About the Coming Blood Moon
Experts have announced that another full lunar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, May 26, as the moon passes through Earth's shadow. You may have noticed the headlines referring to the coming event as a super blood moon. This post explains what that means, how it happens, and how it relates to end times Bible prophecy.
First, we turn to scripture. The blood moon is mentioned several times in the Bible. Here are just a couple of examples.
"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). “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, and the moon became as blood“ (Rev. 6:12).
More on the scripture in a moment. Let's now cover the science, the how and why.
The reason the coming May 26th eclipse is being referred to as a blood moon is because of the color it will take on when it reaches the deepest part of the Earth's shadow. The reddish cast is caused by a filtering effect that occurs when some of the light passing through Earth's atmosphere is bent. Colors like blue and green have shorter wavelengths than red, so they are not visible in the spectrum.
This particular eclipse has also been described as a super blood moon because it will appear noticeably larger than usual. The enlarged appearance of the moon will come as a result of its orbital position, which at the time of the eclipse, will be at its closest point to the Earth.
While these blood moons and super blood moons are at least somewhat rare, they are not once in a lifetime events. The last one occurred in January of 2019. The next ones on the calendar are in May and November of 2022.
Back to scripture. The Lord does tell us to be watchful for signs in the heavens that will signal the approach of the Tribulation.
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25-28).
This is why many Christians are taking note of the coming eclipse. If we follow Jesus' instructions and take his words to heart, we clearly see many of the end times signs converging.
That said, we know that the May 26 eclipse is not the blood moon referred to in Revelation 6:12. While we are definitely living in the last hours of the last days, we know that the seals of the Great Tribulation have not yet been opened. Jesus told us that would be a time like none before and never again.
"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21).
We know not the hour, but we do know we're in the season. The appearance of a red moon on May 26th is only one of many signs that can currently be seen in the world around us. It doesn't mean that we've reached the very end, but it does stand as testimony to the existence of God and the truth in His words.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalms 19:1).
In the mean time, don't forget to keep looking up for our blessed hope. Our redemption truly does draw nigh.
Cover Photo by Martin Adams.
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