We live in an era where headlines shout louder than ever, and numerous voices assert they possess the key to unveiling God’s plan.
One of them is Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic rabbi whose writings and teachings, such as The Harbinger, The Mystery of the Shemitah, and his discussions on blood moons, have inspired many and sold millions of copies.
Yet, as believers, 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world “, John cautions his readers against believing every spirit due to false prophets around them.
I want to explore Cahn’s assertions, especially regarding his blood moon teachings, and consider: Which of these claims are valid, and which are not? What motivates established ministries to support him?
Blood Moons and Big Claims
A decade ago, 2014-2015, Cahn joined others in highlighting, four lunar eclipses coinciding with Jewish feasts, as a meaningful “sign in the heavens.”
Looking at Joel 2:31, speaks about “The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD”.
He linked these red eclipses to the Shemitah year, suggesting either an economic downturn or divine judgment.
The idea wasn’t new; others, such as Mark Biltz and watched John Hagee, have also promoted it. However, Cahn interwove it into his narrative of America as a modern Israel under God’s warning.
What has happened? The moons have come and gone. The stock market wobbled in 2015, but no significant upheaval shook the nation.
Scripture is clear: Deuteronomy 18:22 states, ‘When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.’
Cahn’s supporters argue that he is merely a watchman observing trends, not a prophet. I suppose this is a valid point, when natural occurrences are presented in apocalyptic terms yet yield no results, one can’t help but question: Are we pursuing illusions rather than finding stability in the truth?
The indicators of the end times in the Bible, such as Joel’s sun turning dark and stars falling, are quite notable. Lunar eclipses, however, are predictable events that NASA has monitored for centuries. Connecting these occurrences to divine judgment requires a reasoning that Scripture does not necessitate.
We must remain sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8) and avoid sensationalism, ensuring that we do not exchange truth for a captivating story.
Is there a pattern of speculation?
Cahn’s idea of the blood moon phase aligns with a larger trend. He does have a talent for connecting verses, such as Isaiah 9:10 to 9/11 or market downturns, where he asserts that there are concealed mysteries that only he can interpret.
The issue is that those Old Testament words were meant for Israel, not America. We are not God’s covenant nation; our citizenship is in heaven, as stated in (Philippians 3:20).
When predictions related to Shemitah cycles or national “harbingers’ fail, it’s more than just an error; it threatens to convolute the gospel with nationalism and sensationalism.
Jesus warned us: False prophets appear as wolves in sheep’s clothing Matthew 7:15. Cahn is no cult leader denying Christ, but his outcomes bring confusion, unfulfilled hints, and calls for caution.
Why these Platforms?
Here’s where it becomes complicated. Established ministries, those renowned for preaching the Word directly, continue to invite Cahn.
Later this year, on 9 October 2025, he will speak at a prophecy conference with a teacher whom I respect, alongside others who have hosted him before, including a Virginia pastor in February 2025.
These aren’t flaky outfits; they are grounded and discerning. So, what’s the deal?
Perhaps this could be a strategy. Where Cahn attracts audiences and brings about conversations, like what I am doing with this article! His call for repentance is genuine, but his methods are questionable.
These ministries may believe that their members can discern truth from nonsense, using Cahn as a conversation starter rather than a doctrine-setter.
They appreciate his passion for Israel, his Messianic heritage, and his sense of urgency regarding the end times. However, I must confess, it’s a delicate balance and feel sceptical at times, but that is discernment.
Amplifying a voice with uncertain predictions jeopardises clarity, particularly for those who follow blindly without further examination.
Back to Basics
Here’s my plea: Let us not become distracted by the allure of blood moons or hidden messages. The Bible is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
It requires humble hearts to understand. Cahn’s not the enemy; he’s a brother with a voice.
However, if his words do not align with Scripture or do not yield lasting fruit, we are free, indeed, obliged, to disregard them.
Test all things. Hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The Lord will return, as certain as the sun rises. Until then, let us keep our focus on Him, not the headlines.
What do you say? Are we watching the skies or trusting in the Word?