Some prophesy teachers pointed to the eclipse of August 2017, the blood moon and alignment of elements in the sky September 2018 as signs for major events to take place and possibly the return of the Lord. The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) tells us of the signs before the end:
There Will Be Signs
“Wars, rumors of wars, ethnos against ethnos, kingdom against kingdom (I believe this to be the Kingdom of God against Satan’s kingdom), famine, earthquakes, persecution and death for the cause of Christ, a great falling away (because of those who purposely put stumbling blocks), betrayal and hatred even among family, false prophets and deception (targeted toward the church), and increasing unrighteousness that will blow out the flames of Godly love.”
All these are signs ON earth. There will be signs in the heavens as well (Acts 2:19). While these things can be alarming, the Gospel is being preached around the world! That should be the focus! God’s mercy beckons the world to repent. The last sign before judgment will be the abomination of desolations of the temple in Jerusalem (Mark 13:14). All of this tells us to look up and know our redemption is near (Luke 21:28).
“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed” (Isaiah 51:6, ESV).
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25-28).
Prayer point: See the signs without fear. Boldly preach the gospel and pray for those who do. Pray for the hearts to hear and believe. And look up with hope and joy.