The Way of the Messenger
in Days of Judgment
"Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,"
Says the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:1
And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,"
Says the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:1
There is no doubt that we are in extraordinary times. There is much spiritual convergence in the coming weeks. These convergences are also marked by significant signs. The combination of spiritual convergence and signs heralds a shift. It can be expressed as a "Time Gate." In searching for an understanding of these shifts, I distinctly sensed from the Lord that we are at a time gate of judgment. We have had many confirming words towards this focus. How, then, do we prepare and stand? Isaiah promises that "When Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants learn righteousness," (Isaiah 26:9). Understanding this gate is vital for revelation, spiritual health, and to help direct effective prayer.
The Signs: A “Great American Eclipse,” will occur 8 April across the USA on a track from Texas to New England. Eclipses can only be seen in a portion of the world when they occur. This time it is America and consequently called “The Great American Eclipse.” This eclipse follows a similar total eclipse that occurred 21 August 2017, seven years ago. The maximum intensity of the 2024 eclipse will be over a place known as "Little Egypt." The same place of maximum intensity in 2017. A convergence! (1)
The Signs: A “Great American Eclipse,” will occur 8 April across the USA on a track from Texas to New England. Eclipses can only be seen in a portion of the world when they occur. This time it is America and consequently called “The Great American Eclipse.” This eclipse follows a similar total eclipse that occurred 21 August 2017, seven years ago. The maximum intensity of the 2024 eclipse will be over a place known as "Little Egypt." The same place of maximum intensity in 2017. A convergence! (1)
The two paths form a cross through the center of America. Additionally, as a view from the sun, the planets will line up with the sun. Most reports say the planetary alignment of Venus, Neptune, Saturn and Mars will occur a few days earlier, April 4. There are varying scientific opinions on it, (pro, and con) but it is enough to get our attention. This is one of the better articles I found click here. It relays when and how to see it from your position on the globe. Accentuating these signs is the appearance of what is known as the "Devil's Comet," that has reappeared now after 70 years and will be visible during the total solar eclipse. (2)
Of note, in between April 4th and April 8th is April 5th, the "Night of Power," in the Islamic tradition. It is celebrated as the night Muhammed was visited by the angel Gabriel and received the first part of the Koran (3). Are these simultaneous signs something we should pay attention to? If so, how do we interpret them?
Signs Converging on Biblical Times:
In the story of creation, the first thing God created was light He called Day and the darkness Night. It created the cycle of a day. Later, on the fourth day, He created lights in the firmament to divide the day from the night clearly stating, Let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years, (Gen 1:14). These lights were created to convey God’s intent and His times and seasons.
Additionally, April 8th is also Rosh Chodesh, the Hebraic expression for the beginning of a new month. This month, Nissan, heralds in the Hebrew New Year (in the Gregorian Calendar April 9). The Hebraic New Year is the month from which all months and festivals are numbered. Below is a rundown of biblical events in the first month:
Of note, in between April 4th and April 8th is April 5th, the "Night of Power," in the Islamic tradition. It is celebrated as the night Muhammed was visited by the angel Gabriel and received the first part of the Koran (3). Are these simultaneous signs something we should pay attention to? If so, how do we interpret them?
Signs Converging on Biblical Times:
In the story of creation, the first thing God created was light He called Day and the darkness Night. It created the cycle of a day. Later, on the fourth day, He created lights in the firmament to divide the day from the night clearly stating, Let them be for signs and seasons and for days and years, (Gen 1:14). These lights were created to convey God’s intent and His times and seasons.
Additionally, April 8th is also Rosh Chodesh, the Hebraic expression for the beginning of a new month. This month, Nissan, heralds in the Hebrew New Year (in the Gregorian Calendar April 9). The Hebraic New Year is the month from which all months and festivals are numbered. Below is a rundown of biblical events in the first month:
- It is the month when the Jews not only came to Egypt (likely when Jacob entered Egypt), but were released from Egypt, “Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years-on that very same day it came to pass that all the armies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt,” (Exodus 12:40-41).
- It is the month of Passover, Ex 12:18
- The month when the waters dried up after the flood, Gen 8:5, 15
- On the first day of this month, Moses raised up and dedicated the Tabernacle in the wilderness, Ex 40:2, 17-33
- Israelites camped at Gilgal after they crossed over the Jordan, and built an altar (memorial) with 12 stones taken from the Jordan, that the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever, Josh 4:21-24.
- Hezekiah cleans and repairs the temple, 2 Chron 29:3, 17
- Josiah restores the celebration of the Passover, 2 Chron 35:1
- Passover was reinstated after the building of the 2nd temple, Ezra 6:19
- Daniel receives futuristic prophecies concerning Persia, Greece, and the end times, Daniel 10:4
What Scriptures say about Signs:
- Signs call us to attention:
- Lu 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
- Acts 2:19 ‘And I will grant wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.
- Rev 6:12. I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.
- God uses signs to herald in a new season:
- Joel 2:30. I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
- Mt. 2:1-2. Wise men discerned and followed a star when Jesus was born: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
- Ex 13:21-22. The Lord led Israelites through the wilderness by a pillar of fire at night, and cloud by day: And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
- There will be false narratives that will work to deceive even the elect. This has happened multiple times in the past.
- Mt 24:11. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
- Lu 21:8. Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am He.” And, “the time has drawn near.” Therefore do not go after them…v.11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
- 1 Tim 4:1. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
- God wants us to search out the meaning of the signs
- Pro 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
- Mt. 16:2-3. He (Jesus) answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
- Lu 21:25-26, 28 And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken, Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
- Rom 11:33. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Defining a Time Gate
Overwhelmingly, there is a sense that we are at a very real “Time Gate.” We are in a “moed” time, or a set time, when God changes the times and the seasons. What does that really mean? Time gates mark when God shifts us into a new cycle. We are given new revelations, strategies, dreams, and visions. We may even see cycles come full circle for significant restoration of that which has been lost. In the book of Esther, it is noted that Mordecai was the son of Kish. Saul also was the son of Kish, (1 Sam 9:1). One betrayed his assignment from God, and the other redeemed the family line three generations later (Esther 2:5). Such a restoration marked a historic time gate that not only redeemed a family line but saved a nation.
Judgments and restorations happen at time gates. Because of the intensity of the convergences now, the attack in October on Israel, we could very well be at a historic time gate where things we see will require us to seek wisdom and understanding much like in Esther’s time. Responding to this time will require fasting and prayer, and breaking away from our traditions. In the book of Esther, at a traditional time of feasting in Persia, she calls a fast. Esther responded to the danger, was willing to step out of the traditional activities, humble herself, fast, and pray to save her nation. Recognizing these times is vital for us to apprehend, and move into the new season to steward forth God’s purposes. For many Christians, Easter is coming up. How do we respond to God in this hour and time? Do we focus on the traditions, or is there something more He is pointing us to?
A Marked Time Gate for Judgments:
I believe we are at a time gate of judgments and moving into a season marked by judgments. God is on the move and His judgments will be markers of His hand moving across the nations. Judgments have already started in the “House of the Lord,” (1 Peter 4:17). Everything hidden is being exposed, Luke 12:2. God is cleaning the House as He is passionate for His Bride. He will remove the obstacles out of the way of His love. Where strongholds of pride have gripped us, do not fear the chastening of the Lord.
Interestingly, in the pathway of the total eclipses across America in 2017, there were 7 cities named “Salem,” Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Salem means Shalom.
This year, there are 7 cities named Nineva: Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York in the path of the eclipse (both 4 partial and 3 total) (4). There is an eighth Nineva in Nova Scotia in the shadow of the eclipse. Nineva is where Jonah ended up. His message of repentance was focused on averting judgment. Jesus said, “The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here,” (Mt 12:41; Lu 11:32).
We will see judgments and we, as watchmen and those concerned, may be called, like Jeremiah, to go through them. But also like Jonah, to call for repentance. Because of the times and convergence, I personally do not know if we can avert judgment, but we can help people go through it, if we prepare ourselves and make ourselves ready to face the times and be a people ready to speak truth, to show love and mercy, to an increasingly distraught and disenfranchised world. When God spoke to Micah at a time when judgments were coming upon Israel, He said, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" If we do so, Peter exhorts, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, (1 Pet 3:15-16). But as Watchmen, we must be humble enough to recognize the judgments when they happen and be a voice to call attention to God's covenants and alignment (Ezek 33:3).
How do we go through judgments?
Judgments, when handled well, are the pathway to freedom, release of the captives, and result in removal of obstacles out of the way of God’s love. Though painful to experience, the purpose of judgments is to draw us closer to God, to overcome any grip of selfishness, rejection, selfish ambition, unforgiveness, or sin that hide within us. Scriptures promise us,
God’s ways will always be higher than our ways. Watchmen throughout the Bible appear when covenant is an issue (2 Kings 11). We were created to be in alignment with His covenants. The promise of His purpose is always just beyond the problem and even persecution. But pressing through difficulties will lead us to His power. Paul says it best, And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor 12:9-10).
Judgments produce change. As such, repentance that leads to life change is key for this hour and time (Rom 2:4; 2 Cor 7:10). A quick few words are not enough now. God wants to strengthen and equip us for the times ahead. He is calling us into a new boldness in love. John says it well, Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, (1 John 4:17).
The Promised results of Judgments:
Isaiah relays the promised results of judgments, When Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness, (Isaiah 26:9). Judgments lead to alignments that, though they may be somewhat hidden in dark circumstances, when unveiled, they will produce a harvest of righteousness.
This is a time to look up, to settle our hearts in His word. Come what may, His hand is always molding, shaping, and moving us toward His redemptive purpose. There will be much said to “look here, look there,” with fine-sounding arguments. But keep in mind, that there is an end-time narrative unfolding. There are yet things to come that have not happened. For instance:
Prayer points:
Overwhelmingly, there is a sense that we are at a very real “Time Gate.” We are in a “moed” time, or a set time, when God changes the times and the seasons. What does that really mean? Time gates mark when God shifts us into a new cycle. We are given new revelations, strategies, dreams, and visions. We may even see cycles come full circle for significant restoration of that which has been lost. In the book of Esther, it is noted that Mordecai was the son of Kish. Saul also was the son of Kish, (1 Sam 9:1). One betrayed his assignment from God, and the other redeemed the family line three generations later (Esther 2:5). Such a restoration marked a historic time gate that not only redeemed a family line but saved a nation.
Judgments and restorations happen at time gates. Because of the intensity of the convergences now, the attack in October on Israel, we could very well be at a historic time gate where things we see will require us to seek wisdom and understanding much like in Esther’s time. Responding to this time will require fasting and prayer, and breaking away from our traditions. In the book of Esther, at a traditional time of feasting in Persia, she calls a fast. Esther responded to the danger, was willing to step out of the traditional activities, humble herself, fast, and pray to save her nation. Recognizing these times is vital for us to apprehend, and move into the new season to steward forth God’s purposes. For many Christians, Easter is coming up. How do we respond to God in this hour and time? Do we focus on the traditions, or is there something more He is pointing us to?
A Marked Time Gate for Judgments:
I believe we are at a time gate of judgments and moving into a season marked by judgments. God is on the move and His judgments will be markers of His hand moving across the nations. Judgments have already started in the “House of the Lord,” (1 Peter 4:17). Everything hidden is being exposed, Luke 12:2. God is cleaning the House as He is passionate for His Bride. He will remove the obstacles out of the way of His love. Where strongholds of pride have gripped us, do not fear the chastening of the Lord.
Interestingly, in the pathway of the total eclipses across America in 2017, there were 7 cities named “Salem,” Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Salem means Shalom.
This year, there are 7 cities named Nineva: Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York in the path of the eclipse (both 4 partial and 3 total) (4). There is an eighth Nineva in Nova Scotia in the shadow of the eclipse. Nineva is where Jonah ended up. His message of repentance was focused on averting judgment. Jesus said, “The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here,” (Mt 12:41; Lu 11:32).
We will see judgments and we, as watchmen and those concerned, may be called, like Jeremiah, to go through them. But also like Jonah, to call for repentance. Because of the times and convergence, I personally do not know if we can avert judgment, but we can help people go through it, if we prepare ourselves and make ourselves ready to face the times and be a people ready to speak truth, to show love and mercy, to an increasingly distraught and disenfranchised world. When God spoke to Micah at a time when judgments were coming upon Israel, He said, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" If we do so, Peter exhorts, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, (1 Pet 3:15-16). But as Watchmen, we must be humble enough to recognize the judgments when they happen and be a voice to call attention to God's covenants and alignment (Ezek 33:3).
How do we go through judgments?
Judgments, when handled well, are the pathway to freedom, release of the captives, and result in removal of obstacles out of the way of God’s love. Though painful to experience, the purpose of judgments is to draw us closer to God, to overcome any grip of selfishness, rejection, selfish ambition, unforgiveness, or sin that hide within us. Scriptures promise us,
- Pro 3:11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.
- Job 5:17. Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty
- Hebrews 12:5. Do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.
God’s ways will always be higher than our ways. Watchmen throughout the Bible appear when covenant is an issue (2 Kings 11). We were created to be in alignment with His covenants. The promise of His purpose is always just beyond the problem and even persecution. But pressing through difficulties will lead us to His power. Paul says it best, And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor 12:9-10).
Judgments produce change. As such, repentance that leads to life change is key for this hour and time (Rom 2:4; 2 Cor 7:10). A quick few words are not enough now. God wants to strengthen and equip us for the times ahead. He is calling us into a new boldness in love. John says it well, Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, (1 John 4:17).
The Promised results of Judgments:
Isaiah relays the promised results of judgments, When Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness, (Isaiah 26:9). Judgments lead to alignments that, though they may be somewhat hidden in dark circumstances, when unveiled, they will produce a harvest of righteousness.
This is a time to look up, to settle our hearts in His word. Come what may, His hand is always molding, shaping, and moving us toward His redemptive purpose. There will be much said to “look here, look there,” with fine-sounding arguments. But keep in mind, that there is an end-time narrative unfolding. There are yet things to come that have not happened. For instance:
- Building of the temple? Where is it, even a tent?
- Have sacrifices started in the temple? Yes, there are red heifers now prepared. Keep a watch at Passover this year.
- Has the gospel been preached to every tribe and tongue? Getting close…
Prayer points:
- Take time to lean in and listen to the Lord and be willing to let Him work with your heart. Ps 34:18; 51:17
- Pray for the gospel to reach every tribe tongue and nation and for spiritual revival pour out for the harvest: Mt. 28:19-20; Joel 2:28-29
- Pray for equipping and training in the biblical end-time narrative to prepare people for the times ahead. 1 Th 5:1-10
- Pray for hearts to be softened and tenderized towards God through any difficulty or hardship we face, Gentiles, Muslims, and Jews. Job 5:17; Ps 38; 34:18; 51:17
- Pray for a renewed revelation of Jesus and His saving grace for any wounds carried from the past, to be released into new freedom and life in Christ. 2 Thess 3:3; 2 Cor 12:9; Heb 4:12;
- Pray for strength to face the challenges, and to be spiritually prophetically sharp, and hopeful, for the body of Christ. Ps 73:26; 84:7; Is 40:31; 1 Cor 16:13, 1 Cor 14:1.
- Call in the prodigals: Ezek 18:32, 34:16; Lu 5:31-32, 19:10;
- Make faith declarations over yourself and your family, particularly over promises or gifts you have that have not yet been fully expressed: Deut 28:13; Neh 8:10; Phil 4:13; Ps 139:14; 2 Tim 1:7; 1 John 4:4
- Call forth the harvest and salvation of the lost in your family, friends, city, and work, Muslims, Jews, Gentiles.... John 3:16; 2 Cor 4:4-5
- Call out those things that are locked up in darkness into light: Col 1:12-13; Isaiah 60:2
- Call forth the release of a new wave prophetic ministry; 1 Cor 14:1; Amos 3:17; Mt 26:41; Isaiah 62:6-7; 52:8; Mal 3:1
Thus you shall say to them:
"The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens.
"He has made the earth by His power,
He has established the world by His wisdom,
And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.
When He utters His voice,
There is a multitude of waters in the heavens:
"And He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain,
He brings the wind out of His treasuries."
Jer 10:11-13
"The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens.
"He has made the earth by His power,
He has established the world by His wisdom,
And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.
When He utters His voice,
There is a multitude of waters in the heavens:
"And He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain,
He brings the wind out of His treasuries."
Jer 10:11-13
Susan Rowe
Co-founder The Global Watch
(1) Jamie Carter, The crux of the eclipses: Little Egypt's seven-year Itch, March 20, 2017, https://whenisthenexteclipse.com/little-egypt-and-the-crux-of-the-eclipses/
(2) Alison Klesman, The 'Devil Comet' will be visible during the 2024 total solar eclipse, Astronomy, April 8, 2023, https://www.astronomy.com/observing/a-comet-will-be-visible-during-the-2024-total-solar-eclipse/
(3) Night of Power, article, Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_Power
(4) Is America being Marked by God? 2024 Total Eclipse point of Convergence-Updated, Feb 25 2024, www.touroftruth.com/post/2024-total-eclipse-point-of-convergence-is-america-being-marked-by-god?utm_campaign=8a59b5f2-db37-4b10-bbe0-184663e9d6d7&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=f89616d5-d01b-4127-8ffe-8df768b332f9
