Two Christian Brothers, Daniel Matson and Scott Clarke (and perhaps more), report that the “great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” (Revelation 12:5) will appear on September 23, 2017. The great wonder, as described by John the Apostle, is composed of the constellation Virgo with the Moon beneath Virgo’s feet. Leo, with nine prominent stars, and three additional stars (planets) composes the crown above Virgo’s head. There are other factors as well. According to Matson and Clarke, this specific arrangement of stars, sun and moon has not occurred at any time over a span of 7,000 years! That would be a unique event.

Before you proclaim that this is astrology, please remember that the Lord placed the constellations in the heavens for signs and seasons (Genesis 1:14) and He named them. I invite you to see the astounding “Story in the Stars.”

In Leviticus chapter 23 the Lord has given us seven “appointed times.” The Hebrew word mow’ed (pronounced mow-ed) is translated as feast, but it really means a special, appointed time. These “feasts” are also defined as convocations, and the Jews refer to them as “rehearsals.” So the seven “feasts” (appointed times) can be rehearsals for future events.

The first three “feasts,” Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits, were all fulfilled by the Lord Jesus at His crucifixion. The next, Pentecost, marks the beginning of the Church. Whether the Church has fulfilled its appointed time remains to be seen. The last three “feasts,” Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles are yet to be fulfilled.

I, and many other Christians, believe the Rapture will occur on the day of an appointed time. I think the Day of Firstfruits, known to us as Resurrection Sunday, would be an excellent day for the resurrection of the Church and the saints. Many believe that the Day of Pentecost will be fulfilled when the Church is snatched up, or raptured. Perhaps the most popular appointed time for the Church to be called Home is the Feast of Trumpets. After all, we are listening for that trumpet call.

As much as I look forward to the Lord calling us Home, I do not believe September 23rd will be the special day. The reason is because it is not a mow’ed, or appointed time. In 2017 the Feast of Trumpets falls on September 21st, two days before the Revelation 12:5 sign. I do believe this sign in the heavens is a marker, perhaps a tell-tale. The recent consecutive lunar eclipses on appointed times (so-called Blood Moons) were also markers, but what they tell us I am not sure.

A pregnant woman does not know the day or the hour, but she certainly knows that she is pregnant, and when the time is near. I believe what we are witnessing is what the Lord Jesus called the “beginning of sorrows,” or the beginning of birth pains. I believe we live in “pregnant” times.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! May His name be praised forever!