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