For the past several weeks there has been an arresting sight in Southwestern sky as red Mars, the red star Antares, and Saturn have come together in the constellation Scorpio. Beyond its beauty, however, this gathering conveys a timely and important message to us.

                The Zodiacal constellation Scorpio (The Scorpion) is the third chapter of the Star Bible, representing the rebellion of mankind against God. In the Bible, Scorpions are associated with rebellious men (Ezekiel 2:6), and there seems to be an explosion of rebellion against God in our nation, our government, our politics, and in the world in general. There is also an outbreak of perversion, as represented by the star Lesath (The Perverse) on the stinger of the Scorpion. The bright red star at the heart of the Scorpion, Antares (The Wounding), pictures the fullness of rebellion culminating in the rejection of Christ by mankind and His crucifixion on the cross.

Of course, the Scorpion in the sky is situated beneath a large man, the constellation Ophiuchus (The Serpent Held) representing the restraining and ultimate triumph over evil. (See our Blog of 7/6/16 “Bullinger’s Struggle in the Stars”) Jesus tells us that we have authority over the “Scorpions” and can overcome the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19) But sometimes, in dark days, we need a little more encouragement, and that is what we have been given with Mars and Saturn coming into Scorpio.

Mars, the red planet, symbolizes the red blood of Jesus. It reminds us, like the Blood Moons, that Christians overcome the power of the enemy “By the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). The Blood is so powerful because it signifies that we can stand in God’s presence without fear or shame, as children of God. The Blood also offers hope to those lost in their sins that the forgiveness of God is still available. Thus, Mars stands in Scorpio as an encouragement to the believers and an invitation to the lost to come join the family of God.

Saturn is known for its ring, an ancient from of a king’s crown. It represents Christ the Ruler, and reminds us that Christ will triumph over evil and that “every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10:11). The presence of Saturn, the Ruler, in the constellation Scorpio reinforces the message that Christ will triumph over the rebellion of men. The Moon, representing the believers, passes close to Saturn on September 8 to add its witness and let us know that we will share in Christ’s victory.

So take a look at the grouping of Antares, Mars, Saturn and the Moon and tell someone that evil may look powerful now but Christ will overcome it and save many lost souls.