Rejoice And Be Glad!

"Hallelujah!
    For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
    and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
    was given her to wear."
                                          Rev 19:6b-8

We have a lot to rejoice in. St. John exiled on Patmos for his faith did not give up hope. St. Paul did not give up hope. The many saints before us never gave up hope. They looked to the day when they would be reconciled to God our Father and our Lord Jesus the Christ in the home that Christ prepared for us.

Life can be pretty confusing and tough at times. In times like those, remember, that today will pass and tomorrow will come whether we are here in this world or in the Kingdom prepared for us. For all who believe in Jesus and his gifts of forgiveness and salvation for us, life will go on. It is eternal.

By the blood of Jesus we have been reconciled to God and one another even now. So, rejoice and be glad and give God the glory! Give God the glory in all that you say and think and do. Whatever you do, do it as if to the Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 22:6-21 A Final Warning and Promise

Rev 22:6-21 NIV
Well, today brings us to the end of the book of Revelation and to the end of the Holy Scriptures.
Some of you may wonder why I have been such a light-weight as we went through Revelation; why I have not a more in-depth interpretation as many others have; why I have not done more finger pointing as to who or what the anti-Christ is. The answer to that is found in this last reading: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." (vss 18-19)

I take this warning seriously. As we read or hear the Holy Scriptures, we need to understand that our sinful natures may well inspire an interpretation according to our own wills; our own egos, our own agendas. Revelation, in particular, because it is a vision, should not be taken literally. That does not lessen the fact that it is prophecy and includes, very much, a warning to those who have fallen from "the way." It is a warning to those who would follow in a way that they should not go and a blessing to those who worship the one true God.

The revelation to John is not just a horrific warning to the world. It is indeed a blessing of promise and hope to all who believe. "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (vs 17)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (vs 21)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 22:1-5 Tree of Life

Rev 22:1-5 NIV

In the beginning humankind had access to the tree of life. The book of Genesis tells us that rather than eat from this tree of life, they ate of the tree which would guarantee their deaths; the tree that God told them not to eat from. As a consequence they were kicked out of the garden in which it grew so that they would no longer have the opportunity to eat the fruit from the tree of life. (Gen 3:22-24)

Those first people made an awful decision when they chose to listen to the serpent rather than God. The world has not changed much. We long for eternal life; yet, our sinful natures continue to steer us toward the very things that will bring us death. We often listen to the world rather than God.

In this last chapter and book of the Holy Scriptures we once again see the tree of life. All who believe; all whose names are written in the book of life are granted access to this fruit which will heal the nations. Thanks be to God for life in His eternal presence; for His eternal peace.

God's Peace be with you all. Pr. J

Rev 21:9-27 City of God

Rev 21:9-27 NIV
The vision of the Holy City, the City of God, is awesome. However, the beauty of the city is not the most amazing thing about this vision.  The city is built as a perfect square, just as the first earthly temple was built. God's Name dwelt in that earthly temple. But, in this heavenly temple God not only dwells there; the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple. We will abide in that temple of God, who is God, Himself.

It makes me just a little "crazy" when I hear people speak of the riches that Christians will inherit in the city of God. I remember a Sunday School teacher telling her students that for every good deed they do they would receive a jewel in their crown when they get to heaven. Really!? That's why we want to receive eternal life? To receive jewels and a crown?

The Holy City of God is much more than the gold and precious jewels seen in John's vision. In this Holy City we will be totally reconciled, abiding with and in Him for all eternity. What can be more precious than that? What can be more precious than dwelling with and in Him; walking in His most intimate presence for all time?

May God help us to understand that He is to be treasured more than any silver or gold.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 20 Fear of Death or Love of God?

Rev 20 NIV
Chapter 20 has brought about a lot of surmising among people regarding who will be raised and when; about what the first and second resurrections and deaths might be. There are whole sects built almost exclusively around all of this surmising. They are built on fear of death rather than the love of God.

It is difficult (impossible) to tell what exactly chapter 20 means in spite of the fact that are the many theories and teachings regarding it. Beware of false teachings and those who would use this and surrounding chapters to incite fear of death rather than the love of God. We will probably not know the specifics or even some of the generalities until the day we all stand at the judgment seat of God. This, though, I am quite sure of: we will all stand before God on that day and everyone will know that He is God. Every knee will bow before the Lord God Almighty who loves us and reconciles us to Himself through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. On the road today so no photos.

Rev 19: Hallelujah!

Rev 19 NIV

In Chapter 18, we heard a three-fold woe. Today we hear a three-fold hallelujah. Woe to those who worship and serve anything or anyone other than the one true God. Hallelujah for God is GOD and salvation and glory and power belong to our God. His judgments are true and just. With justice he destroys the great whore who has corrupted the earth by her adulteries.

What a battle that will be. In fact, we are already in the midst of a battle to keep her from leading God's children astray. Alas, there is nothing we can do. Only God can save His children. Indeed, he will. The rider on the white horse, whose name is faithful and true, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will destroy the prostitute; will destroy the beast and the false prophet who have led God's people astray.

Hallelujah! Our Lord reigns!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 17: Babylon the Great

Rev 17 NIV
Who is Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth? I have heard many theories. Some say that it is Iraq; others have said Rome; and others I've heard claim that it is either New York or Washington D.C.. There are many theories. It does appear; though, that the angel makes it clear that kings and indeed people from all over the world will follow Babylon. They will not worship the Lord. They will join in persecuting those who do worship the one true God.

All the surmising over who or what Babylon the Great is will not bring us any closer to God. It will only detract from what we are called to do and that is to proclaim the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ our Lord for all who would believe.

Worship the Lord your God and do not bow your knee to any false god, no matter what kind of riches or pleasures they might promise you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 16 Wrath and Justice

Rev 16 NIV

It appears that the seven trumpets only brought a foretaste of the wrath to come. The seven bowls wreak even more devastation. While the trumpets affected only one third of everything, the wrath pours out from the bowls affect the whole of the land, water, and skies. The beast and all who follow the beast are plunged into utter darkness. Yet, none will repent.

Rather than repent, a great army is amassed. Demonic spirits gather the kings of the world and their great army at a place called Armageddon to do battle on the great day of the Lord God Almighty; to make their last stand.

As they gather, the seventh and last bowl of wrath is poured and even greater comes upon the earth and those who follow the beast. An earthquake strikes the entire earth, mountains and islands are obliterated, one hundred pound hailstones fall upon the earth and the people, the earth is devastated. There is no repentance. The people curse God.

Be careful then to examine yourself and repent. Do not blame God or anyone else for your choices and the consequences of your choices. Do not blame God for being just. Be careful not to worship other gods. There is only One God.

There is still time; although, we do not know how much time. God is just. He will save all who believe that His only begotten Son died that we might be reconciled to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 15 Seven Bowls of Wrath

Revelation 15 NIV

Now that's a novel idea: God's wrath. It seems to me that many who say they believe; but, lift up other false god's (priorities) and do not actually worship God have kind of discounted God's wrath.

I know that I am accepted by many as long as I say and do everything to please others. But, when I speak a truth that does not condone worshipping other gods, I am not at all accepted by many. If a word of truth that comes from God through me or others who proclaim His Word is not accepted, then how much less is He accepted as He is? God is not to be mocked. He is more than a benevolent spirit. He is who He is and He will do justice. Justice includes judgment. It includes His wrath as well as His mercy.

John's vision of seven angels about to pour out seven bowls filled with the plagues of God's wrath upon the earth reminds us that those who do not worship Him will endure His wrath even while those who have been victorious through the blood of Christ will praise His Holy Name.

God have mercy upon us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 14:14-20 Two Harvests

Rev 14:14-20 NIV
For a couple of decades, every July, we traveled north to Upper Peninsula of Michigan to make hay. It was not exactly my idea of how to spend a vacation; but, family needed help. In good years the farmers get to harvest two crops. The first harvest, beginning around the 4th of July, is usually the best.

John's vision includes two harvests, as well. The first is of those who are found righteous. The second harvest is of grapes that grow from the vine of the earth. These grapes are thrown into the great winepress of God's wrath and from that winepress, that is outside the city of God, flows blood.

Two harvests; one for the those found righteous through Jesus the Christ, the other for those who have followed in the ways of the world.

In which harvest will you be gathered?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 14:1-5 144,000?

Rev 14:1-5 NIV
I cannot wait to meet these 144,000 who have never lied; who have remained virgins; who are completely blameless. Well, actually verse five says no lie was found in their mouths. In fact, all who believe in the life giving sacrifice of Jesus have had our sins washed away by the blood of the lamb. They no longer exist.

But, I am not sure if this 144,000 refers to all who have been saved by the sacrifice of Jesus or if this vision of 144,000 refers specifically to a sub-group of God's people.

Years ago, I studied with a group who believed that only 144,000 would enter into God's kingdom. The rest of us believers were going to get to live awesomely perfect and eternal lives here on earth. I couldn't quite get that picture into my head. You see, they already knew that the 144,000 slots had been filled and I was informed that I would not get to go to heaven. There was no room left for me. If I joined their church I would get to live here on earth with my family. That was a bit confusing as I am not sure who my family would be. Would that be my children and their children and all their spouses? Would it be my parents and siblings and their multitudes of spouses? How about my husband's family? Would we all be living under the same roof? I have to tell you just as I told them that I want to be with Jesus. I want to be with my Father in heaven. I do not want to live on a new earth no matter how perfect anyone suggests it might be. Eventually, I got shunned by this group of people for insisting living in God's presence would be much more desirable than living eternally in a new house, in a new world, here on earth.

144,000 or so many more than can even be counted, I believe that all who believe that Jesus is Lord will inherit their places in the Kingdom of God for that is what Jesus promised. There will be more than a few of us, who have been washed by the blood of the lamb, singing a new song.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 13:11-18 Who is the Anti-Christ?

Revelation 13:11-18 NIV
On the seventh day God rested. The number 777 if often used to symbolize the threefold perfection of the Trinity. On the sixth day God created humankind. Therefore, six being less than seven is sometimes used to symbolize man. In interpreting the 666 in John's vision, this number is often looked at as representing one evil man whose name can be translated into the number 666. It may well be that; but, personally, I have heard of way too many public (political and/or religious) figures whose names can add up to 666. We seem to be looking for a scapegoat; an excuse to demonize a person whom we personally don't happen to like or agree with. 666 could also symbolize, not just the one beast; but, the imperfect trinity found in Revelation, chapters 12 and 13: the dragon, the beast from the sea, and the beast that comes out of the earth. There most probably is more than one who is actively the anti-Christ.

And... that brings me to the idea that there is definitely more than one anti-Christ and that it is probably not a good idea (or very Christ-lie) to try to single out one man or woman. Jesus said, "“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matt 10:30; Luke 11:23) Anyone who is not with Christ is against him and is anti-Christ. Six being the symbolic number for man and not just "a" man, I would suggest that we look not out to the world for some extreme anti-Christ; but, within ourselves to see if the anti-Christ resides within each of us. Either we are for Christ or against him. There is no in-between. Either Christ abides in us or he does not.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry, but this is just a blog and since 666 is such a popular topic, there is no way I can go too much in depth and cover even a decent sized portion in a couple of paragraphs.

 

Rev 12 At War With Satan

Revelation 12 NIV
A great war breaks out in this vision of John between Michael's legion of angels and the dragon and his angels. Michael prevails and the great dragon, that ancient serpent who is called the devil or Satan, is hurled to the earth. Satan could not win against the angels of God so he attacks the people of God. But, neither can he prevail against God's chosen people. By the blood of the lamb, Satan and by the word of God that old serpent, the devil, will be defeated. He will not prevail. No evil can prevail against the Word of God. No evil can prevail over the blood of the lamb, who is Jesus the Christ.

Take heart, no matter how grim some of these visions may appear for humankind; they are good news for the Kingdom of God; for all who love our Lord and King and long to be with him forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 11:15-19 Seventh Trumpet Sounds

Rev 11:15-19 NIV

The second woe is passed and as the seventh trumpet is sounded.

Unknown voices from heaven and the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God are ecstatic as they proclaim the Kingdom of God. The time for judgment has come and all God's people will revere His name.

Let us fall down and worship the Lord our God before the day comes when the Lord call each of us to His judgment seat.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 11:1-14 Every Eye Will See

Revelation 11:1-14 NIV

As horrible as humankind can be, it is difficult for me to be able to comprehend how the world would
kill God's witnesses and then leave their dead bodies on display in the public square for three and a half days so that the world can rejoice over their deaths.

However; this, too, will be a very good thing. After all, Jesus was in the grave for three days and because there were no witnesses to the actual resurrection, only to his presence after the resurrection, not everyone believed that he was risen. Even to this day, many doubt or just flat out refuse to believe because they did not see it.

If the resurrection of these two witnesses happen exactly as John saw it in his vision there will be no doubt that God can raise the dead. Television cameras will capture the moment. Cell phones will be clicking away. Every eye will see. The enemies of God will tremble in fear. As God calls the two witnesses to himself, they will ascend visibly into heaven and the earth will quake  killing multitudes. The survivors will know. They will all be witnesses. They will then understand that God is worthy of  receiving honor and glory. There will be no doubt. Every eye will see and know that God can and will raise His chosen ones.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Rev 10: Sweet as Honey; Yet, Bitter to Swallow

Revelation 10 NIV

Prophecy is often a "bitter pill" to swallow. We don't like to hear that we have a need to make changes in our lives. We usually don't care to hear that there are consequences to everything we do. Sometimes, those consequences are good. Sometimes, they are not. A lot depends on whom or what we choose to serve.

The angel who stood with one foot on the sea and one on the land holding a tiny scroll announces to John that the seventh trumpet is about to sound and "the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." (vs 7) This could well be a "bitter pill" for those who  refuse to hear the message of the prophets.

John is told to take and eat the little scroll from the angel. He eats. The scroll tastes as sweet as honey; but, it turned his stomach sour. He has swallowed the words and it is sweet to taste; yet, bitter to stomach. It sounds good and it is good; but, with the words that were delivered to John on the scroll will come many anxious and troubling times. Events and times that will be very difficult to stomach.

John must go out and prophesy with the words that he has swallowed about peoples, nations, languages and kings. It may well be that to those who believe in the Son of God and anxiously wait for the mystery of God to be accomplished that the word is sweet; yet, a very "bitter pill" to those who reject the Lord. But, it will not be easy for John. With the sweet word of the Lord will come much persecution from the world to those who love him.

May God help us to hear the word and receive it no matter what kind of changes it asks us to make in our lives.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 9:13-21 Sixth Trumpet; Fiery Plagues

Rev 9:13-21 NIV

The sixth trumpet sounds and what is this army that God sends that it would have no impact on the hearts of humankind? John sees a powerful image of hundreds of thousands mounted troops to destroy one third of mankind by three plagues of fire that come out of the mouths of the horses. What a fearsome site that would be! My husband, who as a young man was a "tanker" in the U.S.M.C., always surmised that these horses would actually be something like tanks.

Now, most people have a little fear of fire or at least a little respect of it. If we or someone we know has been burned by fire, we usually figure out that fire is not to be played with. We change the way we do things so that we do not get burned. But, not the people in John's vision. The plagues of fire that God sends do not change the hearts or minds of any of those who were not believers before the great army of mounted riders came. Those who are not killed still cannot comprehend that God is Almighty; that He is God, and He alone is to be worshipped. They do not repent. They continue to worship demons and all sorts of false man-made idols. They do not repent of any of that things they have been doing against God or man.

May God have mercy on humankind and soften our hearts so that all might follow in the way He would have us go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 8:13, 9:1-12 - Fifth Trumpet And Locusts

Revelation 8:13, 9:1-12 NIV

A great eagle flies in midair calling out "Woe! Woe! Woe!" The last three trumpets are about to sound ushering in even more destruction. The fifth angel sounds the trumpet opening up the Abyss so that locusts ascend upon the earth to afflict those who do not bear the seal of God on their foreheads.

The vision is reminiscent of the plague of locusts that descended upon Egypt (Ex 10:13-15) except that the locusts in Egypt attacked plant-life that was needed to sustain the people and the locusts in John's vision actually attack and torture the people who do not worship the Lord. The locusts will cause so much fear and pain that people would rather die than endure the attack. But, they will not die. Death will elude them.

The vision of these locusts is most unlike the grasshopper-like locusts from Exodus. These locusts are terrifying creatures to see. They look like horses prepared for battle; yet, their faces resemble human faces. They have hair and upon their heads is something like a gold crowns. Teeth like lions' teeth and breastplates like iron make them formidable attackers. It is hard to imagine what these locusts might actually look like or be. They are sent, we are told, by their King Apollyon (Destroyer), who is the angel of the Abyss. We will know exactly what this vision means for us when we see it with our own eyes. Until, then we would do well to remember that even God saved His people from slavery in Egypt; He is with those who love Him today.

The fifth trumpet has sounded and the first woe is passed. But, it is not over. There are more woes to come.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Rev 8:1-5 Prayers Rise Like Incense

Revelation 8:1-5 NIV
Let our prayers rise like incense before thee. For those who do not recognize these words from Vespers, you are really missing out! Attend a Vesper's service.

As I read the lesson this morning I was struck with the thought that immediately following the prayers of God's people going up before God along with the smoke of the incense, the censer was filled with fire from the altar and hurled on earth to cause quite a rumbling. I wonder was the storm and earthquake in John's vision the response to the prayers of God's people that had just come before Him?

We know that God hears our prayers and answers. He is with and for His children whether in heaven or on earth. We give thanks to God for in His mercy, He has heard our prayers and answered.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 6:12-17 6th Seal

Rev 6 12-17 NIV


The sky turned black
and the stars fell to the earth.
Photo: John Arthur Photography

The sixth seal is opened and the earth and skies are shaken. The world as we know is devastated in the face of the wrath of God. Not only are the earth and heavens shaken; but, the people are shaken at the knowledge of the coming of the Lord. They would hide if they could beneath the falling mountains. They would rather be crushed to death than to face the Lord God in the day of His judgment.

John's visions are horrifying to those who do not worship the Lord; to those who know that they have turned their backs on God. There is still time. We know not how much time. Turn to the Lord. Love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and soul and mind. The visions of the end can be terrifying for those who do not worship the one true God. But, for those who do, we know that all things are for the good for those who love Him; for the coming of His Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J