Tag: John 17

Clothed in Rainbows of Living Color

On By TimIn Love, Revelation 04Leave a comment

I quoted the lyrics of the Revelation Song. This is for you, the reader, to have a proper frame of mind. The song points directly to the Apostle John’s experience on Patmos. He was called up to heaven and had the privilege of seeing the throne of God. He described it like this:

Immediately I was in the Spirit. And there was a throne set in heaven with One sitting on the throne! And He who sat there appeared like a jasper and a sardius stone. There was a rainbow around the throne, appearing like an emerald.

Revelation 4:2–3

John was not the first to see this. Ezekiel had a vision of the throne of God. He wrote down a similar observation.

There was a voice from the expanse that was over their heads whenever they stood still and let down their wings. Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. And on the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man on it high up. Then I saw as glowing metal, as the appearance of fire all around within it, from the appearance of His loins and upward; and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was a brightness around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud on a day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Ezekiel 1:25–28

Yes, I am going to talk about the rainbow again. You can follow the tag cloud to find other things I have written on that. But of late, the Revelation Song has been rattling through my mind. It is a great and beautiful thing, too. There is reason to ponder what the song embraces from the truth of God’s Word.

The first thing I want to share is a photo I took a few years back flying home from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I wanted to capture the shadow of our jet moving on the clouds. When looking at the image later, I was shocked to discover something. I don’t recall if I saw the rainbow or not, but the significance is that rainbows are circles. We usually experience just the curved bow ending at the horizon. Look closely at the image, it is clear that the brightest colors are closest to the center and fade as the concentric bands show. There are at least two more faint rainbow circles. I think this adds some clarity to the splendor of what John and Ezekiel both conveyed to us.

There is always more than we can imagine.

Anisotrophic Splendor

I want to introduce something very relevant to this discussion. It is a principle known as Anisotropy. As defined by Wikipedia, it is the structural property of non-uniformity in different directions, as opposed to isotropy. Yeah, that is big talk. But think of it as a uniform direction as opposed to being omnidirectional (all directions.) Wood is anisotropic, as the grain goes in one direction.

Light, as we encounter it in this physical world every day, is isotropic. Its waves propagate in all directions. When on me applies a polarizing filter, the light that passes through the filter has waves in one direction. The filter strains out all the diverse propagation and allows only light oriented in one direction. Sometimes it is easier to see things through polarized light because it tends to remove scattering reflections. Wearing polarized sunglasses allows me to look into a body of water without the myriad reflections that would make things less clear.

The peculiarities of light have fascinated humans for centuries, as science shows. Experiments are performed where light is purified. That is, it is filtered to remove the propagating diffractions. There is one that most people are taught in school. It is Double-Slit Experiment and the controversial things it upended and exposed. I will leave that rabbit-hole for your edification. But in my opinion, the findings of that one experiment demonstrate that there may be an intelligence that controls the minutiae of our universe.

Using this methodology in this experiment led to others and the use of cross-polarization. Pure cross-polarized light is created by using two polarizing filters oriented perpendicularly to each other. These filters block the mirror-like reflections from surfaces. This leaves only the diffuse component of the light, which reveals the true surface color and texture of the subject. Some call this pure light.

I cannot help but think, why cross-polarization? Is there something about the cross-filtered light that reveals truth? Is it just a coincidental play on words? Tell me what you think in the comments.

Back to the good stuff.

Applying this kind of light to gemstones has revealed something far more splendid than just the symmetry of grain. It gives rise to a new classification of gemstones. They can be classified as either isotropic or anisotropic. Consider those gems God chose to use in New Jerusalem.

The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all kinds of precious jewels. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.

Revelation 21:19-20

When we look at these gems with ordinary physical light, they appear rather plain. Our first reaction might be why these?

Our physical light has waves going in different directions that seem chaotic. Most of those gemstones do not exhibit any real radiance or even clarity. Diamonds and rubies sparkle translucently in this kind of light. They are highly prized for this beauty.

The pure light reveals the true surface color and properties of the gems. Diamonds and rubies become black and opaque in cross-polarized light. However, when cross-polarized light is used on those gems mentioned in Revelation for New Jerusalem, their true beauty and splendor are revealed. The image below shows how each of these gems appears in this cross-filtered pure light.

Look back up to how John described the light emanating from the throne of God. He used the words jasper and sardius as descriptions for the appearance of God. I would say he was seeing these with pure light just by the descriptions he uses. John is seeing what is True, without the noise we see with our eyes in the physical light we experience.

I do wear two jasper bracelets on my wrist. The jasper beads are red. There is real beauty in that. I see just the red stone with little shine. But it is a daily reminder of the blood of Jesus that bought my freedom. I also wear a lapis lazuli one, which brings to mind the tekhelet blue adorning priestly garments. There are also two strands of amethyst. Purple is the color of royalty and my King.

Sardius is also red. It, too, is not overtly stunning in natural light. Yet, like other anisotropic gems in pure light, they fluoresce with brilliant rainbow colors!

There are resources to help understand. This one, Revelation Handout Pages, from River of Life Fellowship, can help with understanding. (Last two pages of the handout.) There are additional links in that material to help with the science.

New Jerusalem is going to glow with spectacular brilliance and color. It will be very much like the throne of God, with the pure light emanating from the Light of the World.

Glory of God

In his first epistle, Peter exhorts us Christian’s on how to comport ourselves in this world. We are not to live like the Gentiles, but live a life of love, grace, mercy, and hospitality to all. In so doing, we become living epistles to a watching world.

Therefore, since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh serving human desires, but the will of God. For in earlier times of our lives it may have sufficed us to do what the Gentiles like to do, when we walked in immorality: lusts, drunkenness, carousing, debauchery, and abominable idolatries. They are surprised that you do not join them in the same excess of wild living, and so they speak evil of you. They will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, so that even though they might be judged according to men in the flesh, they might live according to God in the spirit.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray. Above all things, have unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:1–11

There is a lot in the instructions that lends itself to the discussion at hand. Peter is reiterating the two great commands Jesus gave to believers. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Imagine the directions of this love, vertically for God, and horizontally for others. These two things are crossed perpendicularly to each other. Perhaps that is just a coincidence, but in this discussion of pure light has the same principle. Why does this appear to direct us to the cross of Jesus?

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation of His glory. If you are reproached because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or even as a busybody. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God because of it.

1 Peter 4:12–16

Wait…

If we behave like Jesus and Peter have instructed us to do it is going to bring suffering. Yet in that suffering, His glory is revealed! This is just like the principle of pure light revealing the true glory of gems, pure love (the cross-filtered kind) reveals the true glory of God.

There is more there. Peter says that this Spirit of God is the Spirit of Glory that rests on us. He blesses us. Though the world blasphemes Him, He is glorified in you and me. That is the work of the Spirit of Glory. He reveals the glory of God.

The Crown of Glory

There is also a promised reward to those who live well and shepherd the flock. This should be the goal of every believer to shepherd the flock they have been given. Not because we have to do it, but to be faithful in our charge as examples to them. These reveal the glory of God to their flock.

I exhort the elders who are among you, as one who is also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly. Do not lord over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.

1 Peter 5:1–4

These are partakers in His glory; They are taking His glory! Their ultimate reward is a crown of glory. One that will not fade away. It necessitates that the glory being discussed here is God’s glory.

The Spirit of Glory

This Spirit of Glory did the same with Jesus. This is going to rely on the last few days of Jesus’ life in a physical body as recounted by John. I challenge you to take the time to read it all, now. You may encounter things there you have not seen before.

To start, Jesus was outlining this vertical and horizontal relationship we are to have with God and others. He is speaking of the suffering He is to endure. He is also sharing that they would indeed suffer in like manner. As the world hated Him and it will hate believers. He also introduced the coming Helper we now know is the Spirit of Glory.

“But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

John 15:26–27

Things for His friends are going to get bad, really bad. Jesus says He is going away. He will return again in a little while. This is one of those things the disciples did not quite grasp. His death, and more to the point, His resurrection. Jesus’ leaving would make way for the Spirit of Truth. He will by a Helper to them.

“I have yet many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own authority. But He will speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you things that are to come. He will glorify Me, for He will receive from Me and will declare it to you. All that the Father has is Mine. Therefore I said that He will take what is Mine and will declare it to you.

John 16:12–15

They didn’t understand. The sudden coming death of Jesus was not the point of contention. The resurrection was. It was not expected at all by them. Yet by the Spirit of Truth, it will be revealed to all that Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

He said the Spirit glorifies Him. In this text, it is obvious that the role of the Holy Spirit is intimately connected with revealing the glory of God.

In all of this discussion with His friends, Jesus then prays.

When Jesus spoke these words, He lifted His eyes toward heaven and said:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may also glorify You. As You have given Him authority over all flesh, He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.

John 17:1–5

What Jesus says mirrors everything we have learned about glory. It is revealed in suffering. Jesus again promises the gift of eternal life. It is that discussion of glory that draws attention. I will speak to that in a bit. Jesus speaks in the shared suffering His friends experience because of their belief. As Jesus suffers, it glorifies God. As His chosen ones suffer, it glorifies Jesus. He is praying for His friends. He goes further…

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me.

John 17:20–21

I do not take these words lightly. That is us, our Savior is praying for us, modern-day believers. The truth is, it is through the words of His chosen ones that we have come to believe. The blessings on them are also for all believers. Even those who come to believe some 2,000 years later.

Don’t skip over the part where Jesus asks that we are one. It’s not just a unity of purpose, but a unity in all things. It is worth it to take some time to contemplate the entire prayer of Jesus. But… How does that unity happen?

Jesus began explaining that back in John 15. He promised the Comforter, in Greek, that is the Paraclete. The word literally means a counselor, like a lawyer. One that comes alongside to help. The coming Spirit of Glory will be the One Who unifies believers. That is, God will live in each of those who believe.

The disciples will be scattered. Suffering will come. That sorrow will turn into joy because of this Helper. And He came to those believers for the first time in a unique way. I can imagine that the gathering of disciples was rather somber until this happened.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared to them tongues as of fire, being distributed and resting on each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.

Acts 2:1–4

As Peter taught, this is the glory of God resting on them. Not only is the glory of God resting on them, but He is in them.

I Will not Share My Glory

This idea may come to the forefront of the minds of some. The Bible tells us that God will not share His glory with another.

You have heard; see all this.
And will you not declare it?
I have shown you new things from this time,
even hidden things, and you did not know them.
They are created now and not from the beginning;
even before the day when you did not hear them,
lest you should say,
“Yes, I knew them.”
You have not heard, you have not known,
indeed, from long ago your ear has not been open.
For I knew that you would deal very treacherously,
and that from birth you have been called a rebel.
For My name’s sake I will defer My anger,
and for My praise I will restrain it for you
so that you are not cut off.
See, I have refined you, but not with silver;
I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.
For My own sake, even for My own sake, I will do it;
for how can My name be polluted?
And I will not give My glory to another.

Isaiah 48:6–11

In the context of what Isaiah is saying, it is God speaking of the stubbornness of Jacob. How He has told them the beginning from the end, so they could not ascribe the things that belong to God to the carved images with which they stumbled. From the beginning, God told them what He was doing. There were things hidden from them, purposefully. It makes me want to delve more into the Tanakh. There are plenty of hidden treasures. Treasures that are for Israel. Yet they rebelled… A lot… And for a long time.

His patience with them is to protect His name. It’s for His praise that Israel was not cut off. Instead, through the furnace of affliction, they are purified. It’s the same for us Christians, just as Peter says. It seems that the glory of God is also revealed in praise to Him. Something He will not share with others.

When God says He will not give His glory to another, it is clearly in the context of sharing with idols and carved images. But many teach that He doesn’t share His glory at all. Because of that, it becomes one of those apologetic things to prove Jesus is Jehovah. Which brings us right back to those last days before the cross above, and the thing I promised to point out later. In the last sentence I quote, it is self-evident that Jesus is indeed Jehovah. “And now, O Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.”

From Glory to Glory

The radiant glory rainbow around the throne of God is representative of the Spirit of God. There is no coincidence that there are seven colors in the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colors come from white light. The brilliance of a rainbow is staggering when encountered. We get this hint of glory as a promise from God. It marked His promise not to wipe out the race with a global flood. (Yeah, I said global.)

There will also be an angel that comes in the future.

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.

Revelation 10:1

It seems that this angel is clothed in those things associated with the Spirit of God. His head glows with a rainbow, and his feet are like pillars of fire. Fire, just like when the Holy Spirit came upon those believers after the ascension of Jesus. He is likened to tongues of fire that rested upon those there. We commemorate this day as Pentecost.

Could it be that we get just these small glimpses of glory?

That angel seems to be clothed in the same splendor that comes from the throne of God.

Can I tell you something?

There is enough evidence here for something spectacularly mind-boggling. God does share His glory with others. He gives it to us. It comes with the Holy Spirit that is part of us forever.

He is the One who reveals the visible glory of God shown in the patient suffering of His saints. I am telling you that if you have the Holy Spirit in you, then you are already clothed from the inside out with the splendor of God. He has placed His Mark on you forever.

Don’t believe me.

Seeing then that we have such hope, we speak with great boldness, not as Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end of what was fading away. Instead, their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away with in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts. Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, seeing the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:12–18

We have to take this all by faith in His Word. These are what He says He does. We are not stealing God’s glory. He lavishes it on us with His Spirit. Such things are never wasted. No, they are not wasted with God.

That’s why we fast. We learn to suffer with joy and contentment in Jesus Christ. We don’t share this with others, not letting anyone know. It is supposed to be an intimacy between us as individuals and God. We learn to endure suffering with patience and joy, relying on the Lord just as Jesus wanted to share with us in His prayer in John 17.

When This is That

I cannot help but think about how the glory of God is revealed in believers of today. It is one of those things that makes Israelites who know their Tanakh jealous. Knowing that these promises are theirs but are given to another people, not called His people, but who are now called His people. It is not a bad thing. Anyone can believe and have this.

All that rainbow splendor cannot really be ours, can it?

Well, John told us that God is Love. Paul wrote a treatise on true love. The kind God not only has, but is. It is in 1 Corinthians 13, and should be familiar to many.

Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not; love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up, does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4

That is my God. He is yours, too. From the citation above from Isaiah 48, it is clear that almost all of these things Paul says love is are quite apparent in God’s relationship with Israel. He says, “For My name’s sake I will defer My anger.” Love is patient, kind, loyal, gentle, and meek.

He endures all things. Even when His people prostitute themselves to other gods and give those gods the glory due to Him. That is what it means when God does not share His glory. It is not some attribute He distributes, but is the very essence of Who He is, and is demonstrated in a reciprocal relationship. Just like that of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have.

I think we mistake all those pretty colors and emanations from the throne of God as glory. Upon closer examination, it appears that the glory lies in the relationships God has. Even the relationships He has with His people. It is not just for the Israelites, either. It is in the praise and worship we give to Him in the purity of love, because He first loved us—even when we refused Him. Because He suffers and bears all things just for us.

Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they shall fail; if there are tongues, they shall cease; and if there is knowledge, it shall vanish. (, MEV)

1 Corinthians 13:8

God never fails. Not Even once.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is imperfect shall pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:9–10

The imperfections in this world will eventually disappear for good.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, and I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11

It’s time to grow up. Which means we are going to have to acknowledge God’s steadfast and loyal love for us and react appropriately. Because there is a day approaching that will reveal all.

For now we see as through a glass, dimly, but then, face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, even as I also am known.

1 Corinthinas 13:12

From glory to glory. We are going to see one day that those who love God will radiate the same brilliance as that which comes from God’s throne. That is the promise to every believer. The truth will be revealed.

My hope is that you share in my joy and praise to God. I have typed through some tears. My hope extends to everyone, don’t be of those who do not radiate that splendor in true light. Fix that, now!

Jesus Christ, Whom You Have Sent

On By TimIn Jehovah, Jesus, John 17Leave a comment

This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

John 17:3

This is one text taken from the prayer that Jesus offered to God on the night before He was crucified. The real need for people is to have eternal life. Many use the term being saved, but that term has some baggage. Eternal life is a gift given to believers by God Himself. That gift comes by knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ.

There is a point often debated, “Did Jesus really say He was God?“

Yes. He certainly did.

The idea is clearly laid out in His Own words. As it is said, oftentimes the Pharisees lets us know when He does that. They took up stones to kill Him.

This eternal life is knowing God and Whom He sent… Jesus Christ. Back during Jesus’ ministry, there was one of those episodes where the Pharisees took up stones. It was then that Jesus said:

My Father and I are one.”

John 10:30

The Jewish leaders tell us exactly what Jesus said:

Again the Jews took up stones to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”
The Jews answered Him, “We are not stoning You for a good work, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, claim to be God.”

John 10:31–33

The Pharisees have verified Jesus’ saying He is God. Look back up to the introductory text from John 17. Keeping that in mind, I want to consider other ways that plainly show Jesus as God. To know God is to know Jesus, Whom He sent and it is to have eternal life.

Jesus often used words that echoed those expressed in the Tanakh. I know that might be shocking. Yet Jesus knows the words of the prophets, and He knows the writings of Isaiah.

Listen to Me, O Jacob
and Israel, whom I called:
I am He;
I am the First, and I am the Last.
My hand also has laid the foundation of the earth,
and My right hand has spanned the heavens;
when I call to them,
they stand up together.
Assemble, all of you, and listen.
Who among them has declared these things?
The Lord has loved him;
he will do His pleasure on Babylon,
and His arm shall be against the Chaldeans.
I, even I, have spoken,
and I have called him;
I have brought him,
and his way will prosper.
Come near to Me, hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
from the time that it was, there I am.
And now the Lord God has sent me
and His Spirit.

Isaiah 48:12-16

Already, it may be clear to see some familiar phrases that we know are applied elsewhere to Jesus. I will start with the first, “I am He.” Jesus said that.

Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:24

In the context of this passage, Jesus is speaking of the Father Whom the Jewish folk know as God. The text is clear, that unless one believes “I am He,” they do not have eternal life. For clarity, those that do not have eternal life will perish in their sins. Jesus is unequivocally saying, that one cannot have eternal life unless that person believes He is God.

The next has many witnesses. Here is the first…

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and “What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Revelation 1:10–11

While in exile, the apostle John is caught up in a vision where he meets God. God calls Himself Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. Most know that this Person is Jesus Christ.

Part of the reason for this post comes from a conversation over whether Jesus is now God. He is, but the protagonist in the conversation believes Jesus was God and is not now because of His location at the right hand of God. I get that these types of discussions are difficult for our minds to comprehend. God is like no other. That is why, there are none like Him. We have no frame of reference except what He says of Himself. It then becomes important to understand Him as He reveals Himself.

We know Jesus is Alpha and Omega. He offers something else about His identity. These are the key things to remember.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Revelation 1:17–18

This Person addressing John says, “(T)hough I was dead, Look! I am alive forevermore.” This is an indicator to identity. He identifies Himself again as First and Last. Putting both together with He died and rose again, there is only One Person that matches. It is Jesus.

Which leads to another objection that my protagonist scoffs at. He denies the idea that God has died. Clearly, Jesus as God says He died and lives forevermore.

There is one more witness from Revelation to examine.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me to give to each one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Revelation 22:12–13

Once again, this Person identifies Himself as Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, First and Last. It has already been established Who is speaking. Yet another witness to identity is this One is coming again. We know the One Who returning to Earth again is Jesus Christ!

Back in the passage of Isaiah 48 above, it says I am He, the First and Last. From the context, Jehovah is being spoken of in third person. Yet clearly the One narrating is God. Israelis in the day would know this well. They were very familiar with the Tanakh. Note, when connected from Isaiah to the Gospel of John and then Revelation, the idea coalesces. It is clearly conveyed that when Jesus says “I am He,” He is saying He is God.

But as it is in the Bible, things get a bit blurry…

Come near to Me, hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
from the time that it was, there I am.
And now the Lord God has sent me
and His Spirit.

Isaiah 48:16

This is the same invitation from Jesus in the New Testament. The God of the Tanakh is the same God that Jesus is. And He is this same God that sent Jesus Christ. Keep in mind, the same God that sent Jesus is the First and the Last.

In my mind, it seems there can only be One Who identifies as Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. The phrase leaves no room for others. That’s God and He is Jesus.

Jesus is not-so-secretly declaring that He is Jehovah. That same Jehovah Who sent Him!

This testimony of the Alpha and the Omega in the last book of the Bible connects it to one of those books in the rough middle of It, Isaiah. The text seems to draw the reader to closely examine the beginning. It is there that yet another witness identifies that Jesus is indeed Jehovah God.

All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created.

John 1:3

John testifies that all things were created by Jesus. And God testifies in Isaiah that He spoke very clearly from the beginning. What does that mean?

Well, if all things that were created were created by Jesus… Jesus is not created. Which means He is the One Who created all things. Once again, in my mind that leaves no room for another creator.

Thus says the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel and his Maker:
Ask Me of things to come
concerning My sons,
and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands.
I have made the earth
and created man on it.
I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens,
and I have ordained all their host.
I have raised him up in righteousness,
and I will direct all his ways;
he shall build My city,
and he shall let My captives go,
neither for price nor reward,
says the Lord of Hosts.

Isaiah 45:11-13

Thus says Jehovah, that is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) translated as Lord. He testifies He has made the Earth. All this was spoken by the Lord of Hosts (Jehovah of Hosts.) That’s the military title of Jesus Christ. He is Jesus, the Son of God, and He is God.

It is like everything is pointing to the beginning. It might just be beneficial to check it out.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

I assume most are familiar with this verse. What many may not know are the not-so-secret things hidden just behind the translation into English. Here is the verse in transliterated Hebrew.

Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve’et ha’aretz

I tend to be a bit nerdy. I’m no Hebrew scholar. But I’m certain many see the word Elohim. It is well known as one of the names of God.

It is that two-letter word et, which is not translated into any English Bibles. There is much controversy over what the ‘word’ means. I am one that does not think it is a word, but is more of am identifying signature.

See, that two-letter et, in the Hebrew alphabet is also two letters, those being the aleph and the tav. The significance of those two letters is like the signature. It is as if it is literally saying, “In the beginning created God Aleph-Tav.”

The aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The tav is the last letter. Has God spoken not in secret from the beginning?

Yes!

Jesus the Son, is the Creator God. The same Elohim Aleph-Tav Alpha-Omega Who spoke creation to be. The same God Who died and lives forevermore!

The Transitory Nature of the Old Covenant, Sin and an Angry God

On By TimIn 2 Corinthians 03, SinLeave a comment

We have such trust through Christ toward God, not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us able ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:4–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In his lengthy introduction to writing this letter, Paul explains why he didn’t visit Corinth as planned. This letter also serves as a lengthy defense of his ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He points to God as enough to show his own commendation because of the Spirit of God working in the people to whom Paul ministers.

This is a contrast between what is written by hand and what is written by Spirit. The background is itinerant ministers were accompanied by written letters of recommendation from those in authority. The apostles in Jerusalem sent Paul to Antioch with a written letter (Acts 15:22–31.) The church at Corinth is a recommendation letter written by the Spirit of God.

The difference between physical writing that will fade away, and the work of the Spirit that doesn’t.

If the ministry that brought death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

2 Corinthians 3:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul uses that idea to teach a greater truth. The ministry that brought death is the giving of the law. It is not that it wasn’t good. It had the purpose to bring bondage. Bondage of countless sacrifices day and night. It was a ministry of death. One that clearly demonstrated that sin brings a penalty of death. The reminder was constant. Sin brings death. That is the ministry of condemnation.

That ministry was delivered with glory. Glory was clearly reflected in the face of Moses as he brought the tablets of stone down to the people.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of testimony in the hands of Moses, when he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, amazingly, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.

Exodus 34:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Even the reflection of the glory of God was enough to remind the Israelites of that terrifying meeting with God at Sinai (Exodus 19:16–19; 20:18–21.)

At this point, reflecting on why the people were terrified is good. Even before the ministry of the law that brought condemnation, the people understood their condition in the presence of the holiness of God. The idea of holiness is separation. The people knew inherently that there was a problem. The giving of the law would draw that problem into clarity. It would also point directly to the Solution to that problem.

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? God forbid! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, righteousness would indeed come through the law. But the Scripture has confined all things under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

But before faith came, we were imprisoned under the law, kept for the faith which was later to be revealed. So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Galatians 3:21–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Old Covenant was Transitory

The ministry of the law was to fade away just as the glory of God reflected in Paul’s face would diminish. In a greater sense, the enslavement of sin was to be obliterated.

For if the ministry of condemnation is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds it in glory. Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison to the glory that excels. For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains is much more glorious.

2 Corinthians 3:9–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For us to contemplate that condemnation could be glorious might present itself as an oxymoron. Yet we now know that the purpose of that ministry contained a scarlet thread that brings us to the cross. The cross was the definitive point of the end of the law. The resurrection is the permanent victory over death. That is the glory that excels.

Seeing then that we have such hope, we speak with great boldness, not as Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end of what was fading away.

2 Corinthians 3:12–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In contrast to the veil Moses placed over the glory to conceal its fading nature, we Christians speak with boldness. The new covenant doesn’t fade away. Its permanence is the impetus to share it.

Instead, their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away with in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Their minds were blinded in the same way that the veil Moses put on concealed the glory of God reflected in his face. The transitory nature of the law would be hidden from the Israelites. The same veil remains, not because it was already done away with by the work of Jesus. It remains because of the hardness of the heart.

Who is to blame?

Hear this now, O foolish people and without understanding, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
Do you not fear Me? says the Lord. Will you not tremble at My presence? For I have placed the sand for the boundary of the sea by a perpetual decree so that it cannot pass over it. And though the waves toss themselves, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it. But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they have revolted and gone aside. They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good things from you.

Jeremiah 5:21–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The veil remains because of the hardness of the heart. A hardness that begins in one’s own mind, but like Pharaoh can remain because God removes His influences.

Clearly, it is our sin that hardens.

We see that in the reaction of the Israelites to God coming down on Mount Sinai. They didn’t need the law to know their sinfulness. Being in the presence of a righteous God was terrifying.

The law was to showcase the problem and point to the solution. It became a point of national pride that eventually hid sin. Which in due course, suppresses the knowledge of God (Romans 1:21.)

There is a Problem and a Solution.

Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

2 Corinthians 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the fulcrum that the matter teeters on… The individual will. Since the bondage of sin no longer remains, a choice is available.

Any of us can approach the Word of God. We can read it, and maybe get some good points for living, just like reading any self-help book. That’s the veil.

Some read it and seem to stumble at the presentation of the angry God of the Old Testament. He is contrasted with a loving Jesus. It’s as if the two ideas become a contradiction. That’s the veil.

Some read it and just don’t get it. That’s the veil.

Turn to the Lord. That is exactly what repentance is. It is turning to the Lord. It is not trusting in your own intellect to understand, but turning to Him. It’s like saying “God I believe, help my unbelief.” That is the beginning. That is the pint of salvation.

For the belief, it is a constant reminder to change our minds toward God for understanding.

I will tell you personally, that the God of the Old Testament is just as loving as Jesus. As the law was to point out an obvious problem. Its ultimate purpose was to usher folks to Jesus, that is to have them turn to the Lord.

Glorious Liberty

Now the Lord is the Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is no truer liberty than to be free of the bondage of death that comes with sin.

It is true for the individual. It is also true in a collective sense. There are no more bloody sacrifices needed. No daily ministrations of a priestly class that never rested because of the pervasiveness of sin, whether that sin was individual or collective… Intentional or not. The priests worked day and night. Fires burned with the stench of death. Until Jesus came… And as Priest, He sat down.

But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 10:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The work of the law is finished. Its ministry has faded away. What is permanent remains. Jesus rested as the work of redemption is done. The purchase price is satisfied.

But we all, seeing the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For us believers, we can look to the Lord with unveiled faces. Faces that reflect His glory. We Spirit-baptized believers are being transformed into the same image of Jesus. From His glory, we are given glory.

No. That last line is not a mistake.

I will trace this backward for you to draw on the Spirit to understand the greatest privilege extended to us by the God of the Old Testament.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus prays for you to have the same glory He has received from the Father.

And now, O Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.

John 17:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the same glory Jesus had from eternity past.

For My own sake, even for My own sake, I will do it; for how can My name be polluted?
And I will not give My glory to another.

Isaiah 48:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Keep looking up.

Give to the Lord, O Mighty Ones

On By TimIn Exhortation, Psalm 029, Worship1 Comment

“Give to the Lord, O mighty ones,
give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord all the glory due His name;
worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.”

Clay Hecocks – “His Holiness“

I start with a paraphrase of a psalm turned into praise lyrics. This was something we used to sing in church some time ago. It has a gorgeous melody. I think it was written by Clay Hecocks. (Listen here: His Holiness.)

It was one of my favorite things to sing at church. I hope I can explain it well enough. (Don’t believe what I write. Check it out for yourself, Acts 17:11. Read the references and above them and below them.)

Let’s start with the text from the psalm.

Give to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory of His name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.

Psalm 29:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This has many levels of meaning, and it is centered around the Hebrew phrase beneha elim translated to heavenly beings. In some translations, the term sons of God is used. That is also correct given the Hebrew phrase.

That phrase hints back to Job, where a similar Hebrew phrase is used beneha elohim.

Recent scholarship thinks the term elohim describes a class of beings that includes the Most High God. This is similar to the English word gods that denotes a class of beings, with the capitalized singular form God meaning the Most High. (Of note, the Hebrew elohim is always a plural, even when used as a proper noun Elohim as a name for the Most High.)

These elohim are part of the family of God present in His mountain (garden of Eden.) They are His divine council written of in psalm 82. That psalm points to something wrong happening in this council. Something that rocked the foundations of the earth. God will eventually judge these in the council and condemn them to die “like men.”

Can you imagine what that would be?

I think the Bible points to the insurrection that occurred in the garden and God’s necessary enslavement of the creation to futility. In today’s language, the term is entropy.

The purpose of His council is outlined in the first two verses of David’s psalm. Give to the Lord the glory due His name.

They failed at that task. God could create more beings for His council. But did it in what may seem is a peculiar way. Peculiar, because there’s nothing else like it.

The Adoption

You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul begins an important point in one sentence that he will elaborate upon. He sums it up this way…

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I hope that your mind is making connections here. Not much is ever said about this, though it is an important concept to grasp.

There was an insurrection. Some of those members of the divine council fell miserably. Jude says they left their first estate. (Think of the impetus for the flood in Genesis 6. I am purposefully being vague to leave you some crumbs for your own pursuit.)

Back to what Paul is saying of… The adaption. We Christian saints of this age have a unique purpose. We are called sons of God.

Could it be we replace the failed members of the divine council?

I think so. There are far too many references. The Bible says we will judge angels. Look at that psalm 82… Who is it that judges angels?

I’m not saying we will be God. But somehow, someway, we have such an intimate relationship within the Godhead. Jesus said it.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus speaks of an intimate unity just as He has with the Father, “May they also be one in Us.” Furthermore, it says Jesus gives us the glory that the Father gave Him. The significance of that statement ought to rock your socks off!

I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.

Isaiah 42:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This isn’t a contradiction. Paul is correct in saying we are adopted sons. We are joint-heirs. What Jesus gets, we get.

I can’t even begin to fathom such things. But that’s what is there… Plainly. It short-circuits my brain because I have no real concept of all that it entails.

This isn’t pantheism. It isn’t panentheism. (Search engines are friends.) This isn’t me saying we are going to be God. But we are destined for something intimately special with God because of Jesus.

Give to the Lord, o mighty ones. That’s going to be us believers. Give to the Lord glory and strength. From Whom did we get glory and strength?

Give to the Lord all the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

Jesus Sets the Timing

On By TimIn 2 Thessalonians 02, Jesus, Last DaysLeave a comment

Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,

2 Thessalonians 2:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. I have kept those whom You have given Me. And none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

John 17:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is unmistakable that the coming prince shares the same epithet that Judas shared. It is also unmistakable that this imposter is not in control of timing.

There is some controversy on exactly what falling away entails. It could be the abandonment of orthodox Christianity by some. If so, it’s easy to see the beginnings of that even now. There are some who see it as a removal of people, specifically believers. Regardless, the revealing of the son of perdition cannot occur until after the event.

If Satan is not in control of the timing of things, that means he has had to have a man ready at any given time. He knows his time is short but has a specific beginning. He has no idea when the specific time starts.

God knows. In fact, God has shared intelligence with us in His Word. We are given vivid descriptions of exactly what is going to happen. But it won’t start until God gives the go-ahead.

For lots of Christians, we think that is what is called the rapture. That word comes with some baggage, too. But I think of it as a catching away of the believers.

As God would have it come to mind… Jesus also controlled the timing of the previous son of perdition. Sitting down to share a meal with his disciples, this is what happened.

Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. After receiving the piece of bread, Satan entered him.
Then Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew why He said this to him.

John 13:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was Jesus that controlled the timing of His crucifixion.

Satan couldn’t move against Jesus at his own discretion and timing. He also can’t move in his short window of time in the end at his own discretion. He must first wait for God.

The very context of 2 Thessalonians tells us the sign…

Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy with the brightness of His presence, even him, whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all deception of unrighteousness among those who perish, because they did not receive the love for the truth that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:5–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He can’t move until that happens. He Who restrains. This time, it’s not Jesus… But the Holy Spirit Who works in the hearts of all believers now.

Time seems short.

Thump’m with Bible?

On By TimIn Encouragement, Eternal Security, Matthew 07Leave a comment

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonderful works in Your name?’ But then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice evil.’

Matthew 7:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This passage is often cited. It is often used to scare folks, or as I like to put it, ‘thump’m with Bible.’ Most often, this is used in conjunction with those who claim some obedience, endurance, or perseverance to keep salvation.

Some even use this to point out that people that are truly saved can lose their salvation. It’s an often-used text to prove that. However, that simply cannot be true. Jesus clearly states, “I never knew you.” That statement excludes Him knowing someone as saved and them walking away from it. It cannot happen.

If you don’t understand… A saved person cannot lose salvation. It is testified to right there.

There is another sobering truth presented here. This passage is clearly about people that never came to Jesus in faith, but they do come to Him to show their works. These folks cling to their shiny trinkets, the prophesying, casting out demons, and the good things they did. It’s as if they are trying to trade or buy their way into the kingdom.

Jesus says that doesn’t work, “I never knew you.”

But… Do you understand what else is in that “good works?”

Depending upon your obedience to get to heaven is a good work. As is enduring and persevering in the midst of trials and persecution. Even depending on these things to keep being saved sets aside the work of Jesus.

What counts is the personal relationship with Jesus. He needs to know you. And you need to know Him.

As You have given Him authority over all flesh, He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

John 17:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is no other Way to heaven, but by resting in Him. It’s not working. It’s not doing good things. It’s not persevering.

You need to know Jesus so He knows you.

A Child is Born, a Son is Given

On By TimIn Creation, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Heaven, Isaiah 09, Jesus, Prophecy, Reconciliation, Resurrection, Salvation, The CrossLeave a comment

Here’s something that has occupied the spare processing cycles in my brain when the screen saver is active. In other words, there is something that I have been considering deeply.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is one of those memory verses I learned from years of listening to Handel’s Messiah. In that first line is a distinction that is easy to overlook. A child is born and a son is given. It is a prophetic announcement of the birth of Jesus. A child would be born to us humans. Not just any child, but a Son would be given. That Son would be unique. This announcement clearly shows that Jesus is God, not that He came from God.

In a discussion on the Godhead I just perused, I again pondered this idea. This God-Man… This Son, or Word, that was given to us. The interesting part of the conversation prompted me to write my thoughts down and share them.

The discussion was over the Son or Word and whether saying He is begotten by God somehow darkens the idea of His existence from “eternity past.” It’s precisely what derives from the idea of being begotten means, and sort of considers the hypostatic union. That is the union of God and man that is Jesus.

I want to give a foundation from here. This is what God says of Himself in the final chapters of the Old Testament.

For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

James 1:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From these two witnesses, it is clear that God doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews adds to this.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

How does a God Who doesn’t change incarnate?

It sort of intrigues me that the God Who clearly says He is the same and doesn’t change somehow put on humanity.

It is precisely that idea that I think is too simplistic of an explanation. If He puts on humanity, He changes. Or maybe that doesn’t count as a change.

God has a Unique Relationship with Humans

I think it goes back to something foundational.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This idea of God making us in His image. What is that, really?

I know one of my favorite Bible nerds says we are imagers. Meaning we get to make God known to others in unique ways.

What if this image is something profound like it is something that is really a part of God?

No… I am not drifting off into pantheism or panentheism.

I’m not saying we are God. Yet there is something more here. When you read the Bible, you’re going to read some things that you might be tempted to glance over.

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something so spectacular reserved for humanity. It cannot be put into words.

For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s this imager-thing. We are made in His image initially and will be conformed to His image. There are other texts that iterate these ideas like being a joint-heir with Jesus.

Jesus even spoke of this in some of His last words before the crucifixion.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think we can even begin to ponder what is in store for each of us who loves Jesus.

I Am the Lord, I Will not Share my Glory with Another

On By TimIn Isaiah 42, Jesus, Luke 21, Sovereign, The FatherLeave a comment

I am the Lord, that is My name;
and My glory I will not give to another,
nor My praise to graven images.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.

Isaiah 42:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here is God telling us yet again Who He is.

In the former post, we saw how Jesus quoted the verses before these and said they have come to pass in the very presence of His audience.

My Glory I Will not Give to Another

There are teachings that abound that deny Who Jesus Christ is. Some declare Him to be just the brother of Satan — another created being. Other teachings say He is Michael. Suffice it to say, those are wrong. It is because of these very words. God doesn’t share His glory with another.

In this Messianic prophecy, the identities of the Father are established. We’ve also witnessed from previous posts that the identity of this Chosen Servant, this Messiah is Jesus. We’ve also understood that Jesus is the fulfillment of the calling of Israel. The two ideas are so intertwined that Jesus really is the True Israel.

But here, we are given a bit of information that when coupled with Jesus’ own words… He is clearly God.

When Jesus spoke these words, He lifted His eyes toward heaven and said:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may also glorify You. As You have given Him authority over all flesh, He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.

John 17:1–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the words of Jesus, as He prays, He tells us He shared the glory with the Father.

It is the Son Who reveals the Father. We see the glory of the Father as Jesus went to the cross, and was glorified by being raised up doing the veg thing the prophet Isaiah wrote hundreds of years in advance.

There is an assent to the prohibition of graven images. God won’t share the praise given to them. It is an encouragement to us to understand Who Jesus is in the rightway. Not running afoul of the command to not praise idols.

Former things have come to pass, and as we read this it encompasses some of the things prophesied of this Servant.

But… There is only One God Who can tell you of something before it happens. He wrote it in Isaiah as a pattern for us. We see the pattern partially fulfilled. But more is yet to come.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Luke 21:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He is yet to come in great glory. For some, it will be a blessing. To the whole creation that awaits redemption, it will be a blessing. But for many, this will be a day of dread.