Once in a Blue Moon
Posted by Dan Holihan | Labels: Prophecy | Posted On Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 1:02 AM
New Years Eve, 2009, brought an interesting phenomenon as we ushered in cheers to 2010... A blue moon – the second full moon in the month. This is an unusual occurrence in the study of moon phases and cycles. Not only did we witness a second full moon in the month, but we also experienced a partial lunar eclipse on the same night! No matter what you believe about coincidences, signs, and wonders, this was an amazing astronomical combination of events. In fact, you will not see another blue moon on New Years Eve until 2030. Understanding that Genesis 1:14 states that the luminaries are in the sky for the purpose of “serving as signs for set times,” is key to understanding the prophetic relevance of this season. It is fascinating to ponder that what God has determined as a sign for this New Year, is something that seems to happen only “once in a blue moon.” So, let’s reflect on what might be said from a Biblical perspective of this concluding sign of the decade, and its concurrent effects on the prophetic season we are now in.
The Jewish calendar is organized around the moon cycle. The Jewish belief is that, based on Levitical law, the moon is the chosen measure for God’s calendar and time clock. “The LORD'S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations My appointed times are these...” Leviticus 23:2. Everything related to appointed times and festivals, under Jewish law, are associated with the moon. It is no wonder that eclipses, meteor showers, and other sky phenomena were considered as “take note” observations. Unlike western thinking, the Jewish culture saw all of God’s signs as purposeful for coming events and metaphorical illumination into our future. According to many rabbis, “Jewish time is basically lunar, linked to the moon's monthly rise and fall. Like the moon, we experience times of decline, even moments of obliterating darkness, only to rise again to luminescent fullness. We live our lives with the moon because we wish to harness the distinct qualities of lunar energy: its courage and creativity, its capacity for renaissance and rebirth.” One thing to reflect on when looking at the signs in the sky, is that God does everything with order and purpose. As Rabbi Arnie Gotfryd states,
”Abraham understood a most basic principle of human logic, that everything that happens, happens for a reason. The very fact that solar and lunar sizes and motions are coordinated is itself a something, albeit an abstract something, which requires an explanation. The sun and moon should be viewed as an orderly system with a suitable cause.”
When you consider the blue moon and the partial lunar eclipse of 2009, here are some “suitable causes” to consider when contemplating the prophetic beginnings of a new decade…
We know that the earth is covered with darkness and that darkness covers the people according to Isaiah 60. Yet as the darkness passes like an eclipse, God’s light will shine. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
Isaiah 60:1-3
In this season, God will show us that even though the darkness surrounds us, and many things in this world eclipse us, we will triumphantly shine because of His light. This year is a time of rising above the circumstances of darkness, to rise above evil, and reflect His light. We will become God’s luminaries in a dark world, if we will simply rise above the standard of the world. This will require us to set a standard of righteousness. In this time, we must choose light over the darkness that pervades the world. According to to Chassidic Masters,
“But not always are the advantages of good perceivable. There are times when ‘darkness covers the earth and a fog envelops the nations,’ when a world gone amok eclipses the vitality of good and the goodness of life. When ‘the way of the wicked prospers’ while the righteous suffer. When our sensitivity to the spiritual rewards of fulfilling the divine will is deadened. Such conditions serve to elevate our choice of good to a higher -- and freer -- level: no longer is our commitment to the Almighty advantageous in any perceivable way; no longer is it compelled by our reason and by our perception of reality. When we choose good under such conditions, it is a pure choice: beyond motive, beyond rationale, beyond anything save our blind faith in God and the fact that we have cast our lot with the fulfillment of His will.”
Just as the moon receives its light from the sun; we also have Jesus as our source for receiving light to reflect His glory in a dark world. We cannot do this in our own strength. As the moon has no real light of its own, we have no real light apart from God.
"For you light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness." Psalm 18:28
And...
"In Your light we see light." Psalm 36:9
A partial eclipse implies a short period of time. A blue moon implies an opportunity that doesn’t come often. When you decide the path you will be on this next season, do not hesitate to choose what may only come once in a lifetime. Carefully choose that which will produce fruitfulness. This is a season of opportunity that will require discernment and wisdom, taking the next step of faith while destiny is in front of you. This new season will come with a great outpouring of God’s spirit. Decide how you will eclipse the old of the last decade to receive the Lord’s good riches in this New Year. Make room for God’s goodness “according to His riches in glory.”
Phil. 4:19
This new decade is filled with shaking and shifting. Within a couple of years, astronomical events will accelerate. As in the natural, much shaking will occur in the spiritual dimension of our lives as well. It is imperative that we move with the Spirit to be established in God’s word, and prepare for the turbulent times ahead. We do not need to live in fear, but we do need to be sober about the future. As darkness eclipses the nations and the world around us, we must set a trajectory course that moves us in the opposite direction of world affairs and establish ourselves as the true luminaries of God’s kingdom.
As a prophetic people we are called to see as the tribe of Issachar...
“... Understanding the times and season and knowledge of what to do.”
1 Chronicles 12:32
As we crossover, eclipsing the old decade, let us seek with diligence the light of God’s presence, piercing the darkness, and being the change the world needs. We are living in an appointed time, which means we are living in the opportunity of a lifetime. Eclipse the old. This comes once in a blue moon.
Cheers,
Rebecca Holihan
Something just hit me while I was putting my shoes on today after I read this article. This past week, I picked a song to learn for instructional purposes on the guitar. Of all the songs, the name of the song I have been playing is "Fly Me To The Moon!" I changed the words around a bit to reflect the Lord. But isn't that amazing the timing of all this with each of us being directed towards the moon lately?? - Debbie Whitmer
It is amazing. God is moving in this new season at the very beginnings of this decade. All we have to do is watch for the subtle ways He reveals Himself whether through nature or a good song. He is right in the midst of us. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca
I was getting ready for work on Jan. 3rd and the label of my blue blouse caught my attention. It read "It's Our Time" and had an eagle rising in the moon on "Our". Isn't it odd? I have had that top for a couple years and the label did not catch my attention until then. I thought this was a prophetic word and am happy to see this confirmed in your article!
Sule
God is good. So many times this is how He gets our attention. It is so important when the timing is right, not to miss it. I'm sure He will reveal more to you about what it means.
Blessings,
Rebecca