Why You Should Study Revelation 14 This Week
This week, the constellation Bootes (the coming one) will be high in the eastern sky, reaching zenith around 11:00.
Bootes is associated with the Zodiacal constellation Virgo. (The Virgin), which tells of the promised seed of woman, Jesus. The other constellations associated with Virgo show a picture of Jesus as a child (Coma Berenices) and as the despised sacrifice (Centaurus), but Bootes speaks of Christ returning in power as the ruler. Bootes is pictured as a man with a sickle in one hand and a spear in the other. He appears as one “Like the Son of man” who will reap the harvest of the Earth in Revelation 14:14-16.
Bootes is home to the fourth brightest star, Arcturus (the coming one) which is identical in meaning to the constellation’s name. The star Mirac (the coming forth as an arrow) looks forward to the advent of Jesus, highlighting the constellation Sagittarius (the archer), the sign of Christ’s coming. His sacrifice is memorized by the star Nekker (the pierced) but His victory is shown in the Star Alkaturops (the branch treading underfoot). His final destruction of Satan, shown in the picture of a serpent separated into pieces in the constellation Hydra, is memorialized in the star name Muphride (who separates).
Bootes can be found to the north of the feet of Virgo and is easily recognized by the bright star Arcturus. At the same time, the planet Jupiter, which represents Christ the suffering Savior, is just below Arcturus in the nearby constellation Libra (the scales) and is at its brightest point of the year. On the planet Jupiter, there has been a brightening of the Great Red Spot, which represents the blood of Christ. Thus, we are reminded that even though judgment is coming, God’s grace is still available to those who seek Him.
Tonight in your Bible study you should read the 14th chapter of Revelation and then go out and find the picture of the harvester that God put in the sky for all to see. And tell a friend it is not too late to be saved by grace. {eoa}
Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.
