Category Archives: Worship

March 3, 2024 · 10:00

Smart Ass

And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? (Numbers 22:28)

My daily Bible reading brings me to the Book of Numbers, and as the name suggests, there are many long, detailed lists of names and numbers, which make for very dry reading. The minutiae serve as an important resource for deep study, but for casual reading, it can be a little boring. It is easy to forget that it is, after all, God’s Word, and God included everything in it for a reason. That said, Numbers does include some interesting accounts that play out later in Scripture.

There is the account in Chapter 11 where the children of Israel complained because all they had to eat was the manna that God sent from heaven every morning. They were tired of the heavenly bread and wanted meat to eat. (Someone rightly questioned, “With all the herds of sheep, goats, and cattle they had with them, how is it they had no meat to eat?” Good question. I do not know the answer.) Their complaining angered God and He sent them quail to eat for a whole month until it was coming out of their nostrils![1] The lesson – don’t complain about what you don’t have, but be thankful for what you do have.

In Chapter 12, Moses’ siblings, Aaron and Miriam, speak against Moses for his marriage to an Ethiopian woman.

Presumably this woman was Zipporah (Ex. 2:21; 4:25), the daughter of Jethro, since there is no other indication that Moses had more than one wife. However she is also called a Midianite (Ex 2:16), and this leaves her identity somewhat uncertain. Ethiopia is Cush in Hebrew, and the Cushites originally settled on the western shores of Arabia before moving across the Red Sea to Ethiopia, being gradually replaced by the Midianites. Thus, the Cushites and the Midianites probably experienced considerable intermingling and intermarriage in the process. Habakkuk 3:7 indicates that Cushan and Midian were sometimes considered equivalent.[2]

Evidently, they felt they were not getting their share of the limelight. “And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it” (Numbers 12:2). The LORD called a meeting of the three. “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:6-8, emphasis mine). God struck Miriam with leprosy for only seven days because Moses interceded on her behalf. Aaron, being the high priest, was not stricken, but the sight of his sister’s punishment was lesson enough for him. The lesson – do not speak out against the Lord’s anointed.

In Chapters 13 and 14, we have the account of the 12 spies sent out to spy out the Promised Land. Ten returned with a good news/bad news report. Yes, the land was rich and fruitful as God had promised, but it was also full of giants against whom they felt powerless. Their negative report caused the people to become fearful. Only two, Caleb and Joshua encouraged the people saying that God would fight for them to give them the land. However, the people listened to the ten negative reports rather than the two positive ones. They were ready to choose a new leader and return to their life of slavery in Egypt. This too angered the LORD, and He was ready to smite them all with plague and start all over with just Moses. But Moses interceded for the people and assuaged God’s wrath, but not without consequences for the people. For forty years they would wander in the desert until the last of the fearful died out in the desert, except for Caleb and Joshua. Hearing the LORD’s decree, the people repented and took it upon themselves to go fight against the Amalekites on their own. That did not work out well for them and the Amalekites whooped up on them! The lesson – when you trust in your own strength and abilities, you will certainly fail. It always works out better when you trust God to fight your battles.

There is also the account of the sons of Korah, Levites, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron, Chapter 16. These were swallowed up by the ground. Again, don’t mess with God’s anointed. The fate of Korah’s sons failed to penetrate the brains of those that remained, so they continued to “murmur,” and they came against Moses and Aaron. Once more, God was ready to wipe them all out, but Moses and Aaron interceded for the people.

Even so, God sent a plague that killed 14,700 of them.[3] Chapter 17 records another strange event. Following the rebellion, God had Moses gather the heads of the 12 tribes with their staffs (walking sticks) to lay before the Testimony (i.e., the Ark of the Covenant). Each staff bore the name of its respective tribe. Aaron’s staff was also placed among them. To settle who God selected as leader, that man’s staff would blossom. Keep in mind, these staffs were made of hard, dead wood completely devoid of life and completely incapable of producing fruit. All staffs were laid before the Ark that resided in the Holy of Holies. The following morning, Aaron’s staff blossomed and produced almonds.[4] “And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not” (Numbers 17:10).

God made it perfectly clear who He had selected to lead the congregation. Yet with all of his qualities, Moses was not perfect. Chapter 20 records what was arguably Moses’ greatest failure. Their wanderings in the desert brought the children of Israel to Kadesh where they found themselves without water once again. As was their pattern, they started whining to Moses about their lack of water and accusing him of having brought them out to the desert to die. Understandably, Moses was more than a little angry with the people, but he took their complaint before the LORD. God told Moses to gather the people around a large rock that was there. He told Moses to “speak” to the rock and that it would bring forth water. “And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:9-12, emphasis mine). Moses’ failure was not that he struck the rock, but that he did not speak to it as instructed. His failure was that he took the credit for bringing water out of the rock rather than attributing the credit to God. His punishment was that he would not lead the people into the Promised Land. The lesson – when God tells you to do something, do it the way He says to do it and not like you think it ought to be done.

The next chapter records an account repeated in the New Testament making the previous lesson clear. In Chapter 21, the Canaanite king, Arad, made an unprovoked attack on the Israelite camp and took some captive. Israel made a vow to God to utterly destroy all the cities of the Canaanites if He would deliver them into their hands. God granted their request, but along the way, they started complaining “because of the way.”[5] God must have thought, “You think this is tough, I’ll show you tough,” so He sent fiery serpents to bite them and many were dying. It did not take long for them to repent and cry out to Moses to save them. So, God instructed Moses to make a brass serpent and put it atop a pole. Then, when anyone was bitten, all they needed to do was look up at the serpent on the pole and they would not die from the snake bite. Jesus referred to this event when He spoke to Nicodemus. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). There is no other cure for the sting of sin. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6, emphasis mine). The lesson – God has provided only one way to survive the sting of death; there is no other way.

I now arrive at the subject of my provocative title. The children of Israel were nearing the end of their wanderings in the wilderness. They were approaching the borders of Moab. The Moabites were the descendants of one of Lot’s daughters.[6] Numbers 22-24 records the encounter between Moab and Israel. Balak, the king of Moab, heard about the approach of the Israelites, and God’s reputation preceded them. “And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel” (Numbers 22:3). Balak got the great idea to hire Balaam to curse Israel, “for,” he said, “I [know] that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed” (Numbers 22:6). However, Balaam assured him that he could only speak as the LORD directed him, so he turned down the job. Balak would not be deterred. He sent a second delegation with a greater offer. When Balaam consulted with God about the matter, God instructed him to return with the delegation, but that he should only speak the words He gave him. So, the next day, Balaam saddled his donkey (ass) and went to see Balak. Along the way, “the Angel of the Lord with sword drawn” confronted him. Balaam did not see Him, but the donkey did, and she veered off the main road. That angered Balaam and he beat the donkey and tried to force her back on the main road. There was a stone wall along one side of the road, and when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she went up against the wall and knocked Balaam off her back. That really made Balaam angry, and he beat her again. The Angel of the Lord moved further down the road again to a place where the donkey could not get around, so she just dropped down. Balaam got off and started beating her again. Then the most remarkable thing happened. “And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28). What is even more remarkable is that Balaam was not taken aback because the donkey talked. Instead, he engaged her in conversation. “And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee” (Numbers 22:29). The donkey then laid a guilt trip on Balaam. “And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay” (Numbers 22:30).

At that point, God opened Balaam’s eyes so that he could see what the donkey saw. Balaam saw the pre-incarnate Christ with a sword drawn. “And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak” (Numbers 22:32-35, emphasis mine).

Balaam did go to Balak, and three different times, instead of cursing Israel, to Balak’s chagrin, all Balaam could utter was a blessing upon the children of Israel. In one of those blessings, he foretold the coming of the Messiah. “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth” (Numbers 24:17, emphasis mine).

At the end of the chapter, it appears that Balak and Balaam part ways in defeat. In the following chapter, we learn that the children of Israel started fornicating with the Moabite women. The fornication involved more than just illicit sex. The act was part of Baal worship in violation of the first two of the Ten Commandments. God had all the violators hanged or killed by the non-participants.

When we read further, we learn that Balaam had something to do with Israel’s sin. “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people” (Numbers 31:1-2). This event took place just prior to Israel entering the Promised Land. “And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword” (Numbers 31:7-8, emphasis mine). The Midianite women they took captive for which Moses reprimanded them. “And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD” (Numbers 31:15-16, emphasis mine). So, Balaam did not just give up in defeat. He counseled Balak to seduce the men of Israel to fornicate in worship to Baal.

Evidently, Balaam was paid for his advice to Balak. The Apostle Peter writes, “… cursed children Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:14-15, emphasis mine). Jude adds, “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core” (Jude 1:11, emphasis mine). Jesus Himself affirmed as much. “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:14, emphasis mine). At least Balaam’s donkey was smart enough not to try to circumvent the Lord’s will. The lesson – you need to be at least as smart as Balaam’s donkey and not try to find a way around God’s will. In the end, you lose.

However, the greater lesson I learned through my reading in Numbers is that even though Israel is constantly obstinate against God (even today – their majority is secular), God is consistently faithful to His promise to Abraham, and He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. Would that our government would learn that lesson. Our puppet president is making all the wrong decisions in opposition to Israel – cursing Israel. That will only result in God cursing our country. And, if you are paying attention, God has already removed His hand of blessing from our nation. Do not be fooled. Israel will survive without the US, but the US will fade from its former place of greatness. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Notes:

[1]  Numbers 11:20

[2]  Henry M. Morris, Ph.D., The Henry Morris Study Bible, (Master Books, Green Forest, AR, 2012), p. 259.

[3]  Numbers 16:49

[4]  Numbers 17:8

[5]  Numbers 21:4

[6]  Genesis 19:36-38

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February 18, 2024 · 10:00

God Is Particular

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 6:15)

This year I have been following a chronological reading plan for reading the Bible through in the year, and currently, I am trudging through the book of Leviticus. Beginning with Exodus 20 when God speaks the Ten Commandments in the hearing of the children of Israel, Scripture goes into tedious detail for the proper worship of God by the Israelites.

Not only do the Scriptures detail the “thou shalt not” commandments, but every minute detail of the construction of the Tabernacle with all of its implements, and the garments of the priests, especially that of the high priest. The methods and occasions for the offering of sacrifices follows that in great detail. Reading the monotonous minutia might make the reader skip over all of those pages to get to more interesting reading, like Numbers. One is tempted to wonder why God would put all of that boring stuff in the Bible and actually expect readers to take it seriously.

For Christians, who are under grace and not under the Law, the reading may seem non-applicable, and to some degree, that is true. We who are born-again, Spirit-filled, children of God ARE the Temple of God[1] and priests unto God.[2] That being the case, where is the value in reading monotonous tedium? Much indeed.

The sacrificial system prescribed by God to Moses made clear God’s view of sin. To God, ALL sin is repulsive. That was true then and it is true today. When one considers the amount of blood shed for every manner of sin, one wonders how their herds were never depleted. To our animal-loving Western minds, the slaughter of innocent animals and the method (the throat was slit to drain blood while the heart continues to pump) for the holocaust is grotesque – it had to be. The revolting procedure dramatically illustrated how abhorrent sin is to God.

God specifies in great detail exactly how the priests were to handle the sacrifice. God gives precise descriptions on how to make the oil for the lampstand, the bread for the showbread, the incense for the altar of incense, and how to maintain all these things on a perpetual basis. Even if one scans quickly through these pages, it becomes readily apparent that God is very particular about how He is to be worshiped. However, this is not a new revelation.

From the beginning, God shed the blood of innocent animals to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve after the Fall.[3] Apparently, the practice of sacrificing animals for sin in worship to God continued because later we find Cain and Abel sacrificing to God. However, Cain did not offer his sacrifice in the prescribed manner, so his offering was rejected by God.[4] The practice continued until the time of Noah and afterward with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). However, the practice was not codified until God gave the Law to Moses. Not long after the Tabernacle was dedicated and the form of worship was implemented, the first infraction took place. Two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu (priests), took fire for the incense altar from somewhere other than from the altar of sacrifice (outside the tent) as prescribed. For their disobedience, God rained fire from heaven and incinerated them instantly.[5] God made His point clear. He is particular about the way He is worshipped.

The modern-day Christian might ask, “What does this have to do with us?” I asked myself the same question. However, as I browsed the minutia, which is not minutia to God, the broad understanding I gleaned is that God is particular about how His people approach Him in worship. We, Christians, are far removed from the sacrificial system and are not bound by the Levitical laws. Jesus is our once-and-for-all sacrifice. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:11-12, emphasis mine).

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he [the Lord Jesus Christ] cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I [Jesus speaking], Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. (Hebrews 10:1-13, emphasis mine)

So, Jesus, by His sacrifice on the cross, ended the sacrificial system prescribed by the Law. As He breathed out His final breath, He proclaimed, “It is finished”[6] – paid in full. For those who are “born again,” who have placed their faith and trust in Christ, the rigors of the Levitical system of worship have been done away. Does that mean that God no longer cares about how we approach Him in worship? Is He less worthy of awe and reverence now than when He struck down Aaron’s sons for bringing “strange fire” before Him? I think not.

How one comes before God is a matter of one’s personal attitude, so I cannot judge the condition of an individual’s heart. However, as I observe many public gatherings called “worship services,” the focus of the activities seems designed to stir the emotions of the “worshipers,” and even though Christian lingo is randomly repeated, the direction of the “worship” is horizontal (i.e., human to human) rather than vertical.

I follow several well-known pastors who I consider to be very biblically sound and who preach the Gospel without reservation, yet, before they stand to preach, their “band” comes out to warm up the congregation in preparation for the sermon. As the cameras scan the crowd, some stand there unmoved while others raise their hands and sway to the music as if they are at a rock concert.  I wonder how God, Who was so particular in the OT about how He was to be worshipped, feels about the “worship” offered up these days. Indeed, far too often that worship is man-centered, not God-centered; it is not even directed to God. It is all about us and how we feel. Again, I cannot judge the heart of individual worshipers; only God can see into the heart, but what I observe on the surface comes across more as entertainment than worship.

So, regardless of the “atmosphere” of the “worship service” in which we participate, we need to remove all distractions from our minds and focus our thoughts, our minds, and our hearts on the greatness and majesty of our awesome, all-mighty, Creator God. Let Him be the object of our worship, not the performers on the stage.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable [act of worship]. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Notes:

[1]  1 Corinthians 3:16

[2]  Revelation 1:6

[3]  Genesis 3:21

[4]  Genesis 4:3-5

[5]  Leviticus 10:1-2

[6]  John 19:30

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August 6, 2023 · 10:00

Coming Quickly

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Revelation 22:7)

Have you ever imagined traveling in a time machine and going backward or forward in time to witness what happened in the past, or to see what would happen in the future? I am sure many people have, and several science fiction movies have attempted to portray what that might be like.

Jesus granted John the privilege of actually traveling into the future to record the events that would take place at “the end of days.” Much of what John witnessed seems unpleasant, but the end result climaxes in a completely remade planet and universe – a New Heaven and a New Earth.[1] John then sees an indescribable city descending from heaven to the New Earth with space enough to accommodate the billions of God’s children throughout the ages. The city is the New Jerusalem where God will dwell among His people.

What John witnessed defies any hitherto known reality. John could hardly believe his eyes. It was incredible! It was unbelievable! And when we read John’s attempt at describing it, our mind’s eye cannot visualize it, so we may be tempted to brush it off as fantasy. In anticipation of such an occurrence, his angel tour guide reassures John and encourages him to believe what he sees. “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done” (Revelation 22:6, emphasis mine). It may be too much for our feeble minds to take in, but the guarantee comes directly from God, and we can rest assured that it will all come true because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Then, from some unspecified source, we hear the words of Jesus. “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7, emphasis mine). The Greek word translated as “quickly” is tachu from which we get our English word “tachometer.” Since Jesus said this almost 2000 years ago, it makes us wonder, “What is His definition of quickly?” It also gives fodder to the skeptics of whom the Apostle Peter warned. “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4, emphasis mine). Peter also reminded us that God’s timing is not like ours. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8, emphasis mine). Peter is not providing a formula by which we can calculate God’s timetable. Rather, he applies simile (“as”) to emphasize that God’s measure of time does not correlate to ours. God is infinite. He is “timeless.” He is not bound by time. His attribute of omnipresence – being everywhere present at all times – also applies to our understanding of time. He exists in the past, present, and future simultaneously, which explains why He can tell the end from the beginning.[2] Considering the word “tachu” with the application of a tachometer, which measures the revolutions per minute (RPM) of an internal combustion engine; the faster the engine turns, the higher the RPMs the tachometer reads. In the same way, as we begin to see the things described in Revelation, they will rapidly increase in number and intensity the nearer we get to execution time. Even now, we see the rapid decline in morality and what used to be the “social norm.” The plans of the globalists – the “One-Worlders” – are being implemented worldwide at this moment. It is happing “quickly,” and this is probably what Jesus meant by the word “tachu.”

Many “Christians” today pay little attention to the Book of Revelation for a variety of reasons; however, Jesus says, “blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Sadly, far too many pastors avoid teaching it because they fear that it breeds controversy and contentions. Fear is not of God; it is of Satan whose silencing the Word of God is part of his strategy. If taught rightly, there should be no controversy and those who object are the ones that need to hear it the most. Other pastors will not teach it because they do not understand it themselves. There is only one remedy for that. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Still, others think it might incite fear in people for the things that are about to come. Good! If they are lost, fear might be the incentive they need to get saved. If the pre-millennial, pre-tribulational view is taught, Christians have the hope of the Rapture and a greater incentive to share the Gospel with friends and family. The study, preaching, and teaching of this book is a blessing, says Jesus.

“And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 22:8-10, emphasis mine). John is so overwhelmed by all that he has seen – the Rapture he experienced, the Great Tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom, the Great White Throne Judgment, the New Heaven, New Earth, and the New Jerusalem – that he falls at the feet of the angel and worships him. Note that the angel refuses the worship and directs the worship to God who alone is worthy of worship. The angel instructs John not to seal up the prophecy, “for the time is at hand.” The Prophet Daniel wanted to understand the prophecies of the end-times given to him, and he was given much different instructions. Daniel says, “And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:8-9, emphasis mine). Daniel was not given the insight to understand the end-times. However, in the end, “the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10). Revelation is NOT sealed, and it is written for “the wise” to understand, and now, more than ever, “the time is at hand” for the wise to understand.

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11). At this point in the Revelation, all accounts have been settled. Those that are unjust and filthy have been condemned to the lake of fire for all eternity, and they will continue eternally in the same state in which they were found guilty. The righteous and the holy (by the righteousness imputed on them by Christ) will continue in that same state for eternity.

For those of us living today, Jesus once again speaks. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:12-13, emphasis mine). We see again the Greek word “tachu,” indicating that things are quickly winding up. Jesus comes with His reward in hand to give every person according to their works. For the unrepentant, unbelieving Christ-rejectors, their reward is the lake of fire. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). For those who place their trust in Christ, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus claims authority as the great “I AM.”[3] “I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” He is the timeless, everlasting God!

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Revelation 22:14-15, emphasis mine). This is meant for us today. This is not future; it is now. “Blessed are they that do his commandments.” Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). What are those commandments? “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1, emphasis mine). “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31, emphasis mine). “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12, emphasis mine). “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39, emphasis mine). Those who keep His commandments are on the “inside” (now) and have the right to the “tree of life” (i.e., eternal life). Those on the outside are the “dogs.” In John’s day, dogs were not the lovable pets that we love and cherish today. In his day, dogs were nasty, filthy, mangy, scavengers kept outside of the house. God regards sinners with the same contempt.  Their sins are listed in the text; however, their main fault is their rejection of Christ and their refusal to obey His commandments. They will remain outcasts forever unless they repent while there is time. “The time is at hand!”

“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” (Revelation 22:16, emphasis mine). This message is contemporary. It is relevant for us today. It is meant for the churches, not only for the seven churches that Jesus, through John, addressed but for the churches throughout the Church Age.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Here is the invitation. It is the Holy Spirit that speaks to the heart of every person to convict them of sin,[4] to convince them of their need for the Savior.[5] The Bride, the Church, the local body of believers, is the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works. Together they issue the invitation, “Come.” It is not through coercion but through the preaching of the Word of God. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14, emphasis mine). All who respond to the invitation are welcome to partake of “the water of life freely,” i.e., eternal life.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19, emphasis mine). Anyone (including myself) who handles the Word of God should take this warning very seriously. As humans, we are prone to error, and we can misinterpret Scripture occasionally for any number of reasons: lack of understanding, lack of maturity (spiritual growth – sanctification – is a process), lack of knowledge, etc. Such “mistakes” are understandable and excusable to some extent; they can be corrected. However, this admonition is for those who purposefully tamper with God’s Word in order to have it say what they want it to say. This warning is not only for the Book of Revelation, but it applies to all of Scripture because it is all prophecy, i.e., telling forth the Word of God. The Old Testament has a similar admonition. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2, emphasis mine). Anyone who handles the Word of God – pastors, evangelists, teachers, authors, etc. – needs to take this warning seriously.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, emphasis mine). “He which testifieth” is the Lord Jesus Christ. He reminds us once again that His return is imminent. As we see the events predicted in this prophecy falling into place at an alarming rate, we know that the full force of this prophecy cannot be that far off. For those of us who have placed our faith in Christ, we can say with the Apostle John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” We may even add “quickly.”

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21). “Grace” is the free, unmerited, gift of the Lord (Master, Owner, Possessor) Jesus (Yahweh Saves) Christ (Messiah, the Anointed One). That gift is eternal life, not only future, but in this present life. Eternal life, for the believer, starts right now and never ends. This physical, corrupt flesh must be done away with, but our spirit lives forever. The Apostle Paul says, “For this corruptible [flesh] must put on incorruption, and this mortal [flesh] must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53). He explains how this takes place. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). So, whether our dead bodies are resurrected and rise from their resting place or our living bodies are instantly changed at the Rapture, they will be renewed to incorruptible bodies suitable to be in the presence of Holy God. That is the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” that is with us always.

“Amen.” It is the same word in Hebrew and in Greek meaning, “it is true.”

 Reader, Jesus is coming quickly, as He promised. Are you ready to meet Him? If you do not know the Savior, do not wait any longer. The time is short. Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  A New Creation | Ernie’s Musings (erniecarrasco.com)

[2]  Isaiah 46:9-10

[3]  Exodus 3:14

[4]  John 16:8

[5]  John 16:13

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January 22, 2023 · 10:00

The First Sight

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. (Revelation 4:11)

 

The book of Revelation puzzles many who read it. It seems strange and sometimes bizarre. Many avoid the book because the contents elicit fear about the predictions of things to come. However, the book of Revelation is the only book of the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and apply its contents. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3).

Revelation opens with the last remaining apostle of Jesus, the Apostle John, “in the Spirit the Lord’s Day.”[1] The Roman government arrested and exiled John to the prison island of Patmos for preaching the disruptive Gospel of Jesus Christ.[2]

The initial recipients of the book were seven churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.[3] To these, the risen Christ addresses individual letters.[4] These churches existed in John’s day, but because of the commendations and reproofs Jesus gives to these churches, some have seen in them patterns of each throughout church history.

John then describes his first glimpse of Jesus as though in a vision. This is not the Jesus John remembers during His earthly ministry. This Jesus is awesome to behold. John says, “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength” (Revelation 1:12-16). The dazzling sight caused John to fall at His feet in awestruck fear, but that tender, familiar voice reassured him of the One he loved. “… Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:17-18).

John saw Jesus in the midst of seven lampstands holding seven stars in His right hand. Jesus explained to him that the seven lampstands represented the seven churches and the seven stars represented the seven angels, i.e., messengers or pastors, of the seven churches.[5] The image reminds us that Jesus dwells among His churches and that He keeps and protects the pastors of His churches in His right hand (a position of power). This should also serve as a warning to pastors. Just as Jesus’ right hand protects His messengers, He also has the power to crush the pastor that fails in his responsibility to Jesus’ Bride, the Church.

As noted earlier, Jesus dictates direct messages to each of the seven churches. Immediately following the last word to the church of Laodicea, John looks up and sees an open door in heaven and hears a sound (Greek: phōnē) like that of a trumpet that said, “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:1-2, emphasis mine).

Many see the Rapture of the Church in these verses. John is commanded to “come up here” and “immediately” he sees the throne of God for the first time. From this point forward, the Church no longer appears on earth until Christ returns with His saints in Chapter 19.

There are many who teach that the Rapture is not taught in the Bible. They correctly argue that the word “rapture” appears nowhere in the Bible. However, neither do the words bible or trinity, yet no one will argue that these concepts are not taught in the Bible. “Rapture” translates the Greek word harpazō into the Latin raptus meaning “to seize; to catch away or up; to pluck, pull, or take by force”. This is what happened to John. He was on the earth and “immediately” he was caught away into the throne room of God.

Jesus gave us the first promise of the Rapture before going to the cross. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3, emphasis mine). Paul teaches of the time when the trumpet shall sound and our corrupt bodies will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. The dead in Christ will rise from their graves, and we who are alive will join them to meet Jesus in the air.[6]

John enters the presence of God and his first sight is the throne of God. The person seated on the throne appears not as a human or any other creature, but rather as a glorious splendor. Of Him, John says, “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” (Revelation 4:3). The Bible teaches that God has no human form, except in the form of Jesus. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, emphasis mine). John was given a privilege that even Moses (or anyone else for that matter) was denied. Moses, who spoke with God face-to-face as with a friend,[7] wanted to see God in His glory, but God denied his request, “And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live” (Exodus 33:20, emphasis mine). Yet, somehow John saw God in all of His glory and did not die. In our corrupt human bodies, we cannot withstand the glory of God’s presence. However, at the Rapture, our bodies will be transformed in such a way that we can be in the presence of God in His full glory and not be harmed, just like John.

The scene overwhelmed John. There were lightnings, thunders, and voices. Around the throne of God, John saw 24 thrones upon which seven elders sat wearing white robes and crowns of gold.[8] Some suppose these represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Others suggest that they merely represent believers of all the ages. In either case, the white robes represent the righteousness of Christ conferred on them. The golden crowns are stephanos, which are “victors crowns” awarded to them for conquering sin, not through their own righteousness, but through the blood of Christ.

John then sees seven lampstands around the throne defined as the “seven spirits of God” Some suggest that these seven lampstands represent seven attributes of the Holy Spirit as described by the prophet Isaiah. “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him [i.e., Jesus], the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2, emphasis mine). We know that the Holy Spirit indwells believers and thereby indwells the Church. In the first chapter, John sees Jesus in the midst of seven lampstands, which represent the churches. Now, these same lampstands (i.e., churches) are seen around the throne of God. I see the lampstands representing both the Holy Spirit and the churches wherein the Holy Spirit resides. The attributes described by Isaiah certainly apply as well.

Around the throne is a crystal sea. It is difficult to know what John saw in this. It is all strange and wonderful and beyond words to describe. John could only relate what he saw by his limited earthly vocabulary. But then he sees four strange creatures full of eyes and with six wings each. One “beast” had the head of a lion, the second the head of a calf, the third the head of a man, and the fourth the head of an eagle.[9] The eyes represent the omniscience of God and the four different heads represent all of God’s creatures: wild animals, domestic animals, human beings, and avian life. All of God’s creation never ceasing to praise Him day or night “saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

John then observed that when these praised God, the 24 elders prostrate themselves and cast their victor’s crowns before the throne saying, “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” (Revelation 4:11).

With the focus on the throne, John spots something new. “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” (Revelation 5:1, emphasis mine). By its description, we know that this “book” is actually a scroll – perhaps parchment – with writing on both sides, rolled up and secured with seven seals. Many suggest that this scroll represents the title dead to the earth and the kingdoms thereof. When God created the earth, He gave dominion over the earth to man whom He created in His image on the sixth day of creation.[10] However, man lost that dominion when he sinned in the Garden of Eden.[11] The dominion of earth transferred to Satan. Paul calls him the “god of this world.”[12] When Satan tempted Jesus, he offered Jesus the kingdoms of this world if He would only bow down and worship him. “And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Luke 4:6, emphasis mine). However, his ownership is only temporary.

Then John saw and heard a strong angel proclaim, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (Revelation 5:2). And no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was found worthy to take the scroll and break the seals. The situation was dire indeed. All of God’s creation hung in the balance and there was no one to come to the rescue. John says, “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (Revelation 5:4).

John’s tears were soon assuaged. “And one of the elders saith unto me, 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,” John says, “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” (Revelation 5:5-6). John the Baptist saw this Lamb come to him to be baptized in the Jordan and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He was slain on the cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and rose again on the third day.[13] Horns represent kingdoms and the Lamb has seven representing completion. All the kingdoms belong to Him. He is “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16). Seven eyes suggest omniscience with all the attributes of the seven Spirits of God.

Only the Lamb, by virtue of His sacrifice, is worthy to take and open the scroll. “And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne” (Revelation 5:7). When the Lamb took the scroll, a great celebration broke out in heaven. The four living creatures and the 24 elders prostrate themselves before the Lamb. “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” (Revelation 5:9-10).

Then the rest of heaven breaks out in praise, “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. 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” (Revelation 5:12-13).

Worthy indeed! I cannot imagine how John must have felt at the first sight of heaven and the throne of God. I cannot wait to see it for myself!

The 14 chapters that follow bring us back to earth and the events that will transpire during the seven-year Tribulation. The scenes are horrific. However, the Church, the Bride of Christ, will not experience the horrors of the Tribulation. The Church, as we saw will be around the throne of God and not on earth. Will you be there or will you experience the horrors that are coming upon the earth? Your ticket out of here was purchased by Jesus more than 2000 years ago. All you have to do is accept it. Check out my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Revelation 1:10

[2]  Revelation 1:9

[3]  Revelation 1:11

[4]  Revelation 2-3

[5]  Revelation 1:20

[6]  1 Corinthians 15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

[7]  Exodus 33:11

[8]  Revelation 4:4

[9]  Revelation 4:6-8

[10]  Genesis 1:26-28

[11]  Genesis 3

[12]  2 Corinthians 4:4

[13]  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

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October 16, 2022 · 10:00

Transformed Not Conformed

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

As our world grows continually darker, it becomes more and more difficult to distinguish between Christians and non-believers. Surely one can find “Christians” in church, but how about outside the walls of the church? Can you spot them? Very often, no clear distinction exists. Christians, by and large, behave much like unbelievers and often one will find non-believers doing “Christian” good deeds.

Vladimir Putin mounted his righteous steed and recently criticized the “west” – mainly the United States – for the immorality it was exporting to the rest of the world: homosexuality, pedophilia, pornography, gender dysphoria, abortion, etc. These sins provoke his hatred for the west, and he wants to protect Russia from such evil. His strong talk makes one think Putin is a righteous man and perhaps a strong Christian. His speech really puts us to shame. However, do not let his righteous blather fool you. Putin is a cold-blooded killer who has no regard for human life and has no problem killing innocent people.

One cannot judge the condition of a man’s heart by the words that exit his lips. On the other hand, one cannot necessarily judge a man’s heart by his “good” deeds “for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

Yet, for the Christian, God has a standard of conduct that He expects from His children. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9, emphasis mine). Royalty carries with it certain expectations. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [i.e., “life conduct”]; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16, emphasis mine). To be “holy” simply means to be set apart from the world; to be “consecrated,” i.e., set aside for the service of God.

So, there should be a clear distinction between a Christian and a non-believer. We may dress like the world – hopefully in modesty and not in a way to call attention to ourselves. However, the likeness should stop there. A Christian should not exhibit fear because of world conditions knowing that our Lord and our Redemption is very near; that should be a cause for joy, not dread. Our faces should express deep joy and peace. Our speech should be pure and free of profanity. “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful [i.e., “full of pit/compassion”], be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9). More could be added to the list, but this should make the point.

How does one accomplish such a feat? Certainly not in our own strength or by our own efforts. Paul gives us the simple formula in our starting verses (Romans 12:1-2). Paul says to “present” your bodies. The word in the Greek means “to place a person or thing at one’s disposal.” Your body is that thing that transports your soul from place to place and is often the thing that carries you into sin by “the lust of the flesh” (1 John 2:16). We need to place our bodies at God’s disposal.

Your body needs to be a “living sacrifice.” Normally, a sacrifice must die. Paul says, “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:19-20, emphasis mine). We are dead to sin and the law, but we are alive through faith in Christ who died for us. Hence, our sacrifice is a “living” one, and a “holy” one that is set apart for God.

Understanding what Jesus did on our behalf, it is logical (“reasonable”) that we should render our service or “worship” to God, and this is a pleasing and “acceptable” sacrifice or offering to Him.

In order to offer God an “acceptable” sacrifice, we must not “conform” or take the shape of this world. “World” translates the Greek word aiōn, meaning “an age.” “The word used here properly denotes an age, or generation of people.”[1] Do not allow this age, this world in which we live, to mold you into its form. Rather, be “transformed,” (i.e., metamorphosed) by the renewing of your mind. There is a new adage for the computer age that says “garbage in, garbage out.” What you put into your mind affects much of what you think and do. So, the opposite is also true: good things in/ good things out. That comes through the constant feeding on God’s Word and prayer. When you do this, you will “prove” (i.e., “test”) “what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”

What is the “will of God”? “For whom [God] did foreknow [i.e., “His children], he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29, emphasis mine). Do you want to know what God’s will is for your life? There it is! His will is that you be “conformed,” not to this world, but to the “image of His Son.”

What shape have you taken on, that of the world or that of Christ? Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life” and make sure you are in the right shape.

Notes:

[1]  “Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible”

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