There
will be a few fun space related events coming this year, 2013. An asteroid
called “2012 DA14” will pass by earth this week, as well as two comets that we
should be able to view with our naked eyes. The great thing about the age we
live in is that we have the technology to be able to see near earth objects on
our computers when we can’t see the night sky due to weather systems. When the ancients finished eating supper,
they did not have distractions, such as television, to occupy their time. They spent a lot of time outside, watching
and observing the night sky, and they understood the messages God recorded for
them. Today our creator, God, points out
reminders to encourage and bless us. And whether we can physically see the
messages, or use our computers to look at them, they encourage and inspire us
to live better, and look up, as our redemption is getting closer. Also unlike the houses of the mazzaroth, where
the sun moves around a circuit, into each constellation predictably, with no
variation, asteroids and comets move in any direction, so they tell a different
story. A story that can be told with different characters and ideas, in different
orders, to make the mystery of God’s awesome foreknowledge come alive to us.
Jer
10:2 thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed
at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.ASV
Jer
10:2 Thus saith the Lord: Learn not according to the ways of the Gentiles: and
be not afraid of the signs of heaven, which the heathens fear Douay-Rheims
The
nations, or Gentile nations, are fearful, and upset by signs in the
heavens. Today there are long lists of
people who try to inspire fear into the populace regarding comets and
asteroids. Fear sells. However, the Lord Jehovah said we should not
fear the signs in the heavens. Why? Because
the heavens bring us a message of hope.
While we looked at the five enemies of Pisces, we know the ancient
gentile nations hated that constellation because of the five monsters that were
visible in the sky at that time. Geneva
Notes, from the Geneva Study Bible, just point out the crooked serpent without
explanation.
Job
26:13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the
crooked l serpent.(l) Which is a figure of stars shaped like a serpent, because
of the crookedness. (from Geneva Notes, PC Study Bible formatted electronic
database Copyright © 2003, 2005, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
There
are a few “monsters” in the heavens that inspired fear into the hearts of many
Gentile nations. As we have seen, there
are several serpents, hydra, hydrus, serpens, cetus, and draco. With such a vague explanation of Job 26:13,
the saved could easily become fearful.
This is why we have to do the research to understand some of these
issues.
Job 38:31-33 Can you bind the chains of [the
cluster of stars called] Pleiades, or loose the cords of [the constellation] Orion?
32 Can you lead forth the signs of the zodiac in their season? Or can you guide
[the stars of] the Bear with her young? 33 Do you know the ordinances of the
heavens? Can you establish their rule upon the earth? AMP
As
God says to Job, we cannot establish the authority of the heavens on the
earth. The constellations do not rule
over us, and they do not have “powers” over us.
But they do tell a story. And, it
would seem, that God can show a wonderful story to us and direct our attention
back to Him.
On
February 14th, 2013, approximately 1:00 Mountain Time, asteroid 2012 DA14 will enter the constellation
of Argo. It will pass through Argo and leave on February 15th, 2013,
around 7:30 AM. On the 15th
the asteroid will be closest to earth. Within two hours it quickly passes
through Hydra and Leo and into Ursa Major. It then crosses Draco and into Ursa
Minor by 6:15 pm Mountain Time. By
11:00pm it moves back into Draco. By 10:00PM on the 16th 2012 DA14 moves out of Draco and into
Cephus where it remains while it moves away from us.
What
this asteroid says to us is a reminder that Jesus is coming to take the
redeemed, the righteous weary travelers, home. Argo, the celebrated ship of the
Argonauts, is the ship Isaiah writes will bring God’s son’s home from afar. As
a decan in the constellation of Cancer, we can understand the meaning of Cancer
as the Messiah’s redeemed possessions held fast. We also have Ursa Major and Ursa minor, the
sheepfolds. The complete story of Cancer is redemption and as we have
previously seen regarding the redeemed, and they shall all be present as the seals
are opened by the Lamb. As 2012 DA14 continues to be in view, on
the 15th it quickly moves through Hydra, the long crooked serpent,
the devil, which is being trampled by Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This
reminds us that the devil is under the foot of Jesus, held down. DA14
quickly moves through Leo, the Messiah’s consummated triumph; reminding us that
a day comes when He will be King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus the Messiah
will reign for one thousand years, and then wrap up all evil in the Lake of
Fire. We then see this asteroid move
onto Ursa Major, the sheepfold and the flock, with star names speaking of the multitude assembled, and the herd or flock. Also other star names mean the sheepfold, set or appointed, and the company
of travelers. This all speaks of the
gathering of the church. This asteroid
reminds us of our hope in Jesus calling us from the clouds. DA14 moves across Draco the dragon, and
then into Ursa Minor, the lesser sheepfold.
The star names tell us we are
waiting on he who comes, and the redeemed
assembly. Also, another star name is
the stronghold of the saved. The
asteroid moves back into draco and then into Cephus the King, the redeemer
coming to rule. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/06/sheep-fold-constellation-of-cancer.html
While
2012 DA14 tells us a beautiful story
of redemption and our coming Redeemer, we see two evil beings that we are
reminded of. Instead of a steady story
of happiness and bliss, waiting for our redeemers call, we get interrupted by
the enemy. We often forget to keep our
eyes, hearts, and minds fixed on our coming King. Yet our redemption gets closer every
day. If the pattern of this asteroid is
telling us a story, it surely tells a magnificent one. This would be our night sky television show
if we spent our time outside observing the heavens. Why would our God want us
to be reminded of these things? It may be that we set our minds on the things
of the world too often; politics, wars, media hype, the latest pop losers
living large and behaving badly to entice an audience. Jesus
our Messiah would rather us have our eyes on the constellations, as it is a
comfort to our heart as we live in “hell on earth”.
Comet
“PanSTARRS” may become visible in the beginning of March. On March 5th,
2013 PanSTARRS moves into Cetus the
sea monster. This is the day it will be closest to earth. On the 10th it will be closest to
the sun and just moving into Pisces. It may be visible on the 12th
when it moves back into Cetus, and then on the 13th when it is again
in Pisces. The Vernal Equinox is March 20th, where Pan STARRS is still in Pisces. By the 22nd, PanSTARRS moves out through Andromeda, and by April 9th
into Cassiopeia.
Cetus
is the sea monster that is a decan of Pisces.
If we remember our previous studies on these two constellations, the
fish, Pisces are the redeemed and they are holding back the sea monster with
the band. The redeemed are the ones who
hold back evil here and now. PanSTARRS
moves into Pisces and at that time the tail of this comet may be visible to the
naked eye. This reminds us of who we are
and what we are doing here. Another
decan of Pisces, Andromeda, reminds us of the redeemed, bound to this
earth. Remembering our recent study of
Andromeda, we saw that although she is bound, her voice is not silenced. While we are on earth, we have a voice for
prayer, praise, worship, and spiritual warfare. What is interesting is that
PanSTARRS then moves into Cassiopeia, the captive delivered and preparing for
her husband the redeemer. What a great
encouragement; the bound are set free.
That is the story of us. Cassiopia, the daughter of splendor, the
enthroned, the beautiful; this is the exact way the Messiah sees us. Cassiopia is the bride on the throne, ready
for the coming King, the redeemer. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-age-of-pisces-not-aquarius.html http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/08/enemy-of-church-monsters-trying-to.html
PanSTARRS
tells us a great story of who we are; the redeemed who hold back the enemy, are
bound and are soon to be the Bride. But it also moves between the sea monster
and the fish, twice. What we see is our
struggle; the redeemed fighting the monster and yet reminded of who we are and
who we are called to be. If our Messiah
would remind us of our future as His Bride, he must want us to believe and act
as he has made us. What if we take our
eyes off the world and put them on our calling, utilizing our God given
potential to rise above the circumstances we live under and ignore the smoke
screen that plagues our worldly vision.
Could it be we have been so wrapped up in a false reality and forgot the
true destiny of the redeemed?
Meanwhile
Comet “ISON” is moving through Gemini as it comes closer to earth. As we have
looked at previously, ISON moves and encircles Gemini, the constellation that
teaches us of the bride and bridegroom until late in the summer and during the
fall feasts starts to become visible, with unassisted viewing on earth. It also has a powerful story that I
detailed last fall. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/11/ison-new-sign-in-heavens.html
As
we continue to study the heavens, we can see some ideas from commentaries that
can teach us to look at the Bible in a slightly different way. While the Magi knew about the heavens, taught
by Daniel, they understood they were to follow one particular “star”. Jude
makes a point regarding wandering stars.
First let’s read a general description of stars from Easton’s Bible
Dictionary.
Stars
— The eleven stars (Gen 37:9); the seven (Amos 5:8); wandering (Jude 13); seen
in the east at the birth of Christ, probably some luminous meteors miraculously
formed for this specific purpose (Matt 2:2-10); stars worshipped (Deut 4:19; 2
Kings 17:16; 21:3; Jer 19:13); spoken of symbolically (Num 24:17; Rev 1:16,20;
12:1). (See ASTROLOGER.) (from Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible
formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights
reserved.)
Wandering
stars, in short, are meteors, they come and go quickly. The Magi would never have followed a meteor
as meteors do not track in the sky long enough to follow. The journey the Magi took lasted at least a
year, possibly longer.
Raging
waves (v. 13 a) Wandering stars (v. 13 b). Jude was not referring to fixed
stars, planets, or comets, because they have definite positions and orbits. He
was referring to meteors, falling stars that suddenly appear and then vanish
into the darkness, never to be seen again. Our Lord is compared to a star (Rev
2:28; 22:16), and Christians are to shine as stars in this dark world (Phil
2:15). Fixed stars can be depended on to guide the traveler through the
darkness, but wandering stars can only lead him astray. (from The Bible
Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and
imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)
This
last statement should be explored.
Comets and asteroids usually pass by earth on a regular basis, every so
many years. Sometimes we find a new
comet or asteroid like PanSTARRS, and DA14. Comets have a tail, or an
atmosphere around it, usually due to ice or gases as the comet moves across the
sky. Asteroids can be made of carbon,
stone, or metal, usually with no tail.
Meteors are known as shooting stars, as they enter our atmosphere they
heat up and typically burn out, which is the streaking we see in the sky. They have a short life span as they streak
across our sky. Meteor showers are a group of debris coming into our atmosphere
at one time, usually noted as coming from a constellation. They are not actually “from” a constellation,
but one can observe the meteors coming from the direction of a particular
constellation.
Let’s
take a look at the star of Bethlehem.
Matt
2:1-12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2 Saying, Where is
he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and
are come to worship him.3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was
troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 And when he had gathered all the chief
priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ
should be born.5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is
written by the prophet,6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least
among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall
rule my people Israel.7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men,
inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.8 And he sent them to
Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye
have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.9
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw
in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young
child was.10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his
mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.12
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they
departed into their own country another way.KJV
And
as we have explored previously, there was probably close to one thousand
people, not just three men. There would
have been three men and their entire households, servants, and livestock. Again
Easton’s tells us about Astronomy.
Astronomy
— The Hebrews were devout students of the wonders of the starry firmament (Amos
5:8; Psa 19:1). In the Book of Job, which is the oldest book of the Bible in
all probability, the constellations are distinguished and named. Mention is
made of the "morning star" (Rev 2:28; comp. Isa 14:12), the
"seven stars" and "Pleiades," "Orion,"
"Arcturus," the "Great Bear" (Amos 5:8; Job 9:9; 38:31),
"the crooked serpent," Draco (Job 26:13), the Dioscuri, or Gemini,
"Castor and Pollux" (Acts 28:11). The stars were called "the
host of heaven" (Isa 40:26; Jer 33:22).
The
oldest divisions of time were mainly based on the observation of the movements
of the heavenly bodies, the "ordinances of heaven" (Gen 1:14-18; Job
38:33; Jer 31:35; 33:25). Such observations led to the division of the year
into months and the mapping out of the appearances of the stars into twelve
portions, which received from the Greeks the name of the "zodiac."
The word "Mazzaroth" (Job 38:32) means, as the margin notes,
"the twelve signs" of the zodiac. Astronomical observations were also
necessary among the Jews in order to the fixing of the proper time for sacred
ceremonies, the "new moons," the "passover," etc. Many
allusions are found to the display of God's wisdom and power as seen in the
starry heavens (Ps 8; 19:1-6; Isa 51:6, etc.)
(from
Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database
Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
There
is a reason for all the comets, asteroids, and meteors. They are the remnant of a planet that broke
into pieces. All the space debris, other
than the man made stuff, is due to a planet breaking apart. This planet did not break apart from the
inside, such as an internal explosion, but from the outside. When this happened, it pushed Mars out of its
orbit into a more elliptical or egg shaped orbit. This is what gave Mars such a
bad reputation among the ancients.
People were terrified every time Mars came for a close pass by. As the moon affects our tides, Mars caused
more disturbances on the earth such as earthquakes and volcanoes. As our earth’s crust is in continuous motion,
as with plate tectonics, Mars caused greater motion when it came close. In 701BC Mars came for a close pass by and
then bounced into the orbit we see it in today. http://www.creationism.org/patten/PattenMarsEarthWars/index.htm
Job
26:11-13 The pillars of the heavens tremble and are astonished at His rebuke.
12 He stills or stirs up the sea by His power, and by His understanding He
smites proud Rahab. 13 By His breath the heavens are garnished; His hand
pierced the [swiftly] fleeing serpent. [Ps 33:6.] AMP
Here
we have mention of Rahab, which was once a planet that resided between Mars and
Jupiter, where today we see an asteroid belt. Today it is known as Ceres or
Astra. As we have studied prior, it is
suspected that Rahab was satan’s planet before the fall. It was not a desolate place but a place where
satan had sanctuaries, and where he used the inhabitants, and where he
ruled. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/02/rahab-gods-circled-picture-in-heavens.html
Ps
89:8-11 O Jehovah God of hosts, who is a mighty one, like unto thee, O Jehovah?
And thy faithfulness is round about thee.9 Thou rulest the pride of the sea:
when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.10 Thou hast broken Rahab in
pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of
thy strength.11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: the world and
the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.ASV
As
we see today, evidenced by all the space rocks, the remnant of a planet that
was broken into pieces. God’s enemies are scattered, as the devil and some
angels are now wandering earth, after stealing rulership from Adam, the fallen
ones have repurposed their mission. It is their goal to destroy as many men as
possible, fooling people into joining the devil and his angels which eventually
leads to the lake of fire.
Isa
51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of Jehovah; awake, as in the days of
old, the generations of ancient times. Is it not thou that didst cut Rahab in
pieces, that didst pierce the monster? ASV
When
Rahab was cut into pieces, the monster, or dragon, was pierced. How was the
dragon pierced? The plan was put in
place to destroy the devil and those angels who followed him, so that one day
they would be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. We also have a few other small bodies, or
dwarf planets that we find in our solar system; Pluto being one of them. Pluto has changed status from being a planet
to being a non-planet. The reason is
because there are other objects that are larger than Pluto that orbit our sun
and we would then have to add them as planets. Therefore, it seemed easier to
change the status of Pluto. Pluto as
well as the other dwarf bodies holding an orbit, are the remains of Ceres, or
Rahab. By definition Pluto, means Hades, as well as “god of the underworld”, and while it was named
in the 1920’s, the name has an interesting connection to what was once satan’s
planet.
God
broke Rahab, but he was also the one who made the stars, and he knows how many
there are as 2 Ezra says.
2
Esd 16:54-63 Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations,
their thoughts, and their hearts:55 Which spake but the word, Let the earth be
made; and it was made: Let the heaven be made; and it was created.56 In his
word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of them.57 He searcheth the
deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath measured the sea, and what it
containeth.58 He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his
word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters.59 He spreadeth out the heavens
like a vault; upon the waters hath he founded it.60 In the desert hath he made
springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, that the floods
might pour down from the high rocks to water the earth.61 He made man, and put
his heart in the midst of the body, and gave him breath, life, and
understanding.62 Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which made all things, and
searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth,63 Surely he
knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your hearts, even them that sin,
and would hide their sin.KJV
Humans
have a common problem in thinking we know everything, yet Solomon points out
how simple minded we humans may be.
Wisdom
13:1-3 Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and could
not out of the good things that are seen know him that is: neither by
considering the works did they acknowledge the workmaster;2 But deemed either
fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the violent
water, or the lights of heaven, to be the gods which govern the world.3 With
whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be gods; let them know how
much better the Lord of them is: for the first author of beauty hath created
them.KJV
Jesus
told us that when we see certain things come to pass, we are to look up because
our redemption draws near. Firstly, I
have to point out that comets and asteroids are not the sign of His coming, as
he comes in the clouds. So even if they
were to “signal” something, we would not see it as the clouds would be covering
the earth. I would say it would be more
practical to look for a cloudy day all over the earth for Jesus’ coming.
Luke
21:7-28 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and
what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?8 And he said,
Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am
Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
As
we know from Josephus, there were other people of the time that claimed to be
the Messiah. One man thought he could
part the Jordan River, but he couldn’t and was killed by the Romans.
9
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these
things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.10 Then said he
unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:11 And
great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and
fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
But
before…..
12
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you,
delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before
kings and rulers for my name's sake.13 And it shall turn to you for a
testimony.14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye
shall answer:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your
adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.16 And ye shall be betrayed
both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you
shall they cause to be put to death.17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my
name's sake.18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.19 In your
patience possess ye your souls.
Before
the earthquakes, famines pestilences, sights, and signs from heaven, his
disciples were murdered. Then in 70 AD Jerusalem was conquered and
destroyed.
20
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the
desolation thereof is nigh.21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the
mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not
them that are in the countries enter thereinto.22 For these be the days of
vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.23 But woe unto
them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there
shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.24 And they
shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all
nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Some
people remembered Jesus’ words and left the city for Petra. They were spared. The Jews were sold into slavery, as well as
scattered into all Gentile nations. Paul tells us in Romans 11 about the time
of the Gentiles.
25
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves
roaring;26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those
things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be
shaken.27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power
and great glory.28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up,
and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.KJV
When
these things come to pass, signs in the heavens, Gentile nations in distress,
coastal flooding, humanity becoming fearful; then we should understand the
spiritual powers of heaven are shaken. I
would say Jesus coming in the clouds will cause quite a “heavenly” commotion. Then,
then, then, look up, because redemption, and the redeemer are coming. Remember,
when Jesus comes for the church, he comes in the clouds, not to Earth. Jesus
comes to Earth with His armies on the Day of the Lord.
Here
are a few more thoughts.
Ecclus
43:1-13 The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven,
with his glorious shew;2 The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a
marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:3 At noon it parcheth the
country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?4 A man blowing a furnace
is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more;
breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the
eyes.5 Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.6
He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a
sign of the world.7 From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that
decreaseth in her perfection.8 The month is called after her name, increasing
wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining
in the firmament of heaven;9 The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an
ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.10 At the commandment
of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their
watches.11 Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful
it is in the brightness thereof.12 It compasseth the heaven about with a
glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.KJV
Ps
19:1-6 THE HEAVENS declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and
proclaims His handiwork. [Rom 1:20,21.] 2 Day after day pours forth speech, and
night after night shows forth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor spoken word
[from the stars]; their voice is not heard. 4 Yet their voice [in evidence]
goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Of the
heavens has God made a tent for the sun, [Rom 10:18.] 5 Which is as a
bridegroom coming out of his chamber; and it rejoices as a strong man to run
his course. 6 Its going forth is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit
to the ends of it; and nothing [yes, no one] is hidden from the heat of it. AMP
The
signs coming this year tell a wonderful story of a Redeemer coming, and a Bridegroom
coming, and of a beautiful Bride. These signs are not to be feared unless one
does not know the Lord. Therefore it is
time for us, the Church, to pray for the unsaved to receive Jesus as Lord. The great work of redemption and
justification has been done already once we receive Jesus as our Lord and
Savior, we will explore redemption next week.
