On July 1, 2025, a red heifer was sacrificed in Shiloh, Israel, marking the first such event in 2,000 years. Witnessed by a Torah-observant rabbi, this historic moment has drawn worldwide attention for its spiritual and prophetic significance, however, with many divided as to whether or not this can be accepted as the true red heifer ceremony. In a recent interview with Chris Reed, Byron Stinson, who played a central role in orchestrating this event, explained what this sacrifice means for Israel, the Church and the world.
Stinson, a lifelong believer in Jesus, shared his calling to work with Jewish people: “I heard the Lord’s voice at 13, saying He was going to use me with the Jewish people in Israel. A few years later, God opened doors for me to meet top archaeologists in Israel and learn about recent discoveries.” His work includes founding the Father’s House Foundation, sending pastors to Israel and supporting biblical projects such as building access to the stones of Gilgal—historic markers from Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land.
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The red heifer is central to Numbers 19, a ritual of ceremonial cleansing that had not been performed in two millennia. Stinson explained, “Numbers 19 is this very important ceremony that needs to happen… they didn’t think they would ever find the red cows in Israel because they kept failing. We ended up with 21 perfect red heifers, and brought five to Israel as pets under the law.” The preparation and sacrifice required strict adherence to biblical instructions, including the use of fig wood and a priest, or Cohen, from a pure lineage untouched by death.
The red heifers, in essence, represent cleansing from death, pointing to resurrection and the millennial reign of Christ. Stinson said, “This ceremony is not a spiritual ceremony per se. It’s about the physical cleansing of death from our flesh. God, through Jesus, has given us hope for eternal life, but this points to how humanity will be restored physically in the Millennial Reign.” Reed emphasized that while Christians are under grace, they remain responsible to God’s moral law, echoing Stinson’s teaching. “We are no longer under the penalties of the law, but we are still responsible to the moral ordinances of God. The law is holy and perfect.”
The red heifer also had geopolitical ramifications. Stinson revealed that the sacrifice influenced Hamas leader Yaha Sinwar, prompting the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel: “He wrote a note saying, ‘I’m not waiting anymore. They want to build this temple, and we’ve got to stop them,’” demonstrating how spiritual events can have tangible effects in the natural world.
Beyond its immediate significance, the red heifer points to the restoration and unification of Israel, both Judah and the dispersed northern tribes, and the eventual formation of the “one new man,” uniting Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ. Stinson explained, “For the kingdom of God to come, it needs the 12 tribes back united. God is putting within our spirit the desire to go to Israel and connect with Judah.”
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The red heifer’s sacrifice is more than a historical reenactment; it is a prophetic milestone, confirming God’s faithfulness, signaling the building of the Third Temple, and pointing to a future where God’s people—Jew and Gentile alike—will rule and reign under Christ’s millennial kingdom.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
