Blood Moon on Purim

​The prophetic significance of this time in history must not be missed. A "blood moon" or total lunar eclipse is expected to occur on March 3, 2026. I believe it is no accident that this will happen on the Jewish holiday of Purim. When the earth passes between the sun and a full moon it blocks the direct sunlight and casts a reddish shadow on the moon's surface.
 
Many in the prophetic circles see the blood moon as a symbol of judgment against the enemies of Israel. Isn't it fascinating that on Saturday morning both the United State and Israel began a joint military operation against Iran, which used to be called Persia? This campaign will be continuing through Purim. The blood moon is seen as a sign from God that He is intervening in the affairs of the Middle East, and that He will turn against the evil forces surrounding Israel. It is also a signal from God for the Jewish people to return to Him. 
 
How remarkable it is that Israel and the United States joined forces to strike the Iranian regime and remove it! When we look at the story of Esther in the Bible, we are reminded that Haman's plot to destroy the Jews in the Persian empire was destroyed on Purim. There was a complete reversal of the decree by Haman, the evil second in command to the King of Persia. That gave the Jews the upper hand. Could this be happening again for the Christians and small Jewish population in Iran?
 
The United States calls their battle against Iran "Epic Fury," while Israel calls theirs "Operation Lion's Roar." It appears like the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is roaring with epic fury against the evil regime in Iran and that they are being removed. This will be a time of mixed emotions for the people of Iran. There have been many casualties to their communities over the years. However, at the same time, the Christian community, called the largest underground church in the world, is being set free to worship God without fear of persecution. The small community of Jews remaining in Iran will also be able to worship in their synagogues.
 
The most interesting part of the story of Esther and the Jewish people in Persia is that God is never mentioned in it, yet He is undeniably at work in the affairs of His people. Just as Esther and the Jews trusted God to help them, may the people of Iran, Israel, and the United States rely on His faithfulness. Purim is always celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of the last month on the Hebrew calendar, Adar. Esther's cousin, Mordecai, who had been given the king’s signet ring, sent letters to all the provinces of the king establishing the yearly celebration on these dates. Adar 14 and 15 became days "on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month that was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor." (Esther 9:22 - NKJ)
 
In a post sent out on February 26, Lou Engle Ministries suggested prayer and unified decrees for us that follow:

• Plead the blood of Jesus over our nations and the Jewish people.
• Restrain the Spirit of Haman and its murderous intent.
• Pray for the removing of the veil of deception and antisemitic ideologies.
• Declare Jeremiah 49:35 - the breaking of the bow of Elam (Iran) and freedom for the Iranian people who are living under this oppressive regime.

Let us join in these prayers.