Blood Moons & Tetrads

Photo via Nikkorz

As you may have noticed, I have come across some eschatological readings that absolutely fascinate me. Hold on, back up a second. What does that mean?

Eschatology is the study of the end times. I am by no means a fan of such readings, nor do I put a lot stake in such theological discussions, especially those who claim they know when the world is going to end. However, if we study what Christ said on the issue, we should at least be watchmen:

Luke 12:39-40    But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

We don't know the exact time or hour, but we can keep watch. In fact there are other references to this same analogy of a thief, telling Christians to be on the watch: Matthew 24:42-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5.

Bear this in mind as you read through the remainder of the post.

Tetrad

The term "tetrad" just means "a set of four".  If you have 4 balls, then you have a tetrad of balls. Simple enough. 

Moons

So what does this have to do with moons? Following Christ' ascension at Pentecost, Peter preached a sermon (Acts 2) over the prophecy of Joel. In this sermon, he mentioned that during the end times, the moon would turn blood red before Christ returns. We also have references to red moons in the Book of Revelation 6:12-14.  So when it comes to eschatology (study of end times), a blood red moon is important.

Tetrad of Moons

Now according to NASA, "when four consecutive lunar eclipses  are all total eclipses, the group is known as a tetrad".  They go on to track past tetrads and predict future ones. During these lunar eclipses, the moon turns a "blood red" color.  I find it absolutely fascinating when you look at the pattern of the several tetrads in correlation with Jewish history.

• Between 1493-1494, the Jews were expelled from Spain. This was also a blood moon tetrad.
• Between 1949-1950, the Jews as Israel became a nation. This was also a blood moon tetrad.
• Between 1967-1968, the Jews recaptured Jerusalem. This was also a blood moon tetrad.

The next tetrad is predicted to happen between 2014-2015 starting with the Jewish feast of Passover & ending on Succoth for both years!

What do we do With This 

In one word, "nothing."  The expectation is not that we can predict when Christ is coming. Rather, the expectation is that you watch & continue to do what God has called you to do. If you are a plumber, keep being a plumber. As a Christian, we are just watchmen, ready and willing to respond to whatever He has in store for us in a manner that honors & glorifies Him. If natural disaster occurs, we are to respond with care to wounded. We are agents of restoration, peace, and redemption through the same power He poured out during Pentecost.

Granted, there are other lunar eclipses that have happened since then & this may all be coincidence. I'm ok with that as well. I am not casting my lot with astronomical occurrences to begin with, just intrigued by the implications.