By William J. Kuik
In the first part of this article I briefly described the Blood Moon phenomenon which occurred at Passover and Sukkot 2014, with the cycle repeating in 2015 at Passover and Sukkot.
Friday, April 3, is Passover and the next lunar eclipse. Here is some food for thought. Many believe Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified on Passover in AD 33. What you might not have known is that on Friday the 3rd of April of that same year there was a full lunar eclipse or ‘Blood Moon’ on Passover. Some suggest Peter’s discussion in Acts 2:20 is in reference to this event: …the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
Passover this year falls on Good Friday just before Resurrection Sunday. Many Christians solemnly observe ‘Good Friday’ in remembrance of the day Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world. This is followed by great rejoicing on Resurrection Sunday in celebration of the miracle—that Jesus died, and then rose again from the tomb on the third day according to the Scriptures. Within the series of Biblical holidays that makes up the Passover Season, we see God’s plan for redemption. Jesus was crucified on Passover as the sacrificial Lamb of God taking upon Himself the sin of the world. Jesus was Unleavened Bread broken for us, unleavened meaning without sin and perfect. The Feast of Firstfruits is the following Sunday (Resurrection Sunday), when Yeshua became the Firstfruits of the resurrection. Fifty days later, at the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot, He sent the Holy Spirit of God to testify and intercede on our behalf. In this we see four appointed times of God, fulfilled to the letter and to the day, as God had planned from the beginning of time.
Yeshua’s death and resurrection are not the end of the story. The Bible tells us He is coming back for those who love Him and anxiously await His return. He has given us the signs we are to watch for in His guide book, the Bible. All of these events are an exciting time of preparation. Are you ready? ‘The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.’ (Revelation 22:17).
May God bless your celebration of the Lord and Savior Yeshua Ha-Mashiach (Jesus the Christ).
Bill Kuik is the Congregational Leader of Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua Messianic Congregation in Cortez, Colo. Visit www.byeshua.org.