And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. (Joel 2:30-32)
Joel’s prophecy described supernatural signs in the heavens—a darkened sun, a blood-red moon, and fire on the earth. Jesus referenced these same signs. Seeing these events should remind us that God’s plan for the world is unfolding.
Peter also quoted this passage from Joel in Acts 2 in front of the entire city, stating that the manifestation of tongues they heard that day was merely a fulfillment of prophecy. This indicates that Joel’s prophecy has layers of fulfillment. The signs in the sun and sky were realized at Jesus’ crucifixion, and the same signs in the sky will signal the final events before Christ’s return.
Remember that Scripture can contain layers of meaning. That’s why it’s crucial to research and pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit while reading the Bible. Verse 32 of Joel 2 concludes with a powerful declaration: “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.” Note that Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 uses the word “saved” instead because deliverance is part of salvation. The salvation Jesus purchased with His blood was not merely to shield you from hell. Being “saved” encompasses deliverance, restoration, and freedom in Christ.
Practical Application
We are living in the last of the Last Days. This is a time of fulfillment of prophecy. Don’t ignore the signs of the times, but don’t be afraid of them. Jesus’ sacrifice has given you access to salvation and deliverance, which means no matter what is happening in the world, we operate in healing, freedom, and restoration. Refuse to fear.