Tag Archives: prophecy

June 1, 2019 · 8:50 pm

Judah Cast from Yahweh’s Presence

2 Kings 24-25; the end of the road for Judah. Fallen is Samaria and Israel – the Northern Kingdom [Lost 10 tribes]; a 150 later noting has been learned by Judah. Assyria and Egypt had been fighting for control of the “Promised Land” – somehow through pay-offs and treaties Judah was able to live in relative peace. Kings like Uzziah and Hezekiah who did right in the eyes of the Lord extended their existence. Judah was not without sin; but God was faithful to keep His covenant that he made with David even though Judah deserved the same judgment as Israel for their idolatrous ways. I think that Israel/Judah felt they were exempt from the judgment of God that He displayed on the Canaanite tribes. However, Israel and Judah followed the sins, iniquities, transgressions and abominations of the nations God had expelled out of the “inheritance” of Israel.  This is not the first or the last time that arrogance and pride will cause Judah/Israel to be led into captivity. Jeremiah and so many other prophetic voices warned Israel and Judah to repent and return to the ways of the Lord. Jeremiah preaches 50 years, yet all he gain was deaf ears to his message.

After faithful King Josiah is killed, there is a series of kings with a very limited reign and influence. The world power shifts at this point from Egypt and Assyria to Babylon, more specifically to King Nebuchadnezzar. Because Judah persisted in rebellion and idol worship, God allowed Babylon to come to power and lead them [Judah] into captivity and make the Promise Land desolate except for the poorest of people. The Promise Land laid waste!!!!!!!   Why?  Easy answer Judah and Israel left God for gods – But I think that the Promise Land had become so polluted, God and to “Purge” the land of the people and idols so He could restore it again under Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes I think that there needs to be a purging of the Church Body before God can do His work in the lives of the Remnant.

An undertone is how God is Merciful even in His judgment. There were three deportations by Babylon – the land was stripped of all the royalty, educated, skilled and craftsmen. Judah was also allowed to continue [return] to worship Yahweh. The exile of Judah was prescribed and implemented under the Hand of God. Jeremiah told Judah “don’t resist the Babylonians, but go into the land, build houses and live among your captive masters. Isaiah 45-66 is called the Post-Exilic chapters of Isaiah or better known as Deutro-Isaiah. Many prophets foretold of the return of God’s people after 70 years in exile.

As bad as it was in the destruction and deportation of Judah, the siege of Jerusalem and the starvation of the people; God was still merciful in that He did not destroy all the people, but left a remnant. We may be looking at a similar situation here in our own USA; the condition of the Church is deplorable; the Gospel has been polluted; we worship our worship not God in our services. I truly believe God is not pleased with the Bride! But there is a remnant that hold to the Truth of God’s Word, it will be the Remnant that God will use – like the Church in Sardis there are those who have not “soiled their garments.” We the Church today must take heed to the warning given to Strengthen what remains, to Hold fast to the Truth.

Years ago America thought it was invincible from attack from an enemy on its own shores – thinking that the distance was too far for the enemy to attack unnoticed – then Pearl Harbor happened and took away the arrogance and pride of invincibility. God is doing a great work among many other “pagan” nations. The Chinese and the Muslim countries are experiencing great numbers of converts to Christ. Yet here in America the church is dying and has gone into apostasy in much of the land.

Will America be restored? Will there be a revival? Will the Church heed the warnings of Israel and Judah? Will America have to Fall before it returns to the Lord? All questions we must answer personally and collectively.

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November 23, 2016 · 6:24 pm

The Branch of Jesse – Jesus

In Zechariah we find in chapter 3 and 6 a reference to the “Branch.” This alludes to none other than Isaiah 11:1-5, there we find that from Jesse comes David, but also from David we know that his throne was promised to be established forever, and that the Lion of Judah would sit and reign. The book has so many symbols and illustrations it would be difficult to address each one in this forum.  In chapter 3, we have the High Priest Joshua in filthy clothes, this illusion could be to the corrupted priesthood before the Fall of Jerusalem. Yet we are told that Joshua was to put on new clean clothes, referring to the cleansing of sins by the LORD. Interesting enough also is that Satan is accusing before God the sins of the people. Rev. 12:20 informs us of the accuser – Satan how that night and day he brings accusations against believers. The problem is that they are true, however, God has forgiven us in Christ Jesus.  Satan does this to us as well, too many times we listen to the lies of Satan and let his lies defeat us in our spirit. We must rebuke him in the name of Jesus, for our sins have been dealt with at Calvary!

Some information on the Branch helps us understand the prophecy about Jesus. “The BRANCH” is an important messianic title, signifying our Lord’s coming from the stock of David (Isa. 11:1). As Branch, He is King (Jer. 23:5; 33:15), God’s Servant (Zech. 3:8), “the Man whose name is the BRANCH” (Zech. 6:12), and “the Branch of the LORD” (Isa. 4:2). Some see in these four titles a parallel to the four Gospels. Matthew presents the Branch of David, the King; Mark, the Servant; Luke, the Man; and John, “the Branch of the Lord” who is God come in human flesh (John 20:30–31). [Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Zec 5:1.] I though it was interesting that the king and priest are combined in Christ. He is a priest after the Order of Melchizedek [ Hebrews 5] This is significant for Jesus is not a priest after the Order of Levi; before the Law, was Abraham. Jesus can be the High Priest without being a Levite, He is superior to Levi, therefore no conflict being from the tribe of Judah.

In chapter 4, we have the images of the lamp stand and bowls filled with oil that keep the lamp lite. Zechariah always asks, “What are these?” there is a great dualism with this book, for it applies to the restoration and building of the Temple again, but also is referencing the Reign of Jesus.

I found it quite reassuring that several times God has his emissaries watching and roaming the Earth.  Truly, we know that earthly rulers will influence this world, but ultimately, God is in control. This ia a message we all need to remember in light of the Americans recent election.  Zerubbabel will be the first to return to the waste land of Judah. I can’t imagine what it was like to see the Holy City laying in ashes and rubble. Scripture tells us that Zerubbabel didn’t finish the building of the Temple – that wouldn’t be completed until Ezra. I am sure it was exiting to see the labor forces coming together to measure the foundation and trying to set the stones back in place. Again I couldn’t help but think of 1 Peter 2:4-8 of how Jesus being the Chief corner-stone would be rejected by the very people He came to save.

In chapter 5 I was somewhat confused about the Ephah, a bushel of grain. Other than it represents the sins of the nation. For the woman and basket are thrown down. Wickedness is viewed as being feminine, which is why a woman was used in the illustration. We see that wickedness is confined, condemned, controlled and conquered. The Crown of God on Joshua as King-Priest is the prophetic allusion to Jesus.

In chapter 6 we have the horses and chariots, this we are told is those which have been given authority to guard the earth, specifically North and South.

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March 31, 2016 · 8:01 pm

Restored and Redeemed

Isaiah 46-50 is our passage for this week. After so many chapters talking about the destruction and judgment of God on Judah and Israel; there is a light of Hope in these chapters. King Cyrus will be given the power to defeat Babylon; just like the image given to King Nebuchadnezzar depicted.  It is interesting the power is given to a “gentile” king to punish/discipline God’s people. But when the power given is abused or goes too far, then God judges or removes the “grace” position of the ruler. While Israel and Judah are not innocent; there is a limit to what the Heavenly Father will allow to be done.

God enabled the Babylonian empire to grow and dominate the world; but the power was from God, not the kings – obviously many of the kings would take pride and credit for the multitude of conquests. However, they all will be reminded that there is not power except that which is given by God. God will give power to rule; but he will also remove it if it violates His character. In the case of Babylon,pride, merciless and idolatry were the sins that cause d God to judge them harshly. The idol worship is prevalent in all countries including Judah. The Ten commandments really only needed to be two – have no other gods and do not make idols; both of which Israel and Judah broke in daily practice. Matthew 22:37-38, the Great Command says that we are to love the Lord our God with all our, body, mind, soul and strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. I believe if we will obey this commandment, all else of the christian life will fall into place.

Repeatedly God reminds Judah, that He is God and there is no other. He [God] has been from the beginning; all His words and works were prophetic in relating what was going to happen. Some may be cynic thinking that “looking back and prescribing what has been said to today’s situation” isn’t predictive at all. So God says, I am telling you think that have never been said before, so you will know that I have surely planned it.

Babylon was keenly interested in the occult; in chapter 47:12-13, spells, sorceries, astrologers, new moons and prophesy by the stars is revealed. Today in America and other parts of the world, the same things prevail. Why is it that we take the benevolent graces of God, then turn our back on Him, claiming He is no longer God? No matter how much Israel and Judah hear from the prophets they are just stubborn and stiff-necked. But even through all this negativity, God is Faithful. He will not destroy His people, a remnant will prevail. In fact the whole world will benefit from His provision of a Savior. Every knee will bow [Phil 2:10-11].

Jesus is the Savior, chapter 49, is Jesus the pre-incarnate Son of God speaking to the Father. Jesus is the direct result of the Father putting life in the womb – a phrase that is used no less than 5 times in our reading this week. Verses 1-4, reflect God’s working through Jesus. Now Isiah 52-53 really bring forth the prophecy of Jesus’ death, but that will be next week. In the providence of God, He provides a redeemer in His own Son. Verse 6 illustrates that work the Father has for the Son during His earthly ministry. The message for us from these chapters is this; God has not forgotten His people. While they have left Him and committed great sin; even having gone through severe punishment – God was at work reconciling the world back to Himself through His Son Jesus. In chapter 50:6-7 we find some more descriptions of what Jesus will have to endure as the Savior.

So while these chapters hold a clear restoration image for the then Judah; we also find that there is an equally clear message of Redemption for mankind. Mankind will not only be restored to God’s people, we will be restored to spiritual eternal life. Praise the Lord He has not forgotten us!

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February 11, 2016 · 9:14 pm

Discipline of the Lord

Isaiah 11-15 is our text for the week. I want to first go to Hebrews 12:4-11 and the discipline of God. Often we find ourselves in times of crisis and trials, when this occurs we ask ourselves many time “what did I do Wrong?” This is healthy as long as it doesn’t get out of control, for we do need to have spiritual obedience check-ups. Usually we go down our list of “normal disciplines” that we know we are supposed to be doing – much like a Sunday School envelope – in hopes of 100% for the week. As the writer in Hebrews indicates, our earthly fathers punished/disciplined us for our own good. Our heavenly Father does this even more. Actually this is a good test to determine if you are a child of God – Heb. 12:8.  The focus of punishment is to get the violator to repent and return to an appropriate behavior pattern. Again the discipline/punishment must be different depending on the level of disobedience and the length of disobedience. If there is a pattern of continual rebellion, even after other “nudges” of discipline, than radical or more severe punishment must be enacted.  Before a punishment is put into action, I know with my children I had to first determine did they know what they did was wrong. If it is an ignorance issue that means I have a teaching moment, but if they willfully disobeyed, then I must discipline.

Now looking at Israel, theirs is a willful, knowing disobedience. They were well acquainted with he Father and His desire for Holiness. He had proven His love for them. Everything about Israel was a direct result of the providential care of Yahweh. So in our passage we find that God has reached a point where there must be a severe discipline put in place. Now at the onset of entering the land of Canaan, Israel was told do not take on the culture, gods,  women or men of the Canaanite people for they would lead them astray. If the truth be known, Israel had always had a problem with “other gods.” Joshua 24: 12-15, show that even after being in the Promised land for years, Joshua still was fighting with people on who their God was going to be. Gods of the Mesopotamia region, Egypt, Canaanite tribes or Jehovah. While at times there was great allegiance to God, Israel as well as us, drift into culturalized worship. In our passages, we read that God is going to raise up some powerful enemies that will be under the power of God to inflict His judgment on the nation Israel/Judah. What a paradox, the very tribes and people who God displaced to put Israel in the Promise Land was now going to be the instrument of God to discipline His people in an attempt to restore them back to fellowship. Early on [Chapter 11] there is the Messianic hope of a deliverer. One cannot read this without getting both a then and future element of prophecy. Throughout Isaiah thus far we have learned of both the punishment of God and the hope of restoration of God. While there is severe punishment, He [God] does not give up on them. In Isaiah 14:1-14, the Fall of Lucifer is described; the basis of his fall was pride. It is the lie that was used to beguile Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the same lies that are perpetuated today for mankind to fall into sin and rebellion.

It is interesting to read of the prophecies about Babylon, the Medes and Persians, for we read that earlier in Daniel and the Image of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Historical accurate, and prophetically descriptive of how the kingdoms of the ancient worlds rose and fell.  The lesson to learn from our reading this week is summed up – God will use gentile kings and armies to discipline His people, but the kings and armies should not think they were the power behind the victories. Such was the prideful case of the Assyrians and Babylonians. God will inflict His discipline, but when the instrument goes further than God intended, the roles are reversed and the kingdom/armies falls via defeat of another kingdom.  It has to be asked; when we look at our nations, why are we experiencing such crisis and trials? Has/is God using our enemies to discipline us to bring us back to a holy people? This is an election year in America; the Presidential election looms large – but will we get a leader that will lead us, or will we be subjected to the leader God the Father gives us, because we have not turned/returned to Him?

King Nebuchadnezzar was God’s instrument to bring punishment for the prideful idolatry and rebellion of Judah. Though they may have complained and such, they were unresponsive to the “nudges” of God to return, so a more drastic measure had to be implemented. Even so, God will have mercy on His people, for while they were taken captive, they were spared the atrocities of the Assyrians and the Northern Kingdom, which is called the “Lost Tribes” of Israel. O, that we would be responsive in our churches and nations to come back under the gentle persuasion of Jehovah and not have to experience the harsh, severe punishment of God!

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February 4, 2016 · 6:03 pm

Finding Hope in the Horror

This week our focal passage is Isaiah 6-10. When we look at these chapters, one cannot help but get a sense of terror and judgment. However, even in the justice of God on the idolatrous people Judah, there is still the future hope of restoration. God uses whatever means to correct and restore His people back to himself. Hebrews 12 tells us of the discipline of the Lord. In fact without discipline for wrong doing and habitual sin, we are not children of His. I look at it this way, there are times I would like to correct kids I see in WalMart acting up; but they aren’t my kids. even though I am perturbed by their actions, I have not obligation or responsibility to correct. However, when it comes to the children of God and believers, God will correct and discipline His own.  Isaiah is talking to Judah, the fall of Israel in the North has yet to happen. Assyria will be the instrument that God uses to punish the Northern Kingdom; yet the message of discipline and restoration is given to Judah. I know when I saw my sisters get punished for something, I took notice; the effect of them getting whipped made me take notice.  In history we know that Assyria and Samaria are taken siege and captive in 722 BC. There was the thought and attempt to continue down into Judah, but God was done with His discipline. Judah thinking that they escaped punishment, continues in idolatry and immorality. The Fall of Jerusalem, Zion happens with King Nebuchadnezzar around 587 BC, with three deportations to Babylon. SO looking at the advanced warning Judah got, one would think that they would wake up and straighten up – Nope!

Isaiah begins prophesying during King Uzziah’s reign, but the death of the King drove Isaiah to the Temple – at this time of crisis, as with most national tragedies, people flock to the church for answers. Chapter 6 has been used by so many pastors to develop the true spirit of worship. It is interesting that Isaiah probably had been to the Temple many times, but this time he sees the LORD, and the glory of the LORD. He also sees himself and his condition as a sinner.  The message here is that the world maybe tossed into chaos, but the LORD God stills reigns and is not moved! Out of this holy encounter, Isaiah is commissioned to be the mouth piece for God to bring an unfavorable message to Judah.  The prophetic message in chapter 7 is often clouded by the single verse 14, the promise of a son. The prophecy has been attributed to Jesus, in fact this is one of the characteristics of Isaiah, that makes understanding difficult; is Isaiah talking to the situation then, or for the future Messiah of Israel. This promise of a “sign” often overshadowed the war and tribulation that is coming to Judah because of their wickedness and unwillingness to repent and return to Yahweh.

In chapter 8 we are given a very descriptive account of what is going to happen to Israel [Northern Kingdom], yet within the pronounced judgment, we still get the hope of a “remnant” people through all of the devastation. The mercy of God is so entrenched within His punishment. God is holy, He is just and righteous, but He is also long-suffering. Instead of complete annihilation, God shows His great love for humanity. When thinking about how terrible the punishment will be for the children of God, the chosen nation; we must always understand that regardless of our position in Christ, He does not tolerate unrighteousness and immorality. God is a jealous God – the greatest sin of Israel was the blatant idolatry and rejection of the God that loved them and delivered them. The struggle with Israel/Judah was they felt they were exempt from the fierce anger of the LORD because of the high standing as His people. This should bring to American believers a wake-up call; for we often think that God is our God, yet it is the opposite, we are His people. No one is exempt from the righteous anger of the Lord. So we cannot boast of our elevated position as His children. He will deal with His children.

In chapter 9 and 10 there is the planned use of Assyria as God’s instrument of dealing with Israel/Judah. However, there is a limit to what God would allow Assyrian conquerors to do. In chapter 10, the pride of the Assyrian kings would be their downfall. When the instrument elevated itself above the user [God]; enough was enough. See 10:15-19.  Even with the prophetic destruction of Samaria and Israel, God still has the hope of a returning remnant. Sin will be dealt with, but God has not cast all humanity aside. He will inflict punishment to the point of bringing His people back. Oh that we would learn early under the slight nudges of discipline to return to the Lord!

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January 14, 2016 · 8:48 pm

Kingdoms come and Kingdoms go

For the readers, I hadn’t thought about it until recently, some of you do not have the 16 in 2016 reading plan, you will now find that under the icon of this blog’s main page.

As we continue looking at Daniel, specifically chapters 7-11; there will be a great struggle for some of you. These chapters have been overly “prophetically interpreted with a Pre-millenial, Pre-tribulation rapture and American dispensation view. In other words the dreams, visions and beasts have been view more about the End Times at the close of earthly existence. This being the case, what has happened is the message for the THEN times. The dreams and visions were specifically for Daniel to understand and convey to the Kings of the known kingdoms. While I have said this, there is application for our times and the End of Time times. Daniel continues to live is the favor of God and the four Kings he served. There are no less than three different times in these eleven chapters that God gives a history of the kingdoms to come. There are four kingdoms in the dreams and visions, Babylon, Persia-Medes, Greek and then the Roman. In these dreams, there is an end to the earthly kingdoms, but a fifth kingdom, the divine, heavenly eternal Kingdom of God reigns forever.  the four beasts in chapter seven relate as follows: Lion = Babylon, Bear = Persia-Medes, Leopard =Greek and the 10 Horns = Roman. In the Greek kingdom, there is the four heads, this shows the division of Alexander the Greats kingdom being divided. All the dreams and visions are historically accurate, the kingdoms identified came and went just as it was THEN prophesied.

The Ancient of Days does bring into account the Kingdom of God and the picture of final Great White Throne judgment [Rev. 20:11-15] In the last half of chapter 7, we find the description of Jesus and the reign He will have. [Paul – Phil 2:8-11]. The tendency to re-interpret the visions of Daniel via the daily newspaper is tragic; especially when we are given the God-interpretation in the scripture. One of the problems that resulted from the Great Earthly kingdoms was the propensity to establish Imperial Idol Worship. This will  become glaring with the Caesars of Rome. The earthly kingdoms are described as overpowering the saints until the Ancient of Days judgment is passed. Herein we must understand that persecution and martyrdom will be on-going until the Bowl Judgments are poured out.  This in itself is a struggle for American believers, yet we know that Christians around the world are giving their lives because of their faith. Any interpretation of the End Times that does not take into account the persecution and death of believers by the kingdoms of the world is a false interpretation. I have heard so many interpretations on End Times that emphasize the “escape” from persecution and tribulation times. There is a warning here, for Israel felt they were exempt from the turmoil and persecution because they were the “people of God.” Remember Daniel is writing from an exiled position. In chapter 8 we find that the vision and interpretation of those dreams continuing; however, rather than trying to ascribe a present day application, we need to see that the interpretation provided gives us the story of how the Persians and Media empires fell to Alexander the Great. Chapter 9 is a wonderful chapter; the prayer uttered by Daniel is gloriously stated. The prayer is in line with what Nehemiah prayed in Neh. 1:4-11. These prayers of confession and supplication go right to the heart of the situation Judah found itself. A soon answer is given to Daniel, Gabriel, the Messenger angel gives reply. In the reply, Daniel is given further future pictures, namely the 70 weeks of Daniel as it has been called. If Daniel was “sick” over the earthly kingdoms, how would he respond hearing the End of all Earthly kingdoms, and the ushering in of the Holy Kingdom. The 70 Weeks, are broken down for us to understand – 69 week will lapse before the Messiah comes – it was 490 years from rebuilding to Jesus’ birth – historically accurate! The last week, which has been over prophesied is the culmination of the Age. The Week is 7 years, countless scripture passages, indicate the tribulation times lasting 7 years, but I hold that this is the LAST seven Bowls/vials poured out of God wrath. Identified is the conflict with saints and the Anti-Christ. Much has been written about the 3 1/2 years to get Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib and Post Trib rapture scenarios. Reflecting back on Revelation and the point time of “resurrection” in Chapter 15, I see the church gone before the 7 years tribulation. But I need to say this I hold that we are now going through the Seals and Trumpets times currently. When they culminate [Father’s time], then history will enter into the Anti-Christ days and wrath of God on the world. Daniel was given historically accurate dreams and visions for his time. We are given a view of our time as it was related in 9:24-27. Chapter 11, is historical again, this time it relates to Antiocus IV, the time frame of the Hanukkah, or Festival of Lights. 1 & 2 Maccabees gives the details of how the times of trouble and Abomination of Desolation occurred. Again so much has been made of “reading” into chapter 10 to make it appear that it was a End Times Futuristic event, future, but in the near future [175-168 BC, Maccabeans Revolt]

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January 7, 2016 · 11:11 pm

Like Unto Joseph – Daniel

We start the year with reading from Daniel, this blog covers the 1st 6 chapters. I titled the blog the way I did because looking at Daniel and Joseph they had similar experiences. Joseph sent into “exile” by his brothers – ultimately winding up in Egypt. Whereas Daniel was taken captive into Babylon during the first deportation; around 587 BC. Both entertained Kings; were elevated because of their ability to interpret dreams. Most obvious, the fact that the Lord God was with them and they prospered. Daniel served from a young age of about 20 years old. He was of aristocracy lineage, royalty of sort, so he was taken in first wave of exiles. Early on we find that even though Daniel [and friends] are in a foreign country, they held to their convictions and faith. The story of not eating the King’s food and wine, so as not to be defiled, speaks highly of these youth. We must remember the context of this book – Judah had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar as punishment by God for their gross idolatry and immorality.  In an attempt to “convert” the Jewish children to the ways of the Kingdom, and show superiority to the masses; a test to indoctrinate them in all kinds of literature, and such seemed to be the way to go. Only thing is, these youth were already the cream of the crop; not much risk there. I find it very admirable that in a strange place, names changed and cultural difference prevalent; that there was the “made up mind” not to give up on who they were as Israelites. Under the same circumstances, I’m not sure how people would handle it today.  End of that story, the four Hebrew children were better than those who had been indulging in the fine food and wine of the King.  A Point of Interest – even though the Jews were in exile; they were given freedom to continue worship and cultural practices; such was not the case for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, they became the “Lost 10 Tribes” being so dispersed.

Daniel was elevated over all the Babylonian “counselors” until Cyrus was made King. The Image Dream is a huge revelation in this book. More than just a dream; Nebuchadnezzar is given a glimpse of future history for the next 600 years. Daniel gives the dream its interpretation for Babylon to be the greatest earthly kingdom – ever; followed by Persians-Medea; then the Greek empire under Alexander, then finally the Roman rule and the Caesars. I find this significant, for this was prophecy of God to man, and the facts we look at being fore-told, came true as God said. The historical accuracy of scripture is often overlooked. Too many times the Bible is discounted because it’s just “a religious book.” A statement was made by the “counselors” in 2:11, that no god could give the interpretation for gods did not reside with men. We have a Creator, Savior, and Heavenly Father that is Here! He has not created and left us to our own vices. God is at work in humanity, bringing His Plans to fruition. Daniel’s knowledge came from the Lord, not from his education. Daniel asked for interpretation and was given it – James 1:5-7 works!

There was one more Kingdom revealed by Daniel – the Eternal Divine Kingdom of God. the Picture that Peter draws in 1 Peter 2:6-8 is glaringly obvious in 2:31-35. Impact? There will be great kingdoms on Earth, but the Kingdom of God will always remain. Out of this dream interpretation, Daniel is promoted again. This time to the Chief prefect; of course Daniel didn’t forget his friends, they are elevated as well. The testimony of Nebuchadnezzar of “your God is god of gods” is short-lived. In chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar builds an image of gold for all to bow down to and worship. So much for humility and praise of God. The herald cried out – when the music plays, all fall down – interesting I use to play a game that we fell down when the music stopped! We know the story, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow. I wondered as I read, why Daniel wasn’t thrown into the fiery furnace> He was in-charge, I guess they just wanted to make an example of the friends – Daniel was in good favor with the King. As you can imagine, people from the home country watching these upstart exiles being promoted was enough jealousy to cause them to be watched for opportunity. NOTE: is we are living out our faith, the world will not have to look too hard to find who we serve.

I am not sure what King Nebuchadnezzar was eating, but he sure had a lot of weird dreams! This dream however was a result of his own pride and arrogance. God reminded him just who was the greatest, and who was in-charge. For 7 years, Nebuchadnezzar was like a “wet dog” outcast from society; he did repent, but only until then would God restore him to the previous glory. In chapters 5-6 we find another king, Beltshazzar [note different spelling of Daniel’s new name Belteshazzar] the son of Nebuchadnezzar, doesn’t learn much of a lesson, for he exhibits the same pride and arrogance his father did. The hand-writing was literally on the wall for him! Kings will come and go; but Our God will always reign!

 

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December 31, 2015 · 8:03 pm

Finishing Strong

As we complete our year of reading and blogging on the New Testament, I want to thank all of the readers and your faithfulness in following the sometimes ramblings of a “still learning” disciple. We finish Revelation this week, and that will be the topic of my blog. As a commercial – next year I will be blogging on the 16 prophetic books in the Old Testament in 2016 – “16 in 2016.” If you are interested – I will begin with the book of Daniel, so read five chapters during the week, and follow along if you desire.

Okay, now with the book of Revelation, of which there is no shortage of commentary or opinion – we finish with chapters 18-22. When we look at the difficult previous chapters [16-17] the Wrath of God is being poured out on the unrepentant left behind. The saints have been removed in chapter 14:14-16; the seals and the trumpets have been completed; last trumpet in 11:15; actually if you look at these to aforementioned passages, you find that they are describing the same thing. This also occurs in our passage this week. the chapters of 12-14 reflect the wrath of God poured out from a different perspective. It is from the Demonic or Satanic position. The Bowls are the wrath of God described from a mankind perspective. The struggle with many “prophets of today” is that they break their own rules of interpretation. If a parable is a parable for example, the entire pericope is a parable; we do not have liberty to change the literary rules of interpretation – having said that prophecy is prophecy, if it is symbolic, we cannot then change midstream and start ascribing literalness to the symbology. At the close of chapter 17; the Lamb of God is victorious. The armies of the world have been defeated by “his breath,”  with the final victory on earth is complete, the scene shifts to heaven. in Chapter 19 – the wonderful scene in Heaven is the marriage of the Lamb [Jesus] to His Bride [the Church]; as indicated, blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast.

There is a saying “you can’t fix stupid” this applies to Satan – He even though defeated; will not quit. Word for Believers; Satan doesn’t die, he just strives for another day. But his tactics never change. The Beast and the False Prophet are judged and cast into the lake of fire. All is well right, no more evil right? I wish I could say yes; but chapter 20 reflects a different answer. Even though Satan is bound and chained, cast into the bottomless pit – and Jesus refining for 1000 years; we find that given the opportunity to deceive and lead astray from God; Satan will attempt to do so. Now we could ask the question, why the 1000 year wait? I really do not have the answer for that; all I know is when the 1000 years is up; Satan again tries to deceive the nations and is then cast into the lake of fire. The Wrath of God is poured out on ALL ungodliness; that means heavenly and earthly. While the earth had been judged, Satan had to be finally once and for all eliminated.

As a side note; many may ask am I Pre-, Post- or A- millennial? In other words does Jesus come back before the 1000 year reign, afterwards, or do we just progress into a Utopian realm? My answer is this – I do not agree with making a long drawn out doctrine based on one verse [20:7]; at what point did we switch from prophetic to literal in this chapter? Scripture says that Jesus will reign – what does that mean; I don’t know, nor does anyone else. Somethings of the bible are left a mystery. The point is did Jesus reign? Yes indeed, the adversary Satan is eliminated! I get the same question from people about whether I am pre, mid, post tribulation in reference to the Rapture. As I previous took the position that we will/are going through tribulation times now; the seals and trumpets ate that tribulation – when the 7th and last trumpet sounds; the saints are carried home! Only in American Christianity are we so enamored with Jesus coming a 2nd time – the rest of the World is still discovering He came a 1st time!

Chapter 20:11-15; the day in court for all. Books are opened up, the deeds of all people, then the Lambs Book Of Life is Opened up. We are judged out of the books our deeds, this in reality will condemn all of us, but we [believers] have an Advocate, a defense – Jesus pleads our case with evidence that He, Himself provides. The Father declares that we are not guilty; our faith and trust in Christ as the Savior, we depend on His works not our own! Now even though we are children, we still will have accountability for how we lived in faith [sanctification], which is the basis of our rewards.  “Death and Hades” give up the dead. The 2nd resurrection, imagine what that would be like to be given a glimpse of Heaven, knowing you are not staying. God is so just and righteous, He gives every soul their day in court. Hades, [Luke 16:19-31] has two sides, at the resurrection of Jesus, the Abraham side was emptied. [Ephesians 4:7-8] Hades, the Rich man side still is torment and suffering, but nothing to be compared to Hell [Gehenna].

In the last two chapters we are given a “restoration” view. All is New, the old has passed away [2 Cor 5:17]. New Heaven and Earth. Order has been restored, man is now one with his Creator. The Garden is in view again, the Tree of Life is available to all to eat. Sin and Satan have been eradicated!

But the is a warning, no not the adding or subtracting of the prophecy; I am Coming Soon! We do not know when, but we do know He will. Who will He find being faithful when He comes? I pray it is me and you!

Gods Blessings

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December 24, 2015 · 6:09 pm

Parallelism in Revelation

Revelation 11-15; I am deviating from the normal five chapters from our weekly reading because the content and context of these chapters are different from chapters 16 and 17. The thought of Seals and Trumpets from last weeks blog revealed that much of the events or judgments released via the seals and trumpets reflect an ongoing tribulation which if it dare be said are “normal” for life on earth. The hope of God for the seals and trumpets is that mankind will repent of their evil and rebellion and turn back to Him as Yahweh! In the chapters I identified for this blog we find a sort of sitcom episode occurring. What I mean by this is the events and description of the characters in these chapters are ongoing the same time as the seals and trumpets are being released. I know that this will not bode well with many who read this blog; that is because we have been overwhelmed with bible prophecy and “scholars” understand that has been tainted by the compulsion of the pre-trib rapture and dispensation. I find that it is interesting that only is American Christianity do you find this overwhelming desire to project future cataclysmic events from the perspective of “escapism” of the tribulation. I would think anyone who has been living on planet earth for the last few years has discovered we are now living in a “tribulation period.” However, this is normal when forces of evil and the Holy Spirit are resident on earth. The martyrs for the faith are often overlooked by western Christians. Part of the problem with understanding the end times events is where one places the snatching out or 1st resurrection. Most dispensationalist try to put the “rapture” event early on, even after the discourse of the Seven Churches. However, if we realize the significance of the seven seals and trumpets as God’s way of “inviting” repentant souls to embrace Jesus as Savior, then the Rapture cannot occur until after the last Trumpet – which makes sense for Paul says this as does Jesus.  [Rev 11:15-19; 1 Cor 15:52; Matthew 24:31] In Rev 16 we read of the Wrath of God being poured out on all ungodliness. The Wrath and Judgment are two different things. Wrath of the Bowls is poured out, but not with a purpose of getting mankind to repent, for they refuse to do so [ 16:9, 11]

With Parallelism in a book we find that many events are going on at the same time; yet we also find that there are varied perspectives of the same thing. The struggle with modern-day “Prophets” is that they try to make every scene fit into a chronological sequence. Much of the modern prophecy is given from the vantage point of the news as heard on CNN or Fox News. Very interesting since the media serves itself, not God.

In chapters 12-14 we have a continuing picture of what is going on in the world during the seals and trumpets. The battle between the forces of evil and the saints. If we could fold these chapters into the seals and trumpets dialogue we could see that the scenes are synonymous with each other. God and the angels at war with Satan who has been cast down to earth. In chapter 12, we have to see that this is a reflecting backwards at what has happened in times past – Satan being cast down to earth has made war with mankind. The main objective of these episodes is to reveal the war of Satan and the messengers of God to men. I see the 144,000 as an innumerable host of mankind who are martyrs for the Gospel.

When we capture the event described with the reapers in chapter 14; we discover the “harvest reaped” the saints of God. Jesus spoke of how the wheat and tares would remain until the harvest – this harvest [14-16; a different harvest is seen in 17-20; the first is the saints, the second is the lost. When we get to the scene in chapter 15; we find a great rejoicing; after the rapture event in chapter 14; there is great celebration; again God’s deliverance of His people from WRATH – this hold true to Old and New Testaments of God releasing His wrath; but only after His saints are delivered. [1 Thess 5:9]

The major problem that most interpretation of end times is that too often the tribulation times are not identified with the saints – this is a false theology, for we find that many preachers say the same from the pulpits – the Christian life is one of suffering and tribulation, to try to deny that such is the life of a believer, is heresy. If the believer is intimately identified with his Savior, then that which the Savior endured will be the life of the Follower.

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December 3, 2015 · 8:33 pm

The Final Chapter

This week we begin the final chapter of God’s revelation to believers and the world in the reading of the book of Revelation. The first two chapter will be our focus. In the first chapter we find the glory, power, authority and sovereignty of Jesus the Son of God revealed. Passages such as Colossians 1:15-18; John 1:1-4; Hebrews 1:2-4 and 1 John 1:1-4 reflect the final revelation to mankind through the Son Jesus Christ. In these first two chapters we begin to get a clear insight into the final culminating plan of God. However, we must not limit our thoughts to only the book of Revelation. The reader, to get a valid understanding of End Times and Eschatology must look at the Old Testament as well; Specifically, the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, Joel and other Minor Prophets. Of course the New Testament books of Matthew, Luke, 1/2 Thessalonians are necessary too.

There is a specific audience John/Jesus is writing to, but specifically the message is to the “church” – and the seven churches of Asia Minor, a mail route in what is known as modern day Turkey. The Seven Churches has gained great commentary of recent years. But it found great application with one John Darby, who along with C.I. Scofield can be considered the fathers of “Dispensationalism.” Darby created an elaborate system of end times thought by ascribing each church mentioned in Rev. 2/3 as a period of time or era of the “Church” history. Darby uses the specifics of the messages to describe a condition of the church as it made its way through time since the Apostles until his day. The Last church described is the church of Laodicea, which is commonly known as the “lukewarm” church. If we are to adhere to Darby’s thought , then the “church” has been living in the last 200 plus years in a lukewarm state.  many have bought into the Dispensational thought, to include many denominational schools. [Dallas Theological Seminary is an example] I hold to a different position. Since Jesus was specifically identifying problems within the churches and He is the Head of the Church; I believe that He was writing to the reader from a perspective of “conditions” churches could find themselves. In other words, rather than a church history; we have been given descriptions of “phases” a church may encounter in the life of the church. This message would find a universal; eternal application for all churches. In the case of the seven churches, not a single one of them endured; they all died. The message is one of warning and example to all future churches, not just the current churches being spoken to.

One of the problems with Revelation is the multiple genres used to write the book. We know that is it historical, narrative, prophetic and symbolic. Even so, when does the reader apply which literary principles to the passage being read? In other words, Revelation cannot be read as all literal, or symbolic or prophetic. This has caused great misinterpretation of the book, because someone applied the wrong literary principles of interpretation to a passage.

Back to our main chapter significance. The identification and description of Jesus is amazing. It was also used and applied to some degree to each of the churches. Some aspect of Christ’s description was used in the opening salutation to the church. Each one had a specific element of Christ that they needed to affirm.

It is interesting, that Jesus is very business like in His Revelation to John. Seemingly absent is the benevolent Jesus of the Gospels. This is to be understood. No longer is Christ bringing a message of love and peace; but one of warning and judgment.

In my writings during this book I will deliberately stay with what Revelation says, rather than try to incorporate a blog on the End times themes.  Next week we will look at the Churches themselves, however briefly.

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