Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 47
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 final part of the vision John was shown relates solely to the New Jerusalem. The place of eternal abode of the faithful. That city is complete in its structure and sustainability, but it does not have a comparator in our present world.
“The pure water of life, clear as crystal, which proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb” is reminiscent of the river (Genesis 2:10) which watered the Garden of Eden when God first created the world. It is as though ‘right order’ will be restored, as God determined things should be, when He created this universe with the ‘breath of His mouth’. The tree of life is there, perpetually bearing fruit month after month. Paradise. “There shall be no more ‘curse’ there” (that word means ‘imprecation’, spoken curse, as in no more conflict) “but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it.” Who would dare to speak any abomination in their presence?
Those who inhabit the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, “shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.” It is interesting to recall the encounter Moses had (Exodus 33) when he asked God “Please, show me Your glory.” God responded with the statement “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” That was then. In the future New Jerusalem, all will see Him, and live for eternity in His presence. “And they shall reign forever and ever.”
And that, it seems is the end of John’s vision. It started with that visit into the throne room of heaven, and the sealed scroll. There was no-one in heaven or on earth found worthy to open the scroll then. And it has ended with the establishment of the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, which will live for eternity. Then the voice again “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Repeating the promise found right at the beginning. “Blessed is he who reads, and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Must be important eh! And suddenly the angel who had been escorting John at this late stage of the vision found John on his knees worshipping him. The angel scolded John, “See that you don’t do that.” He said, “for I am a fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”(he might have added, “and Him alone”). I find these words quite challenging. Think about the way so many of us don’t think like that. Think about the veneration and honour given today to some of the gifted teachers of the gospel. Think about the way in which the gospel writers, Paul (a veritable giant of the faith) in particular, are viewed. Some even perceive Paul’s words superior to the very words of Yeshua! Listen again to the words of this angel “See that you don’t do that, Worship God.”
But there is still a little more for us to learn here. The voice sounded again “And behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” Which city? The New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ. “I, Yeshua, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the “ekklesia”, I am the Root, and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning star.”
We have already quoted the promise of blessing to those who read, who hear, and who DO, what is written in this prophecy. And the book ends with another equally faithful promise.
“And if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of this book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
No other part of the whole of Scripture has such a codicil attached to it! So we may well ask ourselves. How important does God view this book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John?
I pray you will receive the blessing of YHWH Elohim, as you read, or hear read, and do, the things which are written in this book, to the glory of God and for your own salvation blessing.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 46
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 Great White Throne judgement is completed. The lake of fire now contains the devil and his cohorts. Death and Hades are consigned to that lake too. Furthermore, anyone who does not have their name written in that Book of Life, has also joined Satan in that lake as well. The thousand year reign of Messiah Yeshua has passed. Satan’s deception is finished. In another place, the eternal home of the faithful is ready for occupation. What a picture!
John seems awestruck, not for the first time either. He who sat on the throne said “Behold I make all things new.” And followed that up with the urgent instruction to John. “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” It seems that John was so absorbed in what he was being shown, that he stopped writing, just staring in wonder at what was before him. “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. (Then, as an aside, in a kind of message for the day, as up to date as it can be, even today) I will give of the water of the fountain of life freely to him who thirsts.” That water of the fountain of life is freely available TODAY, now, as you read this ‘reflection’. But it was no longer available to those who had already been consigned to the lake of fire was it?
John was shown “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth has passed away.” And there was NO MORE SEA. The earth on which we now live is over 70% covered by the seas!! There is almost too much detail here to grasp on first reading. Some of it is in a kind of reflective recall of events which will have already passed, and some, so enlightening that one wonders how we could have got it so wrong! Ask the question of any of your Christian friends “Who is the ‘bride’ of Christ’?” A huge majority will quickly respond that ‘the church’ is the bride of Christ. Well, surprise, surprise! That is not what John saw in his vision. “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” And as this spectacle unfolds, one of the angels who had previously carried one of the seven ‘bowls of God’s wrath’ and poured it out on the earth, came and talked to John. “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife” he said. At that point, John was carried away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain. A place where he could clearly see. And what did he see? “The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God.” That city is described in some detail.
It had an appearance of a very special and costly precious stone, but clear as crystal. It had high gates, twelve of them, each being named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was obviously square in dimension, and each side had three gates. Then we are told that the walls had twelve foundations! Each of which was named after one of the twelve ‘apostles of the Lamb’. It seems to be a remembrance of the work of the Apostles, all of whom were eventually martyred for their faith. A permanent, eternal, tribute to their faith.
Are you ready for a shock? How BIG is this New Jerusalem? The Bride of the Lamb. Well today, a “furlong”, the length of which was standardised in England about 700 years ago, is 660 feet, about 200 meters. The angel who spoke to John had a measuring line to accurately define the city size. IF that measure were the same then as it is today, the New Jerusalem would be 1,500 miles long, 1,500 miles wide, and 1,500 miles high. Imagine a city extending from Adelaide to Perth, Perth to Broome, Broome to Alice Springs, and Alice Springs to Adelaide. And 1,500 miles high. Well, of course, for us it is unimaginable isn’t it? But it is BIG. And the walls! Well they are to be about 65 meters thick! Made out of gold and precious stones. Spectacular. Glorious. Unique.
But, considering the fact that the whole of the Scriptures are centred upon Jewish people, Jewish customs, Jewish heritage, Jewish future, Jewish everything! There is NO temple in the New Jerusalem. It is very important for us to distinguish the differences between the millennial kingdom of God, when Yeshua reigns on this earth, where there WILL be a temple. (The temple described in Ezekiel 40 to 48). And the New Jerusalem, where a temple is not required.. Why? “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Worship, praise and honour will be theirs alone.
The sun and the moon will NOT be required either. Why? “For the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” There will be NO night. No darkness. So completely different to the functioning of the world we live in isn’t it? “The nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth (that is, the ones who will be in that New Jerusalem) bring their glory and honour into it.” All glory will be to God and the Lamb.
Finally, the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem. It is a BIG city, lots of room, but who will its inhabitants be? We learned earlier that “The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which IS the second death.” They are gone. Nowhere to be found anymore.
“But there shall by no means enter it (the New Jerusalem) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Friends, the Scripture could not possibly be any clearer. The ONLY qualification for having ‘eternal life’ in the New Jerusalem, is having your name written in THAT Book. NOTHING else suffices. Make all the logical exceptions that come to your mind. Not one of them will “cut the mustard”! This is why this Book of the Revelation of Yeshua, given to John is such a blessing. It spells out unequivocally, so no doubt can remain, how each of us can become inheritors of the eternal life which is offered by the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Master and Saviour, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 45
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 ended last week with those who were blessed to participate in the first resurrection. “Over them the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him for a thousand years.”
At the end of this thousand years, for reasons that are the exclusive domain of YHWH Elohim, (don’t even try to work it out), Satan is amazingly released from the ‘bottomless pit’. Whereas he had earlier been allowed access into the heavenlies, prior to his downfall, on this release from the ‘bottomless pit’ he is confined to the earth only. And that for a specific time and purpose. We do not know how long he will be allowed, but his purpose is the same as now. “A leopard does not change his spots” says the proverb. Again Satan engages in deception. He will be allowed to go to nations that extend to the far corners of the earth. Then for reasons that are inexplicable, he presumably will find multitudes (the Bible describes the number of them “as the sands of the seashore”), who, having lived throughout the thousand year reign of Messiah Yeshua, can still be deceived into entering into battle with Him.
The description is concise, and the result conclusive. “They (those who were deceived by Satan) went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city (Jerusalem). And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.” But Satan, the deceiver, has a different end. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet (already) are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Selah. As at this time, there will be THREE identities in that lake of fire. The beast, the false prophet, and the devil. As we proceed with this ‘reflection’ we will find that there are yet more to join them! It is the final ‘cleansing’ of the earth’s population. All opposition to the reign and rule of Messiah Yeshua will finally be numbered and dealt with.
John, in his vision, was then witness to an awesome event which is to take place in the future. He saw “The Great White Throne” on which the Judge of all the earth, the Judge of all those who have inhabited the earth, sits. No-one will be able to look upon that Throne, such is the Might and Majesty of Him who sits upon it.
Look carefully at this next phase of events. It is absolutely vital that we all understand this. John said “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God.” These are NOT resurrected. They are the dead. And what did John see? The BOOKS were opened. What is that again? BOOKS? Do you mean that there is a record of MY life … written in a book? O NO!! O yes my friend, and those books are opened by the Judge. We are even told the basis of that judgment. According to the vision John saw, “the dead were judged according to their WORKS, by the things which were written in the books.”
But there is another book. It is called “The Book of Life” (sometimes referred to as “The Lambs Book of Life”). A friend of mine once described this heavenly scene in layman’s language. The picture is that of a person standing before that Throne and being asked the question by the Judge as He looked to take that person’s book from the shelf. “And who are you?” Then Yeshua steps forward and gently speaks to the Father. “He is with Me Father.” So the Judge says “Come in, well done good and faithful servant.” That is what having one’s name in the Book of Life might look like.
But there is no such comfort for others. Death and Hades gave up their dead for judgment. No advocate to stand before the holy Judge pleading the case. Alone, with the books opened. Judged according to one’s works.
The final words of this ‘reflection’ need no further comment.
“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.” Thus joining the beast, the false prophet, and the devil. But that is not the last of it. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was (also) cast into the lake of fire.”
Sounds like the end of a very bad experience doesn’t it? And it is. But it need not be. The blessing of God, given to us in this horrible description of these future events, is that there is still time for you to have your name written in that Book of Life.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 44
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!
An interesting comment to begin this account of events which will bring us closer and closer to the millennial reign of Yeshua on this earth. John saw an angel coming DOWN from heaven. Have you ever wondered where ‘heaven’ actually is? Is it a place? Is it somewhere just ‘in the presence of God’? Well, of course John had been given a guided tour hadn’t he? So it must have a physical location, and now we know it is UP. And the angel who comes down is holding a large chain, and a key. This angel must be powerful, acting with the complete authority of YHWH Elohim, because he will take hold of Satan, bind him with the chain and cast him into that bottomless pit. John is here given a vision of this momentous future event. Satan bound, restrained, powerless, locked in that bottomless pit for one thousand years (or is it two thousand?). And right here we are given a glimpse of that moment when this earth becomes free from satanic influence. But this is NOT the end of Satan, it is NOT the lake of fire, into which, at this stage, the Beast and his prophet will have already been cast. That comes later. Much later.
Neither is it the end of John’s vision. Because John was then shown “thrones” with people sitting on those thrones. They were powerful people to whom “judgement was committed.” That is very high office. BUT who are the “they” sitting on those thrones? At the risk of ‘throwing a spanner into the works’ regarding the teaching of sincere Christian doctrine regarding the resurrection (otherwise known as “the rapture”), there is no support for such doctrine in this scripture! We may speculate about the identity of those who sit on those “thrones”, but that is all. My speculation was that it was the ‘martyrs’ from the ‘great tribulation’. But that cannot be because we are immediately informed that John then saw ‘the souls of those martyrs’. They were not bodily resurrected. But they lived and reigned with Yeshua Ha’Mashiach for a thousand years.
Friends, avoid the temptation to argue this point. We simply do not know. God knows. The wise among us will be content to stick with scripture. Be cautious to remember both the blessings and the curses which accompany this Book, about adding or taking away from it. The blessings declared at the beginning, and the curses clearly enunciated at the end.
What we do know however, is that those who are alive during this tumultuous period of time, which is referred to as ‘the great tribulation’, will be rewarded with privilege for their faithfulness. That is clearly stated in this passage. “They will live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.”
The very next verse in our Bible is a ‘conversation stopper’. “But the rest of the dead (have a think about that) did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” “protos anastasis” in Greek. Now you have to do some fancy word manipulation to read anything into that other than what it actually says. BUT, I hear, Paul said in his letter to the Thessalonian “ekklesia”, “The dead in Christ shall rise first etc etc.” Yes he did. But the only conflict there is related to what we have been taught that to mean. It is a comforting teaching. It teaches that the “church” is removed from the earth, and so avoids the great tribulation. But as we have just seen, there are a number of ‘saints’ beheaded for their faith in that tribulation period. Where did they come from? They are the very ones whose souls “live again and reign with Christ for a thousand years” aren’t they? Be very careful to understand the actual words used in the scriptures!
If that isn’t enough, look at what comes next. There is immense comfort in these words. “Blessed and holy (set apart) is he who has part in the first resurrection (protos anastasis). Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
Here commentators are divided on this period of ‘a thousand years’. Is there ONE period of ‘a thousand years’ or are there TWO distinct periods. In the scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter does it? What does matter however, is that those of us who live today are informed about these events, The key issue, about which we should all be concerned, is that we place ourselves into that situation where “the second death has no power.” There is little we can do to avoid the first death. But there is plenty we can do to be part of the “first resurrection”. Selah.
Shabbat Shalom.
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 43
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 amazingjohn is shown 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!
John returned to the vision of the risen Saviour, now riding on a white horse, followed by the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, also riding white horses. An awesome sight for sure. The description is not as full as the one John gave us in chapter 1, but there is no doubting the Person he described. But now, His garment is “dipped in blood”. The battle is described in some detail in Ezekiel 38:18-23 and again in Zechariah 14. The major factor being the very presence of the One who Himself engages in that battle so that His garments are bloodstained.
To add to the revelation, John is shown His Name, which, he said, no-one previously knew. That name is called “The Word of God”. However, John had also told us at the commencement of his gospel account of the life of Yeshua, that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” and a little later that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Could it be that John felt that he was uniquely privileged in that he was the only one previously entrusted with this knowledge?
In verse 15 he described the dominance of Yeshua in the battle. Our previous knowledge of Him on His earthly sojourn was of a man of great patience, tender, loving, gentle. Even refusing to speak in His own defence before the Chief Priest in the face of false accusations about Himself, until the High Priest ‘put Him under oath’ in Matthew 26:63. It was at that point, if He had He remained silent, He would be considered guilty as charged (albeit falsely). Look at Leviticus 5:1 for the reason He was forced to respond!
But the Yeshua John now described was very different. Now we are introduced to Yeshua, “King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.” Mighty in battle, ruling nations with a rod of iron, executing the righteous judgement of YHWH Elohim. As I write, I am reminded of the famous Hymn, written by Francis Ridley Havergal about 150 years ago.
Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who for Him will go?
Well, the truth is, that He does not seek our help in this battle. He is more than capable of defeating these oppressive foes on His own. And He surely will. And the result of that conflict provides the fulfilment of the prophetic writing of Ezekiel two and a half thousand years ago (Ezekiel 39). The feast of the birds. The Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy to the birds of that great feast day which would occur. The Lord also told him that after this great battle, the people would be ‘cleansing’ the land by burying the remnants of the dead for seven months after the battle had ended. They would need to search the land for bones left behind by the birds in order to commit them to the ground in burial.
But not everyone in opposition armies will be killed by the sword. Two persons are singled out for a different end. ‘The beast’, that man of peace who appeared seven years earlier to make the treaty with Israel. And the one identified as his ‘false prophet’, the one who deceived the people with his miraculous powers. The one who deceptively caused people to accept the ‘mark of the beast’ on their bodies. Both will be taken alive, and cast unceremoniously into the ‘lake of fire burning with brimstone’.
Yet this is still not quite the end! But it is the beginning of the end. The forces arraigned against Israel in the last days will have been defeated. It will be the end of the tribulation years. It will mark the time when “all Israel will be saved” as the Apostle Paul wrote. It marks the time when Israel will “look on Me, whom they pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.” (Zechariah 12:10) It marks the time when “the world will know that I am the LORD.” The prophetic fulfilment of Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, has at last occurred..
So what is left? Satan is still to be dealt with, and Judgement Day, that day, still prophetically unfulfilled, Yom Kippur, lies ahead. This vision given to John leaves nothing unrevealed, but we need to ready ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 42
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!
It seems that the worst is over doesn’t it? Babylon has fallen. Conquered. Destroyed. “Her smoke rises up for ever and ever”. Perpetually desolate. The hosts of heaven join in loud praise. “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the Lord our God!” In the throne room of heaven, the 24 Elders and the 4 living creatures which are full of eyes, fell down in worship, adoration and praise. It will be, because we are still looking at a future situation, a triumphant, yet personally distressing few years for the faithful, as Satan and his disciples resist their inevitable end. Beginning with the appearance of ‘the man of peace’, and ending with the fall of the system we identify as ‘Babylon’.
So the proclamation from the throne of heaven saying “Praise our God, all you His servants, and those who fear Him, both small and great!” The response from the multitudes in heaven is loud and clear. “The Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”
We should take a moment or so to find out who this “wife” is. Most people will quickly identify that “wife” as ‘the church’ (whatever we think that to be). That very word ‘church’ is widely misunderstood today because it has been so commonly used to describe a building on the corner of the local High Street. Additionally, there are several different groups identified with that word, even though their understanding of discipleship and servanthood varies enormously.
In the gospels, the only mention of the bride and the bridegroom in the same sentence is John the Baptizer in John 3:29. Elsewhere only the bridegroom is mentioned. By inference there has to be a bride if there is a bridegroom! Paul, writing to the Ephesian “ekklesia” about the order in families, compares a husband as head over the wife, to Christ being the head of the “ekklesia’. This is the single most quoted reason for thinking that the “ekklesia” IS the bride. However, we will see when we ‘reflect’ on Revelation 21 that John is shown "the bride, the Lamb’s wife”. It is clear, unequivocal, and described in great detail.
John is again dumbstruck in his vision of the things he was shown, so that the angel conducting him around the heavenlies had to remind him to “Write”. This is so important. “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” We know from other places in the Scriptures that there will be many disappointed folk on that day. Probably the most condemning verses in all the Scriptures are found in Matthew 7:21-23. I have pondered what they declare many times as I review my own walk with the Lord. And I respectfully encourage you to do likewise. It is that important. I especially encourage anyone interested enough in their future to come to terms with the last phrase of verse 23. What does it mean to “practice lawlessness.” Remembering that “law” is an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word “Torah” in our Bibles. Selah.
John was so impressed that he fell on his face before the angel to worship him. The angel roundly scolded him. “See that you do not do that!” Why? Then the angel said “I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Yeshua. Worship God! For the testimony of Yeshua is the spirit of prophecy.” The angel identified himself as an equal with John. Could he have been a Jewish believer who had pre-deceased John? Well we don’t know, but what we do know is that the clear message is that God alone is to be worshipped. Not Abraham, not Moses, not Elijah, not Paul, not Peter, or John, or any other proclaimer of the good news. Not one’s favourite TV evangelist, or preacher, teacher or commentator on the Scriptures.
Before anyone accuses of excluding our Saviour and Master. Yeshua from this list, I am mindful that Yeshua, during His earthly ministry, went to great pains to express His Unity with the Father God. I am mindful that we are told that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” That says it all doesn’t it? He is the One, that inexplicable part of our God, who left His heavenly abode to identify with humanity and pay the price for our eventual redemption. To Him be glory, praise and honour. But that is honour NOT to be given, or shared, with any other on earth or in heaven.
Blessing continues as we delve more into this unique view of the heavenly realm, which John was privileged to see in his vision.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 41
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!
Just like last week, we ‘reflect’ again on the fall of Babylon as we continue to look at the remainder of Revelation 18. It could be appropriate to title this passage “The great lament”. It focuses entirely on the dismay, the incredulity, the shock, and the swiftness, which the fall of Babylon will bring to the world of commerce and to those who do not heed the many warnings and opportunities to repent. The cry of those who lament can be heard “In one hour, in just one hour!” And that brings to mind the promise of God regarding the return of our Lord, brought to us by Paul writing to the Corinthian ‘ekklesia’ “In a moment, at the sound of the last trumpet, in the twinkling of an eye.” And at the risk of being charged with “adding” to the Scriptures, in my mind I hear other voices crying “Too late, too late.” But the good news for us is, that right now, it is not too late. The picture we are given is prophetic of still future events.
Last week we ended our ‘reflection’ with an image of the great harlot who rides the scarlet beast, representative of the excesses of Babylon and her wanton disregard of all things Godly, proudly proclaiming her arrogant invulnerability. “I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.” And this week, our Scripture passage opens with words which describe the prophetic vision given to John, “Therefore her plagues will come in one day – death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.” Completely humiliated, in one hour, for the whole world to see, and to marvel at, in reflection of the warnings of the faithful who had lost their lives in martyrdom.
‘The lament’ is the lot of those who benefited and grew rich from the excesses of “Babylon”. In some respects, that “Babylon” is all around us today. Rank commercialism, with which we are both absorbed and enamoured. It appears to dictate the idealism which is held in such high regard by so many of us in our present day world. It is in our clamour for more and more ‘stuff’. It is in the way we seem to care more about what we have, than who we are. And has little regard for where we are heading! And ‘in one hour’, as verse 19 of our text tells us ‘she is made desolate’. Gone for ever.
But that is only part of the story. That is the lament of those dispossessed of their former allegiance. The other side of the story relates to the faithful. To those who heeded the warnings. Including those who ‘came out of her’. Those who heard the alarm bells and escaped in time. Today, there is still time! The angel with the loud voice said “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her.” That sounds a bit like ‘gloating’ doesn’t it? But it is not. It is an observation of the holiness and faithfulness of God. It is God fulfilling another of His promises. What He says, He will do. Always. Perhaps not in our time scale, but in His perfect time. And as yet, we do not have that understanding. “Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.” It is as certain as night follows day.
In emphasis of this event, we are shown a picture of contrast between what is, and what will be. A glimpse of the ‘desolation’ to come.
“The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft will be found in you anymore, and the sound of the millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of the bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore.”
Then the angels give us the reason for this desolation. We need to recall that this system which is to be removed, is the system of order in this world which is presently under the control and direction of Satan. We are being shown the result of that final battle, the battle which was won in the death and resurrection of Yeshua. It is a done deal.
“For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth (because of their faith).”
It is truly a horrible picture. This whole ‘revelation’ contains detail of horrible events. So horrible that many preachers won’t touch it with a proverbial ‘barge pole’. The more is the pity, because it is God’s timely warning for those wise in the Spirit to take heed. You will receive blessing as you do.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
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