takeaway when we witness and discern after such things? Believers should make the effort to refocus their attention on the imminent return of Christ. We must not be cavalier about this subject. In Matthew 16:3, where Jesus chastises the Pharisees for not discerning the signs of the times. Just as the sun was eclipsed at Jesus’ crucifixion, signifying the end of one era and the beginning of another, the recent total eclipse and the alignment of Virgo, the moon, and the sun may hold a similar significance. It is a call for believers to prepare themselves and be ready and to live in readiness for the return of their Lord and Savior.
