Ambition: The Great Enemy of the Apostle

Ambition

The Great Enemy of the Apostle

All ministries have enemies, but the enemy of ambition presents an especially deadly, silent killer that targets successful leaders and plots their demise. The more we can learn about the symptoms of ambition and the devastation it causes, the more successfully we can guard ourselves from it. The ministry of an apostle, which is such a vital provision to the church of Jesus Christ, seems to be especially targeted by ambition. By God’s grace, I have had the privilege to work with apostles in India for almost 20 years. This experience has opened my eyes to the value of this ministry, as well as to the subtlety and pitfalls of its enemy, ambition. I hope to shine some light on this threat and offer some suggestions to overcome it.

I recently completed a five-week itinerary through the country of India where I hosted six apostles conferences and taught about the enemies of different ministries, especially of apostles. The men and women who attended these conferences urged me to write this exposé on ambition so that other apostles and leaders can be aware of this dastardly nemesis and overcome it.

Several years ago I was introduced to the teaching of the five-fold ministries as represented by the five fingers on the hand. The thumb is said to represent the apostle; the forefinger, the prophet; the middle finger, the evangelist; the ring finger, the pastor; and the little finger, the teacher. This analogy has helped me see the strengths in these ministries but also the potential weaknesses within them too. Though we are in the process of studying ambition as one of the apostle’s greatest enemies, it may help to see it in the context of the other four leadership ministries’ weaknesses and possible enemies. The apostles present in my recent teachings were extremely interested in the enemies of all five ministries, so I will briefly share a little on all of these before focusing on the enemy of ambition.

The prophet, represented in the analogy by the forefinger, points the way for the body of Christ; his/her greatest enemy is rejection. The evangelist, represented by the middle (and longest) finger, has the longest extension into the world; his/her greatest foe is recognition. The pastor, represented by the ring finger, is the one who provides security; his/her greatest enemy is the lack of security. The teacher, represented by the little finger, is the one who goes to the smallest places and does the smallest things; his/her greatest enemy is intellectualism. (At some point I would like to write an article on each of these, but for now we will focus on ambition, the powerful enemy of the apostle.)

We can also see the strengths of the five ministries through the hand analogy. The thumb is the only digit on the hand that readily contacts all the other fingers. It can gather them all together in a powerful, clenched fist or release them to be utilized in the most delicate of all functions. Another of the thumb’s strengths is to provide grip to the body. This is very important, as it matters not how sharp the sword, if there is no grip to hold it. However, if the thumb holds the fist too tightly and does not ever release the fingers, that strength can become its own enemy. Likewise, the apostle can gather all the ministries together for powerful warfare and also release them to do their work in the body of Christ. But if the apostle becomes controlling, he/she may actually prevent the other ministries from being released. The strength of any ministry can become its enemy if it is misused through an improper motive. If the motive becomes “self” instead of the Lord, that strength will be turned into an enemy.

Ambition needs to be addressed and honestly looked at by all ministries, but especially by the apostles. The truth of ambition being the apostle’s enemy is glaringly obvious the more we look at it. As a matter of research, I discovered this enemy almost as much from observation as from reading the Scriptures. So, not only will we explore some profound examples of ambition from the Bible, but we will also look at a couple of examples I have observed in current times. The church is often shocked and heartbroken when ambition destroys a ministry; yet we should not be surprised by the effectiveness of its deployment, since it was the initial poison that consumed Satan. Why wouldn’t he use it on those who are serving the body of Christ? Indeed, he has used it slyly through the years, trying to buy and sell some of the chief leaders in the church. He even tried it on Jesus, but thankfully he failed. We must admit that the devil has often been successful with this tactic, so it’s time we strip off his mask and reveal the monster of ambition that has consumed so many of our brethren.

Definition of Ambition

When I write, I usually like to give a dictionary definition for the topic, but in this case, I will use the definition that I received personally from the Chief Apostle Jesus. When I tell you what He said, you will see that it truly came from Him—because I am not that smart to figure these things out.

To set the stage, on this trip to India that I just returned from, I was resting in my room after an intense teaching on ambition in one particular conference in Chennai (Madras). (I had taught an apostles conference there almost 15 years before and was eager to see what had resulted from those teachings.) On this particular occasion, the Holy Spirit energized me with an unction to stay on this subject all through the morning period until lunch break. During the lunch break, as I reclined on my bed, the Lord spoke to me. He said, “You are right on what you have been teaching on ambition.” (I had been teaching on Absalom, one of King David’s sons, and how ambition shipwrecked his life.) The Lord contributed, “If you want another example—how about Judas?” The example of Judas sort of stunned me, maybe because it was so obvious and I had not thought of it. As I pondered the reason for Judas’ betrayal, I asked the Lord, “So ambition is wanting more than what you have?” He replied, “No, wanting more is not a problem. Ambition is taking what doesn’t belong to you.”

This profound revelation allowed me to understand ambition in a new way. So, for the sake of definition, I will refer to ambition as “taking what does not belong to you.” The reverberation of this is still echoing in my head, and more and more examples keep popping up in front of me. I do not want to be categorical by saying that ambition is the “greatest” of all weapons against the apostle, but I have it on a good source that it is certainly a problem. Jesus said so. As I taught this in the various apostles conferences, it was interesting to observe the reactions of the mighty men and women who were in attendance. The Holy Spirit often revealed to me how the confrontation was working on their hearts; sadly, it also seemed to bounce off the heads of some who might have been the most prone to this kind of pride and deception.

The Test of Success

An open door through which the enemy of ambition can pass to affect the ministry of an apostle is success. Derek Prince, one of my heroes of apostolic ministry, shared once that “the greatest test is success.” From observations I have made since hearing him say that, I believe the reason for this is because success has the potential to fuel the flames of pride and self-accomplishment. Genuine apostles generally have strong leadership qualities, as well as a lot of charisma. The Scriptures tell us of Lucifer’s abilities and leadership qualities, so he would have certainly been prone to ambition. We also know he fell prey to it because the Scriptures tell of his fall that resulted from his plans of self-imposed loftiness. It is only natural that he would use the same tactic that poisoned him to target successful leaders in the church to stop them from furthering God’s kingdom.

In church vernacular, ambition can be defined as someone building their own kingdom rather than building God’s kingdom. It is trying to take what is not yours. The only ones who can even hope to build their own kingdoms are those who have experienced some measure of success. In Jesus’ case, His potential for success was blatantly pointed out when John baptized Him and God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17b). Immediately afterwards, Jesus was driven into the wilderness where one of the temptations He faced from Satan was the offer of all the kingdoms of the world and the glory that came with them. Jesus didn’t bite, because it was not His to take. However, not all people (including apostles) are so noble or immune to the alluring fame of recognition and self-achievement.

Humility—the Antidote for Ambition

Among the best Scriptures that address ambition as the apostle’s enemy are those where we see Jesus’ response when this topic arose among His 12 apostles. Consider that these men were chosen by Jesus, and they were likely men of ability. These would be men He could train to take His place, and so He would not have chosen mental midgets or weaklings. The twelve were an interesting and gifted lot, which made them ideal targets for ambition. There were also leadership distinctions amongst them, which meant not everyone had the same privilege or responsibility. We can see this from His appointment of Peter, James, and John as the leaders of the group. It is interesting to note that Jesus gave the bag to Judas, not to tempt him, but because he had the ability to steward the money.  

Jesus was direct and sometimes intense when questions arose about ambition, as seen in the following record.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” ~Matthew 18:1–4

Using the word “greatest” sounds like an advertisement for Muhammad Ali (former heavyweight boxing champion), and the question of who fits in that category drew a quick response of reproof from the Master to the ambitious ones. By displaying a child as the greatest in the kingdom, He drives home the truth that humility is the key to entering the kingdom.

In this record, disciples were asking the question, but He repeats the truth of humility as the antidote to ambition in other records as well. Due to the fact that there were 12 testosteronal leaders living and traveling together with Him full time, it should come as no surprise that “boys will be boys” and therefore the same question would arise among these men as well. It happens in schoolyards across the world, and it happened in the microcosm of Jesus’ group too.

In Mark 9:33–37, He had to address the issue directly with the 12 apostles as they traveled together.

Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” ~Mark 9:33–35                     

Jesus basically taught them that the greatest leader would be the greatest servant; in other words, humility is the antidote for ambition. In Luke chapter 9, He dresses them down again with the same lesson, using a little child to illustrate the one “who is least among you all.”

Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” ~Luke 9:46–48

Then in Luke chapter 22 he taught them that His kind of leadership is not the Gentile-lord-it-over-you type, but rather it is carried out through serving—again emphasizing humility.

But there was also rivalry among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.” ~Luke 22:24–27

And lastly, my favorite account pertaining to Jesus’ lessons on humility is of Him washing the feet of His apostles shortly before He was betrayed, beaten, and led to the cross. Even with the knowledge that this was coming, He still humbled Himself and served with love. But what really drives the point home is what He said to them afterwards.

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. ~John 13:12–17

He displayed a blueprint for them to follow, and then told them why He had done it. He finished His lesson by telling them that “if you know these things, happy are you if you do them.”

Most of these lessons were for the 12 apostles. Do you think that ambition is an issue with apostles? Humility, the antidote for ambition, was what Jesus was trying to teach in all these records, but it became the most clear when He washed the feet of the 12. Here’s the kicker—He washed the feet of his betrayer, Judas, and of the one who would deny Him three times (Peter). This exemplified the new kind of love that He was bringing with the new covenant. What a portrayal of humility, service, and love! This is how disciples are known (John 13:34), not by how high and mighty they appear, or by who has the highest seat on the stage.

Sadly, this kind of Christian leadership is rare. There are good guys and great gals that serve the Lord and really get this right, but more and more they seem to be less and less. I have seen the fallout of ambition in India, as well as all over the world. When this enemy plays its full course and comes into maturity, innocent by-standers are devastated by the betrayal of their leader.

As an international apostle, one of my jobs is to bring international perspectives to the body of Christ. So I am here to tell you that it does not matter your culture, your country, your ethnicity, or your language, the devil is going to try and buy you out by tempting you with what does not belong to you. He tried it with the Chief Apostle; he tried it with the 12, and he will try it with you. Remember that intrinsically, apostles are proactive kingdom advancers and warriors. As such, they are the great prizes that the devil loves to hang in his trophy room. Satan knows that it is often easier (and more effective) to buy someone than it is to kill them. He knows that if he can buy them, they will be working for him and manifesting his nature instead of the true God’s.

Ambition is a treacherous, slippery slope.

Examples of Ambition

Examples of ambition should include those who have fallen to it as well as those who overcame it—the chief overcomer being Jesus of Nazareth. At a time of great weakness from fasting 40 days, Satan showed up to tempt Him with ambition.

Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” ~Luke 4:5–7

Although a time was coming when the Father would exalt Jesus, this was not the time, nor the way; and if Jesus took it then, ambition would have conquered Him as it had conquered Satan. Jesus didn’t bite because He saw the hook. He was submissive only to His Father and not to Satan’s temptation of ambition. He did not fall down and worship Satan; instead, because of His humility and obedience to God, He gained far more than Satan promised Him.

But [He] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~Philippians 2:7–11

Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant in obedience to the Father; Satan exalted himself and was driven by ambition, motivated fundamentally by greed and self-adoration. Satan’s attempted ascent to the Mount of God was because he wanted something that belonged only to God and decided to try and take it. Bad move. To think that he could take something that belonged only to the omniscient and omnipotent God shows his stupidity; but ambition can also blind the hearts and mind of believers from such obvious facts. All that Satan could see was what he did not have and how much he wanted it. His greed drove him into insanity. He was blinded by ambition.

David set a good example of overcoming the blindness of ambition in his handling of becoming king over Israel. Having the opportunity to kill King Saul on several occasions, he opted to wait on the Lord to receive what God had promised him. David was a ruthless murderer in the eyes of many, yet God saw him as a man who would repent because he was a man after God’s own heart. God promised David the throne, but David had the wisdom to wait on Him instead of taking it for himself. While teaching in India, the Lord gave me a prophetic utterance that went like this, “Wanna bet if David had killed Saul that someone would have killed David?” The throne had already been promised to David, so his temptation was not to take something that wasn’t his, but to take it before God’s timing. Because of his love for the Lord, he chose to wait on Him instead of taking it for himself.

The comparison between David and his son Absalom is perhaps one of the starkest when looking at examples of humility and service versus ambition and selfishness. As previously mentioned, David was patient, waiting on the promise of God. Absalom, on the other hand, decided to take what he desired, even before it became available. If you take the time to read the record of his life in 2 Samuel chapters 13–19, you will find that not only was he extremely good looking, he was also courageous, quite the planner (or schemer), and a great leader. Even though he was not David’s firstborn son, he could have potentially been his choice to inherit the throne. However, because he was driven by selfishness and ambition, his life was a convoluted mess instead and he suffered a horrible early death.

Years before that, he killed his half-brother, Amnon, for raping his sister and was subsequently exiled for many years from the kingdom until Joab (who eventually ended up killing him) convinced David to let him back in the kingdom as long as he caused no further trouble. However, as soon as he was back in town, he started scheming to take the throne from his father. It culminated with him actually driving King David out of Jerusalem and going into David’s concubines in the presence of all Israel as an insult to his father. He chased after David with the intent to finish the fight but was foiled by the will of God, lest he would have been successful in taking over the throne. In the ensuing battle for the kingdom of Israel, Joab killed Absalom when he thrust him through with three spears. When hearing of his son’s death, the Scriptures say David mourned more for Absalom than he did for the soldiers who had just given their lives for him to retake Jerusalem and his throne.

In my opinion, I believe that David wept so hard for Absalom because in his heart, he knew that he may have been the best choice to follow him as king. Regardless, Absalom’s ambition and his overall lack of character caused the hand of God to fall against him. Destruction and judgment are consequences of ambition when it is not repented of and, instead, is allowed to fully mature. While people driven by ambition may possess all the skills and perhaps even the calling to do a certain thing, it will also compel them to want it ahead of time, to the end that they will take that thing in their own way rather than waiting patiently on God.

I mentioned earlier in this article that as I was teaching this subject in India at one of the apostles conferences, the Lord gave me a revelation about ambition. I had just been teaching on Absalom as an example and was resting in my room between sessions, reclining on my bed with my favorite baseball cap pulled down over my eyes. Suddenly He spoke this into my spirit, “You are right about the ambition thing.” He asked me if I wanted another example (besides Absalom). Of course I did, so I immediately replied, “Yes, Sir,” and He said, “How about Judas?” I instantly felt a wave of understanding wash over me as I saw the obvious greed and ambition of Judas.

This is when I asked Him, “So, ambition is wanting more than what you have?” and He responded, “No! Ambition is taking what doesn’t belong to you.” He was telling me that if He has not given it to the person then it doesn’t belong to them. This was what I got from Him: There is nothing wrong with wanting more and even having a desire to do more. This is part of being an apostle—to be a kingdom taker. But taking it when the Lord has not given it is ambition.

A number of years ago, I tried to help a man’s ministry by arranging a couple of meetings for him and also taking him with me on a missionary journey. He was a really cool guy who was very gifted in his ministry and I just wanted to help him. Funny thing though, I consistently heard from those attending the ministry engagements I set up for him that he was saying demeaning things about me in order to promote himself. Of course, I wanted to confront him and was determined to do so, but the Lord told me to sit and watch what would happen. I told the Lord, “Okay, I’ll forgive him but I still don’t like him.” I was surprised when the Lord responded, “I don’t either,” so I said, “Lord I thought you loved everyone.” He replied, “Yes, but I get to like who I want to.” I said, “Okay I get it. I love him too, but I still don’t want to hang out with him anymore.” Jesus schooled me further when He added, “I don’t hang out with ambitious people. I do not like people with pride. I actually resist them. It pleases me to dwell with people who are of humble and contrite (broken) spirits.” The Lord likes to hang out with people who have humility.

To finish the story when the Lord said to wait and watch, this fellow continued his self-promotion itinerary and actually forced his way into some places commending himself in his own anointing. The sad part is that the anointing on him was genuine, but the ambition caused its sweet fragrance to putrefy, and his gift to this day has never been fully appreciated.

As I was teaching about ambition in India, my country coordinator, Dr. B.V.S.N. Rao, told me a story that I am reluctant to tell because it is so sad. However, I know it needs to be shared, because it is real and relevant. Dr. Rao was an event coordinator for an Indian evangelist of mega-fame with meetings that sometimes numbered in the hundreds of thousands. He was a hit with the Hindus and led a lot of them to salvation. He was big money in India and the USA; however, as time passed and his fame grew, he began talking less about Jesus and more about himself. When his crowds began to shrink, he talked even louder and more about himself. Subsequently, his crowds dwindled even smaller, at which time he decided to go into politics instead. He was a nationally famous evangelist well known by both Hindu and Christian sectors alike. His brother, who was before him in the Lord and ran a big church that they shared, opposed his decision to go into politics, because he knew that all the money they had raised for the kingdom would be spent on that instead. Their disagreement was so great that it even hit the news media. At that point, the once-famous evangelist took a contract out on his brother to have him killed. Two hit men ran his brother off a road one night and then finished him off. The former big-time evangelist pursued politics and did exactly what his brother said he would do—he spent all their money on his campaign. However, after a couple of years, the same two hit men were caught in a separate scandal and offered the authorities the details of the hit on the evangelist’s brother. They turned in state evidence and the authorities arrested the former evangelist who is now in jail facing charges of first-degree murder. And the body of Christ walks away from this with a big black eye because of one man’s ambition.

Ambition is taking something that the Lord did not give you. These are hard lessons, but they are necessary, just as it is sometimes necessary to rebuke people “in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear,” according to 1 Timothy 5:20. These lessons are vital because if an apostle, or any leader in God’s kingdom, falls because of ambition, the consequences will not only stain his life and reputation but also the name of the Lord he supposedly stands for.

We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, so the caution against ambition should reverberate in all our souls. You certainly do not have to be an apostle to be tempted with this device that Satan has tried on every man and woman, especially those with extraordinary ability and influence.

The age-old question is still, “Is your soul for sale?” If you have a price, the devil can pay it. Take the story of the old man who asked the young girl if she would stay the night with him for a thousand dollars. “Okay,” she said. He asked, “Well, would you do it for ten dollars?” The young lady responded, “Absolutely not. What do you think I am?” “That,” the old man said, “has already been determined; now we are haggling over the price.” The point is, if you have a price, the devil is willing to pay.

The example of Judas still lingers in my soul. I know that the reason Jesus gave him the responsibility of overseeing the money and administrating their finances is because he had the ability to do it. It was not to tempt him, but to challenge him because of his gifts and talents. But Judas got ambitious. Many have speculated his motives, and some have said he had a plan to force Jesus into a military campaign or a religious showdown with the hierarchy. However, the Scriptures affirmatively state that he received 30 pieces of silver for the deal. That reason we know for sure. If each piece of silver was an ounce, at today’s rate of approximately $20/ounce, then Judas cut a deal to deliver the Messiah and King of kings to the religious fight club for a lousy $600 in today’s currency. Either way we cut it, he sold out for a bag of money. He took what was not his!

Ambition is pride on steroids. It is the lust of accomplishment for self-exaltation that is fueled by greed and selfishness. It is a deadly enemy. When we look at the wake of death and destruction it has left in its path as it has wormed its way secularly across the world, it seems that the church of Jesus Christ, the called and elect of God, would be above such temptations. Sadly, this has not been the case.

Jesus’ character carried Him through and above this temptation. He is our example of sacrifice, love, and humility. We are to follow Him in the example He set, and this is especially true of His leaders in the church who are truly called to be servants. His breathtaking example of washing the feet of the 12 sets the standard for this. What He said afterwards to His apostles sums up the whole matter.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. ~John 13:14–15

Jesus demonstrated the greatest of all leadership qualities—to be a true servant with humility. God does not give humility but He has been known to send humiliation, which often comes after ambition has wreaked its havoc. Ambition is taking more than what God has given you, but humility is being thankful for what you have. Humility is the antidote to ambition.

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM NAZARETH

The Star of Bethlehem Nazareth

It is not always an easy thing to acknowledge an error, yet it is our duty to embrace truth once the error has been exposed. In this article, I will show that the star followed by the magi (commonly known as “the wise men”) actually led them to Nazareth and not to Bethlehem. Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem, but he returned with Joseph and Mary to their home in Nazareth soon after His dedication in the temple at Jerusalem. This truth has been overlooked because of the traditional teaching in the church that the magi were present at the birth of Christ, even though the Bible makes it clear that this was not the case.

We can undoubtedly all agree that the star (regardless of its name) that announced the coming of Messiah, the one born king of the Judeans, is highly significant. There is historical evidence that the future arrival of this star was recorded in the ancient writings of India as well as of Persia, Greece, Rome, and Babylon. In fact, it is perhaps the most touted celestial occurrence in the history of man; yet tradition has errantly named the star and placed the magi at the manger scene in Bethlehem. There is much evidence to disprove this tradition—so much so that it is embarrassing we have not realized it sooner.

What Were the Magi Following?

The star that the magi followed has been dubbed “the Star of Bethlehem,” yet there is no mention of this name anywhere in the Bible. Even though there is also no mention of the name “the Star of Nazareth” in the Bible, I have chosen to call it that in this article for clarity’s sake. A more accurate name, biblically speaking, would be “His Star,” since this is what the magi called it—and more than likely what Daniel called it when he taught their forerunners in the Persian Empire.

When the magi asked Herod, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the rising” (Matthew 2:2), the words they spoke held potential for identifying what this actual phenomenon was. They were following the guidance that Daniel had given their predecessors about 490 years earlier. The general time frame the wise men viewed His Star was relevant to them because Daniel had prophesied about the 70 weeks (representative of 490 years) that would pass before Messiah would come (Daniel 9:24–27).  

There are numerous theories of what the actual celestial body was that the magi followed. Some say it was a supernova that occurred in the lower third of the vertical piece of the Northern Cross (Cygnus), others have supposed it to be a supernova in the constellation of Coma, the coming child. Some have said it was the planets Venus and Jupiter in close conjunction, while others say it was Jupiter—and this is the one I believe is the best candidate. I will endeavor to show that throughout a general five-year time frame, Jupiter was announcing the coming of Messiah in a major way.

Jupiter’s Retrograde

Jupiter’s Hebrew name is tzedek, which is translated “king of righteousness.” Jupiter, as the king star, is an odds-on-favorite to announce Him who had been born king of the Jews. Around 5 bc, a couple of years before the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, Jupiter had a rare conjunction with Saturn as both of them went into retrograde. As viewed from man’s perspective on earth, they appeared to dance backwards in unison as they moved against the backdrop of Pisces. Jupiter showed even more significant movement in 3 bc when it formed a triple conjunction with Regulus (meaning it came into conjunction with Regulus three times), another “king star” that resides in Leo. Leo is the constellation that represents both a king as well as the lion of the tribe of Judah. I believe both events were clearly announcing the birth of the king of the Jews.

In 1 bc, Jupiter retrograded in Virgo (the constellation that represents the birth of Christ), “coincidentally” popping up on Jerusalem’s horizon four days before it appeared to stand still as it began its retrograde. Its reappearance in this retrograde allowed the magi to view it on the eastern horizon from Jerusalem just before sunrise. The magi knew that Jupiter’s retrograde in Virgo symbolized the virgin prophesied to birth the Judean King. At this point, Jesus would have been about 20 months old.

We are fortunate to have computer technology that can simulate the sky at any point in history, which allows us to view the same celestial activities that the magi saw more than 2,000 years ago. When we line up these activities with the timeline we find in the Bible, it is evident that the star they followed did not lead them to Bethlehem but to Nazareth. Therefore, we can eradicate the traditional sacred cow of the Star of Bethlehem and more accurately call it the Star of Nazareth.

Born in Bethlehem but Visited in Nazareth by Wise Men

According to Micah 5:2, Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.                                                                                                                          Micah 5:2

The record of this prophetic fulfillment is found in Luke 2:4–7.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.                                                                  Luke 2:4–7

Luke 2:22–39 reports that after the birth, when the days of Mary’s purification were completed according to the law of Moses (which would have been 40 days according to Leviticus 12:1–4), they journeyed to the temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and to dedicate Him. At the temple, the prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna prophesied over Him, and then Joseph took Mary and their new baby back to their home in Nazareth, where Jesus was raised.

The magi knew from the ancient prophecies that the king of Judea would be born in Bethlehem, which is why they were headed there originally; however, while they were on their way, they saw His Star and followed it to Nazareth. This does not negate the prophecy at all, but it shows that an amount of time had passed from their departure to their arrival. They knew He had already been born as evidenced through their question to Herod.

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.”                                           Matthew 2:1–2

A few verses later it says that Herod sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the young Child.” However, as they continued to follow the star they had seen in the east, it led them to Nazareth instead where it appeared to stand still (because of its retrograding position) over where the young child was.

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.                           Matthew 2:9–11

The simple fact of the matter is that the wise men did not go to Bethlehem. That is where Jesus was born, but He was living in Nazareth when the magi enquired of Herod in Jerusalem. If they had followed Herod’s guidance instead of following the star, they would not have found Jesus who was living in Nazareth with His parents.  

So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.                                                                                                 Luke 2:39–40

Misnaming His Star

The King James Version of the Bible translates Matthew 2:1 in such a way that it sounds as if the magi came to Jerusalem right at the time of Jesus’ birth.

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, 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.                                                                    Matthew 2:1–2 KJV

However, when we read the context of the whole chapter, it is evident that the timing of their question to Herod was after Jesus’ birth. Herod consulted the Jewish religious leaders as to the prophecy concerning the birth of Christ and then privately met again with the magi to determine the timing of the appearance of the star; from these, he then concluded that Jesus was a child (not a baby) as seen from his statement to the magi.

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.                                                    Matthew 2:8 KJV

We can also see from looking at the Greek Interlinear of Matthew 2:1, that the word “when” is not necessarily pinpointing a specific moment of time.¹

Perhaps the main reason this celestial announcement has been misnamed the Star of Bethlehem is that this one scripture (Matthew 2:1) in the King James Version was isolated from its context, as well as from the other account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. When we use the biblical research tool of scripture buildup, we can see how one piece of the gospel can build upon the story of another, but neither can contradict the other. In this instance the gospel of Matthew deals with after Jesus was born and the gospel of Luke deals more with when He was born. Telling the Christmas story with both the magi and shepherds coming together to His birth makes for a good Christmas cantata or a painting, but it simply did not happen. The magi showed up when Jesus was a young child living in Nazareth (Matthew 2:8–14).

The Greek verb that is translated “born” in Matthew 2:1 is gennethentos which is a “deponent verb; genitive singular masculine of aorist passive participle of gignomai happen, become—was born.”² In other words, this phrase in Matthew 2:1 should have been translated, “Now Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” or to clarify it further, “Now Jesus having been born in Bethlehem.” The point is that the magi arrived on the scene after Jesus had been born. The shepherds showed up while He was still in swaddling clothes, which was just a few moments after His birth; but the magi got there more than a year and a half afterwards.

The Rest of Matthew

After the first verse, the remainder of Matthew 2 records Jesus’ birth in the past tense. Verse 7 asserts that Herod diligently enquired of the magi to find out more specifically when the star first appeared so he could determine the age of this new king. When the magi did not return to him because they were warned in a dream to go a different way after their visit to Jesus’ home, he became enraged at the deception and commanded the slaughter of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem. The fact that Herod chose this age group indicates that it had possibly taken the magi as much as two years for their journey from the east to Israel.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.    Matthew 2:16

After the magi’s visit to Jesus’ house in Nazareth, Joseph was warned in a dream that his child’s life was in danger and that they should flee to Egypt and remain there until further notice  (Matthew 2:13–15).

When we consider Jupiter as the “star” that led the magi to Jesus’ home in Nazareth, we can piece together Scripture, history, and modern technology to pinpoint His birth date as September 11, 3 bc. We can conclude this from information revealed in Revelation 12:1–4 coupled with computer simulations of planetary configurations and constellations of the estimated year of His birth. The prophecy of Revelation 12:1–4 is referring to the constellation of Virgo, representative of the Promised Seed.

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.                                                                                                                                 Revelation 12:1–4

While the fulfillment of this prophecy was taking place on September 11, 3 bc, the planet Jupiter was in direct conjunction with the star Regulus in Leo. It began a retrograde a couple of months later when it appeared to circle Regulus and came into conjunction with it twice more. So at least we can surmise that the magi observed Jupiter doing something astounding on that day and the days following.

If the magi came from ancient Persia, it would have taken them at least two months to arrive at Jerusalem. Some scholars also believe other countries were involved, including Arabia and India. The trip from India would have been over 3000 miles—a long distance to go by camel. The point is that the magi arrived at Jerusalem after Jesus was born.

When Herod checked with his counselors, they shared with him the prophecy that the king of the Jews would be born in Bethlehem, which is why he sent the magi in that direction. However, Matthew 2:9 says that they instead followed the star they had originally seen in the east, which now reappeared before them. This means there was a period of time when it was not visible. Some have conjectured that it was a supernova that suddenly appeared at that time. On the other hand, it says it appeared “in the east,” which could mean it was simply rising over the horizon. Jupiter did appear on Jerusalem’s horizon on May 8, 1 bc, which fits with Matthew 2:9 because it had been below the horizon since its last appearance on that horizon on September 29, 3 bc (about three weeks after Jesus’ birth). This means it would not have been visible to the magi for a year and seven months, reappearing on Jerusalem’s horizon the first week of May in 1 bc. As soon as they saw its reappearance, they knew the direction to go, regardless of what Herod had told them.

This was also the time of Jupiter’s next retrograde motion in Virgo, the constellation that represents the birth of Messiah. A retrograde motion is perhaps the only astronomical occurrence that produces the optical illusion of a celestial body (star) standing still, since the planet appears to stop its motion as the retrograde begins and finishes. This gives even stronger evidence that the “star” of Nazareth is Jupiter/Tzedek, since it corresponds with Matthew 2:9’s account, “behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.”

Jupiter would have appeared to the magi about a year and seven months earlier, before it went below the horizon, which would also account for Herod choosing the age bracket he did for killing the male children in the Bethlehem area.

Daniel, the Master Astronomer

I believe Daniel taught the ancient magi that the planet Jupiter was the key celestial body to watch. He probably also instructed them to watch for its retrogrades within the constellations of Leo (the lion of the tribe of Judah) and Virgo (representing Messiah’s birth). If he threw in the fact that Jupiter would encircle the star Regulus (representative of the king) during its Leo retrograde, it would have further deepened its prophetic significance of pointing to the birth of the King of the Judeans. Daniel taught that after 483 years the prince (Messiah) would be cut off (Daniel 9:25–26), giving the magi a general time frame to watch for Jupiter to display Messiah’s birth announcement in the skies.

Since Jupiter retrogrades approximately every 13 months, and each time it moves approximately one constellation ahead, the Leo/Virgo retrogrades would occur every 13–14 years. The particular one that the magi were observing was within the time frame that had been passed down to them from their predecessors, which they had learned from Daniel. In addition, Jupiter and Saturn were in conjunction in Pisces in 5 bc; then two years later in August of 3 bc another amazing conjunction occurred right before Jupiter did its triple conjunction with Regulus over the course of five months. I believe that when the magi saw these retrogrades and triple conjunctions, they started packing their bags for the long journey that would bring them to Jerusalem 20 months after Jupiter’s first retrograde within Leo.  

Conclusion

Whether His Star is a supernova, a conjunction of planets, or the planet Jupiter, the magi who followed it did not arrive to Jerusalem until sometime after His birth. Regardless of what the star (planet) was, or how they followed it, it did not lead them to Bethlehem. Messiah was born in Bethlehem, where the shepherds showed up shortly afterwards; but it was approximately a year and eight months later that the magi came to worship and bring gifts to Him at His home in Nazareth. Although Herod directed them to look for Him in Bethlehem, the Star of Nazareth (His Star) appeared in the east and led them to the young child in Nazareth, not the baby in Bethlehem.

After He was born in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem, which is northbound and in the same direction they were headed to return to their home in Nazareth. They stopped in the temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices for His birth and to dedicate Him. Anna and Simeon prophesied over Jesus, and then Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth with their new baby (Luke 2:39).

When the magi came to Jerusalem seeking Him who was born king of the Jews, they would not have found Him in Bethlehem because He was already back home in Nazareth. Yahweh honored David by having the son of David born in the city of David; however, He was not raised there.

So to officially bury this sacred cow, the star that the wise men followed was not the star of Bethlehem; it would be more rightly called the star of Nazareth. The magi, or wise men, followed the star of Nazareth, found Messiah and worshiped Him. Wise men and women have sought Him throughout the ages and continue to seek Him today. However, we will not find Him in Nazareth now. In our earthly dimension, the risen Savior lives in our hearts, while in the heavenly one, He is seated at the right hand of God waiting for His coming as King.

The heavens announced His first coming, and they will also announce His second coming. If Jupiter is His Star, it might be speaking even now about His return. We ought to look up. At the time of this writing (January 2015) Jupiter is retrograding in Leo—now. Let’s lift up our heads, for our redemption draws nigh.  

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.                                         Luke 21:28

The wise men followed His Star to Nazareth, not Bethlehem. His home was in Nazareth, and that is why He was called Jesus of Nazareth, not Jesus of Bethlehem. The conclusion of the matter is that the magi were not present at the birth of Christ; rather, they followed His Star (Jupiter) to Nazareth where He was already living as a young child still under the age of two years old. For this reason, His Star should be known as the Star of Nazareth and not the Star of Bethlehem.

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Notes

1. Interlinear breakdown of Matthew 2:1 can be found at http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/mat2.pdf, accessed January 7, 2015.
2. The University of Texas at Austin, New Testament Greek Online Lesson 2 by Winfred P. Lehmann and Jonathan Slocum. This lesson shows that the Greek word gennêthentos is a deponent verb; genitive singular masculine of aorist passive participle of <gignomai> happen, become—was born. Accessed at http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/eieol/ntgol-2-R.html on January 7, 2015.

TORMENTING DEMONS

After returning from a recent class on Exercising Spiritual Authority where we witnessed many demons cast out of people, my good buddy Ed Murphy asked me how it went. My response stirred the fellow spiritual warrior in his soldier soul when I said, “Nothing seems quite as exhilarating as hearing a God-damned demon shrieking and screaming when they are cast out.” We both belly laughed as we remembered the times we have tormented demons and they came out of people kicking and screaming. We are not the first ones to experience such exhilarating excitement. It is a biblical fact that demons often scream when they are expelled.

For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed.                                                          Acts 8:7a

It is interesting to note that it says the unclean spirits were the ones crying out—not the people they came out of. They are crying because they are being tormented and are in pain and agony.

In my prayer time following the above conversation, I was thanking the Lord for the power and authority to do such exploits. His response is still echoing in my head. He asked, “Has it occurred to you that I like to hear them scream too?” Actually, I had not considered that concept before; but now that I know He likes it, be assured that I will give Him some enjoyment in the near future. Why should He not like it? And why shouldn’t we like it as well? After all, it is evidence that the tormentors are being tormented.

Along the line of tormenting demons, not long after Jesus (Yeshua) walked out of the desert, He went to Capernaum where a demon reacted to His presence by crying out, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24). The Luke 8:28 account of Jesus casting the demons out of the madman of the Gadarenes says, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!”

The demons cried out when they saw Jesus because they knew He was an expert demon hunter and they feared His presence. The demon asked Jesus, “Are you come to torment us before our time [of torment]?” Though Jesus did not qualify a response to the question, He demonstrated His answer. Not only did He cast them out, but He also sent them into a herd of pigs where they met a gruesome end by stampeding off the cliff and plunging into the water to drown. The result? The demons were left with no house or job. Jesus did not answer the demon’s question by saying yes, but the action proved the answer was and is—yes! Absolutely yes. He made it positively clear that He had indeed come to torment them before their time.

We often think of demons as the tormentors, but how often do we consider that we can torment them by casting them out of their house? When a demon is cast out, he is not asked to leave—he is thrown out against his will.

Demons lose their homes and jobs all in one violent action of expulsion. They scream because they are being driven out against their will, just as they have driven their victims against their will. How exciting to consider that we can torment the tormentors and inflict punishment on the punishers. Even more so, hearing their screams is incredibly, spiritually satisfying.

The Bible testifies that a time is coming when all demons will be chained in the pit with Satan for a thousand years and then afterward be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. That is their time of promised torment. Yet, until then, those of us who love to torment the tormentors can enjoy the precursor of them being cast into the lake of fire by casting them out of their houses NOW.

So I say to the spiritual warrior out there, what could be more exciting and exhilarating than to hear the tormentors scream because they are being tormented?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HOLOCAUST?

Each year on April 28^th the nation of Israel shuts down in observation of Holocaust Day, so I thought it befitting that they—and the rest of the world—know who was really responsible for this horrible event. For those who want the short answer without all the details, here it is: The Jesuits fomented the atrocity that we know today as the Holocaust.

Ignatius de Loyola founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in the 1500’s. It soon became the militant arm of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), punishing those who stood against the RCC. From behind a deceptive camouflage, the Jesuits have secretly orchestrated wars and manipulated politics, especially stemming back to the founding of its cover group, the Illuminati, in 1776.

Loyola was an idealist who believed God would reward him for his secretive reprisals against all those who opposed the RRC. At first, he was viewed as an enemy of the church; but he gained favor with the Pope when he showed him the methods and techniques he used to acquire power. The Pope immediately joined forces with him and employed those strategies to advance the church. Loyola became the first Jesuit General of an army of priests formed to protect and advance the RCC agenda and was also the first one known as “the Black Pope” (this derogatory nickname was given because of their black garments and their covert activities). Ignatius de Loyola has been widely touted by the RCC authorities and was canonized 66 years after his death.

One of the strategies Loyola taught the Jesuits was to infiltrate organizations with the intent to either control it or to destroy it, based upon which is better for the mother church.

In the 1700s, Adam Weishaupt, a German Jesuit and devout student of Ignatius de Loyola, feigned demitting (resigning) from the Jesuits to develop a plan and secret society with the goal of world economic domination for a bloodline confederacy of “those who say they are Jews and are not.” This group became known as the Illuminati, the most powerful secret society in the world. Although the general populace knows that the Illuminati exists, few are aware that it is secretly run and owned by the Jesuits.

Note: The Chick tract publication, “Alberto,” exposes the little-known truth that the Illuminati is Jesuit-run. This series provides an insightful source for those that want to know who is manipulating much of the evil in the world.¹

Recently, the former legal counselor for the World Bank, Karen Hudes, resigned her position of 21 years to disclose the secret operations of the World Bank and their direct ties to the Jesuits. The Jesuits killed Alberto Rivera, the genuinely demitted Jesuit, who earlier revealed many of the Jesuits’ inner secrets. Karen Hudes is now a target as is anyone who openly exposes their chicanery. Please pray for her.

The adage of the Jesuits, which is to “never forsake or relent,” was affirmed by the assassination of Abraham Lincoln when he would not work toward or declare the United States of America a Roman Catholic concordant. Lincoln also refused to relent to the Illuminati, especially their precursor to the World Bank that intended to issue the US currency. Lincoln blamed the Jesuits for the US Civil War when he blatantly stated that “This war would never have been possible without the sinister influence of the Jesuits.”²

As we learn to recognize their footprint of subterfuge and reprisal, many more examples of the Jesuits’ underhanded schemes begin to surface. They wrote the controversial “Counsels of the Elders of Zion” that falsely incriminated Jews and incited the anger and distrust toward them that paved the way to the Holocaust. Both World Wars I and II were staged to punish the Russian Orthodox Church and the Jews for their stand against the Pope’s supremacy. Our Civil War was orchestrated by southern Jesuits Albert Pike, a 33rd degree Free Mason, and Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States. The French revolution was another scheme of the Jesuits that was planned to punish the French king and his people for resisting the Pope’s power. Likewise, the overthrow of the Russian Czar, along with the financing of Hitler’s war machine, were designed to punish those who had committed an offense against the RCC and/or resisted its authority. The Holocaust against the Jews is eclipsed by the estimated 11–17 million Christians killed in both World Wars. It is interesting to note that almost 3 million Polish Catholics were killed, showing that they are willing to sustain losses of their own as long as they ultimately damage or destroy their enemies.

Who is responsible for the Holocaust of the Jews? The same ones responsible for the Civil War, the French Revolution, WWI, WWII, the assassination of Lincoln (and Kennedy), the building of Communism and Nazism to fight against each other and kill Jews and Christians during the process, as well as the Vietnam War. One covert group was behind all of these atrocities of modern history—the Jesuits.

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Notes

1.      The Alberto Series Comic Pack is available at https://www.chick.com/catalog/assortments/0931.asp, accessed May 1, 2014.

2.      “Abraham Lincoln Quote on the Civil War,” blog article at http://maranatha777.wordpress.com/2008/01/17/abraham-lincoln-quote-on-the-civil-war/, accessed May 1, 2014.

DECIPHERING THE MEANINGS OF THE TETRAD ECLIPSES

Note: Research on the tetrad eclipses has become more widely known through the works of Mark Biltz; and I believe the information within this article can contribute to his.

Deciphering the meanings of eclipses requires the application of a secret known only to a few “Magi”—those who actually look at the heavens and do not rely mainly (or solely) on computer simulations and planet charts. The secret is to observe what is going on in the rest of the heavens while Earth’s shadow dims the Moon’s reflective light. During that time, which can last a couple of hours, the observer can read other parts of the heavens; and this is a significant key to interpreting a lunar eclipse. The actual location of the Moon is important, but the full message of the eclipse can only be understood by observing the movements and locations of other celestial bodies.

This is especially interesting now since there are a series of four lunar eclipses lined up on the recurring Feast Days of Passover and Tabernacles in 2014 and 2015 (not to mention two solar eclipses in 2015). These are total lunar eclipses providentially occurring on these Jewish holy days; and according to Colossians 2:16 and 17, the holy days are shadows of things to come. In other words, the feast days are already prophetic indicators and these eclipses are marking them and drawing our attention to them.

A major part of the message of the tetrad eclipses can be gleaned from retrogrades of Mars and Venus that will occur during the first and last eclipses. Both retrogrades will occur in highly significant locations: Mars’ retrograde will be in Virgo, the first constellation in the scroll of the heavens, during the first eclipse; and Venus’ retrograde will be in Leo, the last constellation in the scroll of the heavens, in the last eclipse. These point out the first and second comings of the Messiah—the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega—as well as the Bright and Morning Star represented through Venus.

Lunar eclipses only happen on full moons—when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and its path takes it through the Earth’s shadow. Typically, the night of a full moon is the worst night of the month for reading the heavens since its reflective light outshines all the other celestial bodies. This is what makes a lunar eclipse so significant—when the moonlight diminishes, the other lights can be seen and their messages read. So, when each eclipse of the tetrad occurs, the deeper message pronounced in the rest of the heavens will be like a hidden mystery to decode. It will be like God putting His hand over the Moon and asking us, “Okay, what can you see now?”

Anyone can observe a lunar eclipse; but noting the movements and placements of the stars and planets during the eclipse, e.g., retrogrades, requires a deeper understanding that is not generally known by those who rely mainly upon computer simulations and charts. There are astronomers and even Christological astronomers who focus their study on man’s simulations and written records; but to be a Magi, one must read the actual celestial “manuscript” (night sky) and get in touch with its Author. This is how we will gain the necessary understanding to interpret the message that God is sending out through the tetrad eclipses. We must spend time in the celestial cathedral reading the astrologos as we observe the retrogrades of Mars and Venus during the first and last eclipses if we truly want to know what they are announcing.

These two major retrogrades wrap the tetrad eclipses together like the opening and closing chapters of a book. The overall message is not necessarily that the Messiah is coming at any specific time; but it is a huge celestial announcement for those who have eyes to see. Although we do not know what exactly will happen during these times, there is still much to learn from taking note of where these planets are retrograding and the objects they pass. I believe some earthshaking news may be revealed about the coming of Messiah.   

The First Eclipse of the Tetrad (April 15, 2014)

To decipher the message of a lunar eclipse, we must take note of its location. The first tetrad eclipse, which will occur on April 15, 2014 (Passover) around 2 am EDT, will be located in the constellation of Virgo. Mars will be immediately next to it; and as the Moon begins to eclipse, it will pass directly in front of the star Spica, occulting (hiding) it until the eclipse is done. All the while, Mars will be “drawing” a circle around Spica and the Moon in the process of its three-month retrograde.

This simultaneous occurrence of Earth’s shadow hiding the Moon while the Moon hides Spica is very, very rare. The timing of these two events coinciding with Mars’ retrograde is enough to send a chill up your spine—especially when you realize the significance of Spica. Of all the stars on the ecliptic path (the Sun’s path), it is perhaps the one that most clearly announces the coming of Messiah. Spica is the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo, the promise of the coming One. Spica is its more modern Latin name; but in Arabic, its name is Al Zemach, and its Hebrew name is Tsemach, both meaning “the righteous branch” or “the offspring of God.” Spica announces the coming of the King or the Offspring of God. This should be enough to make a Magi or even a Christological astronomer stand up and take notice. The Moon will be in total eclipse at exactly the same time it moves in front of the most messianic star of the heavens—all while Mars is encircling them both! We do not even have to be a Magi or a rocket scientist to realize that now is the time to “lift up your eyes because your redemption draws nigh” (Luke 21:28).

So when the moonlight dims during its eclipse, we will be able to clearly see the message in the rest of the heavens. Since Mars will be right next to the Moon during this first tetrad eclipse, it will be hardly visible at first because of the reflective light that is still escaping around the Moon’s edges. However, as the eclipse proceeds to its fullest point and the light decreases, it will become more visible. The Hebrew word for Mars is Madim, meaning “the red one.” As this red planet is observed closely, it will appear to move in a circle around the eclipse as the Moon hides Al Zemach (Spica), the righteous branch.

The ancient Magi read and interpreted retrogrades; and that can be seen in their understanding of the sky’s announcement of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The planet Jupiter was in retrograde in Leo during Jesus’ birth and this, in part, signified to the Magi the birth announcement of the King of the Judeans. The present Mars retrograde will encircle the messenger star hidden behind the lunar eclipse on Passover 2014—Spica, “the righteous branch” or “the offspring of God,” that says Messiah is coming. This eclipse, this occultation, and this retrograde are all happening at the same place and at the same time in the heavens on a major holy day that is a prophetic indicator.

The present retrograde of Mars began on March 6^th and will gradually backtrack westerly until mid-May when it will appear to turn around and head back around Spica. I have written two separate articles on the retrogrades of Mars and what they have meant to the nation of Israel, which can be read at http://www.lmci.org/PDFs/EpiskoposMar2012.pdf and http://www.lmci.org/PDFs/EpiskoposDec2013.pdf The Christological meaning of Mars is “Messiah the Warrior,” and it appears He and His angels are ready to fight for the kingdom that belongs to Him.  

If someone told you that Mars was drawing a circle in the sky, would you think that was important? Would you think that where it is drawing a circle is significant? The fact that it is drawing its circle around one of the most poignant stars announcing the coming of Messiah and in tandem with the encircling the eclipsing Moon while it (the Moon) occults that same star is huge! This emphatically shows that Messiah will fight for the kingdom of God and His people. Watch out for war; and the enemies of Israel had better beware because history shows that Messiah is on Israel’s side.

I have been on several radio interviews about the celestial Word of God where I discussed the significance of these eclipses, and all of those programs are interested in end-time events being prophesied. Si Robertson would probably say, “Hey Jack, pay attention!” Lunar eclipses and circles being drawn by planets on feast days should be enough to get our attention. The heavens are declaring that Messiah is coming.

The Last Eclipse of the Tetrad (September 27/28, 2015)

As already mentioned, there is another retrograde happening during the last eclipse of the 2014–2015 tetrad.  Do you think it is significant that Venus will be drawing a circle in the sky during the last tetrad eclipse? Venus will be drawing a circle in Leo, the last constellation in the scroll of the heavens. In the first of the eclipses, Mars will draw a circle in Virgo, the first constellation on the scroll of the heavens; and in the last of the eclipses, Venus will draw its retrograde circle in the last of the constellations on the scroll, Leo. These retrogrades in these specific constellations are like the bookends of the tetrad, and they provide additional insight to the message of the Messiah’s coming. They say that Messiah is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is the Bright and Morning Star, and His coming is being announced in the heavens.

This last tetrad eclipse will begin on the evening of September 27 at 11 pm EDT and end around 1 am on September 28. Its location will be in the constellation of Pisces, within the horizontal band of the fish. This band is prophetic of the Gentile nations while the vertical fish of the constellation prophetically represents Israel. This location of the Moon proclaims that Messiah is coming for the whole world and not just to rescue the Jews. The Great Mystery was fulfilled in the heavens on the night of Jesus’ birth, as seen by the planet of Uranus (not visible to the naked eye) abiding in the exact spot where the Moon will be eclipsed—marking the salvation of the Gentiles and the promise of Messiah to come for them too. This is saying to all who have eyes to see—the King of kings is coming for His inheritance.

Venus begins its retrograde in Leo prior to the last of the tetrad eclipses and will be completing its loop in the sky at the time of the last eclipse. The planet will appear to encircle Leo’s front legs, which is the general location of Regulus, the star involved in announcing Messiah’s first coming. Regulus is the brightest star in Leo and means “the King ruling over the enemy.” This retrograde will also be positioned directly over the head of Hydra, which represents Satan as the sea serpent.

As the light of the Moon begins to dim while passing through Earth’s shadow, Venus, the Bright and Morning Star, will finish out its retrograde in Leo. This is the echo of the first eclipse’s message, “you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why”—Messiah is coming to our planet very soon.

Summation

Discover the deepest prophetic meaning of a total lunar eclipse by reading the heavens while the moonlight is dimmest. During the upcoming tetrad of 2014–2015, the heavens will brilliantly announce the Messiah’s coming through the retrogrades of the first and last eclipses, wrapping the tetrad into a neat prophetic package that contains a message out of the only accurate calendar we have. The heavens are declaring the coming of the King.

The Bible emphatically states that the day of Lord is a dark day of dread and of wrath and tribulation and anguish (Joel 2). Some may say that the eclipses will herald foreboding announcements of judgment and retribution, and it’s true that these things are scripturally promised to precede Messiah’s coming. Yet, in their truest sense, these eclipses and retrogrades that announce His coming herald much more than impending calamity.

Joel 2:31 and Acts 2:20 tell us that the Sun turning to darkness (a solar eclipse) and the Moon to blood (a lunar eclipse) precedes the day of the Lord. It is not likely that the day of the Lord will occur during the tetrad of 2014–2015, but it will occur sometime in the not-too-distant future afterward. There are many other signs in the heavens that have been announcing, and will continue to announce, the same revelation to all who will look up and take the time to see what they are saying. Messiah is coming!

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

© 2014 Liberating Ministries for Christ International, Inc

CONTENDING FOR THE ASTROLOGOS

Much attention is given to the written Word of God and also to the Incarnate Word, the Word in the flesh; yet who is contending for the Astrologos, the revelation of Messiah in the heavens? Psalm 19:1 claims that the heavens declare the glory of God; and since the glory of God is manifested in Messiah, we must come to grips that the devil has stolen and perverted the truth that Jesus Christ is revealed through the heavens in his effort to hide the Redeemer from mankind. Who thinks of Messiah when they look up at the stars, and how many know how to read the (true) astrologos? 

I began my research into biblical astronomy over 40 years ago, but its significance only recently hit me as I realized the consequences of Satan’s treachery that he stole God’s glory out of the heavens. It is almost like England seizing and holding the crown jewels of India. Satan is holding what rightfully belongs to Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah of God—the crux, or central theme, of the entire celestial cathedral. Satan, represented by the constellation of Draco (the dragon of retribution) centered in the highest spot in the north sky, has commandeered the understanding of the Messianic message and turned it into a mockery of astro-diviners, conjurers, and fortune tellers. All the while, the real truth being cloaked is the Astrologos—the promised Messiah of God, who is being beamed nightly to every spirit in the world. Sadly, it is not understood because Satan has blinded the hearts of those that believe. And while non-Christians don’t understand it, neither do the majority of Christians—nor do they even think about the Astrologos. Even if their thoughts should accidentally drift up to the stars to consider that there is a message in them, most Christians would view the “reading” of the constellations as an occult practice that belongs strictly to the devil and astrologers (astro-diviners).

In contending for the Astrologos, I am prepared to go the distance and into the parking lot too. This is personal to me because of my relationship with The Astrologos. In a deep prayer session in the celestial cathedral after returning from India, the Lord asked me if I was willing to negotiate with Satan over the astrologos. “Absolutely not,” I replied.  Then he said, “You have been already negotiating with him because he has the word astrology and you are afraid to take it back.” He finished with, “A religious spirit that has warped your thinking has had you duped.”

I know what this means: in order to get to the astrologos, I am going to have to go through the word “astrology” as well. The roots for both of these words are the same. Astro means “stars;” while logos is a Greek word meaning “word” and the root stem from which the suffix “ology” comes, meaning “the study of.” Contending for the astrologos (the word of the stars) necessitates redeeming from the devil’s clutches the term astrology (the study of the stars) as well.

So, is it wrong to study the stars? Of course not; and there is nothing evil about the word astrology, which is clearly defined as “the study of the stars.” The problem has come from Satan’s perversion of this word that has resulted in those who are actually mediums, spirit channelers, and conjurers being defined as “astrologers.” Why would he pervert the word this way? Because he is endeavoring to hide the prized jewel that the true study of the stars would reveal—the astrologos: the Word of the stars.

The main Hebrew word that is translated “astrologer” in the Bible is ‘ashshaph, and it is more properly translated as “conjurer.” Conjurers make up information about the future as they go, and endeavor to obtain it from spirit sources. They can’t get true information concerning the future from demons, because they do not have it. What the conjurers can do is send the demons out to do their bidding through black magic; and that gives them the illusion of knowing the future, when in reality they are witches conjuring demons to do assignments. These are not astrologers—these are astro-diviners. The payment that the demon gets from duping the person is a free ride in their body and the astro-diviner gets his pocket lined with the money coming from fleecing the victim. It is a win/win outcome for the demon and the astro-diviner, but a lose/lose outcome for the victim of the deception—and then to top it off they call themselves astrologers. They are not astro-ologers, they are astro-diviners.

(Incidentally, stealing words and claiming them for himself is not a new trick for Satan.  He also did it with the word “seer.” [See 1 Samuel 9:9.])

Thus, I use the word “astro-diviners” to accurately describe these occult activities instead of continuing to negotiate with the devil over the word astrologos and the word astrology. He can have his word “astro-diviners,” but I am taking back what belongs to my Master. As far as I am concerned, the proper terminology of those who have previously been called astrologers is now officially changed to astro-diviners; and, in addition, I now officially re-claim the word “astrology” in the name of Jesus Christ. Even if no one else recognizes this, I know what the Lord spoke to me when He asked, “Do you know how long it has been since anyone contended for my glory out of the heavens?” I may not know how long it has been, but I do know that I will contend for His glory out of the heavens; and I know that there are others who are eager to join in.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and I will not negotiate over the astrologos or its related word astrology. I am taking back what the devil has stolen from God’s family. Will you join me in contending for the Astrologos—Jesus the Messiah? He has been revealed as the Bright and Morning Star, the center of celestial revelation, the Promised One; and He is brilliantly displayed night after night over every village in the world. Satan has stolen the knowledge of God’s glory in the heavens—or, at the very least, hidden it from us to understand and share.

Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah, the Promised One, prophesied throughout all the Scriptures from beginning to end—not just in the Holy Bible but even within the ancient Vedas of India. He has come, and to this hour He is declared in the heavens day unto day and night unto night. The celestial lights tell of his first coming and the promise of Him returning as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Blessings on all who believe on Him through His first coming and who now await His return. He is the Astrologos!

Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.                                                                                                Luke 21:28b  

THE MOST ABUNDANT FISHERY FOR MEN IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD

And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”                                                                                                Matthew 4:19

While on my recent trip to India (February/March 2014), the Lord showed me perhaps the largest available catch of men (people) in the history of the world. He also taught me the best net to use, as well as how to cast it, so that I could conceivably pull in millions of Hindus into His kingdom. The following is a brief synopsis of what I saw while in India, including His amazing method of fishing.

My personal goal on this mission trip was to sow Christological Astronomy and the knowledge of God’s celestial word into the nation of India; and I believe it was well accomplished. In my preparation for teaching Christological Astronomy in India, I studied Hindu astrology to come up with a game plan going in; however, I was unprepared for what I found. The research was sufficient for “blowing holes” in Hindu astrology, as I had in both North and South America; but I discovered that astrology, or “astro-divining” is a much bigger deal in Hinduism and throughout all India than in either of the Americas. In fact, it is so huge there that it has given the Indian church an even worse attitude about the celestial message than either North or South American churches. 

When I discovered that Hindu kids are taught the heavens and already know the constellations at an early age, I was blown out of the water. Because they were already primed for this information, I was able to easily show them Messiah in the heavens. When I explained His birth to them, they got it and readily accepted it.

I saw this same readiness and acceptance in Indian adults when I witnessed God’s celestial message on the streets to both a Hindu and a Muslim in the same afternoon and hooked the two of them on Messiah! I also found prophecies in the ancient Vedas that told of Messiah’s coming and gave accounts of the wise men (magi) from India who went to find Him. However, it was disappointing to observe that the Indians who had been raised Christian had absolutely no knowledge of, or respect for, these celestial messages. Those who were raised as Hindus knew a great deal about them and respected their authority; thus, they were far more receptive to the truths of Messiah being written in the heavens than their Christian-raised counterparts.

Please understand that even as a new “magi,” the knowledge and secrets I am carrying far predate what any astro-diviner has ever considered. This is because they were hidden in the Bible for true followers of Messiah to find. One of the greatest weapons God has armed me with is the ability to debunk astrology; and I find myself holding the keys to potentially the most abundant harvest of men and women for the kingdom of God in the history of the world. Since I do like to fish and have experienced the giddiness of finding the “honey hole” loaded with trophies, I am currently prepping to haul in a net overflowing with an abundance of people for God’s kingdom. My boasting is in the Lord because He was the One who gave me the zeal and courage to defy the church and most everyone else to recapture His truth written in the heavens. He has now brought me stand upon the threshold of bringing in a huge catch for His kingdom, where I will catch Hindus by the thousands, if not millions! Think I am excited?

As exciting as this is, the obstacle of the uninformed/misinformed religious attitude of the church still stands in my way. This attitude is not only present in the American church; it is even more prevalent in the Indian church. Here is my dilemma: I have been given the ability to harvest multitudes of Indian Hindus; but to do so means offending the church. After thinking this through and seeking God for help, my anxiety melted away when I realized that the catch that awaits the kingdom of God is made up of those trapped in the deception of Hinduism. 

I am fishing in these waters. I have the right to do so according to the Scriptures and will not be forbidden, even in the face of a fierce battle with religious attitudes and spirits.

How to Gather the Harvest

I have envisioned pulling a huge trawl, or fishing net, in an enormous circle and seeing thousands of people teeming into the kingdom of God. I have already been working on the net and am swiftly approaching the launching time. About a year ago, the Lord said to me, “I am going to change you from a hook-and-line fisherman into a commercial fisherman.” I got excited about the increased numbers of fish I could catch with a net; and then it dawned on me that the word “commercial” also includes a profit. Both aspects excite me, because I desire to plunder Hell and populate Heaven. The Lord also told me that what I was building at that time was the net or trawl that would gather the people in.  I knew He was speaking of the computer programs a number of us have been working on for several years. Because of God’s providence and leading of the Holy Spirit, we have constructed computer programs that explain Christological Astronomy in order to lead people into understanding who Messiah is, as well as giving them the potential for accepting Him as Redeemer and King. We are marketing it as the MAZ, or my MyAccurateZodiac. MAZ arguably has the most accurate planetary locations available. It has already caused NASA to rethink certain aspects of their astronomy programs, which has the potential of global impact upon other astronomy programs. MAZ could bring some much-needed clout into India where technology is thriving and knowledge is king. I am praying for the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to help.

In my recent trip to India, my goal for teaching the live classes was 2 Timothy 2:2—to teach faithful men to teach others. I verbalized that I hoped to get at least 20 faithful English-speaking believers that I could train to teach others. That goal was far exceeded because I didn’t get 20—I got 200!  These are young Indian students who are zealous to recapture the glory of God out of the heavens that Satan has stolen. We have developed the Christological Astronomy Online Institute to train these 200 budding magi and teachers the celestial word of God, who will then be able to train others in their own languages. This is the Lord’s provision of laborers for the harvest.

A dilemma that will swiftly come upon us is the discipleship of those who will be added to the kingdom of God. The teachers who will be trained through the online institute will be a big part of this answer, as well as the Indian apostles throughout the nation that I am in contact with. They are all informed of what I am doing and have expressed a desire to help.    

This is truly great news for fishers of men. Imagine what it will be like to bring the knowledge of Messiah to so many who have been deceived by idols and abusive astro-diviners. With India’s population of almost a billion Hindus, this could be the greatest fishery for men and harvest for the kingdom of God in the history of the world. 

Please pray and intercede for the harvest, as well as for me and all the other laborers. I will keep posting updates as they come.