Tag: Prophecy

The Future for Jerusalem

On By TimIn Isaiah 29, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

Isaiah 29:1–4 (ISV): “How terrible it will be for you, Aruel, Aruel, the city where David encamped! Year after year, let your festivals run their cycle. Then I’ll besiege Aruel, and there will be sorrow and mourning; she will become to me like an altar fireplace. Then I’ll encamp against you like David, and I’ll lay siege to you with towers, raise siege works against you, and you will be brought down. You will speak from the ground, and your speech will mumble from the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the ground, and your speech will whisper from the dust.

(I used the ISV here to introduce the text because of the clarity of the ideas as expressed.)

Prophecies are fascinating. Often times we tend look at them incorrectly. That is we see a single fulfillment of them like it’s once and done. I am one that looks at them as patterns.

Isaiah was written to Judah and Jerusalem to warn of invasion. Assyrians were being prepared as the rod of God’s anger. In this portion of text, God is warning of the imminent calamity to come to Jerusalem. I think it has patterns that also reach to contemporary times and beyond.

Jerusalem was to be made like an altar fireplace. That’s where the fire is in the place they burned the sacrifices. If you think that’s kind of dark, it is. Jerusalem was going to fall to the invading Assyrians.

But… What if this particular prophecy seems to have a fulfillment much later as than the times of Isaiah.

When the Romans began to squeeze on revolting Jerusalem in 70AD, the temple was burned to the ground. It became like the place of fire in the altar. Weeks after the temple was burned, the upper city was then besieged and overrun. At that time, Jerusalem fell and Israel ceased to exist.

Furthermore, for almost 2,000 years, Israel was a distant memory of ancient days. It was ghostlike in that way. It was hard to reconcile a future destiny for Israel when it was gone and its inhabitants scattered like dust. Dust brings to mind diaspora. Like dust, Jewish folk spread everywhere. With them came their traditions. But when the temple was destroyed, Judaism changed. Eventually there was nothing passed on that honors God as the law taught. Judaism embraced the Talmud, and became a rabbinic tradition, eviscerating the ordinances of the law with no sacrifices.

Think about that. For almost 2,000 years Judaism lacked the power of God in its teachings. The word used for speech in the passage above can mean the word of God. What they taught was ghostlike without the power of God.

Yet, something else flourished after the destruction of Israel.

Isaiah 29:5a (ISV): “But the hordes of your enemies will become like fine dust, and the hordes of tyrants like flying chaff.

Even though Israel was a vestige from the past, her enemies continued to multiply and spread. Fine dust gets everywhere… Even in places where the particles of regular dust don’t go. That flying chaff comes from being lifted into the air by a winnowing fork. It darkens the sun for just a moment in time and then caught by the wind, it is spread far and wide.

Long before the Balfour declaration that created the modern state of Israel… Her enemies still existed. They were widespread. That opposition even invaded the church in the guise of what is known as replacement theology. Opposition to Israel spread like fine dust, into the most unlikely of places.

But then there’s something that is inferred in the text. A new setting is quickly introduced.

Isaiah 29:5b–6 (ISV): Then suddenly, in an instant, you will be visited by the Lord of the Heavenly Armies—with thunder, an earthquake, and great noise, with a windstorm, a tempest, and flames from a devouring fire.

Like lightning flashes, Jesus comes into Jerusalem. He doesn’t seem to be alone as the referenced title indicates. He is the Lord of the Heavenly Armies (Lord of Hosts.) The last thing we read of Jerusalem is its fall. But this speaks to when Jesus comes to their rescue. Unwritten things that can be inferred are Israel once again becomes a nation and Jerusalem is part of Israel.

I would offer speculation of something more, the temple would most likely exist. As like the first invasion and fall, repeated with the Romans, the temple was there. Once again, Jerusalem would be a place that draws the attention of enemies.

And that brings a fourth inference from the third… That because Jesus returns as Victor, He fights against her enemies. So she must be besieged yet again at some future time. A time when Jesus returns. In fact, He spoke of these things.

Let’s look at it from a different perspective.

Zechariah 12:2–5 (MEV): I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.”

Jerusalem is going to be the focal point of the world one day.

Zechariah 12:6–9 (MEV): On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem.
The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem.

There is only one side that is victorious…

Zechariah 12:10 (MEV): And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn.

This is the time that is yet future, when the enemies are vanquished. They alas asunder by the Lord of Hosts.

Matthew 24:29–30 (MEV): “Immediately after the tribulation of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory

The Son of Man and the host of heaven…

Revelation 19:11–15 (MEV): I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God. The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword, with which He may strike the nations. “He shall rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty.

Jesus comes to rescue Jerusalem. It’s not difficult to find Bible references of what happened to those enemies. They will be whisked away to certain death.

Matthew 24:28 (MEV): Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Much insight is provided in Luke 17:22-37. It’s needed to decode that phrase. This is when the enemies of Jesus are whisked away to their fate.

But back to Isaiah. He had a fanciful way of describing that.

Isaiah 29:7–8 (ISV): Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Aruel, all that attack her and her fortification and besiege her, will become like a dream, with its visions in the night—as when a hungry man dreams—he eats, but wakes up still hungry; or when a thirsty man dreams—he drinks, but wakes up faint, with his thirst unquenched. So will it be with the hordes of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion.

The real enemies of Jerusalem become like things in a dream when a person awakes. They’re gone instantly.

It’s the plan of those who would destroy Israel to establish their kingdom and rule over her. That’s the dream they all want to be, annihilate Israel and place her in subservience to their whims. Jesus steps in. All those who would attack her are gone. It’s like their existence was just a dream. What they had planned was so real to them, it satisfied completely. But in reality, it and they came to nothing.

But as it is, the prophecy is given in layers.

Isaiah 29:9–10 (MEV): Be delayed and wait, blind yourselves and be blind. They are drunk, but not with wine. They stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and He has covered your heads, the seers.

This is speaking to the period after the fall of Jerusalem. Isaiah is chiding the Israelis for blinding themselves. They rejected the Anointed One, which brought a hardening. Because of that rejection, God removed His influences on them. The prophets and seers would no longer understand the things of the Lord.

Isaiah 29:11–12 (MEV): The whole vision will be to you as the words of a book that is sealed, which when they deliver it to one who is learned, saying, “Read this, please,” he shall say, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the book shall be delivered to him who is not learned, saying, “Read this, please.” And he shall say, “I cannot read.”

This is the reality we see today. Israel has the Torah and the prophets. They read, but don’t understand. Is it any wonder that Isaiah chapter 53 is not ever read in synagogues that they might understand?

It is a self-imposed blindness. And God gives them that desire that they not see. At least until the proper time.

Remember about those inferences above?

I think those are validated in the text. It will become clearer as we move forward.

Isaiah 29:13–14 (MEV): Therefore, the Lord said: Because this people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips,
but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is tradition by the precept of men, therefore I will once again do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.

Even though the people give Him lip service their hearts are far removed from Him. Things will change. God will once again move among this people. The traditions that didn’t honor God will then be forgotten. Just as above in Zechariah 12, the Israelis will again see.

Isaiah 29:15 (MEV): Woe to those who deeply
hide their counsel from the Lord and whose works are done in the dark, and they say, “Who sees us?” and “Who knows us?”

What’s done behind closed doors will be made plain to all. The enemies of God cannot hide. There is no way to do that. He sees it all.

Isaiah 29:16 (MEV): Surely you turn things upside down!
Shall the potter be esteemed as the potter’s clay?
Shall what is made say to its maker, “He did not make me”?
Or shall the thing formed say to him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?

It is futile to mock God. There is no way to do it and win. Those that hate God and refuse to acknowledge Him without fear, will have the tables turned on them.

When that happens, the land that is the inheritance of God will flourish. As will its people.

Isaiah 29:17–21 (MEV): 17 Is it not yet a very little while before Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be counted as a forest? And on that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing,
and the scorner will be consumed, and all who are intent on doing iniquity shall be cut off—those who cause a man to be indicted by a word, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and turn aside the righteous with meaningless arguments.

This is the Day of the Lord. Most of you would think it’s all about destroying the enemies of God. It is. But that’s a part of it. The better part of that day is the rightful reign and rule of the Anointed One. It comes with the restoration of Jacob. The Earth is now resting with humanity. As the enemies of God and creation are sequestered away.

Isaiah 29:22–24 (MEV): Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now turn pale; but when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they shall sanctify My name and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and fear the God of Israel. Those also who err in spirit shall know the truth,
and those who murmured shall accept instruction.

Israel will no longer stray. They will no longer be blind and unknowing of the things of God. They will listen and receive instruction.

The Surprising Way That Resurrection Proves Futurism and the Rapture Before the Hour of Testing

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Rapture, Resurrection3 Comments

But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came by man, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end when He will deliver up the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He will reign until He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:20–26

In these verses, there are two resurrection events plainly described. Hints at others are veiled. Resurrections are specific events defined in the Bible. Most are easily identified by the word resurrection being used.

Resurrection

Resurrection, in essence, is basically coming back to life from being dead. It is a demonstration of the power of God. It is He Who gives life and has the power over death.As will be seen, it is Jesus Who is given this authority to exercise.

The Bible mentions types of resurrections. One is a resurrection to life. Believers are resurrected into new bodies just as Jesus is. There is also a resurrection of judgment that occurs before the final judgment. There are also other resurrections back into these bodies like what happened to Lazarus. The primary focus here will be on the resurrection to life.

Do not Marvel

“Do not marvel at this. For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:28–29

The thing that most don’t understand is that every human will be resurrected. They will all be resurrected by Jesus. It is clear as He says “all who are in the graves” will hear His voice and come out. Some will be resurrected to life, other to judgment. But all will hear His command. Remember these things as more is revealed.

Now is Christ Risen

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul explains the importance of resurrection to Christianity. That brings us forward to the founding passage above where a brief outline of resurrection events is given. The first resurrection event mentioned is that of Jesus. This is not to be confused with what will later be encountered, what the Bible calls the first resurrection. Paul is using the resurrection of Jesus as a foundation for Christianity, calling it first fruits. He is the first to be raised in the new body. This is symbolic as the event came on very day of the Feast of First Fruits.

The second of the two resurrections is then mentioned and coincides with His coming. It is intimately tied with His coming. Also in the text of our passage, we can deduce when this coming is and what it is for. The timing of the second resurrection according to verse 24 above is before the end. As it says about that resurrection with His coming… Then comes the end.

This tells us that this particular resurrection event is yet future because it has not yet happened. Therefore the end has not yet come. This resurrection is before the time when He puts an end to all rule, authority, and power. It is at His coming back to Earth to establish His Kingdom of rule. This places the event at the end of a yet future period of time the Bible calls Jacob’s Trouble.

Alas! for that day is great, so that no one is like it; it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

Jeremiah 30:7

It is a seven year period that is also called Daniel’s 70th Week. That week is given by God to and for Israel.

“Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the command to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until the Prince Messiah shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. It shall be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of trouble. After the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the troops of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall come with a flood. And until the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week. But in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”

Daniel 9:25–27

It may come as a shock and as will be shown, this is the resurrection promised to Israel and not the church.

This period of time at the end is all very much centered on Israel. Daniel’s 70th week is the end of the Israeli age of 490 years as wash shown to him. 69 weeks of years have already passed, and Messiah was cut off. The temple and the city were destroyed. But one week of years remains.

Jesus speaks of this time period in the Olivet Discourse. This happened because four of His disciples asked Him to expound on the end of the age and He did. This end of the age is these last seven Israel-centric years. I won’t include that here, but it can be found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

The End or the Last Day

This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 6:39–40

Most of us are familiar with these verses. There are some segments of Christianity that make a claim of exclusivity of this promise as applicable only to chosen believers. That is not true. These verses are Jesus demonstrating the power of God over death. He also says that all will be hear His voice and come out of the graves. Some will have eternal life, yes. That is only to those who see the Son. Which means to see Him as He is, God Who defeated death.

The importance of Jesus and His authority over life will be witnessed twice more in John 6.

Understand that when Jesus says last day, the Greek word for last is eschatē. It is from where we get the English word eschatology. Eschatology is the study of the end times. This witnesses of this to our text in 1 Corinthians speaks to something yet future. When Jesus is saying the last day to His intended audience, He is speaking of the end of the age. Watch how important the last day is the time of this resurrection.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day

John 6:44

Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life. And I will raise him up on the last day

John 6:54

What is Jesus saying?

First, we know that He is going to call all humans to resurrection, some to life and others to judgment. This will be on the last day. Second, consider this:

Truly, truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

John 5:25–27

The power of life and death belongs to God. Jesus claims that power as His own. Therefore, the passages in John 6 about resurrection are proclaiming that He is in fact God.

Jesus gives us timing for this raising up. It is the last day or the end. I am saying it time the end of the Israeli age. Is that true?

To help us understand, let’s consider the final two usages of the term last day by John. John records it twice more, once by Martha and another usage of it by Jesus.

Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

John 11:24

Martha affirms the idea that the resurrection of life comes for believes at the last day.

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him. The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

John 12:48

We know the timing for the term the last day used in all of these passages is found back in John 5:28-29. It points to the hour of what we now see as two resurrection events, those to life and those to damnation. The hour and the last day are often used as collective terms for the entire end times.

The Sharp Edges Blur

“But every man in his own order.” There is an order to things. “Christ the first fruits.” He comes first. “Afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

Does that mean Jesus only comes once… Or is this a pattern?

And from which reference point do we measure once and is defined by context?

There is much controversy. Some say that a Jesus only has one second coming. That is there cannot be a coming for Israel and a coming for the church. It is my contention and understanding that every person will experience on more coming of Jesus. Here is what I mean.

Jesus promised to the believer to come to them and receive them to Himself. I believe He fulfills this to everyone. The saint that passes before the end of times won’t miss Jesus coming to them and receiving them to Himself. Likewise those alive at the end, He likewise returns to gather them.

From an individual perspective, Jesus comes to all once more. From a collective human experience Jesus comes again many countless times.

The text also seems to indicate that there are layers to last day. It would be incorrect to consider it constructively a singular expression coving just one moment in time. It is both and, it requires context for clarity.

It follows that there are layers to this second resurrection. We’ve encountered two… The resurrection of the Jewish saints and the end of the Jewish age after the completion of Daniel’s 70th week. The resurrection of life Jesus is speaking to in John 6 is a promise to Jewish believers. It occurs at the end of the age. This is the end of the Israeli age of 490 years.

There is also be another resurrection to judgment for those who reject Jesus. This occurs at the last day, by necessity the end of a different age.

It gets messy to nail down dogmatically.

Now, not intending to be controversial… But the Gospels are often misapplied. Many think because they are in the New Testament, they apply to the church. But that is not the case, the church had not yet come into existence. The words and actions of Jesus then were to and for Israel. Yes, we church saints can and do benefit from them. But they are primarily Jewish in nature and audience. Grasping that helps to understand many things.

That said, the last day points to the things at the end of the age. It is many layered.

The Resurrection Events in the Last Day

We know the those at His coming resurrection occurs at the coming of Jesus. This is His physical return to Earth when He protects Israel and vanquishes her enemies. This is the competed promise to the Jewish folks in John 5 and 6. It is also the fulfillment of the promise given to Daniel and others.

“And at that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12:1–2

Clearly, we also see that the resurrection events described in the last day match what Daniel received. They are also patterned here:

Come, let us return to the Lord, for He has torn, and He will heal us. He has struck, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us. On the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain;
like the spring rains He will water the earth.

Hosea 6:1–3

These were the promise of resurrection given by the prophets. It would come in the last days.

Daniel aligns with how Jesus speaks of resurrection in the last day. He shows the two-fold nature which hints at the layered aspect of it.

The Third Day

I find the mention of two days rather intriguing. If we consider elsewhere that God says to Him a thousand years is like a day. It’s been about 2,000 years since Israel as a nation was abandoned and forgotten. Hosea instructed the Israelis to return to the Lord, and it follows that the resurrection of these Israeli saints would come on the third day. That is the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom.

Is it coincidence that resurrection comes on the third day?

As I mellow in age, I see that Scripture is often a pattern. One to match to reality. Jesus rose on the third day. These Jewish believers will be raised up by God on the third day. I can see the pattern.

Do with that what you wish. I don’t think it is insignificant. I’ve learned that no detail in the Bible is insignificant. If it appears strange, it’s important to look deeper into it.

What we know is that His second coming, it will be Jewish saints raised as the Jewish nation receives the Messiah they abandoned.

All of this comes at the end of a period of time unprecedented in disaster. This period of time has another name in the New Testament.

The Hour of Temptation

Because you have kept My word of patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the entire world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Revelation 3:10

We have already referenced John’s Revelation. When one approaches the book of Revelation, one important note to understand is given at the outset. John was instructed to write about things you have seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place. Chapters 2 and 3 are the things which are part. Chapter 4 begins the things which will take place.

With that understanding, the hour of temptation points to that which will take place. The promise Jesus gives to the church of Philadelphia is to keep them from the hour, not to keep them through it. That’s an important distinction to understand.

Daniel’s 70th week is not for the church.

This is shown clearly in Daniel 12 and Hosea 6 as previously cited. One can also clearly see it in Jeremiah 30. I hope you read these and more on your own. Daniel’s 70th week is not a time where God randomly judges folks arbitrarily or throws wrath at them. This period of time has a very specific purpose. It is a test that the church of Philadelphia has already passed simply deducing they are kept from it.

What is the test?

I know your works. Look! I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. For you have a little strength, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Revelation 3:8

This is a good report of those who have not denied His name. It indicates the nature of the testing. Would you deny Jesus?

There are only two viable answers, people either will be for Jesus or they will deny Him. That is not a test for the church nor any believer alive today.

The Martyrs

The test has two major outcomes. Those that do not believe will be destroyed by God. There is no escaping that. Those that believe will most likely be martyred. There will be some that remain alive when Jesus comes and will enter the Millennial Kingdom.

The martyrs are resurrected.

I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and the authority to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4

This part of John’s revelation points to the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom. The text tells us that there is a resurrection commensurate with that. It is fitting that this would also be a fulfillment of the resurrection promised by the prophets to the Israelis. Why?

The martyrs died in the time of Jacob’s Trouble which is Daniel’s 70th Week. Those names relate solely to Israel. They would be primarily Jewish believers. These folks will also reign with Jesus along with the previous resurrected saints.

The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who takes part in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Revelation 20:5–6

First resurrection is a resurrection to life. It is the first one mentioned in the Revelation of John. It is not the first resurrection meaning none others come before.

Again, I am not trying to be controversial. This is where the text leads. Jacob… Another name for Israel will be saved out of Jacob’s Trouble. It is not the church.

I think there is another pattern established on this. Here is why. We know that there will be elect folks who survived Jacob’s Trouble who are ushered into the Millennium. These will be joined by resurrected saints who will reign with Jesus. Keep this in mind.

The Resurrection at the End of the Millenium

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. From His face the earth and the heavens fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God. Books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one by his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11–15

I think the language in this passage tells us that there is something different about this resurrection. It’s not really called that outright. But what is clear is that those that did not participate in the prior resurrections will be brought to life. This bringing to life ends in condemnation. That is, to those who rejected Jesus and will experience the second death.

This is the last day. The next thing that comes after all of this is the new heaven and new earth. It also is the conclusion of resurrections discussed in 1 Corinthians 15 there are no more.

The Rapture

The first task in using this word is to do some disgronification. That means I want to clear up the backward notion many have over the word. They say it is not in the Bible as if that somehow negates the entire idea.

I use the word rapture deliberately. It immediately reveals those who scoff, mock, and scorn. It is said that doctrine divides. And this one certainly does. Much noise and misinformation exists surrounding the word.

The word rapture is a proper description of the event described in the Bible. The word in English means a violent taking and carrying away. Violent in this manner conveys the sense of surprise and quickness.

The English word rapture comes from a Latin word rapio. Which means to seize or snatch from one place to another. It comes into English via the Latin Vulgate translation of the Greek word harpazo. Harpazo is what is usually translated into English as snatched or carried away in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

To those who mock, scoff, and/or scorn at the word… You are responsible for your own triggers. We see you.

A Mystery

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible will put on incorruption, and this mortal will put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:51–53

In all the talk of resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul discusses our need for a new body. I have touched on that idea recently in this post. Paul goes into great detail as to why a change to a new body is needed. The conclusion is that these corruptible bodies must put on the incorruptible.

Paul then unveils a mystery. The Biblical meaning of mystery is not like the English definition. When the New Testament calls something a mystery, it is saying what is revealed was once hidden… But not anymore. What Paul is describing is no longer mysterious.

Since the birth of the church, it is a unified body. The church is a chaste virgin bride of Jesus Christ. She is not Israel, the promiscuous divorced wife of God. In the church, there is no distinction between Israelis and Gentiles. All are equal and equally welcome. The church is one body.

Unlike Jesus addressing Jewish folk, Paul is addressing the church, and by extension church age believers. He is telling these believers that not all of them are going to die. When Jesus comes, there will be an immediate change in the body. It will happen so fast as to be imperceptible Corruptible bodies will be made incorruptible. Before our instant change, the dead will be resurrected in like incorruptibility.

This rapture is not a resurrection event like the rest we have seen. But like other resurrection events, it comes at the end of something. This would be the end of the church age. It also fits the pattern of believes at the end of Jacob’s trouble being ushered into the millennium with resurrected saints.

The rapture of the church includes a resurrection but is foundationally a relocation event. If this is so… How do we know?

Before we move on, I think it is worth noting that the word mystery connects many things together in and for the church-age believers. Church itself was a mystery now revealed. The things for the church are necessarily going to be patterned in Israel.

The Trumpet of Assembly

Change happens in the twinkling of an eye… Instantaneously… At the last trumpet that sounds. People are whisked away to a new location.

That last trumpet presents a stone of stumbling to some. (I was there in that. I know.) The mention of this trumpet is not to be confused with the last trumpet blown on Yom Tehurah (the Feast of Trumpets. It is not connected at all to any Jewish feasts, though it may fit a pattern.) It is certainly is not connected with the any of the trumpet judgments in Revelation.

I speak of patterns. There is one in Exodus that fits clearly. When we consider a biblical explanation for a thing, it’s sometimes important to look at first mention of a word. This idea was reinforced when I began to look at the meeting of Israel with God outlined in the exodus. It was quite a surprise to discover that the word trumpet is first mentioned there in the Old Testament.

In Exodus 19 it is clearly demonstrated that the trumpet is a call to assembly. Paul would have known this. It is the reference for his writing. Like that call to assembly was for the people of Israel, this trumpet call of Hod is to assembly for the people of the church. In fact by definition, it’s the last call to assembly for the church.

Let’s look at the first usage of the word trumpet in the Bible in Exodus 19.

The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothes, and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. You shall set boundaries for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves so that you not go up onto the mountain or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death. No hand will touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through, whether it be beast or man. He shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”

Exodus 19:10–13

Not that it pertains to the subject at hand, it is interesting that the Israelis were given two days to be sanctified. On the third day they were called to assemble. Think of what it says in one of Peter’s epistles, 1,000 years is like a day to the Lord. Is it a pattern given to us that like Israel was given two days to be sanctified with washing and then called to assemble on the third day?

Does it have application to a mystery body hidden at the time which would have two days (2,000 years) to be sanctified, then being called to assembly by God on the third day?

Not that it fits exactly… Without atomic clocks, how does one definitively know the exact moment a day starts?

Using Bible references… Is it at the exact moment the sun disappears on the horizon, is it the start of twilight, or when twilight fades to black?

It is another reference to the third day connected with resurrection. I don’t believe in coincidences. Nor do I believe prophecy is for the church. But there is definitely a pattern demonstrated here. And it caught me quite off guard when studying for this. (That is not a bad thing.)

The Assembly

So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day. Do not go near your wives.” So on the third day, in the morning, there was thunder and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet. All the people who were in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke because the Lord had descended upon it in fire, and the smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice.

Exodus 19:14–19

As already attested to, so much here makes my mind explode. There are patterns that seem to apply to our age apart from Israel. God came down in a cloud (of smoke.) The sanctification involved washing. The people were brought out of the camp at the sound of the trumpet to meet with God.

That long trumpet blast is God’s call to assembly. Moses was given instruction by God to give to the people. And when they heard the blast they were to assemble. The trumpet call here resulted in a relocation event from the campy to the mountain.

Is this prophecy being patterned?

The trumpet call of God is to assemble the people. As this is patterned once by Israel, it seems to hint at something more. If it is that, it is not a pattern that points to the second coming of Jesus Christ. How can we tell?

This is for the mixed-multitude people of God. it is not God coming down to judge them. It is a good thing, not a time to mourn.

Our Hope

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

1 Thessalonians 2:19

To this end may He establish your hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

The crowning jewel for the believer is to be with Him at His coming. For church age believers, this can only happen by prior intervention. We don’t meet Him at His coming. We are already in his presence when it happens. That is because we come with Him.

On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south. And you will flee to my mountain valley, for the mountain valley will reach to Azal. You will flee just like you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come and all His holy ones with you.

Zechariah 14:4–5

Jesus comes with His holy ones. This is not just angels, nor is it just humans. It is all inclusive to the hosts of heaven. And I am going to tell you, if you are believer now… You are part of the host of heaven. Jesus comes with all of the inhabitants of heaven… All His holy ones.

(For background on that read this: The Divine Council in the Tanakh. Then this: Sons of God in the New Testament.)

It’s Relocation

The call of assembly is not a resurrection. It is a relocation event that by necessity includes a resurrection. Just as the definition of the word rapture entails, it is a quick relocation. People are instantly moved from Earth to heaven to be where Jesus is.

The corruptible bodies will have to be changed in an instant for those alive. And those who have passed before are likewise raised incorruptible.

The word harpazo is not the same as resurrection. It is better understood as a sudden relocation. In Acts 8:39, Phillip was suddenly relocated by the Spirit of the Lord. In the same way, when the word rapture is used, think suddenly relocation.

This is the facilitative relocating of believers to heaven so that they may return with Him at His coming. and remove a restraining pressure on evil.

Putting it All Together

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

Paul is going to give a framework of how things are going to happen. Pay close attention. Read it all together. Note the apparent concern of dead saints not having the same experience. Paul is assuring the Thessalonians that God will also bring those with Him.

I think when reading the epistles to the Thessalonians, it wasn’t necessarily the rapture they were focused on. It is the Second Coming of Jesus. It is their hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing. That is the goal, the victory… To be counted a part of all His holy ones that come with Him when He vanquishes His enemies.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

Think back to what Paul wrote of the mystery of the sudden change to all believers who will be relocated. That is what he is referencing here. Specifically that those who have passed on already will be included.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

Jesus comes with a shout. Remember His promise that those in the graves would hear His voice and come out?

He will have the voice of the archangel signifying ultimate authority. And there will be the trumpet call of God.

This is the call to the people to assemble before God. Those in the graves are called first, and the people assemble before the presence of God in the clouds. It was patterned at Sinai when God descended in the cloud of smoke with a trumpet blast and all Israel came to Him. In like fashion, this church body will be called to assembly in whole and in order.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:17–18

The body of Christ is relocated to His presence forever.

Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you. For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–3

Since the body of Christ has been relocated, there is no need for a chronology of events that lead to a specific time, the day of the Lord. The rapture does not start Daniel’s 70th week, though it is necessary for the body of saints to be relocated. This is a framework for what is going to happen.

The coming as a thief in the night is not about the rapture. It is a reference to those during Jacob’s Trouble who deny Jesus. At His return will come as a total surprise. They will not know until it happens.

When they say… Destruction will come upon them… They shall not escape. There are the three witnesses that this is not for the body of Christ. The body will not be there.

But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the sons of light and the sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:4–5

We are not darkened in mind like unbelievers. We will not be overtaken by this day.

Concluding Thoughts

As long as this is, it is not definitive. My goal is to help provide a framework for thinking. First, that there are yet future events in store for the nation of Israel and the world as a whole.

There are also future events for the church saints.

Paul also provides definitive proof that the church and Israel are not the same. They do not have overlapping programs. God was never finished with Israel, but set them aside for a time. He will again come to them when they call to His Anointed One. They cannot do that if the Holy Spirit working in the church is in the way.

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 2:6–10

I also hope that your mind has been expanded to look at the patterns given in Scriptures. There are many patterns encountered that demonstrate how some seeming unrelated Scriptures interweave these patterns and enlighten understanding.

Resurrection ends one thing. After the end of on thing another begins. Resurrection is connected to the third day.

Jesus is risen and He is coming again!

Paneas and the Netherworld

On By TimIn Matthew 16, Nephilim, ResurrectionLeave a comment

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

Matthew 16:13

With the previous two posts (Read this first, then this,) there is enough background to look at the question. Jesus asks, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

There are great watersheds in history. The Bible is replete with them. The fall of man, Noah’s flood, the Exodus… These events are recorded for our learning. As great as they are, none compares to the birth of Jesus. And as His disciples ministered with Him intimately they were privy to an idea that may not have ever been given a voice. Here is Jesus asking a question to lead His friends to a particular personal watershed conclusion.

They said, “Some say that You are John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 16:14

The answer sounds pretty much academic. This is the answer many will give. It is just a matter of the facts. People are talking about Jesus.

Without thinking through it too much, the undercurrent in the response shows that the people expected some kind of resurrection. How else could Jesus be one of those as reincarnation is not real?

There must be a resurrection.

I don’t think that the identities of the folks mentioned were the answer He desired them to see. Jesus asks them a question that moves form academic third person to intimate first person.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Matthew 16:15

Of any other watershed moment that we could think of, none compares to this question each of us must answer. Here’s why. Your eternity hinges on your response to it. It isn’t a coincidence that it was asked right at the Gates of Hell.

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

As it is recorded, Peter doesn’t hesitate. He declares the truth. This is the matter, that it is the one most important question we encounter in this life… Who is Jesus Christ?

To some, He’s a good teacher. To others, He’s a mensch. There are still others that will deny He is even real.

To those who know Him, He is the King (Christ, Mashiach.) He is the Son of the living God. This isn’t the first such declaration of the disciples (see Matthew 14:33.)

This confession, though is slightly different. It’s a poignant phrase “Son of the living God.” It is a stark contrast to the unique location of veneration of pagan gods. Ones people worship here in spirit. But they are are not alive and have a body as Jesus is.

What I am saying is that Pan was a Titan. Pan was a real god-king… He is a nephilim.

But nephilim, having physical bodies die, their spirits do not. Nor are their spirits eligible for resurrection. These disembodied spirits are what the Bible calls demons. Demons are not fallen angels, and Nephilim are not fallen angels.

Jesus spoke of the entities.

When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through dry places seeking rest, but finds none.

Matthew 12:43

So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”

Matthew 8:31

These demons look for bodies to inhabit. The account of the demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34) shows this plainly. When Jesus cast legion from the man, they asked permission to be put into a herd of swine. There are hints to other ideas here, demons exercise rights of having dominion. The other idea is the utter destruction they wreak.

All of what we have discussed is important to this location. It is the entrance to the netherworld of dead spirits. They’re dead because they no longer have bodies. Spirits do not die as the body does.

Now to drive up to another point… As we have discussed augmented humanity and the bondage that captivates many today. Reading Revelation 13, we see that there is a point where their is going to be a total rejection of Jesus. The control this coming prince will have will be an augmentation to humanity.

He causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one may buy or sell, except he who has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Revelation 13:16–17

Clearly, people at that time are willingly taking on the identity of the beast. The scenes recorded in revelation are horrific and very spiritual. We are introduced to real spirits that hate humans.

The boom of Revelation is chiastic in nature, that means it isn’t necessarily linear. It’s linear accounts interwoven. When that is understood, we can examine a sentence that is often overlooked.

In those days men will seek death but will not find it. They will desire to die, but death will elude them.

Revelation 9:6

Death will elude them. Remember the promised augmentation from the serpent in the garden. The serpent promised she wouldn’t die, but would be augmented to be like God.

The educated conjecture is that the mark comes with a sort of biological enhancement that can hinder death. It is not a far stretch to think that this mark alters DNA to something human +. This would make the person that takes it to not have a Kinsman for redemption. After all, this is a seed war… A war of genetics.

Soon, we will discover how important this is. in the next installment, we will look at the response of Jesus.

Jesus is the only One Who has life to give.

Isaiah 9: The People

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light has shined.

Isaiah 9:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As we have seen in the previous post, it is the people who walk in darkness that see the great light. This is prophetically speaking, and in a literal sense speaks to the people of the nation of Israel. Yet we see that Galilee is to be the focus of the nations, this prophecy is a pattern. The people that walk in darkness apply to everyone. All of our minds are darkened by the corrupting influence of sin. That is why Paul wrote it this way:

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness.

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

Sin hides the truth. It veils truth. It brings darkness. and because of sin, humanity is in a precarious position that is indicted by impending death. All men dwell in the shadow of death. Hebrews tells us that all men have an inescapable appointment with death.

As it is appointed for men to die once, but after this comes the judgment,

Hebrews 9:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

After that death comes judgment. That’s the doom and darkness. Yet… That verse ends with a comma indicating the thought is not yet complete.

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who eagerly wait for Him.

Hebrews 9:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the great Light. It’s Jesus! Isaiah is speaking to Him and His work to save all of humanity, first from the certain swift death justice for sin demands. He brings a stay of execution so that anyone may escape judgment.

It’s not just good news for Israelis, but for all men.

The night of the birth of Jesus… The sky erupted with stars. Yes, countless living stars proclaiming the goodness and goodwill. (Biblically, angels, and stars are treated as the same.) Doubtless, you know what happened.

And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

Luke 2:8–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is good news! A Child is born unto men. But not just any child, One that would bring blessing to all. He would bring peace showing God’s goodwill toward humanity.

That’s the reality of what some celebrate today. The anticipation loaded in Isaiah’s words. The great Light had come and shined on the people, all of them. Even in Isaiah’s time.

Isaiah 9: Galilee

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

Isaiah 9:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The prophet Isaiah is speaking of a time yet future for his contemporary Israelis. Instead of sending the lands mentioned into captivity, God will restore glory to them. Specifically, Galilee will become the future focal point of the nations of the world. Yet in the time of Isaiah, Galilee was a rather insignificant backwater.

This verse is also the only mention of Galilee in the prophets. In the order of the books in the Old Testament, it is the last reference to the region by the name Galilee.

It was in Galilee where the first sign of Jesus was done. It is considered the moment His Ministry began. That seemingly unnoticed yet long silence demonstrates the insignificance of the region that now commands attention.

Jesus left Galilee and went up to John the Baptist to be baptized. This is where God testified audibly to Who Jesus is. The Spirit testified visually.

As His Ministry grew, those in authority couldn’t help but to take notice. John records this in an interesting way. Those in the authority wanted Jesus arrested.

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?”
The officers answered, “No man has ever spoken like this Man.”
Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? Not at all. This crowd who does not know the law is accursed.”
Nicodemus, being one of them who came to Jesus by night, said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”
They answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.”

John 7:45–52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

At first, it was the religious authorities who didn’t know. One would think that the Pharisees would know their Scriptures, and notice that the attention of the nation is being drawn to Galilee. As Israel is under the rule, that concern would spread to the government of the nations of the world at that time.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the Man was a Galilean.

Luke 23:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As with all prophecy, it’s a pattern given to be watchful for a match. That match can appear multiple times and in multiple ways. In this example, Jesus begins His Ministry in Galilee and consequently begins to draw the attention of the world to that region.

When Jesus spoke of His impending death to His disciples, take note of the place where they would go to Him.

But after I have risen, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Matthew will continue to witness that Jesus is of Galilee.

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

Matthew 26:69 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What I am saying is testified to plainly in the Bible. When Peter preached at Cornelius’ house, it’s clear where Jesus started. (The testimony is so good, I will give most of it.)

Then Peter began to speak, saying, “Truthfully, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which He sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. “We are witnesses of all that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. But God raised Him on the third day and presented Him publicly, not to all the people, but to witnesses previously chosen by God, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets bear witness that whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins through His name.”

Acts 10:34–43 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see the pattern worked, and it expands. Jesus’ Ministry in a temporal body began in Galilee as Peter testifies. Just as Matthew tells us His Ministry in His Resurrected body began in Galilee.

Note some important details Peter introduced. God is no respecter of persons. That there are believers accepted by God from other nations. The disciples are called to deliver the message, that whoever believes in Him will receive not just forgiveness of sin, but remission of the same.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. All the believers of the circumcision who had come with Peter were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and magnifying God.
Then Peter continued, “Can anyone forbid water for baptizing these, who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?” So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:44–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They watched as the same Holy Spirit that baptized the Israeli disciples gathered on Pentecost (the inauguration of the church) fall on Gentiles. Gentiles could be Spirit-baptized believers, too.

This is yet another pattern we match back to Isaiah 9:1. And like the last mention of Galilee in the Tanakh, Acts 13 is the last reference to it by name in the New Testament.

Now we know that Galilee will be the gateway of the nations who come in peace to worship God. This pattern started with Jesus and will finish with Jesus. It points to yet a future time (for us) when glory is restored to Israel under the rightful King who will have dominion.

Keep all of this in mind as we move forward.

The Debt, and the Perfect Satisfaction

On By TimIn Genesis 03, SinLeave a comment

Way back at the beginning, we have the short account of Adam and Eve. God made both of them and placed them in His garden to tend it. They were welcome to eat of every tree in the garden save one, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

As the account goes, the woman is beguiled and deceived and eats. She gives to Adam and he eats. It’s that action that is the source of suffering in this world.

We pick up the account here…

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Genesis 3:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Something immediately changed. Though it’s not explicit in the text, they lost a covering they had before. That will be for you to explore.

Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

Genesis 3:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love when God asks a question. He’s not looking for information. The question is intended to get to the root of the problem.

He said, “ I heard Your voice in the garden and was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.”
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

Genesis 3:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam answers with a confession. God follows up with two other questions.

The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam again confesses what he did. There are those that read it only as a sort of blaming… I used to think the same way. Now I view it as a confession of the truth. One that comes encumbered with the knowledge of suffering and how to alleviate it. Adam transferred the attention from him to Eve.

God then asks Eve a question. She answers.

Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s that answer that needs examination.

The word deceived is the Hebrew word nasha which means to cheat, to deceive. To dig beyond the text, we need a Hebrew lexicon. In examining the word, there is another identical word with a different meaning. That word nasha means to lend on interest or to credit someone.

If we look at it that way, Eve became a debtor at interest. The Bible has another word for that kind of transaction… Usury. The English word comes from a Latin root that means to use. It makes sense.

Eve was in a debt only satisfied by death. As long as she lived, she was a debtor to her sin. And she was used to getting to Adam and placing him in the same predicament.. Both became indebted to sin.

Think about debt and how it enslaves. Our whole modern existence is based on debt. But that is an advanced topic for another post.

The Perfect Satisfaction

Of course, we reap what we sow, and it was no different for Adam and Eve. They were expelled from the garden. But God left a hint in the curse to the deceiver.

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”

Genesis 3:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The pronouns are important, and for our purposes, I only point out that the woman’s Seed is a singular He… Not her, not they.

That He is Jesus.

His whole life was purposed for one thing. To satisfy the creditor. That happened at the cross. It is John who tells us clearly what happened at the moment Jesus died.

After this, Jesus, knowing that everything was now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst.” A bowl full of sour wine was placed there. So they put a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:28–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is a Greek word that appears here two times. It is tetelestai. In the above text, the first usage is translated as accomplished. The second by Jesus… Translated to “It is finished.”

Yes, tetelestai means those things. But there is an expanded idea. In the times the New Testament was written, the word tetelestai was written on business receipts to show they were paid in full.

When Jesus cried “tetelestai!” It signaled that the debt had been completed and satisfied.

Because Eve was the way to Adam. Adam ate, enslaving himself to sin that only death could satisfy. The enemy’s hope was that God would exact justice and humans would be gone. Yet, there was a reprieve of justice… A reprieve from the last Adam, Jesus.

Jesus is the Perfect Satisfaction of the debt of death incurred by every single sin that humans do.

When the enemy tries to shame you and hold the claim you to sin… Tell him “Paid in full by Jesus.”

Sarah Laughs to Herself

On By TimIn Genesis 18, GraceLeave a comment

They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”
And he said, “There, in the tent.”
One of them said, “I will certainly return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”
And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

Genesis 18:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I assume some of you may be familiar with this account of God visiting Abraham. Three men (the they) come to Abraham where he had pitched his tent near the Oaks of Mamre. He makes them a meal and they eat. It is at this point that we get an indicator as to the identity of One of those.

The group asked after Sarah. But One of those made a promise to come a year later with the intent to fulfill the promise of God. God Himself made a promise to Abraham and Sarah they would have a child. And by the personal pronouns, we now know that One of these me is God.

As was the custom of the time, women remained unseen and Sarah was in the tent. She overheard the conversation.

Now Abraham and Sarah were old and very advanced in age, and Sarah was well past childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am so old and my lord is old also, shall I have pleasure?”

Genesis 18:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sarah has a moment of surprise, she laughs at what God said to Abraham. This is similar to Abraham’s reaction upon hearing the same promise from God that he and Sarah would have a son.

As Abraham was challenged to stretch his faith, the promise came as God changed Sarah’s name. God was showing Abraham her importance in that promise.

Now Sarah had the same surprise. She too now heard the promise from God Himself. Sequestered away from the men, she heard for herself that she is an important part of God’s plan. Yet there is an intriguing difference in the responses each gave. Can you discern what it is?

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man that is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”

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

Abraham laughed out loud but spoke his surprise silently. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am so old and my lord is old also, shall I have pleasure?”

The different reactions teach us about God.

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I surely bear a child when I am old?’ Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Genesis 18:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God heard her secret laughter. Could there have been a bit of disbelief?

Perhaps, but God asks Abraham why she laughed. God then says is anything too difficult for Him?

It was her turn to exercise her faith. Now, the account turns a bit.

Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” because she was afraid.
But He said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Genesis 18:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sarah denied the truth and spoke a lie right back to God. Who could do such a thing and live?

Sarah did. God corrected her.

It is an awkward turn, Sarah sins before God and lives to tell about it. God does correct her. But what is not recorded here is any confession of Sarah for the wrongdoing.

This is an important concept. Eve confessed her sin to God. Adam confessed his. Even Hagar confessed hers as she was met by God.

I think the grace of God is pictured here. The very grace that Jesus extends to all. I mean all humans by His death on the cross. It’s the fact that the penalty for sin has just satisfaction.

It’s like God silently says to Sarah, I know what you did. You are free to go.

It is in that exchange that points straight to Jesus. This is the same loving God we k ow from the New Testament. He has not ever changed. Jesus is not God 2.0.

The Harvest of the Earth is not a Rapture

On By TimIn Return of Jesus, Revelation 01Leave a comment

Revelation 1:7 (MEV): Look! He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is John’s introduction to an event that is sometimes confused with the rapture. This idea of coming in the clouds is always about judgment. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul clearly states that the saints (Spirit-baptized believers) that are alive meet the previously dead saints (Spirit-baptized believers) in the clouds together. Paul does not tell us Jesus comes in the clouds. That is because the rapture is not judgment. This is the precision of the message.

Then What is It?

Revelation 14:14–20 (MEV): I looked. And there was a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like a Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. Then another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap. The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust His sickle on the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. Yet another angel who had authority over fire came out from the altar. He cried with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one hundred and eighty-six miles.

All the nations will be brought to battle Jerusalem. God will gather them just as a vintner gathers grapes.

I under that that is graphic language. This event is not going to be very enjoyable. The earth is being harvested for judgment. This is the gathering of the nations in the final battle at what is known as Armageddon. (More on that in a later post.)

But first, some background.

Space Invaders

There is a modern fascination with mastering the heavens. We fly planes and have sent rockets zooming through space. There has been a push to militarize the heavens. The US even has established a Space Force branch of the military.

Weaponizing the air began soon after the Wright brothers invented flight. Hubs were affixed to plains.

That progressed to delivering bombs with rockets. Wernher von Braun mastered rocketry during WWII. He was swiftly brought to the US and he revolutionized the air and beyond.

In the 80s Ronald Reagan, then President of the United States proffered an idea that helped broker a peace agreement with the USSR. It came after both sides would stubbornly not move on their position. He had a private meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, then Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Reagan asked if the USSR would aid the US if an invader from space were to attack. Both men agreed they would help each other. This became the impetus for finding agreement for a stand down if the Cold War.

In a speech before a gathering of the United Nations, Reagan spoke of the meeting and what was discussed. It shocked the world that leaders would discuss a fringe topic like space aliens. I fondly remember the lampooning Reagan took.

But the issue is serious. In that, a different kind of threat was hinted at. A vastly greater one that could unite humanity for a common goal.

There would be weaponry needed to neutralize that threat. Some were already being considered and even built. The idea has certainly been embraced in the last 40 years. And now we have the Space Force.

The Science

Science now embraces it, as the idea of panspermia is theorized to deal with the seeming impossibility of abiogenesis. That is, the science of the first cell becoming alive. Panspermia is the theory that life was seeded by some alien race on Earth. To me, that sounds like God did it, but hey. That just cannot be.

The idea offered is that earth is just one giant science excitement of hybridization and selection.

Do I believe there are space aliens?

Maybe… But I don’t think so. I think it will be part of the fake story that will be used as an explanation for the mass disappearance of people will be needed when the body of Christ is raptured. There will be what is called space aliens or space brothers that come down when we go up. They will tell those remaining that they were responsible for removing those that cannot move to the next vibration or evolve. They will also say they seeded life here and can help fix the problems.

Many of those in the New Age movement also teaches this.

Why Say This?

I know that sounds kooky. Humans are building weapons to fight an invader. The enemy is also building an army of humans because he is vastly outnumbered. The world will come together to fight what they will call space invaders. It will be an attack from above.

A Day of the Lord

Zechariah 12:1–10 (MEV): The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.” On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem.

The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn.

On that day… Count how many times it’s there in that passage. It’s a future day for Jerusalem. A day of loving kindness from the One whom they have pierced. It will cause them to mourn.

John cites that in the introductory passage above. He is coming and will be seen even by those who pierced Him. That’s Jesus.

To Jewish Readers

Consider that passage in Zechariah. The word Lord used there is the unspeakable name of God, Jehovah. He is the One speaking and plainly says they (Israelis) look to Him Who they pierced through. Ask yourself one question, when did Jehovah get pierced?

The Lord Fights

That day will be cleansing for the people of God, the Israelis. They will be reconciled to their God. They will also divide spoil from the battle He fought.

Zechariah 14:1–4 (MEV): A day of the Lord is coming when your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women ravished. Half of the city will go to exile, but the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight those nations as He fights in the day of war. On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south.

It will be a two-fold battle, the nations will be gathered and seek to take the city. To all those dwelling there, the cause would be dire. Then sudden destruction comes upon the attackers.

In That Day

Even in the much-talked-about invasion by God of Magog (Ezekiel 38-39,) there seems to be a multi-pronged conflict. Look at the phrases God uses… I will turn you back, drive you on, take you up, and bring you against.

Ezekiel 39:1–4 (MEV): Moreover you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: Thus says the Lord God: I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshek, and Tubal. And I will turn you back, drive you on, and take you up the north parts and bring you against the mountains of Israel. And I will strike your bow out of your left hand and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand. You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Also pay attention to the familiar phrases encountered; on that day, in that day, and in the latter years. The reference is to the day of the Lord and is not necessarily always meant to encompass just a singular day.

This is also the call to the great feast I’ve written of before.

Ezekiel 39:17 (MEV): As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to every kind of fowl and to every beast of the field: Assemble and come. Gather on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.

Jesus said, wherever the carcass is, the eagles will be gathered together (Matthew 24:28.) He is referencing this particular day.

It’s the Lord Who fights for Israel.

The Gathering Place

Isaiah 29:1–2 (MEV): Woe to Ariel, to Ariel,
the city where David lived! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule. Yet I will distress Ariel, and she shall be a city of lamenting and sorrow, and she shall be as an Ariel to me.

Fascinating is the name Isaiah applies to Jerusalem. It’s Ariel. While many consider the meaning as Lion of God, it also connotes a gathering of God (like from exile) or the place of assembly.

This is indeed weighty material to consider. God is telling us in advance what will happen. But consider the words of the Psalmist….

Psalm 48:1–8 (MEV): Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.

Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her citadels as a refuge.

For the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they were astounded; they were alarmed, they hurried away. Trembling seized them there, and pain like a woman in labor; You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah

At the beginning of the song, there is no hint of its prophetic nature. The nations are gathered to Jerusalem. What did they see that caused sudden alarm?

Jerusalem will be rescued by the One the world considers space invaders. It will be led by Jesus and His army of saints. They will come down with the host of heaven. He will come and vanquish His enemies.

The entire portion of the Psalm is really a prophetic song to be sung in yet future. The refrain ends with the admission that God told them the things that would happen before they did and they did happen.

Jesus will rescue Jerusalem.

Pray Toward the Temple, Part Two

On By TimIn 2 Chronicles 6, Prayer, ProphecyLeave a comment

“When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, in the way that You send them, and when they pray to You toward this city that You have chosen and the house that I have built for Your name, then hear from heaven their prayer and plea and act for their cause.

2 Chronicles 6:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When Israel is called to fight their enemies, God will lead. The people are to pray to God seeking Him to act for their cause. This, even in light of God calling them to battle.

“When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin) and You are angry against them and give them to their enemies, and they are taken captive to a land, whether distant or near, and they turn their hearts in the land that they have been taken captive, and they repent and seek Your favor in the land of captivity saying, ‘We have sinned, done wrong, and acted wickedly,’ and if they turn in repentance to You with all their heart and all their soul in the land of their captivity that they were taken to, and pray toward the land that You have given to their fathers, and toward the city that You have chosen, and toward the house that I have built for Your name, then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause, and forgive the people who have sinned against You.

2 Chronicles 6:36–39 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Note the same truth taught here, that Paul taught in Romans. There isn’t one person who doesn’t sin. That means there is not one person who doesn’t need to seek God for forgiveness. I would also extend that to mean there is not one person that doesn’t have to forgive, too.

We must remember to keep our hearts pointed toward God.

There is something else. As we encountered prophetic statements earlier, we come to another that is more than likely prophetic.

For thousands of years, the nation of Israel has been scattered. We hear talk about the “ten lost tribes.” These were the northern portion of the kingdom of Israel after the split into Israel and Judah. Israel was eventually taken away captive and scattered. Judah remained.

Solomon is making statements that look forward to Jesus yet again, the King of Kings coming to take His throne. He will rule over all tribes of Israel from Jerusalem.

Jewish people have never stopped praying for Hod to remember them. I have had the opportunity to accidentally overhear the wailing prayers in a local synagogue. It was a bit disconcerting, and I can remember scoffing in my mind at the time. As I remember Jesus compared the private prayers of the publican with the outlandish public ones of the Pharisee. That memory of hearing them come from the dark inside of that synagogue has always stayed with me, and it comes to light now.

Jewish people have been praying for thousands of years in the diaspora. Even when they keep Pesach (Passover,) they end the meal by singing L’Shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim. It means next year in Jerusalem. It is prophetic worship sung by millions of people every year.

Being alive in these times is wondrous. This generation has been the one to observe the regathering of the people to the land of Israel. We have watched a nation born in a day. And Solomon is looking forward to our time and already asking God to forgive them.

The Prophecy of the Anointed King

Blessed be he that comes in the name of the Lord:
we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

Psalm 118:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Prophecy is a pattern given. We see the pattern practiced in life. And eventually, the real pattern is played out.

It is the same here. This is the prayer that welcomed Jesus on that first Palm Sunday. It will also be the prayer that welcomes Him back to Earth to take the throne of David as promised.

“You will not lack a man sitting on the throne of Israel before Me(.)” This was cited in part one. And is one of the continuing themes in this prayer.

“Now, O my God, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer that I offer in this place.
“Now rise up, O Lord God, to Your resting place, both You and the ark of Your strength. And let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed in salvation and Your loyal ones rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, do not turn Your face from Your anointed.
Remember the mercies of Your servant David.”

2 Chronicles 6:40–42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Solomon closes his dedication prayer by citing Psalm 142:8–10. W we are again catapulted forward toward future events.

God will remember the mercies of David, His servant. As is written in the Psalm, this points to the future Anointed King, Jesus.

Note: An encouragement to do further study. 1 Kings 8:22–53 also records this dedication. There are some differences. As an exercise for yourself, compare the two and see what God might show you.

Pray Toward the Temple, Part One

On By TimIn 2 Chronicles 6, Prayer, Prophecy2 Comments

And he said:
“O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in the heavens or on the earth, who keeps covenants and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their heart. You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father. You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.

2 Chronicles 6:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the dedication prayer offered by Solomon at the completion of the temple He built for God. He reminds God (as if, but I think it is a form of worship) of keeping His Word to those who have followed Him with all of their heart. He cites that God kept His promises to David. Given the immediate context, it follows that David must have walked before God with all of his heart. We know in other places, God calls David a man after His Own heart.

But we know David. We know his foibles. There is encouragement in this for us.

“And now, O Lord God of Israel, keep what You promised Your servant David my father saying, ‘You will not lack a man sitting on the throne of Israel before Me, if only your sons take heed to their way to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ And now, O Lord God of Israel, may Your word be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant David.

2 Chronicles 6:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has promised to David a man of his line sitting on the throne of Israel continuously. Like prophetic statements, this one is a pattern, one that is identified near-term and completed later. It holds true here.

There is a bit of prophetic utterance here. Jesus is a son of David and has walked in the law. He will be the future King.

And now comes the point of his prayer. He explains how to walk before God with all his heart.

“For will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, are not able to contain You, much less this house that I have built. But respond to the prayer of Your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, to listen to the cry and prayer of Your servant who prays before You, that Your eyes might be open toward this house both day and night, to the place that You have said that You will set Your name, in order to hear the prayer of Your servant for this place. And listen to the pleas of Your servant and Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. And may You respond from heaven, the place of Your dwelling, so that You hear and forgive.

2 Chronicles 6:18–21— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In answer to his rhetorical question, Solomon explains that the temple cannot hold God. But it can serve as a reminder to a vast audience as they pray. Though he cited Israelites, I think the broader audience may surprise some.

Though I like that last word in this selection, forgive. I want to draw some attention to that. Forgiveness is the point and purpose of prayer. We seek forgiveness for ourselves and our own deeds. We are also to seek forgiveness for the deeds of others and those we share life with including our people as a nation.

Forgive

“If a man sins against his companion, and the companion swears and puts him under a curse, and the wronged man comes with an oath before Your altar at this temple, then You will hear from heaven, and You will act and judge Your servants, to repay the guilty one by bringing his way on his own head; and to vindicate the innocent one by rendering to him according to his righteous behavior.

2 Chronicles 6:22–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I know God hears the cries of injustice. I know God avenges. God will certainly repay.

Let’s think about this for a moment. There is a broader application that might be a bit imperceptible. Say you did something to someone inadvertently, and they were set back, upset, and maybe even mad. You didn’t intend to offend and do not know of the offense. But the wronged party asked God to avenge. Would you want that vengeance or mercy?

It is this idea of going to God for forgiveness, as the wronged party has put vengeance in God’s hands. When we ask forgiveness for our own foibles, the disposition of punishment is God’s. He is to avenge.

It seems to me that this seeking after God’s heart is both we see our own need to be forgiven. If we let God sort things out, He does justly.

It is this idea presented by Solomon as he says God will judge His servants. The word is plural. Solomon makes the matter a bit vaguer. He says God will repay the guilty one and vindicate the innocent.

I see room to consider that our first assessment of guilt in the matter might depend on other factors. In my opinion, this reminds us of our own condition before God.

There is the temporal judgment of sin in this life. It’s not that sudden death comes, but other things. These drastic conditions come to remind us to point ourselves back toward God to seek forgiveness.

The Calamity of War for the Nation of Israel

“If Your people Israel are struck before enemies because they have sinned against You, and they return and confess Your name and pray and seek Your favor in this house, then You will hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and You will bring them back to the land that You gave them and their fathers.

2 Chronicles 6:24–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also bear responsibility in seeking forgiveness for the sins committed in our national homes. We are all collectively responsible in those situations. I am responsible for the U.S. and there are times I neglect to pray for the forgiveness of the grievous things done to God by the nation. I can list more than a few. The responsibility is mine to pray.

Though the instruction is given to Israelis, I do believe it is a general principle we all can live by.

The Calamity of Natural Disaster for the Nation of Israel

“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, then You will hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and Your people Israel because You will teach them the good path in which they will walk, and You will send rain on the land that You have given to Your people as a possession.

2 Chronicles 6:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes what befalls a people isn’t warfare, but natural calamity. Solomon reminds the nation in his prayer, to turn collective attention back toward God. Part of turning back is turning away from sin. It is in this latter part that the rise and catastrophic fall of nations are strewn throughout history.

Yet when they do turn, God then promises to teach them. Perhaps it is a slightly hidden demonstration of principle. One which we don’t ever have to fix ourselves up before turning from corrupt ways toward God. He is responsible for clean-up and encouragement.

When Calamity one’s to Individuals

“When there is famine in the land or when there is pestilence, blight, mildew, winged locust, or grasshopper, or when enemies besiege them in the land up to their city gates, in whatever plague or sickness, whatever prayer or plea that is made by any man or by all your people Israel, when each man knows his own affliction and his own sorrow, and stretches out his hands toward this house, then You will hear from heaven, the place of the habitation of Your dwelling, and forgive, and You will render to each according to his conduct, for You know their hearts (for You alone know the heart of people), so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days that they live on the land that You have given to our fathers.

2 Chronicles 6:28–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Then there are things that happen individually to people. The previous point of judging each for conduct is highlighted again. Instead of seeking to sort things out ourselves, we put the responsibility back to God. We turn our hearts to Him.

God does forgive sin.

Again, I would remember this is written to Israel about Israel. There are still principles to glean for our own conduct. These serve as models to follow.

“When foreigners are not from Your people Israel and come from a distant land, because of Your great name, mighty hand, and outstretched arm, and they come and pray toward this house, then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, and act on everything for which the foreigner calls on You, that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel; and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name.

2 Chronicles 6:32–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This my favorite part. It is where Solomon talks about gentiles.

Solomon is asking God to hear the gentiles’ prayers. The prayer of a gentile directed toward God is heard. God does what is asked. Everything a gentile asks for God to do, He acts!

I think it pertains primarily to seeking the forgiveness of sin. That seems to be the point of praying toward the temple. Rest assured, God hears and it is done.

A gentile never was kept from approaching God. A prayer of seeking forgiveness directed toward the temple was never not heard.

There is a Deeper Truth Here.

Then the Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show us, seeing that You do these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There it is. It should have already come to you. A prayer directed to this Temple is always acted on. It points to Jesus.

It also shows that gentiles were never excluded from salvation.