Ron Sawka Ministries
April 10, 2024; Nissan 2, 5784
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:25–26).
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matt. 9:37–38).
“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matt. 3:11).
“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Mal. 3:2–3).
Solar Eclipse and Baptism of Fire
The United States experienced a solar eclipse on April 8. Many are asking if this is a sign, and if so, what does it mean? Yes, scripture clearly says, “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon” (Luke 21:25), so it’s a logical question to ask. I think it’s very clear that we are living in unusual times. There is a sense of distress and perplexity in the world, and many are fearful as they see things being shaken. We as believers, however, are not to be fearful in any way whatsoever.
But just because we don’t want to agree with the fear-filled conclusions being tossed about doesn’t mean we should just dismiss these kinds of “signs” as irrelevant or completely overlook them. To do so would be an agreement with an “anti-Christ spirit” type of thinking that automatically scoffs at any mention that God is in charge of the world and that Jesus is Lord. Such mindsets want to deny the existence of God or the idea that He is in charge. That anti-Christ spirit does not want us to accept any sign from Him.
The truth is that Jesus is Lord and is very much aware of and involved in national and world events. The heavens do declare the glory of God (see Psalm 19). There are lots of signs. So yes, I do believe there is a powerful message from this recent eclipse. For those of us who believe, it is very positive. For those committed to unrighteousness, it should be sobering and lead to repentance.
We know the Lord is coming back. But scripture indicates it will be with fire. It will result in purifying and refining. Malachi 3:2–3 states, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.”
Malachi prophesied that God would purify His servants “that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Mal. 3:3). What Malachi prophesied was fulfilled by Jesus. Matthew 3:11 states, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Most of us well know how much our lives changed for the better when Jesus baptized us in the Holy Spirit. We began to experience the power and working of the Holy Spirit. Also, we experienced some of that cleansing fire.
But I believe scripture is clear that before Jesus returns not only will there be a great and vast harvest, but there will also be a great move of the Holy Spirit—a baptizing of fire for Christians. It will purify and cleanse of hindrances. It will result in a passion and zeal for the Lord just like Jesus, who was consumed by zeal for His Father’s house. He said, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up” (John 2:17 [quoting Psalm 69:9]).
Since 2020 (and Covid), the Lord has been shaking all things. And now comes a baptism of fire. This baptism of fire will be so great we will find ourselves changed. We will find we are zealous and passionate for the harvest. I believe the Lord wants us to be expectant of it now in the coming weeks, months, and next few years. The Lord desires to see us prepared as harvesters so we can be part of the great end-time harvest. Ask for and expect the fire now.
Thanks for praying.
Ron and Teddy Sawka
