Mutual Submission

 

Eph. 5:21

submitting to one another out of  reverence for Christ.

 

Certainly the primary motive for this mutual submission is reverence for Christ. But are there factors which grow this attitude in a believer? Perhaps the verses that immediately precede this verse are there specifically because they do just that.

v. 18 states be filled with the Spirit. The Spirit's filling is preeminent. Without it the Christian life is not even possible. It would only be through the Spirit's filling that self can be crucified allowing  submission to others to become a pleasing development. The Spirit must control every aspect of the believer's life, growth, and relationships.

v. 19 says that believers are to address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart. First and foremost these are evidences of the Spirit's control in the believer's life. But imagine if this were the everyday mental set and language default of every believer. What a difference it would make! This close  connection with the Lord and attitude of worship would usher in a whole range of godly behavior, behaviors that would include submission to other believers.

v. 20 says giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, A thankful heart for God means being thankful for everything, including an attitude of submission to others. The attitude of every believer should be one of thankfulness every minute of every day.

 

But the problem for all of this is self. My 'self' is motivated and controlled by my flesh. And my flesh is not to keen on giving up its control. That is why I must decide with an act of my will to crucify my flesh so that I can rise in resurrection life. I can't live as a disabled Christian [that is making allowances for my flesh]. I must make it a matter of constant prayer, filling my mind with His word so that I can sing with a melody in my heart to the Lord. His Spirit must control me in everything.

 

Father,

I confess my flesh is every battling for control of my life. Help me. Teach me how to be filled with Your Spirit so that I can have Your melody in my heart giving thanks constantly and desiring to have an attitude of mutual submission.

In His name,

Amen

Filled with the Spirit

Eph. 5:18

And do not get dunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit...

 

The preceding verse says to avoid foolishness and understand what the will of the Lord is. How can I do that without the Holy Spirit revealing it to me? I have thought about this verse most of the day trying to understand it. I see that being filled with the Spirit has some similarities to drunkenness. When someone is drunk, they are pretty much controlled by something else. I am sure that if a drunk person were sober, he wouldn't have driven recklessly, and for sure, wouldn't have wanted to kill someone else. But his choice to drink to the point of drunkenness resulted in him being controlled by alcohol. Similarly, being controlled by the Spirit would result in my acting in a way contrary to my flesh. The Spirit would now have replaced my will with His and would then be revealing the will of God to me.

 

But what is the how? If I really want it, will it happen? I know that obedience to the word and prayer would be essential to being Spirit-filled, but I wish it were as easy as getting drunk. But I know that the Spirit-filled life is not to be found in a bottle. Perhaps it comes down to my choices. Do I listen to my flesh? Do I respond to life in a fleshly manner, or do I seek to live in accordance with the Word? Do I have constant communion with the Lord and with the Spirit? I mean the Spirit lives within me, and yet I rarely acknowledge Him or talk to Him. Is that why this is so nebulous? I do know that it has to be the desire of my heart, my life, my actions, my responses, my all. I must be all in even when I am tired or in pain and even when my plans are disrupted. 

 

Father,

I ask that You teach me how to be filled with the Spirit. Show me what is blocking my understanding. Cleanse my desires and my choices. Help me to talk with You and the Spirit constantly. 

In the name of Jesus,

Amen 

Look Carefully

Eph. 4:15-16

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.

 

Since I am a child of the light, my entire nature is changed. I am not just in the light, but I am light in the same way that my pre-salvation  nature was darkness. My salvation is not just an outward difference, but it goes to the very core of my being. I am a new creature in Christ! How glorious! Positionally this is all true because God sees me through the blood of Jesus. But practically, I fight the battle!

 

When I walk as a child of light, I am to walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. If I muck around in my old deeds, I will have great difficulty pleasing Him and discerning His will. In fact, I am to look carefully, not even take a step without thinking and praying. This includes the very small things in life, the thing that I normally do on auto-pilot  where I accomplish much of my day without even consulting God. If I do this, I am telling God that I can handle certain things by myself without His grace. How foolish! This is not walking in wisdom. The passage is very clear. I must walk in wisdom which comes from being in the light. This means I must be in constant communication with God so that I know where to step and what His will is for me that day. 

 

Father,

Open my eyes to see clearly all the times when I am not walking carefully. I know that I am light, but I need help to live it out. Guide me.

In His name,

Amen 

An Imitator of God

Eph. 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

My identity is to be centered on God, to be an imitator of God as one of His beloved children. How many children are profoundly affected by their parents? In most instances, children imitate their parents whether it is for good or bad. As a child of God, I am to pattern my life after His. The more that I know Him, the closer I can grow to be like Him. Amazingly He doesn't expect me to do this on my own, but instead He gives me His indwelling Spirit and Son to be my constant companions and guides. They grow me into a fruit-bearing Christian  as they intercede for me.

 

How does this concept look practically? To begin with I must imitate God in my walk, a walk that must be done in love.  Every person's walk identifies them as a person. It is what shows their values, goals, and even dreams. What do people see when they see my walk? Do they see me as an imitator of God? Do they see that I live for eternal verities and not for temporal, earthly things? It really makes me think. Am I significantly different so that I would be see as a Christian? Sadly, it is way to easy to blend into the world. But that is not walking in love!

 

God profoundly loved me when He freely gave His son to pay the debt of my sin so that I would be saved. He reached out with an unfathomable love that reconciled me to the Father. Just as Christ walked in love even to the point of death, so should I walk. His walk was a fragrant offering to God and so should mine be. This God-given and grace-filled love is my identification as a Christian. Jesus said His followers would be known by love, a love that He grows in all those who believe. It is my heart's desire that I would be different, that the love of God would shine out through my walk.

 

Father,

Teach me how to walk in love. Teach me how to make my life a sweet-smelling offering to You. Grow me in Your love until it fills me completely.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spirit-Grieved to Spirit-Controlled

Eph. 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

 

It has occurred to me that until I rid myself of the' put off' behaviors, the 'put on' behaviors will always be a struggle. Preceding verse 32, the passage tells me to put away lying and replace it with truth. Lying in itself is a fairly complex entity having been categorized into many different versions, going from white to totally black. But the verse does not excuse one type of lie over another. I am to put it away and speak only the truth!

 

The next area is anger. The command is to make the situation right before night time. Why? Smoldering anger throughout the night gives room for the devil to take charge of my thoughts and actions. But if I truly believe the word, then I must rest in the fact that vengeance is the Lord's. He will make the injustice right in His time. He doesn't need my help no matter how I feel about it. The problem is I think it should be done in my time. But His time is the right time!

 

Thievery is next. Certainly, Christians don't steal, but like lying there are many different types of stealing. Some of which have become acceptable in the mind of the stealer. But the word says, stealing should be replaced with hard work. If you want something work for it. Don't just take it!

 

The passage deals with speech as well. How do I talk or communicate to people? Paul says my speech should be good for building up, fitting to the occasion, and giving grace to all who hear. Without these 3 components, my speech would grieve the Holy Spirit of God.  This is serious! The Holy Spirit is essential in living for Jesus. I must not grieve Him at all costs. Perhaps this area is one of the hardest because the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. To be victorious in this area I would need all the help I could get, especially the Spirit.

 

Finally, Paul comes to the conclusion in v. 32. Certainly if I am not lying, or angry, or stealing, or speaking in an ungodly manner, I can be kind to others, tenderhearted and forgiving. The positive virtues in a believer's life come after the fleshly ones have been defeated and chopped off. Sad to say, even after some victories, these fleshly behaviors are still lurking in the background waiting for the moment that they can grab a piece of me. The road to godly virtues must be one of constant vigilance, of watching and praying, and of relying on the grace and strength of God through the power of the Spirit and the Son. So the question to me is, iam I going to grieve the Spirit of God or allow Him to control my life and grow the virtues in my heart. I choose the latter!

 

Father,

I confess the times when the flesh  tempts me to be angry and speak harsh words that lead to an unforgiving spirit.  Open my eyes to these situation immediately so that I can deal with them, confessing and repenting. Fill me with Your power and grace. Teach me that Your grace is my sufficiency.

In the name and power of the Son,

Amen



Old and New

Eph. 4:22

...put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

Paul has addressed this issue clearly saying that I must no longer walk as the Gentiles. But how do they walk? How are they identified? I know that some of them look very good compared to many Christians. Many of them are humanitarian in philosophy, showing kindness and sincerity, but do they all share common traits? A murderer and a humanitarian?

 

Paul says first they are futile in their thinking. Their hope is limited because they have not embraced the future with Jesus. Secondly, they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God [in fact many think there is no God] because their hearts are hard leaving them dwelling in ignorance. Without God who is Light, the only thing that can exist is darkness. Third, they have become spiritually calloused. They have heard it all before. It's old stuff compared to technology and all it brings with it. When they hear the gospel message, they are unaffected and untouched never even getting a glimpse of their true nature. Finally, their lives are ruled by sensuality. To really understand this, one need only to look at the movies, the entertainment, personal relationships, the ratio of divorce to those staying married. It's not a pretty picture!

 

But what about the other side? Have I lost the old and embraced the new? First I must learn Christ. This implies that I must go to the only place where I can truly know Christ, the Bible, the living Word, the Logos. Secondly, I must put off the old self. I must have the desire to do this as I ask Him for the grace and strength to do it. Jesus wants no fence riders. I can not function in both worlds at the same time. Third, I must be renewed in the spirit of my mind. It is in the mind where the battle takes place. Without this renewal I have no chance at all because the transformation comes by the renewing of my mind. Finally, I need to live in the likeness of my Creator in holiness and righteousness. I notice that the text places a 'true' in front of each of these words. This holiness and righteousness are not the result of self. They are not a show or a costume. They must be true coming from the transformation that God, my Creator, has brought about in my life.

 

So I must ask myself if my desire is where it should be. Am I growing and seeking God for each of these areas? Have I used the armor of the Lord to defeat the old nature?

 

Father,

My heart's desire is to live as you would have me live. Give me Your strength and grace to put off and put on. Let me walk in Your image.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Equipped and Built Up

Eph. 4:12-13

...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

 

Jesus gave grace according to the measure of His gifts whether those gifts were apostles, prophets, evangelists, or pastors and teachers. For what purpose was the gifting? So that the saints would be equipped for the ministry and so the body of Christ would be built up.

 

It was His provision for His sheep. He knew His flock needed to be feed, guided, and led into the truth. When the saints are equipped, then in turn, their purpose becomes clear. They then can be a functioning part of the body attaining to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. From the original gifting, grace has permeated the entire body. Grace for growth and grace to receive the teaching from pastors and teachers so that believers can be unified in the faith and have the strength to contend for this faith. Not only that but the teaching and care of the pastor/teachers guides them into growth into Christ, into the knowledge of the Son of God. So that like Paul they can say, That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings becoming like Him in death, that by any means possible I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

 

What is the end result? Maturity!! To the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ! What a hard concept to understand! But God has provisions for that. He gave us the pastor/teachers to guide us in the word, to challenge our hearts to willing obedience, and to sharpen our vision so we can see what is truly important. I understand the plan, but many times the problem comes with the sheep, those sheep who are prone to wander, to eat poisonous weeds, and to balk at the leading of the shepherds. So how do I grow up into Christ? My heart has to desire it above all else. I must commit to all it includes, to seek grace for every action, to carry on a constant conversation with God, and to rely on the Spirit constantly. These verses must be a matter of earnest prayer for my life!

 

Father,

Thank You for revealing Your plan to me, for giving me the indwelling Spirit and Son, and for giving me the grace and strength to obey. Work in my life. Grow me into maturity to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

In His name,

Amen

 



Final Vision and Epilogue

Rev. 22: 6

And he said to me, These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.

 

John's final vision takes him into Jerusalem where he sees the river of the water of life [abundant blessings]  flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street. On either side of the river was the tree of life [once banned will now satisfy believers] with its 12 kinds of fruit, and its leaves were for the healing of the nations. The curse has been lifted! [man's fall] The throne of God and the Lamb will be in Jerusalem where His servants will worship Him forever. They will see His face [even Moses could not see His face, but now sanctification is complete.], and His name will be on their foreheads [sealed for eternity]. There will be no need of lamps or sun because there is no night and the Lord God will be their light. Believers will not only worship as priests but will reign with Him as well.

 

Verse 6 begins the epilogue where the loose ends are all tied up. Everything is clearly stated.:

• The first statement and warning concerns the words of this book. They are trustworthy and true. The person who keeps these words is blessed,  but if any one adds or subtracts from these words, his share of the tree of life and in the holy city will be taken away from him, and the plagues of this book will be his. Don't mess with the words!  [Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away]
• Worship God only! After hearing all this John fell down to worship the angel but was sternly rebuked. Angels and  prophets, are all fellow servants.
• The angel warned John not to seal up the words of this prophecy for the time is near. [The dragon was already defeated at the cross.]
• Patterns of holiness or evil will eventually be irreversible. Man will be accountable for his choices, decisions, and actions.
• Jesus promises to come soon to repay everyone for what he has done. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. [rewarding faithful servants and punishing evil doers]
• Another blessing [the final and 7th blessing of the book] is given for those who have washed their robes so that they may partake of the tree of life and may enter the city. Outside the city are the dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. The end is cut and dried. No one without their clean robes may come in.
• Jesus then attests to the fact that He sent His angels to testify to all these things for the churches [for their comfort and their warning]. He is the root, the descendant of David, and the bright and morning star.
• The Spirit and the Bride say come. Let the one who hears, come. Let the one who is thirsty, come. Let the one who desires takes the water of life without price. [the invitation is given]
• Jesus says, Surely, I am coming soon. Amen. And the church answers, Come, Lord Jesus!
• The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen. What a fitting end, grace!

Father,

Thank You for Your saving grace and for giving me a robe washed clean in the blood of the Lamb. I yearn for that day when Jesus will come and take me home to be with You for eternity. Give me Your strength and grace to stand faithful and firm until the end.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen



The New Heaven and the New Earth

Rev/ 21:6-8

And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murders, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.

 

How glorious is this chapter! John saw the new Jerusalem [the first one gone.] coming down from heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [the church, bride of Christ]. Then a voice spoke saying, Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they wil be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away [reversal of the curse]. What a wonder and a hope!

God stands beyond the universe's beginning and end. He is the sovereign God who predates all time [alpha and Omega]. God gives to each of us springs of living water, God's free gift of grace. The conqueror's blessing [that God will be his God and he will be the son of God] stands in opposition to those whose portion is the lake of fire. The conquerors remained true regardless of persecution or even death.

Then John was carried away in the Spirit [saw a vision] to a great high mountain [Ezk. 40:2-3] to view the Holy City, Jerusalem. The city will have the glory of God with a radiance like a rare jewel, jasper clear as crystal. It has a high wall with 12 gates. At the gates were 12 angels and on the gates were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The wall of the city had 12 foundations and inscribed on them were the name of the 12 apostles. The city was foresquare, 12,000 stadia with its length and height being equal. Its wall was 144 cubits with the walls being jasper, while the city was pure gold clear as glass. The foundation was covered in every kind of jewel, and the gates were a single pearl. and the streets were pure gold. What a picture! The bride of Christ in every way contrasts to anything clothed in evil [prostitutes].

The temple in the City was the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. There was no need of sun or moon for God's glory is its light [truth and purity]. By its light the nations will walk and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it [those whose names were written in the book of life]. The gates will never be shut. and there will be no night. Nothing unclean will enter in nor anyone detestable or false. Enemies, wars, and conflict are all gone. The Lamb's book of life has determined the citizenry. It is amazing to think that I will be part of this great city, that I will live in the light of the Father and the Son for eternity, and that all the struggle with the old nature will be completely over.

Father,
Thank You for this glimpse into eternity free from the curse of my flesh. Strengthen me to be a conqueror for You, to be constantly faithful to You.
In the name of the Lamb,
Amen

White Throne Judgment

Rev. 20:15

And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

John saw an angel descending holding the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon [the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan] and bound him for 1000years. He was thrown into the pit that was shut and sealed so that he might not deceive the nations any longer. After which, he will be released for a little while.

 

Then John saw thrones with judges on them. The souls of those beheaded for Jesus and the Word of God and of those who had not worshiped the beast or its image nor taken his mark came to life to reign with Christ for 1000 years. However, the rest of the dead did not come to life until the end of the 1000 years. This is the 1st resurrection! These souls are free from the power of the 2nd death, and will be priests of God and of Christ reigning with Him 1000 years.

 

When the 1000 years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison. Once again he will deceive the nations [God and Magog] and gather them for battle [a number like the sand of the sea]. Satan and his massive army will march across the plain and surround the camp of the saints. But to no avail. Fire came down from heaven and consumed them. The devil, the great deceiver, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur to join the beast and the false prophet. Their end: to be tormented day and night forever!

 

Following this, John saw a great white throne [purity and wisdom of God] and Him who was seated on it. From His presence the earth and sky fled away [removal of the 1st heaven and earth]. The dead [the sea, death, and Hades gave up all their dead.] were standing before the throne when the books were opened, books that contained their deeds. Their judgment is swift and sure. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the 2nd death. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

Father,

Your judgment is just. What You proclaim will come to pass. Thank You for putting my name in the book of life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Marriage Supper and the Final Battle

Rev. 19:6-9

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

 

John heard a loud voice [a great multitude] cry out, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just; For He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of His servants. Hallelujah! [ This word only occurs here in the NT, v. 1,3,4,6]  The smoke goes up from her forever and ever. Evil has been overcome, and that is cause for rejoicing! In response to this monumental act, the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on His throne adding their hallelujah's. The another voice was heard saying, Praise our God all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great. Eternity will resound with praise to God!

 

Then John witnessed the marriage supper of the Lamb. A voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and mighty peals of thunder cried out, Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.[Her clothing was granted her by Jesus, His gift of grace].The angel spoke to John telling him to write, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.[Believers who belong to the church, His body] These are the true words of God. Then John tried to worship the angel, but that was a no-go. Only God is to be worshiped. Angels are but fellow servants with those who believe in Jesus. Interesting, fellow servants...

 

Next, John saw the heaven opened revealing a white horse ridden by the one who is Faithful and true. In righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are a flame of fire and on His head are many diadems[royalty].  He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. [Divine mystery]  His robed is dipped in blood, and He is called The Word of God. And following Him were the armies of heaven clothed in white,  pure linen. From His mouth comes a sharp sword that He will use to strike the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will read the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On His robe and thigh is written King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

An angel stood in the sun and called out to the birds [carrion eaters] overhead to come for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, captain, mighty men, horses and their riders, the flesh of all men, both free and slave, great and small. [Those who rejected Jesus and followed the beast worshipping his image with his mark on their forehead.]  The beast and the kings of the earth with their armies are ready to battle. [Too bad their end is not good!] The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire that burns with sulphur. All the rest are slain by the sword that came from the mouth of Jesus, the Living Word.[What power is in the Word, power to transform or to destroy] The birds came and gorged their flesh! Yuck!

 

Evil will not win out. The sovereign God has planned it all and that is how it will be! What a comfort and a joy to know that I will be at the marriage supper of the Lamb!

 

Father,

Thank You for Your holiness, righteousness, and justice, but also for Your great grace. Thank You for saving me and keeping me.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen

Babylon Falls

Rev. 18;20

Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!

 

The destruction of Babylon was announced by an angel who spoke with great authority saying, Fallen is Babylon the great. She has become a dwelling place for demons, unclean spirits, beasts, and detestable birds. All the nations have drunk her wine, the wine of sexual immorality and luxurious living. The world will lament because they have become rich and prosperous from her life style.

 

Another angel spoke and called to the people of God urging them to come out lest they too be destroyed. Because she claimed to sit as a queen without ever mourning, her plagues will come in a single day: death, mourning, famine, and destruction by fire.  Mighty is the Lord who has judged her!

 

The merchants, shipmasters, seafaring men, and sailors of the earth will weep and mourn for her for no one buys their cargo anymore. The fruit of what they longed for has gone. Their delicacies and splendors are lost never to be found again. They will throw dust on their heads, weeping and mourning for in a single hour she has been laid waste.

 

But the angel says to rejoice over her, you saints, apostles, and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her. Then a mighty angel took up a stone and threw it into the sea saying, so will Babylon's future be. She will be  thrown down with violence and found no more. She will have no more music, craftsmen, mills, light, and no more marriage. All traces of her life have vanished for all the nations were deceived by her sorceries. And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.

 

What was entrusted to a faithful Creator has come to pass! When He was reviled, He did no revile in return; when He suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. Christ set the example for all believers! Vengeance is mine. I will repay, And again...It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! The blood of all the saints will be repaid by the One who controls all.

 

Father,

Your judgment is swift and sure! I know that You will judge those who are Yours as well. Continue revealing my sin so that I may repent and confess. Without Your choosing me, I too would be condemned and lost. Thank You for Your great grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Vision

Rev. 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him and called and  chosen and faithful.

 

One of the 7 angels who carried the bowls talked to John and said he would show him the judgment of the great prostitute. Who is she? She is the representation of godless societies for sensual pleasure and their rejection of all restraint. She is seated on many waters [many peoples and nations] and has committed sexual acts with the kings of the earth; and with the wine of her sexual immorality, many earth dwellers have become drunk [the beast portrays the state's power to control religion through violence, while the prostitute portrays  the seductive appeal or a worldly economic system driven by affluence and pleasure.]

 

Then John was carried away into the wilderness where he saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names with 7 heads and 10 horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls. In her hand was a golden cup full of the abominations and impurities of her sexual immorality. On her forehead was written, Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes, and of earth's abominations. She was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. Disgusting and horrendous!

 

What is the meaning of this vision? The beast was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit [beast had received a mortal wound but came back to life]and go to destruction [his power over Christians is limited and short lived].  The people on earth who names are not in the Lamb's book of life will marvel to see the beast because of its resurrection.

 

The 7 heads are the 7 mountains[allusion to Rome-seat of power] the woman sits upon. They also are the 7 kings, 5 of whom have fallen, one is, and the other is yet to come, and when he comes, he will remain for a little while [can't be positively identified-but tells that their time is short]. As for the beast that was, and is not, and is to come, it goes to destruction. The 10 horns are 10 kings have not yet received their power [could just represent all the nations on the earth], but they will get power for a short time [one hour] together with the beast [the 10 kings and the beast hate the prostitute. They will make her naked and exposed devouring her flesh with fire. Unbeknown to them God puts this desire in their hearts and minds.] They will be of one mind and give their power to the beast to wage war on the Lamb and the chosen and faithful until the words of God are fulfilled. God's words declared the Lamb conquers all, and He does!

 

Father,

Your words are faithful and true, unfailing and just! What You say is a surety! Give me grace enough to stand and to faithful to You and to the Lamb,

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

 



7 Bowls of God's Wrath

Rev. 16:5

And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for You brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve.

 

John heard a voice from heaven telling the 7 angels to pour out the 7 bowls of the wrath of God. Out of the bowls came:

• Angel 1-harmful and painful sores on all who bore the mark of the best and worshiped its image
• Angel 2-the sea become like blood and all living things in it died [blood for blood]
• Angel 3-the rivers and springs become like blood [blood of martyred saints now they must drink blood]
• Angel 4-the sun scorched people with fire [they did not repent or give God glory]
• Angel 5-the kingdom of the beast plunged into darkness [people gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed God, they refused to repent]
• Angel 6-the river Euphrates was dried up [to prepare the way for the kings of the east. Out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet came evil spirits like frogs who could perform signs and call together the kings of the world for the great battle with God to assemble at Armageddon]

What does God say to this? Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he hay no go about naked and be seen exposed!

 

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, It is done!

• Angel 7-flashes of lightening, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake [the great city was split into 3 parts and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.] islands and mountains gone, hailstones [100 lbs. each] fell on people [and still they cursed God for the plague of hail

How hard is the heart of man! How afraid were the believers? What would it be like to live through this? Where would you hide from the devastation? It is interesting that the bowls are nature-oriented. Nature is the one thing that man cannot control, only God can!

 

Father,

Your judgment is severe. Whether or not I will live through this, give me Your grace and strength to be prepared for whatever and to share the message.

In His name,

Amen



7 Angels with 7 plagues

Rev. 15:1

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

 

What a fearful thing is the wrath of God! In this chapter John saw what looked like a sea of glass mingled with fire. Beside this sea were those who had conquered the beast [faithfully stood for Jesus], its image, and its number [666]standing with the harps of God in their hands singing the song of Moses and the Lamb [a song of redemption],

 

 "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

 

After this, he saw the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven opened. Out of it came 7 angels with 7 plagues. The angels were clothed in pure white linen with golden sashes around their chests. One of the 4 living creatures gave these angels 7 bowls full of the wrath of God. At this moment the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His great power. No one could enter the sanctuary until the 7 plagues of the 7 angels was finished.

 

Not only were there 7 plagues but added to that were 7 bowls of the wrath of God. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. So many 7's...God's wrath is perfectly complete. When He is done, nothing will be left unpunished. He is faithful to His words, and His words included His wrath.

 

Father,

This chapter is short, and I see that nothing else needs to be said once Your wrath is unleashed. Thank You for saving me and sparing me from this great wrath. You are great and marvelous. Your ways are just and true. You alone are holy and worthy of all worship.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Judgment Has Come

Rev. 14:7

And he said with a loud voice,  Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.

 

John looked and saw Mt. Zion (God's holy hill), and on it stood the Lamb with 144,000 (Rev. 7:4) who had the name of the Lamb and the Father on their foreheads. Then a voice came from heaven, first sounding like the roar of many waters and loud thunder, and then like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. The 144,000, those redeemed (first fruits for God and the Lamb), undefiled (virgins), and blameless (without lies), were singing a new song (triumph through the Lamb) before the throne, a song which no one else could learn except for the 144,000. These follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

 

Next three angels come to proclaim the hour of God's judgment. The first angel proclaimed an eternal gospel to earth dwellers, every nation, tribe, language, and people. He said, Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.

 

The second angel, said, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality. Babylon represents society's penchant for material prosperity and pleasure, seducing the unwary into adultery against the Lord.

 

 The third angel said, If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever received the mark of its name. Constant torment! Hell is not annihilation, it is an eternal state of agony. Absolutely no rest!

 

Here is the call for the endurance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus... Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them. In contrast to hell, the faithful saints (even to death) are blessed with rest from their labors and their persecution.

 

Then a white cloud appeared, seated on the cloud was Son of Man with a golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand. He was instructed to put in His sickle and reap, for the harvest of the earth was ripe (believers). Then another angel came out with a sharp sickle. He was told to put in his sickle and gather the grape clusters from the earth. These clusters the angel threw into the great winepress of God's wrath. The winepress was trodden (trampling  the nations who have trampled God's holy City--Is. 63:1-6) outside the city and blood flowed the winepress as high as a horse's bridle, to 1600 stadia (about 184 miles). What a picture! Jesus faithfully reaping His own, keeping them safely as compared to the grape harvest and the winepress of God's wrath trampling the unbelieving nations. Judgment will come swift and sure! The only option is to worship the Creator!

 

Father, 

Your judgment is swift and so final. Give me your grace and strength to endure, to be faithful to the end no matter what the circumstances. Give me eyes to see those who need to hear the message of the gospel so that they might be ready for the reaping.

In His name,

Amen



Two Beasts

Rev. 13:8

and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

 



 

John now saw a beast rising out of the sea, with 10 horns, 7 heads, 10 diadems on the horns, and blasphemous names on its head [sometimes considered to be in alliance with the antichrist, but also considered to be world powers that wage war against the Lamb]. The beast looked like a leopard with feet like a bear, and a mouth like a lion [resembles all 4 beasts that Daniel saw in his vision-Dan. 7:1-8:2]. To this beast the dragon gave his power, his throne, and great authority. One of the beast's heads had a mortal wound that was healed [imitating the Lamb] causing the entire earth to marvel at it and to follow it, saying, Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it? [parallels God's power- Ex. 15:11] Not only that, but they worshiped the dragon for giving the beast power. They had security in the beast and felt that no power could defeat it.

 

The beast was given a mouth to utter haughty and blasphemous words against God and those who dwell in heaven. Its power would last 42 months [ 2nd half of tribulation]. It waged war on the saints and conquered them. Authority was given to every tribe, people, language, and nation, all who dwell on the earth whose name was not in the Lamb's book of life to worship the beast. Here is the call for the endurance and faith of the saints. What a hard time for those who worship God!

 

Then another beast [false prophet] emerged out of the earth. It had 2 horns like a lamb but spoke like a dragon [reveals true identity-not a true lamb]. It had the authority of the first beast in its presence, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast while performing great signs including fire coming down from heaven [Elijah and the prophets of Baal]. It was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast so it could speak and cause judgment on those who would not worship bringing about their death. It also caused all to be marked with the name of the beast or the number of the beast on the right hand or the forehead so that they could not buy or sell without the mark. The number of the beast is the number of man, 666. Whether it was the mark of God or the mark of the beast, it revealed allegiance. Truly, Satan is the great deceiver who mimics all that God does. Still he is only a mimic, yet he takes so many people down with him.

 

Father,

The time is short. As I read this, I think of so many things. How will the saints survive in such a time? I praise You that my name is written in the Lamb's book of life and that nothing can change that, not the antichrist or the false prophet.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

Rev. 12:10-11

And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony for they loved not their lives even unto death.

 

In this chapter there were 2 signs in heaven: the women about to give birth and the dragon waiting to destroy her offspring. The first sign portrayed a time in history, specifically Christ's incarnation. It was at that time that Christ's death and resurrection disqualified Satan as the accuser of the brothers. The victory has already been won! The woman was clothed with the sun, moon, and stars and cried out in agony in the throes of labor. There was also a great, red dragon with 7 heads, 10 horns, and 7 diadems on his head [symbolizing great power]. His tail swept down 1/3 of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth[ evil spirits or angels in league with Satan]. The dragon stood by the woman so that he might devour her child. But as soon as she gave birth to her son, He was caught up into heaven. He will rule all nations with a rod of iron [Messiah]. She fled into the wilderness to a place prepared by God for 1260 days [ could refer to the second half of the tribulation or others think it refers to the time after Christ's ascension and when God withdraws all restraint on the dragon].

 

Now war consumed heaven. Michael and his angels fought the red dragon. Of course, the dragon and his cohorts were defeated and cast out of heaven. The dragon [ancient serpent, devil, Satan, deceiver of the whole world] with all of his followers was thrown down to earth. Then a loud voice said, Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice heaven and all who dwell therein! But woe to the earth and sea for the devil has come down in great wrath because he knows his time is short!

 

When the serpent [dragon] saw that he had been ousted from heaven, he pursued the woman, but she was given 2 wings of the great eagle to fly away from the dragon into the wilderness where God will provide for her 3 1/2 years [time, times, and half a time]. The serpent [dragon] poured water from his mouth to sweep her away in a flood. But the earth helped her and swallowed up the water. Then the dragon [serpent] was furious and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring [Israel during tribulation or the church down through the ages], on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus [faithful to the end].  

 

Father,

Much of this chapter I don't understand, but I do see how important it is to be faithful. Give me Your strength and grace to be faithful in all that I do, say, and feel. When I am tempted on a daily basis, or if persecution comes down, grow me into Your faithful serpent. Help me to keep all Your commandments and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus.

In His name,

Amen



 

 



The Two Witness and the 7th Trumpet

Rev. 11:15

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.

 

In this chapter John was given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worshipped there [shows God's protection and ownership], but to leave out the outer court. Why? It will be given over to the nations who will trample the holy city[earthly Jerusalem] for 42 months [equals 1260 days, 3 1/2 years- Dan. 7:25, 12:7].

 

Into this mix will come the 2 witnesses [representing all saints] who are called the 2 olive tree [Zech. 4:11, 14] and the 2 lampstands. They will prophesy for 1260 days clothed in sackcloth [repentance]. If anyone tries to harm them fire [God's judgment] shoots from their mouths and consumes their enemies. In addition, they have certain powers: to shut the sky [no rain- Elijah]], power over waters [to turn them into blood-Ex. 7:14-25], and to strike the earth with plagues [Ex.] as often as they desire. These are not your ordinary witnesses! When their testimony is complete, the beast [from the bottomless pit] will kill them. Their bodies will lie on the street for 3 1/2 days in the great city [symbolically called Sodom and Egypt]. During this time, people will rejoice over them making merry and exchanging presents because these 2 prophets had tormented them. After 3 1/2 days the breath of God will revive them and call them home. As they go up to heaven in a cloud,  their enemies watch. What fear they will feel! But it is only to get worse,  at this moment an earthquake takes out 1/10th of the city killing 7,000 people. Those remaining will be terrified and give glory to God. This is the 2nd Woe! One Woe yet to come.

 

After this pause for judgment, the 7th angel blows his trumpet, and there are loud voices in heaven saying, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. The 24 elders fell on their faces and worshiped God saying, saying,

 

"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth."

Then heaven and God's temple was opened, and the ark of his covenant was visible within his temple with flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

 

Father,

Judgment is nothing to take lightly. I ask that you work in the heart of our brothers. Soften their hearts and draw them to Yourself if it is Your will.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

The 7th Angel

Rev. 10:1-2

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land...

 

John saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. Similar to Jesus' return, this angel comes in a cloud with his face shining like the sun. His legs reflect the glory of God's presence in the wilderness.[pillars of fire--Ex, 13:20-21] He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land. The scroll is open because the Lamb has broken its seal.Why is it called little? Perhaps in comparison to the size of the angel who spanned the sea and the land. His voice was like a roaring lion [reflective of the Lion of Judah]. When the angel called out, 7 thunders sounded. John was poised to write, but a voice from heaven spoke saying, Seal up what the 7 thunders have said, and do not write it down. The angel raised his hand to heaven [uniting all 3 spheres, land, sea, and heaven] and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, the Creator of all, that there would be no delay, but in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the 7th angel at a later time, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as He announced to His servants the prophets. In this day all will be united and Christ's headship will be as visible as will the sovereign plan and purpose of God.

 

Instead of writing, John was commanded to eat the scroll [ as Ezekiel did]. He was told it would be sweet to the taste but bitter to the stomach, and it was. He had to receive God's words into his heart before he would speak them again.[Ezk. 3:1-3, 10] Why sweet and bitter? John will see people from every tribe, nation, and language receive Christ [sweet], but at the same time, he will see many reject Christ [bitter]. The angel told John, You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and languages, and kings.

 

Father,

How wonderful to see the connection between OT prophecy, John's prophecy. and then to think it is all yet to come. What a sovereign God you are spanning time and peoples. It makes me see what I small speck I am on Your timeline. But I am so grateful that You included me in Your chosen ones.

In the name of my Savior,

Amen



Angels and Trumpets (continued)

Rev. 9:6

And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.

 

The First Woe:

Angel #5-When the trumpet was blown, a star fell from heaven to earth, and the angel was given the key to the bottomless pit. He opened it and smoke like the smoke of a great furnace came out of it which darkened the sun and air. From the smoke came locusts who could only harm mankind, only those without the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment man [stinging like a scorpion] for 5 months, but not kill them.  And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from then.

 

These locusts were strange looking like horses prepared for battle with crowns of gold on their heads, faces like human faces, hair like women's hair, and teeth like lion's teeth, breastplates of iron, tails that sting like scorpions [power to hurt people in their tails], and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. Their king was the angel of the bottomless pit, Abaddon (Heb.) or Apollyon (Gr.).

 

The Second Woe:

Angel #6-When the trumpet was blown, a voice from the 4 horns of the golden altar of God said, Release the 4 angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. These angels were specifically prepared for this hour, day, month, and year to kill 1/3 of mankind. They had a vast army of mounted troops who wore breastplates the color of fire, sapphire, and sulfur and whose horses had heads  like lions with fire, smoke, and sulfur coming out of their mouths. By these 1/3 of mankind was killed from the fire, smoke, and sulfur. The power of the horses was in their mouths and their tails which were like serpents with heads were used to wound men. Sadly, the rest of mankind who were not killed did not repent of their idolatry, their worship of demons, their murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or their thefts.

 

One Woe yet to come...

 

Father,

This is indeed a horrible picture. I am so thankful that I know You. I ask for the softening of the heart of my brother that he may come to know You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Angels and Trumpets

Rev. 8:1

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

 

John saw 7 angels with 7 trumpets standing before God. They were joined by another angel who had a golden censer and incense to offer with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints rose before the throne. Then the angel took the censer from the altar and threw it on the earth, and out of it came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake. This would be the beginning of terrible events, the  judgment in answer to the prayers of the saints.

 

Angel #1-blew his trumpet and there followed hail, fire, mixed with blood. This was thrown on the earth, and 1/3 of the earth was burned up as well as 1/3 of the trees and grass. [Resembles the 7th plague on Egypt]

 

Angel #2- blew his trumpet and something like a great mountain, burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and 1/3 of the sea became blood, 1/3 of the creatures died, and 1/3 of the ships were destroyed. [Could this be a meteorite?] [Resembles the 1st plague on Egypt]

 

Angel #3- blew his trumpet and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch. It fell on 1/3 of the rives and springs. The name of the star was Wormwood and 1/3 of the water became wormwood and many people died from the water. [Resembles the Nile becoming undrinkable]

 

Angel #4-blew his trumpet and 1/3 of the sun , 1/3 of the moon, and 1/3 of the stars was struck so that 1/3 of the light was darkened and1/3 of the day was kept from shining as well as the night. [Resembles the 9th plague on Egypt]

 

Then John saw an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew overhead saying, Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the 3 angels are about to blow. It will get much worse! Three Woe's! The damage done so far has been limited to 1/3 but what is to come is much more severe.

 

What a picture of judgment! How awful it will be!

 

Father,

As I read this, I see and understand how real Your judgment is, and how much You value the prayers of the saints. Lord, I ask You to touch the heart of our brothers who are so resistant to You. If is is Your will, draw them to You so that they might be saved. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Lamb

Rev. 7:17

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

 

In Ch. 7 John saw 4 angels standing at the 4 corners of the earth holding back the wind so that no wind would blow on earth or sea. Another angel rising from the sun with the seal of God called out to the 4 angels who had been given power to harm the earth and sea telling them no to harm the earth or sea until we the servants of God have been sealed on their foreheads [144,000-12,000 from each tribe of Israel although not every tribe is listed].

 

After this John saw a great multitude [without number] from every nation, tribes, peoples, and languages standing before the throne of the Lamb clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands crying out loudly, Salvation belongs to out God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.  And all those in the throne room [4 living creatures, elders, and angels] fell on their faces saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen!

 

Then one of the elders spoke to John telling him who these white-clothed people were and from where they came. They were the cones coming out of the Great Tribulation whose robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. For that reason they are before the throne serving God night and day. He will be their shelter, and they will never hunger or thirst again neither will the sun scorch them. The Lamb who is in he midst of the throne will be their shepherd to guide them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away all their tears. I can only imagine how they would feel after going through such persecution and deprivation.

 

For me, I see a great picture of God caring for and loving those who are His. Also I see the Lamb becoming the Shepherd. How wonderful! I love the worship scenes. How glorious it will be when I am there as well singing and praising God.

 

 Father,

You alone are worthy of praise. You alone are the One who loved me in a completely self-less way. You alone are my heart's desire and I want to live for You. Continue to grow me so that I might serve you and love You more.

In His name,

Amen

6 Seals

Rev. 6:1

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, Come!

 

John was invited to look at what the seals revealed with the same word, Come.

• The first seal was a white horse with a rider who had a bow and crown. He came out conquering. [political and military leaders expanding their realms]
• The second seal was a bright red horse with a rider who had a sword in his hand. This rider was permitted to take peace from the earth with people killing one another. [The bloodshed following the conquests]
• The third seal was a black horse with a rider who had a scales in his hand regulating buying and selling values. [inflated grain prices because of scarcity of crops due to the preceding war and destruction.]
• The fourth seal was a pale horse and its rider was death and Hades followed him. They were given authority over 1/4 of the earth to kill with sword, famine, pestilence and will beasts. [death by epidemic, the Great Tribulation]
• The fifth seal revealed the souls of those who had killed for the word of God and for their witness. They cried out to God to avenge their blood. They were given white robes and told to rest awhile until the number of them was complete.
• The sixth seal was a great earthquake and the sun became black, the moon like blood with the stars falling out of the sky. The sky vanished and every mountain and island was removed. All the people on the earth hid in the caves and among the rocks calling to the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb for the great day of their judgment had come.

There is the picture! Pretty scary!

 

Father,

Give me the strength to always stand for you even if it means like the souls of those under the altar. Your grace is my strength.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

Worthy is the Lamb

Rev. 5:13-14

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

 

In chapter 5 John saw a scroll [God's covenant with man] sealed with 7 seals. An angel was asking who was worthy to open the scroll and break its seals? Sadly, no one was found. John began to weep until one of the elders said to him, Weep no more, behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah [Jacob's blessing on Judah transferring leadership], the Root of David, [Royal descendant and new ruler] has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its 7 seals.

 

There in the midst of the throne room was the Lamb [Jesus] standing as though it had been slain [the one who died and rose again] with 7 horns [ great power] and 7 eyes [7 Spirits of God]. Why is the Lamb worthy? He has conquered sin, death, and hell. As the Lamb took the scroll from Him who was seated on the throne, the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb each one holding a harp, and golden bowls of incense [the prayers of the saints]. Instantly they sang a new song celebrating redemption through the death of the Lamb., saying,

 

 "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."\

 

Paradoxically, the Lion dies as the Lamb redeeming all those who believe regardless of ethnicity. These saved ones will be a kingdom of priests who reign on earth. Satan's tyranny will be over, and the Lamb's righteousness will rule. Then as John looked around, the entire scene was one of praise: living creatures, elders, many angels [numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands] all singing with a loud voice,

 

 "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"

 

 And added to all that praise, John heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

 

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

 

What a glorious scene! The fulfillment of Phil. 2:9-10-11,

 

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

The Lamb is worthy, and it is the biggest deal ever! So much pageantry, pomp, and praise makes me wonder how much praise is in my heart for His worthiness. It should be the subject of my song and the reason I must bow before Him. He is the only One and the only Way and the only Truth!

 

Father,

Even as I read this chapter, excitement swells up in my heart. Thank You for sending the Lamb to redeem me from my sinful state. He is worthy of all praise. He should be highly exalted. Prepare me for this glorious day.

In the name of the Lamb,

Ame

The Throne Room

Rev. 4:11

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.

 

John received a heavenly vision, one of great beauty and praise. He was summoned with a voice like a trumpet [Jesus Christ] to come up and see the future. In the Spirit, he witnessed praises offered in the throne room of God. There in the midst was God, indescribable by human words so John used the closest valuable objects that he could, jewels of highest quality, rainbows of jewels. Around the throne were the 24 elders seated on 24 thrones clothed in white garments with golden crowns on their heads [the united grouping of Israel and the NT church].

 

The sounds coming from the  throne are heard as flashes of lightning and peals of thunder, and before the throne were 7 torches of fire representing the 7 Spirits of God [the complete perfection of the Spirit] and then before all that was a sea of glass, like crystal. Around the throne were the 4 living creatures full of eyes in front and behind [Seeing everything and missing nothing]. The first living creature was like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with the face of a man, and the fourth like an eagle in flight. What are these? It doesn't really say but their appearance is somehow connected to their function. Each creature had 6 wings and are full of eyes around and within [this fact is repeated so it must have importance] and they never cease to praise the God, the One seated on the throne saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Just a thought. Perhaps the eyes represent seeing God's presence in the past [who was], in the present [who is], and in the future [who it to come]. They are completely and constantly focused on God and on praising His name.

 

When these creatures gave glory, honor, and thanks to the One on the throne, the 24 elders fell down before Him in worship casting their crowns [submission] before Him who lives forever saying, Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power [the power of the worshiper given to God], for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created. Only He is worthy of praise, honor, glory, and power because He is the Creator, the originator of all.  Whatever man is, or has done, or will do is all because of God. What a vision and a foretaste of heaven! 

 

Father,

As I glimpse heaven, I praise You as well.  You are my Creator,  my Savior, my Provider, my all. Without You I would not even exist. Thank You over and over and over again.

Through Jesus,

Amen

Laodicea-the Last Letter

Rev. 3:20

Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.

 

Jesus identifies Himself to the church at Laodicea as the words of the Amen [the end], the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation [the beginning]. As the faithful and true witness, Jesus  exposes their true condition. In fact, there is nothing good to say about them. He knows their works that they are neither cold or hot, but lukewarm, a condition which Jesus finds heinous and spits out of His mouth. Lukewarm is the epitome of apathy! This church claims that they have need of nothing. They are rich and prosperous [fleshly condition], but it truth they are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked [spiritual condition]. Their spiritual awareness had been totally obliterated and replaced with fleshly achievements that really count for nothing. Their heart is consumed with earthly and temporal treasures and not with what is eternal. 

 

Jesus counseled them to buy from Him gold refined by fire [purity through testing], so that they would be rich [spiritually], and have white garments [washed in the blood of Jesus, the garments of the saints] so that the shame of their nakedness[spiritual condition] would not be seen. They needed salve [Holy Spirit] for their eyes so they could truly see. Jesus reminds them that those He loves, He reproves and disciplines. So listen up, be zealous to repent! Jesus loves them so much that He is standing at the door of their hearts, knocking, waiting for someone to hear His voice and open the door. If they will, He will come in and fellowship with him. What tenderness and concern!

 

Jesus gives an incentive to this church to help them choose wisely. To the one who conquers, he will sit with Jesus on His Father's throne, as Jesus conquered and sat down on the Father's throne...but we have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. What is this suffering? No doubt it is the gold refined by fire that Jesus counseled them to buy... you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fired--may be found to result in praise, and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. So it is for this church. Their faith must be tested as they reject the world and all it has to offer, and as their vision departs from the temporal and embraces the eternal, and as they become zealous in repenting not apathetic in maintaining. Jesus concluded with He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Listen up. Examine your heart. Be that gold tested by fire with a genuine faith.

 

Lesson for Me: Examine my heart. Be zealous to repent of any sin weighing me down.

 

Father,

Keep Your salve constantly on my eyes so that I may see Your way and follow in Jesus' steps. Reveal to me any desires for this world's riches and any apathy of spirit so that I may confess and repent. Make me zealous for you.

In His name,

Amen

More Letters to the Churches

Rev. 3:3

Remember then, what you received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

 

Jesus identifies Himself as the one who has the 7 spirits of God [the perfect Holy Spirit] and the 7 stars [the churches true identity]. He comes to these people as the revealer of their true identity. Jesus declares that they have a reputation for life, but in truth are dead. He wants them to wake up and strengthen what is left before it dies. Sadly, at this point, their works are not complete in the sight of God. If they do not repent and keep the word that they have been taught, Jesus will come in judgment like a thief in the night, unexpected and devastating.

Yet He knows there are a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, saints that walk with the Lord in white declaring them worthy. Why white? How worthy? Those who conquer will be clothed in white garments and their names will never be blotted out of the book of life. Jesus will confess their names before the Father and His angels. It is all because of Jesus. He clothes His saints in white. His righteousness makes us worthy. Once again, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 

It makes me wonder what the response of the church was. Were the only ones who truly heard and comprehended those who were already walking with the Lord? Hopefully, those who still had something to strengthen did.

 

Lesson for Me: Repent, keep the Word, be a conqueror so I am completely His for eternity and be presented to the Father and His angels.

 

 

 

Rev. 3:10

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on earth. 

 

Jesus identifies Himself to the Philadelphian church as the holy One, the true One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one will open. Jesus has all sovereign power to open and shut, to allow entrance and to deny entrance. As the sovereign Lord, Jesus knows the works of this church that they have little power but have kept the word and never denied His name. He will cause the enemy [those of the synagogue of Satan who claimed to be Jews but were not-liars] to bow down before the true believers and see Jesus' great love for this church, for all those who love Him.

This church has kept the word, patiently enduring. Because of this Jesus will keep them from world-wide tribulation. Whether this means Jesus will take them out of the world to heaven or leave them in the world but protect them from any harm is not clearly stated. Whatever Jesus has for His own will always include His protection and His love.

Jesus declares His soon arrival and encourages them to hold fast to what they have so that no one may take their crown, to conquer to the end. To the one who conquers, Jesus will make him a pillar in the temple of God [the Spirit is in me now making my body His temple. But this will be a totally clean and sin free temple], and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from God out of heaven, and my own new name. The conqueror will always be in the presence of God! Jerusalem will be home! God's presence will be where it should be!

 

Lesson for me: Conquer till the end. Hold fast. Listen. Repent and be ready for Jesus' arrival.

 

Father,

How hard it must be for us humans who have so many mind games. We fool even ourselves into believing lies. Open my mind, my heart, and my eyes to see what is really there. I want no surprises when Jesus comes. Father, take me down the path of a conqueror through the power at work within me, Your Holy Spirit.

In His name,

Amen

 

 

Letters to the Churches [continued]

Rev. 2:25-28

Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my words until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

 

Jesus speaks to the Church in Thyatira as the one who has eyes like a flame of fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. Such a description is fitting for this church since Thyatira was known for their guilds dealing with metals, and at the same time, these images speak of OT visions of God's glory revealing Jesus as the searcher of minds and hearts and His feet as the crusher of His enemies.

 

Jesus knows their works, love, faith, service, and patient endurance, and that their latter works exceed the first [growth], and yet this was not enough. Sobering thought! At this point it sounds like they were on the right track. So what did Jesus have against them? They were tolerating Jezebel [a prophetess] who was seducing people into sexual immorality and eating unclean food. Jesus has given her time to repent, but she refused. What is the outcome of such seduction? She gets thrown on a sickbed and those her follow her will endure the Great Tribulation unless they repent. Jesus will strike her children dead. What is the final outcome of such judgment? All the churches will know that Jesus is the searcher of hearts and the One who gives according their works.

 

Thankfully, this does not include all members of this church. To those who do not hold this teaching and have not learned the deep things of Satan, Jesus will not lay on them any other burden. What is His instruction to them? Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my words until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. Quite a change of venue! Instead of enduring the tribulation, they will be ruling in the tribulation. A pretty good reason to endure! The morning star is Christ Himself, Israel's ruler and rescuer, who was foreseen by the unwilling prophet Balaam.

 

Lesson for me: Hold fast until Christ comes for me! Conquer by keeping His words until the end. How important is His word! It must be what I cling to constantly! It must be my constant source of life, power, endurance, wisdom, grace, and all that I need to hold fast!

 

Father,

Thank You for giving us Jesus, the Logos, the living word. How powerful it is ! Give me Your grace and strength to endure to the end.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

 



Wisdom

Job. 28:20

From where does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?

 

Job poses a question concerning wisdom and understanding. Certainly, his plight is horrendous and he is looking for answers, but sometimes, God gives no answers. He merely asks us to trust Him even in this. But even in all Job's pain and loss, he does speak the truth when he says, God understands the way to it, and He knows its place, For He looks to the ends of the earth and see everything under the heavens. He is stating the truth about a sovereign God who not only created all life but has also ordered it according to His good will and pleasure, in order to bring Him glory.

 

When God ordered all life, He told man, Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding. Reverence for such a sovereign and powerful God is the beginning of wisdom, and rejecting evil is not an option. In His presence can be no evil! Thank God for the blood of Jesus that covers me completely and gives me freedom and access to the Father, in confidence I may talk to Him and seek His help in learning how to fear Him each day.

 

This verse really makes me think of all the people who are searching for wisdom, the mountains of books that have been read and written, and the untold amounts of time spent on-line, and the lives lived in frustration when they think they have the answers, but only to find out they don't. Life is hard! The lessons there are hard! Without Jesus, I can't imagine what my thoughts would be. How frustrating it is to keep searching but never be able to find the truth. Sadly, it is clearly visible in nature and in the Word of God. Their search could be over, and their lives complete! But so many reject the simple yet life-saving message of Jesus Christ. He is the answer. He is my answer.

 

Father,

Thank You for Your Son and His shed blood. Thank You for answering so many hard questions. Teach me to trust You more and more, to rest in You completely.  Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus.

In His name,

Amen