Beginning one night recently and recurring four more times during the next 19 months, this astronomical phenomenon is happening more frequently than any other time in recent history. It has some theologians predicting … and the rest of us just admiring the skies.
Photo by: Donovan Correll
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By DONOVAN CORRELL
On April 15, a lunar eclipse known as a blood moon appeared in the sky over North America and was visible in the St. Louis area, most prevalent between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Many theologians believe it is a sign from God as described in the books of Joel and Revelation in the Bible.
Joel 2:31 states, “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”
From Revelations 6:12 it is prophesied that from John of Patmos, “I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red.”
The blood moon also took place over the Jewish Passover. Passover is a celebration of how the Jewish people were freed from slavery in Egypt nearly 3,300 years ago.
The overlapping occurrences have caused theologians such as John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio to believe that God is telling us of His return.
Hagee believes a world-changing event may occur between this 19-month period of time and that we should all be ready.
“I believe that the heavens are God’s billboard, that he has been sending signals to planet Earth,” he said. “God is literally screaming at the world, ‘I’m coming soon.’”
Hagee has written a book named, “Four Blood Moons,” explaining the meaning behind the tetrad that began April 2014 and will end in October 2015.
Students at Missouri Baptist University have their own opinions on the matter.
Beckie Scranton, senior at MBU, is in awe of God’s creation.
“I think it means God’s creations are amazing. I thought about setting my alarm to wake up to see it and instead went to bed not worried about it,” she said. “However, just before it was completely uncovered, God woke me up so I could enjoy yet another blessing He provides.”
One student saw the eclipse in another light.
Josh Shands, a junior, said, “I just see it as a lunar eclipse. Plain and simple as that.”
Upon further investigation another MBU student saw a gray area within the eclipse.
Raymond Cabello, a junior, said, “ I believe that God could be telling us something but it isn’t that the world is ending, just that He is here.”
The second blood moon will occur on Oct. 8, 2014. Make plans to witness the next lunar eclipse.
Emma Tihen 
Jessica Kunkel