Revelation
And when he had opened the fifth seal,
I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God
and for the testimony which they held
And they cried with a loud voice,
saying,
How long,
O Lord,
holy and true,
dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
And white robes were given unto every one of them
and it was said unto them,
that they should rest yet for a little season,
until their fellowservants also and their brethren,
that should be killed as they [were,]
should be fulfilled
...
The first thing of note is the fact when Jesus opens the fifth seal John isn't called by one of the four beasts and told to come see, also there was no horse and rider depicting a journey through time here.
John watches the fifth seal being opened by Jesus and then instantly sees the altar. Where does an altar usually dwell? In a temple, right. There John sees the altar and the vision of those who died for their faith in Jesus and the word of God. Where else would such a vision exist? Just as Abel's blood cried out from the ground, just as rock cried out of the wall, the beam out of the timber - (Habakkuk 2: 11.) Just as an ass was made to talk- these things happen depiciting situations that are uncommon, not usual. Seeing the slain souls just like seeing the horses of the previous vision this is exactly what they are- visions of the unusual. Do you see red horses typically? No. Do you typically see rider's holding balances? These are symbolic visions holding important meanings and as John saw the souls under the altar do you really believe he could have seen ALL those slain for God, for Christ there? They would be innumberable and wouldn't fit under an altar. Symbolically it's realistic to understand that this vision in this time period is encompasses all those slain for God, for their beliefs in God. Those who when faced with death of denial of Christ, denial of their faith would rather die than give up the truth in God.
The question of how long is a question people put to themselves even now. How long before Christ returns- because only after all that MUST come to pass has come to pass can true vengeance belonging to the Lord be enacted.
This time period if as with the others coincides with the seven churches, would last approximately 200 years, between 1500 and 1700. During this time we know the reformation began and people began to sail to a new land where they could practice their religion out from under the thumb of the papacy where they would not be under religious persecution such as was going on in such a widespread manner elsewhere.
This little season of rest perhaps indicates the escape of many who otherwise would have perished under the on going papal persecutions as people began to move away from their staunch Catholic beliefs.
Being given white robes means what? They were being covered by Christ's righteousness, they were being given the assurance of their sacrifice; and where it says they should rest until their fellowservants and brethren should be killed as they were should be fulfilled- surely this means there would be more sacrifice for Christ, for their faith. In truth this meant not all would be able to escape, not all the souls that would be sacrifice were there and only when all of them were there could Christ avenge them together.
True vengeance for those martyred in Christ is only complete when death is swallowed up in the victory and the last of death is destroyed once and for all.
May God bless us all as we continue to study His word to find truth and understanding through the Holy Spirit's guidance. By the grace of Jesus Christ may we all be found in Him, and if called to die for Him, for the truth and faith in Him, may we do so in His strength. His will be done now and forever, amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
And his name that sat on him was Death
Revelation
...
And when he had opened the fourth seal
I heard the voice of the fourth beast say
Come and see.
And I looked,
and behold a pale horse
and his name that sat on him was Death
and Hell followed with him.
And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,
to kill with sword,
and with hunger,
and with death,
and with the beasts of the earth.
...
Jesus opened the fourth seal of the very special book and the fourth beast - the beast like a flying eagle with six wings and covered in eyes back and front- told John to come and see. John looked and saw another horse and this one was the color of pale, not white, but pale. There is no purity here but rather something off color. Recently a doctor saw a friend of mine and immediately noticed how 'pale' he was. To the doctor's trained eye he knew something was wrong instantly where I only partially suspected something was off color. Why was my friend so pale? Because he was extremely sick. When we see someone who is off color- or pale we suspect that there is something wrong. Sometimes it's as simple as having a fright, but more oft than not it's because there is sickness involved. This horse John see's is pale and the rider was named Death. Death! Aren't the majority of sickly people laying upon their deathbeds on the pale side? Seriously. The very ill have that look about them don't they? If you've no first hand experience such as working in a nursing home, or a hospital, or even nursed someone at home who was dying you might not know for yourself personally but surely most people have seen movies with such scenes in them where an actor is made up to be dying and one of the first things happening when applying that camera makeup is working on making that person's complexion pale- sickly. The same with the tortured and wounded, rarely will they simply just look fine other than their wounds. Those horribly abused and near death, those who are awfully sick, they look sick and when we say they look sick we instantly mean off color- pale. Is it any wonder Death is the rider of this time period shown? That Hell(in the margin of the Bible is the word 'the grave'), that the Grave followed Death?
During this period of time the false church is fully entrenched in peoples lives and reigning with an unbelievable power over people. The papacy with it's church/political dual purpose in existing corrupted the purity of any that would be truly God's people. Mingling the pure message of Christ's love and redemption with so much that is worldly clearly shouts falsehood. The papacy during this period had great authority in many, many ways and during that time just as it says- 'And power was given until them over the fourth part of the earth' surely this papal power held such authority and they were able to kill with the sword, with torture such as hunger and yes, the beasts of the earth. For when the civilized powers are gone what remains but beasts to rule? And in another note- during this time the Black Death came into play killing millions and millions of people and what brought the black death but black rats carrying the disease carrying fleas.
Yes, during the middle ages the papacy reached the height of it's power and wield it's awful authority by order of inquisitions and it also suffered it's eventual downfall as the end of this time period drew nigh in the 1500's and the birth of Protestantism began.
To read a bit more on the suject go here- http://www.heijira.com/em_lecture_4.html
No, Protestantism didn't immediately squash the papacy but it had it's beginning there in the 1500's after a terrible reign of rulership for over a thousand years. That the papacy wasn't fully squash until 1798 it's downfall can be noted as beginning in the 1500's.
This fourth horse truly did bring with it the rider called Death and the Grave most certainly followed.
May the Lord bless and keep us as we continue our study, realizing how truly separate God's way is from man's. Jesus did not wield power and authority by any force whatsoever, in fact He acted the part of the Lamb being led to the slaughter only unlike our animal lambs, Jesus was fully aware of the death that awaited Him and He didn't offer any protest at all. He didn't cause an uprising of followers to wage war on the corruption around them, He encouraged love of enemies, doing good to those who misuse you- hate you- despise you and all His followers were to follow that example of His and where can you find that in any way with the things the papacy has done under the guise of being Christ's church? May we today recognize the truth of Jesus' love and call to us to follow Him and know that all else even with it's disguise of purity and goodness is filled with evil and there will be those who cry out to Jesus about knowing him but in truth He will call back He knew them not. May we not be among those, but be safely in the kingdom as true followers of Jesus' love, covered in His righteousness by His mercy, His grace towards us sinners who beg forgivness and repent of all that would keep us from His love, from His knowing us.
Amen.
...
And when he had opened the fourth seal
I heard the voice of the fourth beast say
Come and see.
And I looked,
and behold a pale horse
and his name that sat on him was Death
and Hell followed with him.
And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth,
to kill with sword,
and with hunger,
and with death,
and with the beasts of the earth.
...
Jesus opened the fourth seal of the very special book and the fourth beast - the beast like a flying eagle with six wings and covered in eyes back and front- told John to come and see. John looked and saw another horse and this one was the color of pale, not white, but pale. There is no purity here but rather something off color. Recently a doctor saw a friend of mine and immediately noticed how 'pale' he was. To the doctor's trained eye he knew something was wrong instantly where I only partially suspected something was off color. Why was my friend so pale? Because he was extremely sick. When we see someone who is off color- or pale we suspect that there is something wrong. Sometimes it's as simple as having a fright, but more oft than not it's because there is sickness involved. This horse John see's is pale and the rider was named Death. Death! Aren't the majority of sickly people laying upon their deathbeds on the pale side? Seriously. The very ill have that look about them don't they? If you've no first hand experience such as working in a nursing home, or a hospital, or even nursed someone at home who was dying you might not know for yourself personally but surely most people have seen movies with such scenes in them where an actor is made up to be dying and one of the first things happening when applying that camera makeup is working on making that person's complexion pale- sickly. The same with the tortured and wounded, rarely will they simply just look fine other than their wounds. Those horribly abused and near death, those who are awfully sick, they look sick and when we say they look sick we instantly mean off color- pale. Is it any wonder Death is the rider of this time period shown? That Hell(in the margin of the Bible is the word 'the grave'), that the Grave followed Death?
During this period of time the false church is fully entrenched in peoples lives and reigning with an unbelievable power over people. The papacy with it's church/political dual purpose in existing corrupted the purity of any that would be truly God's people. Mingling the pure message of Christ's love and redemption with so much that is worldly clearly shouts falsehood. The papacy during this period had great authority in many, many ways and during that time just as it says- 'And power was given until them over the fourth part of the earth' surely this papal power held such authority and they were able to kill with the sword, with torture such as hunger and yes, the beasts of the earth. For when the civilized powers are gone what remains but beasts to rule? And in another note- during this time the Black Death came into play killing millions and millions of people and what brought the black death but black rats carrying the disease carrying fleas.
Yes, during the middle ages the papacy reached the height of it's power and wield it's awful authority by order of inquisitions and it also suffered it's eventual downfall as the end of this time period drew nigh in the 1500's and the birth of Protestantism began.
To read a bit more on the suject go here- http://www.heijira.com/em_lecture_4.html
No, Protestantism didn't immediately squash the papacy but it had it's beginning there in the 1500's after a terrible reign of rulership for over a thousand years. That the papacy wasn't fully squash until 1798 it's downfall can be noted as beginning in the 1500's.
This fourth horse truly did bring with it the rider called Death and the Grave most certainly followed.
May the Lord bless and keep us as we continue our study, realizing how truly separate God's way is from man's. Jesus did not wield power and authority by any force whatsoever, in fact He acted the part of the Lamb being led to the slaughter only unlike our animal lambs, Jesus was fully aware of the death that awaited Him and He didn't offer any protest at all. He didn't cause an uprising of followers to wage war on the corruption around them, He encouraged love of enemies, doing good to those who misuse you- hate you- despise you and all His followers were to follow that example of His and where can you find that in any way with the things the papacy has done under the guise of being Christ's church? May we today recognize the truth of Jesus' love and call to us to follow Him and know that all else even with it's disguise of purity and goodness is filled with evil and there will be those who cry out to Jesus about knowing him but in truth He will call back He knew them not. May we not be among those, but be safely in the kingdom as true followers of Jesus' love, covered in His righteousness by His mercy, His grace towards us sinners who beg forgivness and repent of all that would keep us from His love, from His knowing us.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Hurt Not the Oil and the Wine
Revelation
And when he had opened the third seal
I heard the third beast say,
Come and see.
And I beheld, and lo a black horse
and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say
A measure of wheat for a penny,
and three measures of barley for a penny;
and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
...
Jesus opened the third seal of this very important book and the third beast (the one with a face of a man, with six wings and full of eyes like all four beasts had in common) spoke and told John to come and see, to come look. And John was shown a black horse. What is the opposite of white? Black. If white is purity and light, black is impurity and darkness isn't it? White raiment is known as being the righteousness of Christ, if there were black raiment it would be the unrighteousness portray- filthy garments. The white horse traveling through a period of time when the early church prospered without gross persecution. The red horse traveling through a period of time where there was much blood shed for God's people in fact the bloodiest period of time in 303AD to 313AD before Christianity was finally accepted by the mainstream. Now this black horse and a rider with a pair of balances.
Balances- even today we use them to denote what? Justice.
Symbolism-
The scales (specifically, a two pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in metaphor of matters being "held in the balance". It has its origins in ancient Egypt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighing_scale
When you have two forces in play a balance can be tipped in favor of one or the other- or remain in it's non-tipped state symbolizing equality. You have two forces good and evil and Christ way overtips the one side of the balance to good so in this depiction along with the dark horse at a time when the Christian church was finally not suffering persecution represents what? The church of good and the church of evil perhaps? With the balance held as such in this time could it denote the birth of the corrupt church that would counter the pure church? It was historically a time when paganisn began to mingle with Christianity making it impure while retaining the title pure. Corruption, deception, darkness winds its way into the church and a corrupt church suits the purposes of Satan rather well. When you add the commerce of goods and payments to the picture we're adding what to the mix? A government, yes? An economy and every economy is ruled by a government. With the balances in the picture we have can imagine that symbol of civil power, of government power because once more meting out justice is government function. The involvement of government with religion - the beginning of the very corrupted pure Christianity began. Christ would have His disciples render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's, and to God what is God's, He did not promote a Christian government or a time when the church would work as any type of civil power, but rather claimed this was not His world, not our world. Yet during this period of time church and state held the beginnings of the formation of the pagan papacy.
...
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say
A measure of wheat for a penny,
and three measures of barley for a penny;
and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
...
This time it's not saying where the voice is exactly coming from rather from the midst of the four beasts. It's not pinpointing the One Worthy who is opening the seals either. This voice is in the midst of the beasts and thus far 3 of the beasts have spoken as the seals were broken. This additional voice makes it stand out- makes us take notice.
A measure of wheat for a penny. Food = money.
Three measures of barley for a penny. Food = money.
Buying and selling. The great concern here isn't the purity of Christ but rather money, goods.
Yet there's an admonition- see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Could it be that the wheat and the barley were being hurt? How could such commodities be hurt? For that matter how could you hurt oil and wine? Corruption can hurt it all. Here there is pointed mention of the wheat and the barley being sold and the admonition not to hurt the oil and wine. Nothing about selling the oil and wine but the fact the oil and wine could be hurt. If I tell you not to hurt something then the possibility exists that it can be hurt or else there need be no mention of it, right?
Throughout the Bible oil has had it's special place as well as wine in the service of God. Even Jesus in the parable of the Samaritan helping the wounded man had the man tending him with oil and wine- healing him, soothing him. If the oil and wine are hurt there can be no healing perhaps. Also consider the parable of the virgins and the oil in their lamps- those who brought extra were commended and welcomed to the feast while those who did not bring extra were shut out. Already in the vision of the seven churches the last church was admonished to buy eye salve to see, oil so that their eyes would be open to the truth's of Jesus that there would be Spiritual guidance. Wine as we know Jesus used to symbolize the blood He spilled for mankind. If there is a hurting of the oil an the wine there is a lack of spirit and blood both necessary to be in Christ fully. Those true to Christ while the corruption began in earnest during the time of the third seal needed to guard the truth of the oil and wine, the spirit and blood and hold fast to that truth as it was being corrupted and brought into ruin so easily, so deceptively.
May God keep our eyes and hearts open to Him. May we remember these words and understand that during great famines of a spiritual nature we can hold fast to Christ and His sacrifice for us through the Holy Spirit's comforting, guiding, admonishing. As the end approaches the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth and we who long to be His and standfast in Him need to protect the spiritually precious, gifts that cannot be bought but need to be given to us by Christ, who counsels us to buy of Him- Him who has paid the highest price so that we may have the gift of eternal life in Him, now and forever He reigns! All glory to God in the Highest! All praise, all honor, all majesty heavenward. By His grace and mercy. Amen.
And when he had opened the third seal
I heard the third beast say,
Come and see.
And I beheld, and lo a black horse
and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say
A measure of wheat for a penny,
and three measures of barley for a penny;
and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
...
Jesus opened the third seal of this very important book and the third beast (the one with a face of a man, with six wings and full of eyes like all four beasts had in common) spoke and told John to come and see, to come look. And John was shown a black horse. What is the opposite of white? Black. If white is purity and light, black is impurity and darkness isn't it? White raiment is known as being the righteousness of Christ, if there were black raiment it would be the unrighteousness portray- filthy garments. The white horse traveling through a period of time when the early church prospered without gross persecution. The red horse traveling through a period of time where there was much blood shed for God's people in fact the bloodiest period of time in 303AD to 313AD before Christianity was finally accepted by the mainstream. Now this black horse and a rider with a pair of balances.
Balances- even today we use them to denote what? Justice.
Symbolism-
The scales (specifically, a two pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in metaphor of matters being "held in the balance". It has its origins in ancient Egypt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighing_scale
When you have two forces in play a balance can be tipped in favor of one or the other- or remain in it's non-tipped state symbolizing equality. You have two forces good and evil and Christ way overtips the one side of the balance to good so in this depiction along with the dark horse at a time when the Christian church was finally not suffering persecution represents what? The church of good and the church of evil perhaps? With the balance held as such in this time could it denote the birth of the corrupt church that would counter the pure church? It was historically a time when paganisn began to mingle with Christianity making it impure while retaining the title pure. Corruption, deception, darkness winds its way into the church and a corrupt church suits the purposes of Satan rather well. When you add the commerce of goods and payments to the picture we're adding what to the mix? A government, yes? An economy and every economy is ruled by a government. With the balances in the picture we have can imagine that symbol of civil power, of government power because once more meting out justice is government function. The involvement of government with religion - the beginning of the very corrupted pure Christianity began. Christ would have His disciples render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's, and to God what is God's, He did not promote a Christian government or a time when the church would work as any type of civil power, but rather claimed this was not His world, not our world. Yet during this period of time church and state held the beginnings of the formation of the pagan papacy.
...
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say
A measure of wheat for a penny,
and three measures of barley for a penny;
and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
...
This time it's not saying where the voice is exactly coming from rather from the midst of the four beasts. It's not pinpointing the One Worthy who is opening the seals either. This voice is in the midst of the beasts and thus far 3 of the beasts have spoken as the seals were broken. This additional voice makes it stand out- makes us take notice.
A measure of wheat for a penny. Food = money.
Three measures of barley for a penny. Food = money.
Buying and selling. The great concern here isn't the purity of Christ but rather money, goods.
Yet there's an admonition- see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Could it be that the wheat and the barley were being hurt? How could such commodities be hurt? For that matter how could you hurt oil and wine? Corruption can hurt it all. Here there is pointed mention of the wheat and the barley being sold and the admonition not to hurt the oil and wine. Nothing about selling the oil and wine but the fact the oil and wine could be hurt. If I tell you not to hurt something then the possibility exists that it can be hurt or else there need be no mention of it, right?
Throughout the Bible oil has had it's special place as well as wine in the service of God. Even Jesus in the parable of the Samaritan helping the wounded man had the man tending him with oil and wine- healing him, soothing him. If the oil and wine are hurt there can be no healing perhaps. Also consider the parable of the virgins and the oil in their lamps- those who brought extra were commended and welcomed to the feast while those who did not bring extra were shut out. Already in the vision of the seven churches the last church was admonished to buy eye salve to see, oil so that their eyes would be open to the truth's of Jesus that there would be Spiritual guidance. Wine as we know Jesus used to symbolize the blood He spilled for mankind. If there is a hurting of the oil an the wine there is a lack of spirit and blood both necessary to be in Christ fully. Those true to Christ while the corruption began in earnest during the time of the third seal needed to guard the truth of the oil and wine, the spirit and blood and hold fast to that truth as it was being corrupted and brought into ruin so easily, so deceptively.
May God keep our eyes and hearts open to Him. May we remember these words and understand that during great famines of a spiritual nature we can hold fast to Christ and His sacrifice for us through the Holy Spirit's comforting, guiding, admonishing. As the end approaches the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth and we who long to be His and standfast in Him need to protect the spiritually precious, gifts that cannot be bought but need to be given to us by Christ, who counsels us to buy of Him- Him who has paid the highest price so that we may have the gift of eternal life in Him, now and forever He reigns! All glory to God in the Highest! All praise, all honor, all majesty heavenward. By His grace and mercy. Amen.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The First Two Seals--
Revelation
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals
and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder,
one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
And I saw, and behold a white horse
and he that sat on him had a bow
and a crown was given unto him
and he went forth conquering
and to conquer.
...
Jesus opened one of the seals on that very important book in His hands. When He did so there was a great noise- isn't thunder a great noise? Thunder sounded. How ominous does that sound? You break a seal and thunder sounds. Again we can't help but imagine a movie scene here- the thunder booming as the seal is broken signifying something of importance taking place. And something important did take place-
One of the four beasts surrounding the throne spoke to John telling him to come and see... come look... And John was allowed the vision of a white horse with a person sitting upon the horse holding a bow and then someone was giving the person on the white horse a crown and after that the rider on the white horse when forth conquering right away, his mission to conquer.
White is a symbol of purity. Christ's righteousness is as a white raiment. To ride upon a white horse is symbolic of going forth in time in the purity, the righteousness of the new faith in Christ. This coincides with the first Church- Ephesus and the time line that was established there.
...
And when he had opened the second seal,
I heard the second beast say,
Come and see.
And there went out another horse [that was] red
and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth,
and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.
...
Jesus opens the second seal and right away John hears the second beast - remember the second beast around about the throne is like a calf filled with eyes- this beast tells John to come and see. Again John is allowed another vision. He looks and he sees another horse- this time a red horse going forth. A red horse, no longer a white horse. If white symbolizes purity and righteousness, red symbolizes what? Blood, destruction, impurity. The one who sat upon the red horse was given power, power to take peace from the earth. This lull was to be destroyed, when you take peace from something you bring what? Discord. The peace was to be taken and power so people would kill one another was allowed, a great sword of death was being wielded by the one upon the red horse. Think about what history reveals for the time after the early church...
Note this-
'The spirit of this period perhaps reached its climax as we come to the days of Constantine, the first so-called Christian emperor, whose conversion to Christianity in A.D. 323 brought about a compromise between the church and the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, is said to have granted toleration to Christians and allowed conversions to Christianity. Kenneth S. Latourette declares that the acts immediately preceding and culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 "still remain the most significant of the many milestones in the road by which the church and the state moved toward co-operation.' [4]
[4] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity, Vol. I, The First Five Centuries, p. 159.
And Note this-
'The Diocletianic Persecution (or Great Persecution) was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman empire.[1] In 303, Emperor Diocletian and his colleagues Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians' legal rights and demanding they comply with traditional religious practices. Later edicts targeted the clergy and demanded universal sacrifice, ordering all inhabitants to sacrifice to the gods. The persecution varied in intensity across the empire—weakest in Gaul and Britain, where only the first edict was applied, and strongest in the Eastern provinces. Persecutionary laws were nullified by different emperors at different times, but Constantine and Licinius's Edict of Milan (313) has traditionally marked the end of the persecution.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletianic_Persecution
The persecutions of the early Christians grew so intense that it is noted in history - the 'last and most severe persecution' this took place under the red horse period and it's fitting isn't it?
'and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth,
and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.'
A great sword indeed and it was geared towards the destruction of Christians, the destruction of the early church, truly a horse of red with a rider set to destroy.
May God bless us and keep us and may the Holy Spirit guide us into a fuller understanding of His word. By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, now and forever, all honor, praise and glory to him!
Amen.
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals
and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder,
one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
And I saw, and behold a white horse
and he that sat on him had a bow
and a crown was given unto him
and he went forth conquering
and to conquer.
...
Jesus opened one of the seals on that very important book in His hands. When He did so there was a great noise- isn't thunder a great noise? Thunder sounded. How ominous does that sound? You break a seal and thunder sounds. Again we can't help but imagine a movie scene here- the thunder booming as the seal is broken signifying something of importance taking place. And something important did take place-
One of the four beasts surrounding the throne spoke to John telling him to come and see... come look... And John was allowed the vision of a white horse with a person sitting upon the horse holding a bow and then someone was giving the person on the white horse a crown and after that the rider on the white horse when forth conquering right away, his mission to conquer.
White is a symbol of purity. Christ's righteousness is as a white raiment. To ride upon a white horse is symbolic of going forth in time in the purity, the righteousness of the new faith in Christ. This coincides with the first Church- Ephesus and the time line that was established there.
...
And when he had opened the second seal,
I heard the second beast say,
Come and see.
And there went out another horse [that was] red
and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth,
and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.
...
Jesus opens the second seal and right away John hears the second beast - remember the second beast around about the throne is like a calf filled with eyes- this beast tells John to come and see. Again John is allowed another vision. He looks and he sees another horse- this time a red horse going forth. A red horse, no longer a white horse. If white symbolizes purity and righteousness, red symbolizes what? Blood, destruction, impurity. The one who sat upon the red horse was given power, power to take peace from the earth. This lull was to be destroyed, when you take peace from something you bring what? Discord. The peace was to be taken and power so people would kill one another was allowed, a great sword of death was being wielded by the one upon the red horse. Think about what history reveals for the time after the early church...
Note this-
'The spirit of this period perhaps reached its climax as we come to the days of Constantine, the first so-called Christian emperor, whose conversion to Christianity in A.D. 323 brought about a compromise between the church and the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, is said to have granted toleration to Christians and allowed conversions to Christianity. Kenneth S. Latourette declares that the acts immediately preceding and culminating in the Edict of Milan in 313 "still remain the most significant of the many milestones in the road by which the church and the state moved toward co-operation.' [4]
[4] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity, Vol. I, The First Five Centuries, p. 159.
And Note this-
'The Diocletianic Persecution (or Great Persecution) was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman empire.[1] In 303, Emperor Diocletian and his colleagues Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians' legal rights and demanding they comply with traditional religious practices. Later edicts targeted the clergy and demanded universal sacrifice, ordering all inhabitants to sacrifice to the gods. The persecution varied in intensity across the empire—weakest in Gaul and Britain, where only the first edict was applied, and strongest in the Eastern provinces. Persecutionary laws were nullified by different emperors at different times, but Constantine and Licinius's Edict of Milan (313) has traditionally marked the end of the persecution.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletianic_Persecution
The persecutions of the early Christians grew so intense that it is noted in history - the 'last and most severe persecution' this took place under the red horse period and it's fitting isn't it?
'and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth,
and that they should kill one another:
and there was given unto him a great sword.'
A great sword indeed and it was geared towards the destruction of Christians, the destruction of the early church, truly a horse of red with a rider set to destroy.
May God bless us and keep us and may the Holy Spirit guide us into a fuller understanding of His word. By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, now and forever, all honor, praise and glory to him!
Amen.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Worthy is the Lamb that Was Slain
Rev.
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
...
John saw a book in God's hand. A book that had words inside it (as most books do) and words on the back of the book. And the book was sealed not with just a single seal, but seven seals! This book is important, very important. Someone wanted that very important book sealed up good and tight. In our ficitional movies of fantasies with dragons and wizards and such it hasn't been unheard of to have special books sealed up and always the sealed books are of great importance. This is in a REAL book. This is a HEAVENLY book and even if it is figurative in a vision that John is witnessing it is symbolic of something extremely important.
...
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
...
A strong angel is seen. Clearly an angel that is different from the rest so far seen by John- this angel appeared to be strong- bigger perhaps, wider in the shoulders? However the difference is- it is clearly noted.
This strong angel asks in a loud voice- Who is worthy to open the book, to loose the seals on the book. Obviously just like those fictional movies and such only someone who is worthy can open the special books. This reality isn't fiction. This amazing book sealed with seven seals needs someone worthy to loose the seals and open the book.
...
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
...
No man any where- no man in heaven, no man in earth, no man under the earth- that just about covers everywhere. No man was worthy to open the book or to even LOOK at the book.
...
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
...
No wonder John wept. The special book he's shown, this amazing book containing something equally amazing has to remain unopened because there is no one worthy to open it, no one. The champion, the worthy is no where to be found. And it is tragic to lose that hope of enlightenment for books hold enlightenment, don't they? Their hidden contents so special we can't even imagine.
...
And one of the elders saith unto me,
...
One of the four and twenty elders surrounding the throne speaks to John as he's crying.
...
Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
...
What does the angel say to John, weep not. Why? Because there is one worthy! A worthy one has been found! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David- Rev. 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.
JESUS! Jesus is worthy!
...
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
...
A lamb- a lamb as slain- seven horns and seven eyes - perfect king, perfect ruler, perfect sight - perfect Spirit! A complete, a whole, a perfectness sent from God into all the earth! Perfect Savior! The worthy, the only one worthy to open the book bound by seven seals.
...
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
...
Jesus took the book from God, from His father.
...
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
...
As the book changed hands the four beasts, the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus. The beasts, the elders all having harps, and golden vials full of odours-- the prayers of saints. How amazing is this, how amazing. All those surrounding the throne of God bow down before Jesus, and with them they bow holding the prayers of saints. The prayers of God's people - in essence our very words to Jesus are there present before Him- we are represented in our prayers.
...
And they sung a new song, saying,
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
...
Such amazing words! Jesus is worthy to take the book to open the seals because He gave His life for us! Because He gave His life to save us. All glory to God! Jesus who alone is worthy died to make us kings and priests, true followers of God that will reign on earth with our Glorious Maker!
...
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands
...
WOW! Suddenly John can hear the voice of many angels- thousands and thousands and thousands of angels! So amazing!
...
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
...
The voices were saying Jesus is worthy! Worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing! Amen!
...
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and
ever.
...
Blessing, honor, glory, power unto God and to the Lamb-Jesus forever! All, everywhere in existence will give this praise. So amazing!
...
And the four beasts said, Amen.
And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
...
So wonderful! The four beasts say- amen. The 24 elders fell down and worshipped Jesus who lives forever and ever!
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
...
John saw a book in God's hand. A book that had words inside it (as most books do) and words on the back of the book. And the book was sealed not with just a single seal, but seven seals! This book is important, very important. Someone wanted that very important book sealed up good and tight. In our ficitional movies of fantasies with dragons and wizards and such it hasn't been unheard of to have special books sealed up and always the sealed books are of great importance. This is in a REAL book. This is a HEAVENLY book and even if it is figurative in a vision that John is witnessing it is symbolic of something extremely important.
...
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
...
A strong angel is seen. Clearly an angel that is different from the rest so far seen by John- this angel appeared to be strong- bigger perhaps, wider in the shoulders? However the difference is- it is clearly noted.
This strong angel asks in a loud voice- Who is worthy to open the book, to loose the seals on the book. Obviously just like those fictional movies and such only someone who is worthy can open the special books. This reality isn't fiction. This amazing book sealed with seven seals needs someone worthy to loose the seals and open the book.
...
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
...
No man any where- no man in heaven, no man in earth, no man under the earth- that just about covers everywhere. No man was worthy to open the book or to even LOOK at the book.
...
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
...
No wonder John wept. The special book he's shown, this amazing book containing something equally amazing has to remain unopened because there is no one worthy to open it, no one. The champion, the worthy is no where to be found. And it is tragic to lose that hope of enlightenment for books hold enlightenment, don't they? Their hidden contents so special we can't even imagine.
...
And one of the elders saith unto me,
...
One of the four and twenty elders surrounding the throne speaks to John as he's crying.
...
Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
...
What does the angel say to John, weep not. Why? Because there is one worthy! A worthy one has been found! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David- Rev. 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.
JESUS! Jesus is worthy!
...
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
...
A lamb- a lamb as slain- seven horns and seven eyes - perfect king, perfect ruler, perfect sight - perfect Spirit! A complete, a whole, a perfectness sent from God into all the earth! Perfect Savior! The worthy, the only one worthy to open the book bound by seven seals.
...
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
...
Jesus took the book from God, from His father.
...
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
...
As the book changed hands the four beasts, the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus. The beasts, the elders all having harps, and golden vials full of odours-- the prayers of saints. How amazing is this, how amazing. All those surrounding the throne of God bow down before Jesus, and with them they bow holding the prayers of saints. The prayers of God's people - in essence our very words to Jesus are there present before Him- we are represented in our prayers.
...
And they sung a new song, saying,
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
...
Such amazing words! Jesus is worthy to take the book to open the seals because He gave His life for us! Because He gave His life to save us. All glory to God! Jesus who alone is worthy died to make us kings and priests, true followers of God that will reign on earth with our Glorious Maker!
...
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands
...
WOW! Suddenly John can hear the voice of many angels- thousands and thousands and thousands of angels! So amazing!
...
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
...
The voices were saying Jesus is worthy! Worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing! Amen!
...
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and
ever.
...
Blessing, honor, glory, power unto God and to the Lamb-Jesus forever! All, everywhere in existence will give this praise. So amazing!
...
And the four beasts said, Amen.
And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
...
So wonderful! The four beasts say- amen. The 24 elders fell down and worshipped Jesus who lives forever and ever!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A Door In Heaven Opened
Revelation {1:10} I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet {1:11} Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto
Laodicea.
Revelation {4:1} After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The voice as if a trumpet told John to write in a book and send what he'd written onto God's people in various areas- a message truly for God's people throughout time.
The voice as if a trumpet afterwards said - 'Come up hither and I will shew thee things which MUST be hereafter.'
Must be- not might be, this isn't any fictional character of a spirit nature with a big scary voice saying he was going to show John things that might come to pass. This big voice (for how else would you catagorize a voice as if a trumpet?) told John he was going to be shown things which MUST be hereafter. So all that would be shown is factual in the nature of having to come to pass at some point in time after the vision. Prophecy.
Revelation {4:2} And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne
When we talk of John being in the spirit it's sufficent to note that He was caught up into heavenly things, yes? All the while he's being shown things, hearing things he's in the spirit- the Holy Spirit is there opening his eyes, his heart, his mind to all that is going on-- he's truly being led by the spirit he's not doing any of this of his own accord and refuses to have anyone even think he is. He was in the spirit as all this took place, this was of God.
The vision given to Him was one of heaven- a throne in heaven with someone upon that throne.
{4:3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
That someone sitting there was amazing to look upon- they weren't like humans, but rather they had an appearance of precious stones, not only precious stones but a rainbow was around the throne and then there is mention of an emerald- again a precious stone. We know for a fact God had Moses use precious stones when creating the Breastplate of Judgment-
Exodus {28:15} And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of]scarlet, and [of] fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. {28:16} Foursquare it shall be [being] doubled; a span [shall be] the length thereof, and a span [shall be] the breadth thereof. {28:17} And thou shalt set in it settings of
stones, [even] four rows of stones: [the first] row [shall be] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: [this shall be] the first
row. {28:18} And the second row [shall be] an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. {28:19} And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. {28:20} And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. {28:21} And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one
with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes
The breastplate of judgment- modeled after the Ephod.
It's amazing to imagine such a sight isn't it? Such beauty- and with a rainbow round about the throne- yes, it certainly gives the imagination something to work with- something amazing.
{4:4} And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God
Such a vivid picture! A throne and around about the the throne 24 seats. In those 24 seats were 24 elders. These 24 elders have to be very important just by the fact they are surrounding the throne of God. You don't get such an important seating unless there is something special about you- as a rule. We can't help but think of the two important 12's in the Bible- the 12 tribes of Israel (the 12 sons of Joseph) of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of Jesus of the New Testament (12 being the one that replaced Judas after Jesus' death). The old and the new brought together- yes, this is pure conjecture it doesn't say the 24 elders are such but it's one possibility.
The mention of their clothing is important- white raiment. We just studied about the various churches Jesus gave admonishments and promises to. Remember this-
'Rev. {3:5} He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.'
He that overcomes will be clothed in white raiment- the symbolism of overcoming through Christ. Only the worthy are clothed in white raiment so the 24 elders are obviously worthy of such garments depicting their overcoming.
What about the crowns they wore- 'Rev. {2:10} Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'
There's the 'crown of life'.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Pet. 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Interesting bit of information here- http://refbible.com/c/crown.htm
One of two Greek words for crown-
(1) Stephanos means a chaplet (wreath) made of leaves or leaf-like gold, used for marriage and festive occasions, and expressing public recognition of victory in races, games and war; also figuratively as a reward for efficient Christian life and service (see GAMES). This symbol was more noticeable and intricate than the plain fillet. Only in the Re of John is stephanos called "golden." The "crown of thorns" which Jesus wore was a stephanos (woven wreath) of thorns; the kind is not known (Matthew 27:29 Mark 15:17 John 19:2, 5). Luke makes no mention of it. Whether intended to represent royalty or victory, it was caricature crown. Stephanos is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25 Philippians 4:1 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8 James 1:12 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 14:14; plural in Revelation 4:4, 10; Revelation 9:7; "crowned" in 2 Timothy 2:5 Hebrews 2:9; "crownedst" in Hebrews 2:7.
A reward for efficent Christian life and service. These 24 elders wore the raiment of white- the righteousness of Christ and the golden crown of victory in Christ, life in Christ - the elders service, their devotion to Christ is uncontested and rewarded by their positions on thrones, their clothing, their crowns. We might not know exactly who the elders are but we know beyond a doubt they are worthy and overcomers in Christ. Some might say they can't be representatives of the 12 tribes of Israel and have the white raiment of Christ, and they'd be wrong. The hope of the Savior is known throughout the entire Old Testament. That hope is Christ.
Rev. {4:4} And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God
Out of throne came lightning, thundering, and voices. Wow! Such noise!
Also amongst all this were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God, the seven Spirits of God. Seven the number of perfection, of completeness.
This is an amazing heavenly vision to behold, it's powerful and thought provoking.
Rev. {4:6} And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne,
[were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
A sea of glass like crystal- we have a saying that something is- crystal clear. This sea of glass like crystal- a clear sea, such an amazing sea. Can you for a moment imagine a sea of glass, a sea of crystal clear glass? It boggles the mind it really does and it invokes such beauty.
Now the next bit- 'round about the thrown were four beasts...' This immediately seems to take away from what we envision to be a perfect, glorious scene- beasts introduced to such beauty. Beasts full of eyes before and behind. Truly the imagination can picture these beasts and they're not very pretty at all. Of course that's because of the translation really- read this--
'Four beasts. Four living creatures, as in the Revised Version. Four beasts, as in the Common Version, is an incorrect idea. The Greek for beasts is different ( thiria ). They are four zoa, living forms.' http://bible.cc/revelation/4-6.htm
Invoking the image of a beast doesn't do justice to this vision at all- changing that word to 'four living creatures' lets the imagination free to see beauty once more- not something hidious at all. Living creatures with the ability to see everything for what else could having eyes everywhere front and back mean? The ability to see the past and the future?
We're not left to imagine just any old living creatures though, we are given examples to implement-
...
'And the first beast [was] like a lion
...
Like a lion. Lions are majestic creatures aren't they? Powerful to be sure.
...
and the second beast like a calf
...
Like a calf. What do you think of when you think of a calf? Young and yet powerful, right? A calf with the ability to grow up into an amazing creature.
...
and the third beast had a face as a man
...
Well we know what men look like so having a beast with a face of a man does what? Tends to let us believe that there is intelligence beyond what is normal in an animalistic living creature.
...
and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.
...
We imagine eagles and can't help but envision the sheer majesty and power of that bird, it's truly in a class by itself for envoking power and majesty isn't it? The strength of an eagle is something often used as a descriptive term. Strong as an eagle, swift as and eagle. Power.
...
{4:8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him;]
These four living creatures with attributes of the familiar all had six wings! Wings we know depict swiftness, speed. Two powerful wings can get you far, four double that, six triple the powerful speed behind such wings.
...
and [they were] full of eyes within
...
Again the mention of eyes- of having that ability to see all and it has to be all. To be full of eyes you are seeing everywhich way. You aren't limited by two eyes looking forward but if you're full of eyes you are seeing everything at once without limits.
...
and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
...
Amazing! A constant praise of our Lord God almighty! These super amazing living creatures using their voices to praise God, so wondrous.
...
{4:9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, {4:10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before
the throne, saying, {4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
...
Too awe inspiring for words really. True worship, true honor, true praise to our Creator! Our Lord! None deserves such worship but God and God alone by whom ALL things were created! What a privilege for John to be able to see such wonders. How blessed we are to have the vision told to us. Blessed.
Laodicea.
Revelation {4:1} After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The voice as if a trumpet told John to write in a book and send what he'd written onto God's people in various areas- a message truly for God's people throughout time.
The voice as if a trumpet afterwards said - 'Come up hither and I will shew thee things which MUST be hereafter.'
Must be- not might be, this isn't any fictional character of a spirit nature with a big scary voice saying he was going to show John things that might come to pass. This big voice (for how else would you catagorize a voice as if a trumpet?) told John he was going to be shown things which MUST be hereafter. So all that would be shown is factual in the nature of having to come to pass at some point in time after the vision. Prophecy.
Revelation {4:2} And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne
When we talk of John being in the spirit it's sufficent to note that He was caught up into heavenly things, yes? All the while he's being shown things, hearing things he's in the spirit- the Holy Spirit is there opening his eyes, his heart, his mind to all that is going on-- he's truly being led by the spirit he's not doing any of this of his own accord and refuses to have anyone even think he is. He was in the spirit as all this took place, this was of God.
The vision given to Him was one of heaven- a throne in heaven with someone upon that throne.
{4:3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
That someone sitting there was amazing to look upon- they weren't like humans, but rather they had an appearance of precious stones, not only precious stones but a rainbow was around the throne and then there is mention of an emerald- again a precious stone. We know for a fact God had Moses use precious stones when creating the Breastplate of Judgment-
Exodus {28:15} And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of]scarlet, and [of] fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. {28:16} Foursquare it shall be [being] doubled; a span [shall be] the length thereof, and a span [shall be] the breadth thereof. {28:17} And thou shalt set in it settings of
stones, [even] four rows of stones: [the first] row [shall be] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: [this shall be] the first
row. {28:18} And the second row [shall be] an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. {28:19} And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. {28:20} And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. {28:21} And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one
with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes
The breastplate of judgment- modeled after the Ephod.
It's amazing to imagine such a sight isn't it? Such beauty- and with a rainbow round about the throne- yes, it certainly gives the imagination something to work with- something amazing.
{4:4} And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God
Such a vivid picture! A throne and around about the the throne 24 seats. In those 24 seats were 24 elders. These 24 elders have to be very important just by the fact they are surrounding the throne of God. You don't get such an important seating unless there is something special about you- as a rule. We can't help but think of the two important 12's in the Bible- the 12 tribes of Israel (the 12 sons of Joseph) of the Old Testament and the 12 Apostles of Jesus of the New Testament (12 being the one that replaced Judas after Jesus' death). The old and the new brought together- yes, this is pure conjecture it doesn't say the 24 elders are such but it's one possibility.
The mention of their clothing is important- white raiment. We just studied about the various churches Jesus gave admonishments and promises to. Remember this-
'Rev. {3:5} He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.'
He that overcomes will be clothed in white raiment- the symbolism of overcoming through Christ. Only the worthy are clothed in white raiment so the 24 elders are obviously worthy of such garments depicting their overcoming.
What about the crowns they wore- 'Rev. {2:10} Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.'
There's the 'crown of life'.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Pet. 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Interesting bit of information here- http://refbible.com/c/crown.htm
One of two Greek words for crown-
(1) Stephanos means a chaplet (wreath) made of leaves or leaf-like gold, used for marriage and festive occasions, and expressing public recognition of victory in races, games and war; also figuratively as a reward for efficient Christian life and service (see GAMES). This symbol was more noticeable and intricate than the plain fillet. Only in the Re of John is stephanos called "golden." The "crown of thorns" which Jesus wore was a stephanos (woven wreath) of thorns; the kind is not known (Matthew 27:29 Mark 15:17 John 19:2, 5). Luke makes no mention of it. Whether intended to represent royalty or victory, it was caricature crown. Stephanos is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25 Philippians 4:1 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8 James 1:12 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 6:2; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 14:14; plural in Revelation 4:4, 10; Revelation 9:7; "crowned" in 2 Timothy 2:5 Hebrews 2:9; "crownedst" in Hebrews 2:7.
A reward for efficent Christian life and service. These 24 elders wore the raiment of white- the righteousness of Christ and the golden crown of victory in Christ, life in Christ - the elders service, their devotion to Christ is uncontested and rewarded by their positions on thrones, their clothing, their crowns. We might not know exactly who the elders are but we know beyond a doubt they are worthy and overcomers in Christ. Some might say they can't be representatives of the 12 tribes of Israel and have the white raiment of Christ, and they'd be wrong. The hope of the Savior is known throughout the entire Old Testament. That hope is Christ.
Rev. {4:4} And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. {4:5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God
Out of throne came lightning, thundering, and voices. Wow! Such noise!
Also amongst all this were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God, the seven Spirits of God. Seven the number of perfection, of completeness.
This is an amazing heavenly vision to behold, it's powerful and thought provoking.
Rev. {4:6} And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne,
[were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
A sea of glass like crystal- we have a saying that something is- crystal clear. This sea of glass like crystal- a clear sea, such an amazing sea. Can you for a moment imagine a sea of glass, a sea of crystal clear glass? It boggles the mind it really does and it invokes such beauty.
Now the next bit- 'round about the thrown were four beasts...' This immediately seems to take away from what we envision to be a perfect, glorious scene- beasts introduced to such beauty. Beasts full of eyes before and behind. Truly the imagination can picture these beasts and they're not very pretty at all. Of course that's because of the translation really- read this--
'Four beasts. Four living creatures, as in the Revised Version. Four beasts, as in the Common Version, is an incorrect idea. The Greek for beasts is different ( thiria ). They are four zoa, living forms.' http://bible.cc/revelation/4-6.htm
Invoking the image of a beast doesn't do justice to this vision at all- changing that word to 'four living creatures' lets the imagination free to see beauty once more- not something hidious at all. Living creatures with the ability to see everything for what else could having eyes everywhere front and back mean? The ability to see the past and the future?
We're not left to imagine just any old living creatures though, we are given examples to implement-
...
'And the first beast [was] like a lion
...
Like a lion. Lions are majestic creatures aren't they? Powerful to be sure.
...
and the second beast like a calf
...
Like a calf. What do you think of when you think of a calf? Young and yet powerful, right? A calf with the ability to grow up into an amazing creature.
...
and the third beast had a face as a man
...
Well we know what men look like so having a beast with a face of a man does what? Tends to let us believe that there is intelligence beyond what is normal in an animalistic living creature.
...
and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.
...
We imagine eagles and can't help but envision the sheer majesty and power of that bird, it's truly in a class by itself for envoking power and majesty isn't it? The strength of an eagle is something often used as a descriptive term. Strong as an eagle, swift as and eagle. Power.
...
{4:8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him;]
These four living creatures with attributes of the familiar all had six wings! Wings we know depict swiftness, speed. Two powerful wings can get you far, four double that, six triple the powerful speed behind such wings.
...
and [they were] full of eyes within
...
Again the mention of eyes- of having that ability to see all and it has to be all. To be full of eyes you are seeing everywhich way. You aren't limited by two eyes looking forward but if you're full of eyes you are seeing everything at once without limits.
...
and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
...
Amazing! A constant praise of our Lord God almighty! These super amazing living creatures using their voices to praise God, so wondrous.
...
{4:9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, {4:10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before
the throne, saying, {4:11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
...
Too awe inspiring for words really. True worship, true honor, true praise to our Creator! Our Lord! None deserves such worship but God and God alone by whom ALL things were created! What a privilege for John to be able to see such wonders. How blessed we are to have the vision told to us. Blessed.
Friday, September 4, 2009
I rebuke and chasten
Revelation
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write
These things saith the Amen
the faithful
and true witness
the beginning of the creation of God
I know thy works,
that thou art neither cold nor hot
I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm
and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest,
I am rich,
and increased with goods
and have need of nothing
and knowest not that thou art wretched
and miserable
and poor,
and blind,
and naked,
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,
that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed,
and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see.
...
I know thy works,
that thou art neither cold nor hot
I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm
and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth.
...
Jesus says being lukewarm is not a good thing. In the employment world we might call a lukewarm performance weak and unacceptable because we want someone to be energetic about their job. If you submit work to someone and they say it's so-so, what are they telling you? That it's on that borderline between not quite bad enough to say it's bad and not quite good enough to call it good. A lot of people live in that type of existence- getting by without being too bad or too good. We actually silently applaud those who don't get into trouble and understand that not being high achievers is the standard. Being mediocre is the norm in our world. The bright and brilliant the few, the bad too many and the inbetween are just right. A Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right only in this case it is unacceptable. There is no 'just right'. It's an all or nothing situation and many people don't like that at all because they'd rather just get by. They'd rather just give enough to get by and no more. That isn't how Jesus works. You can't give just enough, you have to give all your heart to Him not just a piece of it. When we give our whole heart to Jesus our lives reflect that- they reflect Christ. Jesus would have us either hot or cold being lukewarm has him spuing us out of His mouth. You ever take a mouthful of a hot liquid only to find it cooled and just want to spit it out? What about taking a mouthful of something you hope to be cold and finding it lukewarm, you want to spue it out right? You can actually hear yourself go ewwwwwwwwwww, right? I know I can. The grimace, the ewww, it's icky and unless you're extremely thirsty you won't drink any more will you?
...
Because thou sayest,
I am rich,
and increased with goods
and have need of nothing
and knowest not that thou art wretched
and miserable
and poor,
and blind,
and naked
...
We boast though, don't we? We try to puff ourselves up even when we know inside that we are nothing. We don't like the idea of being nothing because we hear a constant barage about how special and wonderful we are and how we have to think positive about ourselves. Our lives are geared towards trying to be the best we can be all on our own because no one else can help us. We have to believe we are very special in and of ourselves because people don't like to hear others go on about how awful they are and it's not good at all to agree with someone who says they are awful, we're supposed to turn around and tell them how wonderful they are- it's the good and proper thing to do, isn't it?
As a result of all our self-esteem shoulds being beaten into us it's no wonder we believe we are rich, that we need nothing. It's not necessarily rich in a monetary sense - we believe we are rich in and of ourselves. The poorest person in the world can still believe they have need of no one, right? Sometimes we applaud the poorest person refusing to accept any charity because they have pride. Well, with Christ our pride means nothing.
Christ even says- knowest not. Don't you know? Listen up. You think you are one thing but in truth you're not at all.
You are miserable, you are poor, you are blind, you are naked. This is our condition. This is the condition of mankind in relation to God.
...
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,
that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed,
and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see.
...
We are counseld to buy of Christ- gold tried in fire to be rich, to buy white raiment to be clothed and our nakedness doesn't show, and eyesalve to see.
Only in Christ can we find true riches- faith in Him for all our needs. Only Christ's white raiment, Christ's righteousness can cloth our nakedness. We can try as we might to cloth ourselves but nothing we put on will hide out true vile condition, nothing but the righteousness of Christ. And to see, to truly see we need the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to the truth in Christ. Annointed by the Holy Spirit we are no longer blind.
We can't depend upon ourselves and if we try to do that in the least way all we'll hear from Christ is that we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked to Him. Depending upon Christ for all things truly is a job for those living in the last times before His return as it is throughout all time. Satan would have us look to ourselves and away from Christ and as long as we are focused on ourselves he has us in his snare.
...
As many as I love,
I rebuke and chasten
be zealous therefore
and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock
if any man hear my voice
and open the door,
I will come in to him,
and will sup with him,
and he with me.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne
even as I also overcame
and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
...
We can't think being chastized by God is something extraordinary- it's through His love for us we are tried, we are rebuked, chastened so that we may see the truth in Christ and in Christ alone!
We need to be zealous and repent! Be quick to repent, to recognize our sad state and cling to Christ for all our needs.
Christ stands before us knocking- if we hear Him- if we open the door- He will come into us and sup with us. He will be our all in all, our everything. If we overcome through Him we will sit on His throne. Jesus had to overcome as well and He did so by complete dependence upon His Father. We overcome by complete dependence upon Jesus. Let us listen.
May God Bless and keep us all in Him, only in Him in none other not even ourselves. May our dependence on life be in Him solely now and forever. May our riches be found in Him, may we be clothed with His righteousness, may our eyes be opened to see the truth in Him- only in Him, by His mercy and His grace now and forever.
Amen.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write
These things saith the Amen
the faithful
and true witness
the beginning of the creation of God
I know thy works,
that thou art neither cold nor hot
I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm
and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest,
I am rich,
and increased with goods
and have need of nothing
and knowest not that thou art wretched
and miserable
and poor,
and blind,
and naked,
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,
that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed,
and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see.
...
I know thy works,
that thou art neither cold nor hot
I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm
and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth.
...
Jesus says being lukewarm is not a good thing. In the employment world we might call a lukewarm performance weak and unacceptable because we want someone to be energetic about their job. If you submit work to someone and they say it's so-so, what are they telling you? That it's on that borderline between not quite bad enough to say it's bad and not quite good enough to call it good. A lot of people live in that type of existence- getting by without being too bad or too good. We actually silently applaud those who don't get into trouble and understand that not being high achievers is the standard. Being mediocre is the norm in our world. The bright and brilliant the few, the bad too many and the inbetween are just right. A Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right only in this case it is unacceptable. There is no 'just right'. It's an all or nothing situation and many people don't like that at all because they'd rather just get by. They'd rather just give enough to get by and no more. That isn't how Jesus works. You can't give just enough, you have to give all your heart to Him not just a piece of it. When we give our whole heart to Jesus our lives reflect that- they reflect Christ. Jesus would have us either hot or cold being lukewarm has him spuing us out of His mouth. You ever take a mouthful of a hot liquid only to find it cooled and just want to spit it out? What about taking a mouthful of something you hope to be cold and finding it lukewarm, you want to spue it out right? You can actually hear yourself go ewwwwwwwwwww, right? I know I can. The grimace, the ewww, it's icky and unless you're extremely thirsty you won't drink any more will you?
...
Because thou sayest,
I am rich,
and increased with goods
and have need of nothing
and knowest not that thou art wretched
and miserable
and poor,
and blind,
and naked
...
We boast though, don't we? We try to puff ourselves up even when we know inside that we are nothing. We don't like the idea of being nothing because we hear a constant barage about how special and wonderful we are and how we have to think positive about ourselves. Our lives are geared towards trying to be the best we can be all on our own because no one else can help us. We have to believe we are very special in and of ourselves because people don't like to hear others go on about how awful they are and it's not good at all to agree with someone who says they are awful, we're supposed to turn around and tell them how wonderful they are- it's the good and proper thing to do, isn't it?
As a result of all our self-esteem shoulds being beaten into us it's no wonder we believe we are rich, that we need nothing. It's not necessarily rich in a monetary sense - we believe we are rich in and of ourselves. The poorest person in the world can still believe they have need of no one, right? Sometimes we applaud the poorest person refusing to accept any charity because they have pride. Well, with Christ our pride means nothing.
Christ even says- knowest not. Don't you know? Listen up. You think you are one thing but in truth you're not at all.
You are miserable, you are poor, you are blind, you are naked. This is our condition. This is the condition of mankind in relation to God.
...
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,
that thou mayest be rich;
and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed,
and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see.
...
We are counseld to buy of Christ- gold tried in fire to be rich, to buy white raiment to be clothed and our nakedness doesn't show, and eyesalve to see.
Only in Christ can we find true riches- faith in Him for all our needs. Only Christ's white raiment, Christ's righteousness can cloth our nakedness. We can try as we might to cloth ourselves but nothing we put on will hide out true vile condition, nothing but the righteousness of Christ. And to see, to truly see we need the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to the truth in Christ. Annointed by the Holy Spirit we are no longer blind.
We can't depend upon ourselves and if we try to do that in the least way all we'll hear from Christ is that we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked to Him. Depending upon Christ for all things truly is a job for those living in the last times before His return as it is throughout all time. Satan would have us look to ourselves and away from Christ and as long as we are focused on ourselves he has us in his snare.
...
As many as I love,
I rebuke and chasten
be zealous therefore
and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock
if any man hear my voice
and open the door,
I will come in to him,
and will sup with him,
and he with me.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne
even as I also overcame
and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
...
We can't think being chastized by God is something extraordinary- it's through His love for us we are tried, we are rebuked, chastened so that we may see the truth in Christ and in Christ alone!
We need to be zealous and repent! Be quick to repent, to recognize our sad state and cling to Christ for all our needs.
Christ stands before us knocking- if we hear Him- if we open the door- He will come into us and sup with us. He will be our all in all, our everything. If we overcome through Him we will sit on His throne. Jesus had to overcome as well and He did so by complete dependence upon His Father. We overcome by complete dependence upon Jesus. Let us listen.
May God Bless and keep us all in Him, only in Him in none other not even ourselves. May our dependence on life be in Him solely now and forever. May our riches be found in Him, may we be clothed with His righteousness, may our eyes be opened to see the truth in Him- only in Him, by His mercy and His grace now and forever.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)