Reflections
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
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
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 36
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!
After the judgement of the ‘reaping’ of the ones who had ‘the mark of the beast’ engraved on their forehead or hand, another sign is shown to John. God’s wrath has not yet been fully expended. There is one more “woe” to be visited upon the earth. This was first announced just before the seventh trumpet sounded (Revelation 11:14). John saw another seven angels, each bearing a bowl, and each bowl contained a ‘plague’. These ‘plagues’ constitute the end of the wrath of God on the earth. In front of these angels was something like a sea of glass mingled with fire. Must have been a spectacular sight. Then standing on this sea of glass were myriads of martyrs, those who had prevailed against the beast by refusing his demand to be worshipped. True to their faith, they had steadfastly refused to bear his mark on their body. It cost them their life on earth, and it saved their life for eternity.
Now this raises a seriously interesting question in my mind. A classic doctrine of the ‘church’ today, as it has been for centuries, is that of a premillennial “rapture” of the saints. It is a doctrine with which I am familiar because it is what I was taught. But the doctrine goes a bit further in that it supposes that “rapture”, (a word used to describe a resurrection of the dead and a transportation of the living into the clouds) which is not a biblical word, occurs in the middle of the seven year period of the Anti-Christ. Thus it comfortingly sees the ‘church’ avoiding the ravages of the great tribulation. The question that then arises is this. If all the believers have been taken out of the tribulation world, where do those ‘faithful’, who are martyred for their faith, come from? As occasion permits, I might revisit this topic in another subsequent ‘reflection’. But there will be more to say about this when we get to Revelation 20.
So here these martyrs stand, each with a harp of gold, ready to sing praise to their redeemer. Their minds were turned to that great moment of triumph when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt on the dry seabed of the Red Sea. And now they stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. At that time Moses had led the people in his famous song of praise. “I will sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously.” Now the voices of these martyrs sing in like manner. They too sing the song of Moses, and then they sing the song of the Lamb. “Great and marvellous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints. Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.”
I find it interesting that whilst we are told in Scripture that there is NO temple in the coming New Jerusalem, (the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb are its temple) there is a temple in heaven. And out of this heavenly temple came seven angels, clothed in pure white linen, with golden chest bands. They were met by one of the four living creatures, one of the four who seemed to be the worship leaders in the throne room of God, full of eyes, constantly saying “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” To each of the seven angels he gave a golden bowl. In those bowls was filled “with the wrath of God”. This is to be the final act of God in relation to the present world age. The third and final “woe’” of which we were warned in Revelation 11.
As the seven angels take their respective bowls of wrath, ready to deliver this final judgement, the temple of heaven was filled with smoke. Doesn’t that remind us of that mighty vision given to Isaiah when he was commissioned to take his prophetic message to the world. (Isaiah 6) The smoke was from the glory of God and from His power. And now we see that in this final act of judgement on those who bore the mark of the beast on their body, no-one in heaven is able to enter the temple there because it is filled with the “smoke” of God Himself.
The descriptions of what he saw, are provided by John, as a prophetic warning. Many people, including many who teach in our churches today, dismiss these descriptions as ‘fanciful’, because such things are too painful to contemplate. The wise among us will take heed, be prepared, and receive the blessing of eternal life.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 35
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 amazing revelation opens our ‘reflection’ today. Firstly though, we need to understand that the chapter and verse divisions appeared only in the mid 16th century C.E.. The flow of the revelation of events to John was uninterrupted by these divisions, and so the narrative jumps directly from the mystery of the number of the name of Anti-Christ, to the vision of the one hundred and forty four thousand Jewish martyrs, complete with the name of YHWH Elohim on their foreheads. They stand there on Mount Zion with the triumphant Yeshua Ha’Mashaich, ready to serve with Him when He returns to this earth to commence His millenial reign. They were singing to the accompaniment of the music of harpists and the voice from heaven. But there is more. We now discover more detail about these Jewish martyrs. The song they were singing was a new song that no-one else could learn. Furthermore, they were virginal men. Unmarried. No commitment outside of Yeshua. Dedicated men, who had committed themselves completely to His service. They were of the first fruits of Messianic believers. Redeemed by the Lamb. Names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Righteous in His sight because their sin was forgiven. Ready to rule with Him on earth in His new Kingdom.
The sequence of events which follow is not easy to discern. The reason being that there are other passages of Scripture, notably Ezekiel 38 and 39, Daniel 9 and 12, and Zechariah 12 to 14, which make reference to the battles which occur in the last days of this age. I am of the view that there is no disharmony in the Scriptures, and I do not see any, but there is some lack of discernment in my understanding at times! In John’s vision, at this point, there are a number of angels seen flying through heaven, each with a different, but complementary, message. The first angel has the gospel message to proclaim to those left on the earth. To “to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” It seems like a ‘one last chance’ message. “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of judgement has come; and worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” It is not difficult to imagine the fear, the terror even, which people would feel. It must be palpable. But fear of whom? The “beast” who demands their obeisance and worship? Probably so. Then a second angel follows. His message is one of hope. “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city.” In the Scriptures “Babylon” is invariably equated to evil. Jeremiah 51 has something to say about that. So the message of this angel is that ‘Evil has been defeated, you need have no fear if that again.’ In paraphrase here the message is “You are right to be afraid, but not of the one who takes your life, but of Him who can GIVE you life, eternal life. The Creator of heaven and earth.” To complement that message, a third angel proclaims in a loud voice so that all can hear. “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wrath of God etc.” This is followed by a voice from heaven. John seems dumbstruck at this point because he has to be prompted to write the message. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Why? Because they too will join the band of martyrs who will reign with Him upon His return.
Then the scene takes another turn. There, on a white cloud, “One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Almost, as if discerning His unwillingness, a hesitancy to use the sharp sickle, delaying until he last possible moment, providing yet another moment of decision, another angel appears and said with a loud voice, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He did. And we are able to see, in that act of reaping, the fulfilment of the prophetic utterances of Isaiah 63 and Joel 3. But it is not pretty is it? It is an act of judgement in Scripture. The time of giving account. The rest of the text today deals with the great scope of that sad harvest.
It is not possible to leave this account without ‘reflecting’ on the available alternative for mankind. This whole vision, given to John, was not merely to gloat over the grizzly end for those who fall under the spell of the Anti-Christ, the beast. Countless millions will be in that category. The purpose of this revelation is to serve as a gracious, loving, warning. Yeshua, the One who opened the scroll, unlocking the ‘seals’ that we might see these future events, and all that horror, was able to do so because He gave His life in order to provide the warning. It is clearly written in Revelation 13:8. The beast has NO authority over those who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Make sure that your name is written in that Book.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 34
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 scene which John now saw in his vision, returns us to the future. The beast which he witnessed rising out of the sea is quite symbolic. He describes a horrible multi-headed creature with seven heads, on which are a blasphemous name. The picture is symbolic of the person we identify as Anti-Christ. He suddenly appears. In quite recent days, and for a number of years past, many have attached that title to well-known persons, usually with strong political connections. But, just like the creature in John’s vision, we are unlikely to have such a warning of his appearance on earth. He comes from the very pit of hell. Note carefully that John said that he would operate with complete authority from the Dragon, Satan himself. How was he wounded I ask myself? Well I speculate that would have occurred when he was ejected out of his heavenly place when he challenged the authority of God. But somehow, the deadly wound was healed. And as he exercised his authority, the people who were deceived by him (we don’t have to look very far today to see that a majority worship him, and not the living God) worshipped him. Even quite religious people, yes, people who regularly attend churches, worship him due to the deception which pervades our society. Many times under the banner of “fairness” and “equality” and other high sounding imperatives. It seems as though the ground work has already been done!
His deceptive actions, which we know from other Scriptures, also involve making a seven year peace treaty (Daniel 9:27) with Israel. In our visionary explanation today we see that he has free reign for the first half of that time, 42 months. I suspect that he will be treated with immense respect and honour, but then he will start to “ride a horse of a different colour”. We have already been acquainted of this as the seven ‘seals’ were opened. By this time he will exercise immense power and control over the world’s population. We can barely comprehend the scope of this person’s influence. He is given authority over every tribe, tongue, and nation. Absolutely incredible. John is shown that everyone will be taken in by him, EXCEPT those who have their names inscribed in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They, because they have read the book, and know the end from the beginning, because they have taken heed to the unblemished word of Almighty God, because they have taken the trouble to understand this prophetic vision of John in Revelation, will reject the demand to worship this “man of peace”. They will be martyred for their faith and will reign with Yeshua on this earth for one thousand years.
And then an accomplice appears. He looks like a lamb, and acts like a dragon. Ruthless. He is referred to later in Revelation as “the false prophet”. He is gifted with miraculous powers. Impressive. Irresistible. Persuasive. Demanding. Fearful and fearless. He commands an image to be made of the “man of peace”. In an awesome feat of powerful magic he causes that statue to speak. It is absolutely beyond human understanding. Try to imagine if you can, the spectacle confronting the people who stand in front of that statue. (I recall some years ago visiting Disneyland, going into a theatre there and seeing a statue of Abraham Lincoln, his lips moved, and the Gettysburg Address came from his image. But that was ‘smoke and mirrors stuff!! And everyone knew it.) I am firmly of the opinion that we are not in ‘smoke and mirrors’ territory with this ‘man of peace’. This will be the deceptive, destructive, power of Satan at work. I do not say that in reverence of him, but in recognition that he is a powerful adversary, not to be treated lightly.
And then, from this awe-inspiring display of power will come the demand that he be worshipped in the temple, on threat of death. Can you imagine any Jew acquiescing to that? I can’t. And so countless numbers of them will lose their lives, and from them, I believe, will come the 144,000 who will also reign with Yeshua in the millennial kingdom.
The final act will be to require everyone to bear his mark on their body. Hand or forehead. Without that mark it will not be possible to purchase food. A cashless society for which the world has been preparing for decades. More martyrs will be made in this period. It is called “enduring to the end.”
The last verse contains a mystery. The number of his name, 666. Every Hebrew letter has a numeric value. The first ten letters 1 to 10. The next ten letters 20, 30 40 etc. and the remainder 200, 300, 400. When you have worked it out, please let me know the answer.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 33
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!
After the seventh trumpet was sounded, and victory was being celebrated in heaven, there was another demonstration of God’s power on earth with sounds of thunder, great hail, lightenings, and an earthquake. And in heaven, a great sign appeared. It was an unusual sign. A pregnant woman, “clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. And the woman cried out in labour as she was about to give birth.”
This is one of those places in Revelation where our human understanding gets a shock! We quite naturally read the text sequentially, expecting that this is will be an event in the chronology of the future, which is what we have just been ‘reflecting’ upon. But scholars appear united in the view that this is almost certainly a ‘flash back’ to the time when Yeshua was born, and continues in a few short sentences until His triumphant return to the throne room of heaven when He was able unlock the ‘seals’ of the scroll. So it is a parallel account of the past, the present, and the future. It is an illustration of the timelines of God in comparison to our own limitations. In effect, it is a kind of ‘scene setter’, putting the context to the whole story of God’s plan for mankind.
As the story unfolds, we are given an account of the battle which took place for supremacy. “The great dragon of our text, that serpent of old, the Devil and Satan (lots of descriptive text for him), who deceives the whole world, was cast out of heaven with his angels.” This is the battle that took place in the heavenlies when it was decided that Yeshua would come to earth to rule ‘with a rod of iron’. (sound familiar?) Now we might conclude here that the time we are now living in, and all the time for centuries past, has been an interruption to God’s original plan. An interruption caused by that battle in the heavenlies which caused Satan to be thrown out of heaven. And, at the risk of being overly simplistic, in order to get that plan ‘back on track’ it was necessary for another battle to take place here on earth. Death and Hell, the domain of Satan, had to be conquered. The victory in that battle was accomplished in the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua and His triumphant return to the throne room of heaven. And it was upon that triumphant return that He was the only one able to unlock the scroll that we might know how Satan’s role will come to an end. And that, in a proverbial ‘nutshell’ is what this Revelation vision, given to John, is really all about.
But, as we read this account of things still to take place, we see that Satan is not giving up that easily. He is putting up a strenuous fight to survive. The revelation of the events to take place to bring about his complete defeat, things which must occur to restrain him completely, are going to be utterly devastating for the earth. But then, and only then, will Yeshua return to this earth to rule for a thousand years ‘with a rod of iron’, as was the original plan. We also know that those who will rule with Him are those who continue to resist Satan to the end, those who refuse to bow down to him in worship, those who will be, and have been, martyred for their faith, together with 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes.
We can readily recognize the events of our present day as this chapter of Scripture continues. Although there is concentration on the last three and one half years, (in our text “a time and times and half a time” quoting from the prophecy of Daniel) which we identify as the great tribulation period, there is also reference to the whole of mankind, and particularly to those who through the ages have come to put their trust in Yeshua. They are the ones who have borne, and who still bear, the brunt of Satan’s attacks. And if anyone cares to think about it, we cannot escape the fact that the people group who, through the ages, have known the greatest indescribable and most continuous persecution are those who are called by God’s name, the Jews. These are people who outwardly, overtly, obviously, wear their allegiance to YHWH Elohim as a badge of honour.
Many commentators have bravely attempted to explain the imagery and detail of the descriptive language of these visions given to John. I do not claim such insight, but as I ‘reflect’ on the words I read, I trust God to provide me with the sense of what His message is for us today. I trust God to show you the message He has for you, and to bless you, as He promised He would, as you read the words of the text.
Shabat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 32
Hebraic understanding Hebrews and Revelation
Revelation seals and trumpet judgments (a review)
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!
Over the last few weeks we have been alerted, in our ‘reflections’, to a series of major events which are destined to occur as this present age comes to a cataclysmic close. They are events which are almost unimaginable to our humanly ordered mind. This week I choose to ‘reflect’ on them again, in the order they are presented to us in this Spirit inspired vision given to the Apostle John. There was lament in heaven because no-one was found to break open the ‘seals’. No-one to utter the dire warnings of things to come so that people on this earth may be warned and prepare themselves. Then Yeshua, our Saviour, having conquered sin and death, who was dead and is alive, returned to take His place in the very throne room of God. He is the One who opened the seals.
(The timing of the “seals” and the “trumpets” covers the period of the last seven years for this age. It seems likely that the turning point, whilst in evidence from the second and third “seals”, comes with a vengeance at the sounding of the fourth seal. This would appear to be the commencement of the final 3 ½ years, which we identify as ‘the great tribulation’. Daniel’s seventieth week.)
The first seal. A man appears on a White Horse. Friendly, compassionate, a man of peace. The man who we can all later recognize as Anti-Christ is revealed. Most of the people will be deceived by him.
The second seal. The same man appears on a Red Horse. Symbolic of a man of war. Disruptive, divisive, pitting man against his neighbour. The ‘man of peace’ is peaceful no longer. Anti-Christ begins his destructive work.
The third seal. Now he rides a Black Horse. Famine and hardship. Those not bearing his mark on their bodies denied the right to buy food. The martyrs of the tribulation begin to mount up. They will reign with the risen Lord Yeshua in the millennial kingdom on earth.
The fourth seal. See Anti-Christ now on a Pale Horse. Death is visited upon one fourth of the earth’s population. Terror reigns. Fear is the weapon used to subdue people. No-one is safe from this ‘beast’ of death.
The fifth seal. The martyrs are identified, their souls resting under the shadow of the heavenly altar. “How much longer O Lord?” is their cry. But the end is not yet. They are given robes of white, identifying their status. The full number of these martyrs still to be brought.
The sixth seal. Natural disaster wreaks more havoc on earth as the full quota of death is visited upon a wicked world. Then another seal is produced in heaven. The seal of God as the one hundred and forty four thousand of the twelve tribes are sealed for God’s purpose. Heaven rejoices in worshipful glory, but on earth complete fear and trembling.
The seventh seal. Total silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then seven angels are handed a trumpet each. At his appointed hour the trumpets will be sounded, and that will herald a new round of disaster for those remaining alive on the earth.
The first trumpet. Hail, fire and blood descends. One third of the earth’s vegetation is destroyed.
The second trumpet. Something like a burning mountain falls into the sea. One third of all sea creatures die. One third of all ships are destroyed.
The third trumpet. A great fiery like star falls to the ground. One third of the rivers are contaminated and many die from drinking the water.
The fourth trumpet. The earth is darkened as one third of the sun, the moon, and the stars are dimmed.
The fifth trumpet. Also sometimes known as the first “woe” introduces the locust like creatures rising from the ‘bottomless pit” bringing great torment to those not protected by 'the seal of God'.
The sixth trumpet. The second “woe”. One third of all mankind will be put to death during this devastating plague of fire, smoke, and brimstone.
The seventh trumpet. A victory trumpet. The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord. However, there is still another “woe” to come. That is when the ‘bowls of the wrath of God’ are released. And there are seven of them before the end.
It is not comforting reading is it? But it is a solemn warning for any who know that what God says, God will do. Get yourself ready and prepared.
Shabbat Shalom
RS