July 2020
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 40
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
The downfall of Babylon is announced by another mighty angel, speaking in a loud voice. Isn’t it interesting how many times this expression is used. Why does it always seem that important announcements are made with a loud voice? Is it because God wants to ensure that everyone hears? No excuse that ‘no-one told me’. In this case, the whole earth was illuminated with the glory of this angel who, we are told, also had great authority. “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird.” Now this is the announcement of the fulfilment of prophecy which was actually proclaimed hundreds of years earlier. Babylon (modern day Southern Iraq) will be one of two areas (the other being Edom, present day Southern Jordan) destined to become totally desolate in the Millennial Kingdom of Messiah Yeshua. Both Jeremiah, in chapters 50 and 51, and Isaiah 13, which describes ‘the burden against Babylon’ which the Lord showed him, in verse 20 says “It will never be inhabited, nor will it be settled from generation to generation.” That is complete desolation! There is also reference in this ‘burden against Babylon’ to the fact that God uses the surrounding kingdoms (the ten kings who are in subjection to Anti-Christ) to turn against Babylon, as we read in last week’s ‘reflection’. The very consistency of the Scriptures should be a cause for every believer to shout praise to our God. He is worthy of our praise.
But the mighty angel, who makes the first announcement, is replaced by another who proclaims another message. “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive her plagues.” I have commented previously that I am a bit unsure about the timing of some of these matters. It is natural to see the events sequentially, but in this second announcement I am inclined to the view that this is included in this visionary prophecy, as a pre-event warning. Having been told what is going to happen, Jew and gentile believers (my people) are urged to get out whilst there is time. It also seems to me that because Babylon is both a geographic area, destined to become desolate, and also, as in our text, an image of debauchery and general sinful godlessness, this second announcement appears as a loving plea from God to everyone to make certain lifestyle changes. And that particularly applies to everyone who desires citizenship of His kingdom, regardless of one’s place of residence.
So what the Lord has shown me is that it is time for me, (others who read this ‘reflection’ must make their own appraisal) to pause, take stock, consider my position, to carefully examine myself, and to evaluate the extent to which I might have fallen under the influence of this “deceitfully attractive harlot who rides the scarlet beast”. How much of Babylon have I unwittingly absorbed into my own lifestyle? Because the angel with the loud voice says “Come out of her.” Selah.
The next part of this proclamation is not easily understood. “For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” That part is easy. But it goes on “Render to her just as she rendered to you.” The plain reading is suggestive of ‘those who come out of her’ taking some vengeful action. “Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup that she has mixed, mix double for her.” There are plenty of Scriptures which warn against the people taking vengeance. But they all relate to revenge against the children of men. That is clearly specified as the domain of Almighty God. Here in this instance, we have already ‘reflected’ in the “bowl judgments” of the wrath of God being visited upon the earth. Verse 7 of our text might provide a clue. “In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow.” Anyone who has been used to adoration and acclaim, seeing themselves as ‘top dog’, so to speak, would be utterly deflated by being ignored. I do not claim authoritative perception here, but it seems to me that possibly the very act of “coming out of her”, turning around and pursuing God’s agenda, would have such effect as to provide some kind of revenge, passive as it is, for the excesses of the past.
“For she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow’.” But she does, and she will, as she is abandoned by those who formerly feted her.
All this is in the future. But it can be today as we take heed to the warnings provided through this Spirit led visionary journey of John into heaven.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 39
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
Last week we identified the characters the angel showed John when he took him into the wilderness. We ended last week as John was being given much detail of the beast (the Anti-Christ), and the meaning of the vision of the woman riding on that scarlet beast.
All the speculation in the world will not identify any of these people until the final seven years of this age unfolds. And we are not yet at that point. But the wise among us WILL know their identity when these things happen, because this is what this visionary visit into heaven is all about.
“Here is the mind that has wisdom” the angel said. In paraphrase. ‘put on your thinking cap and pay attention.’ “The seven heads (of the beast) are the seven mountains on which the woman sits.” So this fierce looking beast is representative of a geographical place (or places). And in large measure, this woman exercised control over that area(s). “There are also seven kings (rulers, emperors, dictators, men in charge).” Now here again, commentators have exercised their imagination, but we need to be clear that while this prophecy is intended for our edification, it also had to be within the scope of John’s understanding. And then John is given some information which, to the wise, should be quite clear. Referring to the territory of the kings, “five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when HE comes (the next king) he must continue a short time.” So, the seven kings now have their term of office explained. Most, if not all, people would agree that this is a reference to the various “Empires” which have been a fact of history, and would be well within John’s understanding. (Some also see them as the period of rule of specific Emperors of Rome, and thus neatly leading to the identity of the last as part of the Papacy of Rome! That popular identification declares that the present Pope Francis (2018) will in fact be the last) But actually identifying the “five fallen” is not that easy. The statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in the Book of Daniel would seem to provide three candidates, FOUR if we include the “which is”. So we need to identify another TWO which have fallen.
The most general consensus considers the “five fallen” to be the reigns of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persian, and Greece. Of those, only the last three are part of Daniel’s statue. And the sixth one ‘which is” would be Rome. The seventh, who will be around ‘a short time’ (seven years) would be the Anti-Christ (also called ‘the beast’). The eighth, will come from the list we have already, and the fact that ‘he is going to perdition’, identifies him as Anti-Christ because both he and ‘the false prophet’ are destined for that end., as indeed are Satan, Death, and Hades, together with those whose names are not inscribed in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
My turn to speculate! I find myself pondering the thought relating to verse 11 of our text, that IF Anti-Christ, who will appear as the man of peace, is Satan incarnate, who presents himself as a clever, wise human being, he will be locked in the ‘bottomless pit’ for 1000 years after this ‘end of the age’ vision. Then he will be released for a short time on the earth again. Could that be the time of this eighth king? Well of course, I don’t know. Perhaps I have not gained sufficient wisdom! But what I do know is this. Everyone who takes heed to this prophetic vision of John will know, as these events occur, because the evidence will be overwhelming..
The ten horns are another ten kings. But they will not be identified until the Anti-Christ is known, because they will be ‘puppet kings’ operating under his authority. He will set them up and they will be beholden to him as a result. But their reign will be short also, but they will rule the kingdoms which will make war with “the Lamb”. There surely is not a Christian alive who isn’t acquainted with Armageddon. (I recall on my very first visit to Israel about 1976, on Mount Carmel, having Megiddo pointed out to me by my host. There in the middle of the large plain below was a huge military airfield) So the place is set, the time is set (but we do not have that information) and the result of that war is already determined. The Lamb will overcome. Triumphant again. Having already conquered death and hell, now triumphant over the hordes of Satan.
But there is one last detail. The ten kings, impotent in relation to the beast, are also part of God’s plan of judgement, Read it in verses 16-18. God uses them to bring His judgement on the harlot, she who is the representation of Babylon. That ‘great city’ which corrupted the kings of the earth.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 38
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
We have commented previously about some of the restrictions often imposed by the addition to our Bibles of the convenient Chapter and Verse divisions. We have another here. The subject matter of our ‘reflection’ today actually continues into Chapter 19 of our text, but we will use our best endeavour to try to cover the subject in stages. Many commentators have penned sincere attempts to identify the characters in a modern day idiom. Some appear logical, while others seem quite fanciful. I have read the Revelation text many times, and offer this ‘reflection’ from what the Lord has revealed to me.
It is important, I think, to specify those main characters first. When we see them clearly, we can then identify their role in future events. The whole purpose of the angel who accompanied John through this part of the revelation vision was to clarify, not to confuse. And yet many remain confused by these chapters. In order of their appearance then, we have: - The angel. The great harlot. The kings of the earth. The woman. The scarlet beast. The Lamb.
The angel is one of those who had just poured out a bowl of God’s wrath on the earth. His task now being to show John the judgement which is reserved for the person described as “the great harlot who sits on many waters.” And the “many waters” are specified as “peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues.” This indicates the enormous influence which this ‘harlot’ has over the world in which we live.
The great harlot is the subject of God’s judgment. She is about to be called to account for her depraved, devious, and abominable behaviour, as a seducer of the kings of the earth and their subjects. By John’s reaction of great amazement, we might conclude that this ‘harlot’ is capable of great deception, appears to be very attractive, and is seen as a person to be marvelled at.
The woman John saw when taken into a wilderness, which is away from heaven and other city places on earth, is described in some detail. Most commentators have concluded that “the harlot” and “the woman” are the same person. She was splendidly dressed like royalty, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand, a golden cup which was filled with ‘abominations and filthiness’. On her forehead there was a name written, and by that name she is identified as representative of “Babylon”. There are over 80 references to “Babylon” in the Scriptures, which has its root in the Hebrew word ‘babel’ meaning ‘confusion’. Read the story in Genesis 11. So Babylon became synonymous with ‘sin and pride’ in the Scriptures. And it is this ‘sin and pride’, manifest in ‘the woman’ which is the focus of God’s judgement.
The scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns must look quite ferocious, but this beast is being ridden by the woman. So the picture we have is of a seductress, unafraid of this beast, which we are told was ‘full of names of blasphemy’, and seemingly in control of it, parading herself throughout the earth.
John seemed awestruck at the sight before his eyes. And as he tried to make sense of it, as he marvelled at the sight, the angel brought him back to his senses. “Why did you marvel?” he said. “Listen carefully and I will tell you the mystery of the woman and the beast.” Now friends, it is at this point that many commentators have exercised their own imagination to see events in history which appear to line up and fit comfortably with the explanation the angel is about to give. I urge you to exercise caution yourself in reading ‘fact’ into the speculation of the commentators. There are some things we still do not know!
The beast is not. That means in John’s day he was not in evidence. He will come out of the bottomless pit. (That is the same place from which came to locust like creatures of torment at the sounding of the fifth trumpet.) And he is headed for perdition. But ‘the beast was, and is not, and yet is’!! This is in marked contra-distinction to Almighty God “who was, and is, and is to come.” Omnipresent. And yet those without faith will marvel at the beast because the description given by the angel suggests that he once was, then was not (in evidence), and now here he is again. Like being brought back to life.
The angel has much more to say about this matter. We will ‘reflect’ more next week.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 37
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
This is a part of Scripture which is avoided by many people because of its seeming complexity. It is the only book in our Bible attributed to Yeshua Ha’mashiach Himself. Written by the Apostle John late in his life during a visionary encounter with the Holy Spirit of God. At times John is prompted, even directed, by the Lord to write what he is witnessing. One can only guess at the amazing spectacle of being so directed. What he describes is sometimes very difficult to imagine. There are quite unusual events and situations, such as have never before been encountered by mankind, to be considered, evaluated, and reckoned with. But it all comes with a promise!
As dreadful and devastating as were the calamities which accompanied the opening of the seven ‘seals’, and the sounding of the seven trumpets, there is yet more sorrow to be revealed. Just before the seventh trumpet sounded, heralding the triumphant proclamations of praise in the heavens, we read (Revelation 11:14) that “the second woe is past. Behold the third (and last) woe is coming quickly.” This third ‘woe’ is known as “the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”
The heavenly temple was filled with “the ‘smoke’ from the glory of God and His power.” From that temple, a loud voice was heard instructing the seven angels holding the seven bowls “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.” And in John’s futuristic vision they did. We are not given any detail of the sequence of the timing of this outpouring. It might be sequential over a short period of time, or it may be simultaneous. In any event it will happen in the time of God’s choosing. And John was allowed to see the effects in great detail. The sea, the land, the rivers, the sun, the throne of the beast, the River Euphrates, and the atmosphere, all were affected as the wrath of God is poured out on this planet, which has been, and still is being, corrupted under the evil influence of Satan and his hordes. It is difficult to imagine that there could be anything worse than the judgements of the ‘seals’ and the ‘trumpets’. But ‘worse’ can also mean ‘more of the same’ or a prolonging of some tragic events. And that is what appears to be the case here.
The first angel poured out his bowl upon the earth. “And a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image.” Are we to imagine that only men were so afflicted? Could that be because, under God, men have responsibility to lead their families aright? Or is everyone, men, women, and children, included in the “those who worshipped the image” category? It only matters when one is part of this group. The faithful are well and truly out of this place at that time.
The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea. Every living creature in the sea died. One third of them had already dies at the sounding of the second trumpet. Now they all perish. No more fish to eat. But there are fish in the rivers aren’t there? Not for long.
The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water. They became blood. And almost in explanation, the ‘angel of the waters’ said “You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be. Because You have judged these things, for they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, for it is their just due.” God has given us good things to enjoy. We have failed to recognize His gracious provision, taking everything for granted. Now it has been taken away. Another angel joined in. “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgements.” (A minister of a church I once attended was asked a question about various categories of people, who for some reason or other had not heard, or not responded to the gospel message through lack of understanding, He honestly responded that he could not answer that question, but then said, “what I do know is that when the time comes that we are acquainted with God’s response, we will say ‘Yes, that’s fair’”.) Selah!
The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun so the he was given power to scorch men with fire. The reaction? Call out for mercy? No. They blasphemed the name of God who alone has power over these plagues. We are reminded of Job’s friends, who during his time of testing by Satan, told him to “curse God and die.”
The fifth angel poured his bowl on the throne of the beast. His kingdom was filled with darkness and severe pain. The blasphemy continued and still there was no repentance.
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the River Euphrates. It dried up. Out of it came three unclean spirits, like frogs coming out of the water.
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the atmosphere. That gave rise to more thundering and lightening and the mightiest earthquake of all time. Absolute chaos.
And there was still more for John to see. We’ll ‘reflect’ on that next week.
Shabbat Shalom
RS