This week, we will have one of the best opportunities of the year to view the planet Mercury.
Mercury is one of the "seven planets" which were visible to the ancients. The fourth day of the week, Wednesday, is named in English after the Norse god corresponding to Roman Mercury and Greek Hermes. The planet Mercury is symbolic of Satan in the Star Bible and is mentioned in a passage in the Bible about Satan (Isa. 14:12), where he is described as the morning star laid low. The Greek name Hermes, meaning "the burnt one," also adds to the picture of Mercury as representing Satan.
The planet Mercury is very close to the sun and can only be seen as a morning or evening star. Most of the time it is too "laid low" near the sun to be seen at all. However, in early January it is at its furthest distance from the sun and will be visible just before sunrise.
About 30 minutes before sunrise, there will be an impressive sight in the eastern sky as Mercury (representing Satan) appears below Saturn (representing Jesus the ruler). The two planets will be only 0.6 degrees apart, about the width of the moon, as Mercury is laid low beneath Saturn, picturing the triumph of Christ.
Adding to the picture is the new crescent moon, representing believers (Ps. 89:37), passing near to the bright star Antares (the wounded) in the constellation Scorpio (the scorpion), which represents the rebellion of Men (Ezek. 2:6). The moon reminds us that the church will overcome the rebellion of men and adds to the picture of the defeat of the Morning Star laid low. It is worth remembering that, while the moon often appears partly dark to us, from the vantage point of Mercury the moon is always bright and white, reflecting the light of the sun, as the church reflects the light of Jesus, the light of the World.
So take some time to enjoy the picture of Satan laid low, the dominance of Christ the ruler, and the overcoming church reflecting the light of Jesus.
Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.
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