There are a lot of vlogs and posts on social media about the upcoming solar eclipse happening on Monday, April 8th. By the time you are reading this, it will be history. There is a lot of speculation as to what might happen as a result of this eclipse that completes an ‘X’ on the continental United States; the first eclipse being on August 21st, 2017; seven years ago. That first eclipse crossed over seven cities called ‘Salem,’ which means ‘peace.’ The working theory is that this was the start of seven years of peace and prosperity; similar to what occurred with Joseph in Egypt. (Genesis 41) If that’s true, then what this next eclipse may infer is the beginning of seven years of famine. Many pre-tribbers (including myself) believe that the seven-year tribulation is likened to the seven years of famine in Egypt from the OT. The path of totality also crosses over Rapture, Indiana near the intersection point from the 8/21/17 eclipse’ path.
We are not clear as to the exact time of transition from Egypt’s seven good years and the seven bad years in the biblical narrative, but we do know that it was with that season.
“but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. 31 So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. “ – Genesis 41:30,31
“Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.” – Genesis 41:53,54
- In the 4/8/24 eclipse, the sun’s path of totality goes over, or very close to, seven cities called ‘Nineveh.’ As you recall from the biblical account of Jonah, God called that prophet to go to Nineveh and preach repentance, for in 40 days, afterward, depending on their response, God would judge the city.
“So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. 4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” – Jonah 3:3,4
- While a lot of people are speculating that the Rapture may occur on 4/8/24, I caution against any kind of date setting; it only brings people down when the date passes. Instead, what might be better is to take a closer look at the time distance between the 4/8/24 eclipse and the weekend of Pentecost Sunday, which occurs on May 19th this year, about 40 days after this eclipse.
Most people will be reading this blog after the 4/8/24 eclipse, but before Pentecost Sunday (May 19th) This 40-day window of time for the believer should be a time of reflection, a greater awareness of what God is doing in our world, and perhaps a need to upgrade our serve. While it’s true that nobody knows the day or hour of the Rapture, I believe that we can know that it’s close, at the very door.
Dr. Barry Awe just came out with a video spotlighting the Pentecost Rapture theory in conjunction with this eclipse. While he is not setting a date, he is focusing on this particular window. George from Return of the King YouTube channel has also released a similar video stating the same. Both of these brothers have worked very hard in putting their thoughts into a YouTube vlog that is both compelling and thought provoking.
As men (people) of God, we need to be looking up, but also looking out; for others, and for-ward. Our love for the Lord should be reflected in how we love and care for those entrusted to our care, beginning with our own families, our churches, and our community at large. We are part of the NT Church and God has called us to be a light in this dark and dying world. The only thing that we can take from this place is other people; that’s all.
I always thought that the Master would return for us around the Feast of Trumpets or thereabouts; you know, the Rosh Hashanah Rapture theory and such. However, I am beginning to wonder if perhaps Trumpets may mark the beginning of the seven-year tribulation, the seven bad years of famine, and the NT Church is removed a few weeks earlier. This would give the world a chance to react to the vacuum and chaos caused by the Rapture, with the caveat of the man of sin being revealed, who will present a peace treaty with Israel and the many other nations at war with her. We will see, or perhaps, we won’t.
While I am not certain when the Lord will return, me thinks very strongly that it could be this year. That being said, I am planning a vacation with my wife this summer, I am scheduling summer work projects for family and friends, and I am working on a sermon series for the fall on the book of Daniel. I am also saving for my next set of taxes that I have to pay by the end of the year. Yeah, I am looking to leave this place, but I am working to take as many souls with me as will listen in the process.
If this eclipse starts a 40-day window of grace from the Lord for His Church to get busy doing what He has called us to do in these last of the last days, than so be it; I am game. If He returns earlier, that I am good with that too. However long it takes, we need to be about the Maser’s business, doing and being all that He has called us to do and be. One thing is for sure, this eclipse is a sign, grouped with many other signs on the road to heaven. A sign is only a sign, until it’s not. When it becomes an event, we will know it, until then, it’s a sign.
Most people in our world are either freaked out about this eclipse or they just don’t care. I like what Bob Barber (Endtime Dream & Revelation) said, ‘This eclipse could be a nothing burger.’ Others are concerned that it may trigger a series of earthquakes along the mid-west New Madrid fault line. Who knows, but the people of New Jersey felt a 4.8 quake a few days back that preceded the eclipse; and they are far from any fault lines.
Most folks have a sense that something big is about to happen; I think that it’s going to be the Rapture, but it may be something else. With Israel on the brink of being invaded, the economics of the world teetering on collapse, and our own nation in a state of perplexity, it’s no wonder the watcher Christians are looking up for their deliverance as they witness and work for Jesus. Whatever and however God allows this end time scenario to unfold, He is in total control and we need not fear because our Heavenly Father has us in His hand. We can trust that He will bring us through and catch us away in His perfect time.
If you’re reading this and you’re not saved; you can be. It’s a simple prayer to Jesus stating that you believe He is the Lord God Almighty and that only He can forgive your sin and save your soul. Receive Him into your life by faith and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Confess your sin, admit that you’re a sinner and ask Him to forgive you of your sin and to cleanse you from your unrighteousness. God is faithful, He will do it.
My advice for all who are reading this; please be confident that God is faithful and will bring us through. We need to do our part in being prudent, but in the end, God has already ordered our steps and we need to walk them out just as He has ordained them for us. Take courage, our redemption draws near.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northwest Missouri. He lives with his wife of 34-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), retired police officer, chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 