Tag: Revelation 1

Cain Draws Back

On By TimIn Genesis 04, SinLeave a comment

Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived, gave birth to Cain and said, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” Then she gave birth again to his brother Abel.
And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Genesis 4:1–2

After the creation of the first man and woman, and their fall into sin, these first two humans have relations and conceive. The narration now moves to the first two procreated people… Cain and Abel. For now, there is no mention of any other progeny from the first couple. Yet this account is probably familiar to many.

In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel also brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had respect for Abel and for his offering, but for Cain and for his offering, He did not have respect. And Cain was very angry and his countenance fell.

Genesis 4:3–5

These boys grew up to farm and shepherd as is implied in the text. It is also clear they grew up knowing the Lord personally. They also probably learned to bring offerings to God. Cain, a farmer, brought an offering of what he grew. Abel, a shepherd, gave to God of his flocks. There was an obvious difference in the attitudes behind the offerings. Abel gave the first and best portions of his increase. Because of the heart behind it, God preferred Abel’s offering.

Sometimes, knowledge of the Law of Moses blurs this issue. The law provides for both produce and blood offerings. For that reason what is spoken here may be missed. A cursory reading may also prevent one from understanding that Cain was not careful in what he offered to the Lord. At least he was not as caring as Abel. This made Cain angry. As the account goes, it is clear who bears the focus of his anger, even though Cain’s actions were the source of his own anger.

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, shall you not be accepted? But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6–7

Of course, the Lord approaches Cain and asks him why he is angry. It is not as if God needs information. It is an opportunity offered to Cain for introspection and confession. As it is, Cain has already drawn back from God. This is not unlike the same thing that happened to both Adam and Eve after they sinned. They turned away from the Lord, and the Lord sought them. In like manner, God had some questions for them. But there is a not-so-subtle inference that may be a bit controversial.

When Adam was asked by God, “Have you eaten?” He seemingly blamed the woman God gave to Him. I don’t think of it as all that. I see something else that is clearly there. Adam confessed exactly what happened. He said, “I ate.” In effect, he confessed his sin.

In the same way, God asked the woman, “What have you done?” Her answer also seems to be a total passing off of blame. Yet she too, confessed her sin, “I ate.”

In the Lord’s patient questions to Cain, he never once fessed up to what he did wrong. He could have been more careful in preparing his offering. He now has an opportunity to draw close to God and confess. But it is the goodness of the way the Lord does things, He encourages Cain to do better. He doesn’t coerce a response. This is the same gentle way the Lord leads me at times. It is as if I can really hear the words, “Tim, let’s do better.”

It’s that leftover unconfessed sin. It hampers Cain’s relationship with God. It does not hamper God’s relationship with Cain. The shame of the sin festers. The effect of that sin causes Cain to draw away from God.

Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

That gnawing canker erupts. Cain kills his brother in the field. I was drawn in with the question, what did Cain tell his brother?

The Bible translation I prefer is based on the Masoretic text. As is the King James Version. In fact, the Modern English Version tracks really well with that mainstay translation. What was said seems to be left out of that manuscript collection perhaps by copyist error. Leave it to the Septuagint… Which includes what was said. Cain told Abel, “Let us go out into the field.”

They did go into the field, and then Cain’s anger led him to kill his brother.

Now, as it would be, I have always been told that sin separates one from God. In the way I was led to understand is that God withdraws Himself from sin. I just don’t see that at all in these first few accounts of the Lord walking with His creations. They sin, and He comes to them as they move away. That’s been encountered at least three times in just two chapters of Genesis. It is like a pattern is being established.

The Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:9

God approaches Cain with another thought-provoking question designed not to accuse or shame, but to get confession. Confessing sin is for Cain’s sake. It’s to remove the enmity that keeps him from going to God.

Cain’s asinine response was not a confession. But I think there is something more here. It seems Cain knew that God knew already. His response was a pushback on God. The sin that separated him from the Lord continued to work. It pushed Cain further away, increasing the width of the gap. The gap did not exist from God’s side, but it did on Cain’s. And it grew wider. Sin tricks people with shame, deceiving them that God is so far away, and the gap shame makes is insurmountable. This gives us another pattern. One of ungodliness and its effects that Paul expounded upon.

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness. For what may be known about God is clear to them since God has shown it to them. The invisible things about Him—His eternal power and deity—have been clearly seen since the creation of the world and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:18–20

Sin pushes people away from God. Cain actively suppressed the truth in unrighteousness. As his sin compounded, his own knowledge and experience of God became suppressed. I mean, imagine that Cain talked to God face-to-face. Yet he still pushed himself away. It is kind of like what happened to the Israelis at Mount Sinai. God wants to draw nigh, but people push themselves away.

As the conversation continues, God lays out the consequences of sin to Cain. I will also point out another controversial point. Just as God did not curse Adam or Eve, He does not curse Cain.

And then He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground. Now you are cursed from the ground which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

Genesis 4:10–11

It is the ground that cries out for vengeance. This introduces a principle reality that will come to light later in the Torah.

So you will not defile the land which you are in, because blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him that shed it. So do not defile the land which you are dwelling in, where I am residing, because I the Lord am residing among the children of Israel.

Numbers 35:33–34

Blood defiles the land. It cries for vengeance. All this talk of patterns, and there are several to explore. The blood points directly to Jesus. The penalty for sin is death. We know that. It is God Who renders justice. Jesus’ blood was spilled on the ground to satisfy the vengeance.

In another way, it is God Himself Who gives and takes life. There are accounts in the Bible where God is clearly the One responsible for shedding blood. If the ground cries out for vengeance of blood shed on it, how does God bleed to satisfy that? Jesus on the cross answers that question as He reveals Himself uniquely to John.

Revelation 1:17–18 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Here is Jehovah God saying He died. That is not me saying it.

Back to the topic, the Lord explains the reality to Cain, sin is lying at the door. The enmity Cain has grows. It comes with the shame of sin. But instead of confessing it, he embraces the condemnation. This is clear in his response to the Lord.

Then Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. You have driven me out this day from the face of the earth, and from your face will I be hidden; and I will be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.”

Genesis 4:13–14

Cain could not farm anymore. He is driven from the face of the Earth. He blames God for that when it was the ground itself that cursed Cain. Could it be that Cain would have to find something else to gainfully provide for himself?

That is a question to ponder. In the entire account of Genesis so far, we have been introduced to four people, and one is dead. Cain attests to other people being around by saying anyone who finds him would avenge his brother. There are obviously far more people around than for what the author accounts. What is also unspoken but very apparent is the avenger of blood has to be a kinsman. He would have to be related to Abel. This comes from Deuteronomy 19 and the cities of refuge. The avenger of blood, which is the Hebrew word goel also translates to kinsman and redeemer.

The ideas are right there. Other people exist, and they are brothers (and sisters) of Abel. That answers a common skeptic’s question. Intentionally, there is yet another pattern given that points to the Goel, Jesus.

Cain knows that death haunts him for his sin. Does he confess?

So the Lord said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Then the Lord put a mark upon Cain, so that no one finding him would kill him.

Genesis 4:15

Here is yet another pattern pointing to Jesus. The Lord gives Cain a stay of execution! This points directly to the cross. Jesus spilled His Own blood into the ground satisfying the vengeance sin requires and extending a respite of punishment to all.

It is like Jesus says to all, “You are free to go.” To Cain He did, and Cain took up that freedom.

Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Genesis 4:16

Cain walks away from God. He walked away from every single time the Lord came to him. This meta-narrative is explained by Paul.

All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19

The proof that God is reconciled to men through the work of Jesus Christ is evident even in the beginning. God approached people amid their sin. He extends the opportunity for them to restore fellowship in an instant. Adam and Eve did, but Cain did not.

Consider all that with this seemingly ominous passage from the writer of Hebrews

Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He has opened for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.
For if we willfully continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which will devour the adversaries.
Anyone who despised Moses’ law died without mercy in the presence of two or three witnesses. How much more severe a punishment do you suppose he deserves, who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded the blood of the covenant that sanctified him to be a common thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” And again He says, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:19–31

That is exactly where Cain is, fearing vengeance. Cain resisted God and let that fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation push him away from God. He didn’t reconcile himself to the Lord. God did His part, and patiently tolerated Cain’s sin to pursue Him. It wasn’t for vengeance. Cain left himself to the roaring lion who devours the adversaries.

The Lord is showing there is a way out. It is patient endurance in faith. Cain could have confessed at any time, instead, he chose to draw back into a dark place.

Remember the former days, after you were enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions. In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so abused. For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a better and an enduring possession for yourselves. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be greatly rewarded.
For you need patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:32–36

Cain threw away his confidence in God because of his sin. He didn’t think he could ever get back into the graces of the Lord. His claim to fame was to run from the presence of the Lord. He wanted to rely on himself. That’s what sin does.

For, “In yet a little while,
He who is to come will come, and will not wait.
Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 10:37–39

If you are still reading, can I say… You are not like Cain. When God approached Cain, he drew back every single time. That’s not what the Lord wants of anyone. He wanted Cain, just as He wants everyone… Including you and me.

Be bold. Be confident. You can approach the Lord anywhere and at any time. Why wait? Sin is always going to draw you away.

Jesus Christ, Whom You Have Sent

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

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

John 17:3

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

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

Yes. He certainly did.

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

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

My Father and I are one.”

John 10:30

The Jewish leaders tell us exactly what Jesus said:

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

John 10:31–33

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

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

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

Isaiah 48:12-16

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

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

John 8:24

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

The next has many witnesses. Here is the first…

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

Revelation 1:10–11

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

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

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

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

Revelation 1:17–18

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

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

There is one more witness from Revelation to examine.

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

Revelation 22:12–13

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 48:16

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

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

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

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

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

John 1:3

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

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

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

Isaiah 45:11-13

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

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

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

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

Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve’et ha’aretz

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

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

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

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

Yes!

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

The Divinity of Jesus

On By TimIn Jesus, Revelation 01Leave a comment

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to show to His servants things which must soon take place. He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bears record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation 1:1–3

I just encountered this recently. In the first line, we are given a glimpse of exactly what it cost Jesus for us. You can see it in that first sentence.

Consider this: I assume that most reading this know that Jesus is God. But have you ever considered the humanity of Jesus?

He is wholly reliant on His Father. Even in glory, He still depends on the Father for everything.

But here it is, God giving a special briefing to Jesus Christ. He then shared it with John. Who then wrote it for us.

He really is like us in every way. He teaches us through His own example of complete reliance on the Father.

Stars: As Military and Messengers

On By TimIn Angels, Genesis 016 Comments

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs to indicate seasons, and days, and years. Let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

Genesis 1:14–16

There is a thought rattling around my brain. It has it’s anchor here in the Bible. I thought I could coax it all out in one post, but alas… It will be in a series of I do not know how many.

God made the heavens. He set the sun and the moon to indicate seasons, days, and years. He made the stars also. That is the point from which to launch.

Kokabim

The Hebrew word for stars here is kokabim. It is the plural of the Hebrew word kokab. The total amount of stars created is never given, but it is referenced as a number that is uncountable (Genesis 22:17.) Yet God counts them and calls them all by name.

He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.

Psalm 147:4

This is witnessed again for us in the prophets.

To whom then will you liken Me, that I should be equal to him? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 40:25–26

We have these two portions of Scripture that testify to the vast number of stars. We also see that stars are personified; they are given names. The prophet Isaiah reveals to us a different way to describe stars. He uses the Hebrew word tsaba, which is translated into English as host. To understand, the word host is a word that primarily refers to many persons assembled and appointed for military purposes.

The word tsaba was introduced in Genesis.

So the heavens and the earth, and all their hosts, were finished.

Genesis 2:1

The Bible speaks to many references of the host of heaven, like a favorite in 1 Samuel 17:45 where David names Him Jehovah Tsaba (LORD of Hosts.) David is speaking of God) as the Lord of Hosts.

A Star from Jacob

The Bible also likens Jesus to a star in a prophecy given by Balaam.

“I will see him, but not now; I will behold him, but not near; a star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel, and will crush the borderlands of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Edom will be a possession, and Seir, a possession of its enemies, while Israel does valiantly. One out of Jacob shall have dominion, and destroy the survivors of the city.”

Numbers 24:17–19

At His first advent, the birth of Jesus was heralded by His star.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who was born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1–2

When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement. And when they came into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:9–11

I had to add that because of the phrase when they saw the star, it occurs to me that it may be a reference to Jesus as well as the star in the sky. That is my speculation… But back on topic.

The prophecy given by Balaam has a parallel with the one given by John.

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. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11–16

I jumped a bit too far ahead but wanted to establish this firmly. The kokabim are an army led by none other than Jesus Christ. They were created at the beginning. There is another term associated with stars that we must also consider. That is sons of God. Tuck all these things into your memory banks, as you will need them to understand the next posts.

Kokabim as Messengers

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. Who has determined its measurements, if you know? Or who has stretched the line upon it? To what are its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Job 38:4–7

I have not begun to exhaust the references of stars as angels. I will leave that for your own endeavors. As it is the glory of kings to search out a matter. Yet amongst all those different references to stars as persons with a military calling, they also serve another purpose.

“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:19–20

This is not the first reference of the Greek word that is translated to angel here. It serves the purpose of connecting stars to angels. The Greek word translated to star is then translated in other places as messenger. Not only are stars the host of heaven, but they also serve as messengers doing God’s bidding.

It is not then too difficult to connect some dots. Let us consider what is said in this psalm:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night declares knowledge. There is no speech and there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has He set a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; it rejoices as a strong man to run a race. Its going forth is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit extends to the other end, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Psalm 19:1–6

The firmament is the home of the stars. It shows His handiwork and proclaims a message. It is one not spoken aloud. Note the change to the personal pronoun. Their line goes to all the Earth. In other words, the messengers of heaven are telling us something not using words. Something that is available to the entire Earth.

Paul quoted part of this psalm. In it he provides another witness to the personhood of the messengers.

But I say, have they not heard? Yes, indeed:
“Their voice went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”

Romans 10:18

What is fascinating is that in this portion of Romans, Paul quotes a few other passages from the Tanakh. These passages are somewhat prophetic in nature as they speak of future truth that is revealed by Paul.

But I say, did Israel not know? First, Moses says:
“I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.”
And Isaiah is very bold and says:
“I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for Me.”
But to Israel He says:
“All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

Romans 10:19–21

Your Bible ought to reference the source to all those quotes. They would be easy to find. I will leave that for those inclined.

Who has believed us, and to whom has the lovingkindness of the Lord been revealed?

That is an apparent lament by these messengers. What they have conveyed is not believed. Now, I know that this idea might upset some of what y’all know. Clearly, Paul connects the messengers to the host of heaven, the angelic beings.

Is it not by hearing that brings belief and hearing is by the word of God?

But from stars (angels?)

Messengers to Witness

The charge by Paul is that Israel ought to have known. Because they did not know, they rejected their expected King. Now the ministry of God is being taken away from Israel and given to a different body. That is the beginning of Romans 9 and continues in Romans 10 and 11. It is the body of Christ, who are not a nation. And the people that speak the truth will be taken as foolish by Israel.

God revealed Himself to those that did not seek or ask for God, He revealed Himself to Gentiles as was hidden in the prophets. The arm of the Lord revealed is His mercy in that He has stretched out His hands to a disobedient and contrary people. If that is not lovingkindness, I do not know what that is.

And yes, angels were (and are) always involved.

Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted? They have even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the disposition of angels, but have not kept it.”

Acts 7:52–53

How was the Law sent?

Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken by angels was true, and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation, which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him? God also bore them witness with signs and wonders and diverse miracles and with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own will.

Hebrews 2:1–4

The inspired commentary from the New Testament tells us that angels are indeed the messengers to men. The stars are messengers. It is their witness that is plain to the whole earth. There are scholars who think that the position of the stars purposely relates a witness of the Gospel and the history of creation. This information was compiled long ago in an easily accessible work called Mazzaroth or The Constellations by Frances Rolleston.

Now the foundation has been laid. Taking what we now have gleaned, let us look back to the Tanakh.

Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who turn the many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.

Daniel 12:3

Do you see the witness of the heavenly host, and what it conveys?

Do you consider yourself as one of those wise?

Is it not the stars who turn the many to righteousness?

The many is synechdoche. It is used to mean Israel, and by extension in the New Testament… God’s people.

It is not my intent to shame any people. It is to show that the God portrayed in the Tanakh is the loving God of the New Testament. When I read the Tanakh, the tender mercies of God are everywhere. Just reading this song of Moses moves me to tears. It demonstrates the great mercies our Lord has extended to Israel. And by them, to all of us foolish Gentiles who believe Him, He calls wise.

He said: The LORD came from Sinai and rose up from Seir to them; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of holy ones; from His right hand went a fiery law for them. Surely, He loved the people; all His holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; everyone receives Your words.

Deuteronomy 33:2–3

Paneas and Sacrifice

On By TimIn Matthew 16, Resurrection, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things that are of God, but those that are of men.”

Matthew 16:23

This is a startling and sharp rebuke to Peter. It is evidence of His emotionally humanistic conception. Because of that, Peter is aligning himself with Satan’s plan. One that would deter Jesus from fulfilling His mission. The rebuke is harsh and demonstrates to us the focus Jesus had on His mission. He was sent to die.

Peter’s fear is revealed at the thought of Jesus dying. That fear also gives an opportunity for offense. Peter stumbles. This Foundation the church is built upon is not Peter, but it is the Rock of offense. In the last post, the idea of the Rock Jesus spoke of would be Himself. Testified to previously by Peter himself.

Long after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter expounds on this theme by cutting the Tanakh.

Coming to Him as to a living stone who is rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4–6

Peter now understands the issue clearly. Jesus is the Rock chosen by God Himself and would give the greatest sacrifice. Jesus is the Foundation the church is being built upon. Peter is one of those living stones, as is every believer. Like every believer, we are like Jesus, kings and priests working for God.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 1:5b–6

The Acceptance of Obedience

Just as Jesus laying down His life was a spiritual sacrifice; we believers are called to do the same.

I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1–2

The idea of sacrificing ourselves to the work of Jesus is the same as that of living stones in a spiritual house. Like Murray’s, or denial of ourselves comes with gifts for service to Him and others. Paul explains it this way.

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure of faith God has distributed to every man. For just as we have many parts in one body, and not all parts have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and all are parts of one another. We have diverse gifts according to the grace that is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith; if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:3–8

Just as each stone is selected and purposefully cut to fit into the overall structure, the same is with the spiritual house (or body of Christ.) A stone crafted to be a lintel does not fit as a doorpost or wall stone. Each has a carefully crafted purpose. This is the idea, that we yield ourselves to be conformed to the purposes God has chosen for us. In this, we prove His perfection.

The Rejection of the Disobedience

For also it is contained in the Scripture, “Look! I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes in Him shall never be put to shame.”
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious. But to those who are disobedient, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they are disobedient to the word, to which also they were appointed.

1 Peter 2:7–8

As believers, we will never be put to shame no matter what we may do. That is a simple truth.

The same is not valid for those who disobey and never believe. These are offended at the thought that the Anointed King would have to die. Let alone Him dying for their sins. Obedient belief is appointed to Israelis. Yet they reject it stumbling in their own disobedience.

Jesus calls all of us to a living sacrifice, just as He did. We know He died and rose again. And we can expect the same for us because of His promises.

Sacrifice at the Gates of Hell

The sacrifices offered at the Gates of Hell stood in stark contrast. The pagan gods worshipped there completely consumed the dead sacrifices offered to them.

The Grotto of Pan is a cave. It was the reason the nearby sanctuary was built. A natural spring gushed water into what is now called the Banias River. This river feeds the Jordan River. In ancient times, water entered the cave and disappeared into a deep fissure in the rock. It is estimated to have been over 800 feet deep. Subsequent seismic activity destroyed much of the features of the cave.

When a sacrifice was made, the dead carcass was thrown into the mouth of the cave. The waters carried it into the natural abyss at the back of the cave. The victim disappeared into the water. If no blood appeared in the nearby springs, the offering was thought to be accepted.

Panic and the Cure

It is fitting in this setting to speak of these things as a rich backdrop to what Jesus is saying and doing. This is the Gates of Hell, the Grotto of Pan. Pan is considered by some to be one of the first deities. He is a fertility god and is the embodiment of nature. He is also known for enticing fear with panic. The word panic is derived from his name.

Way back in the garden, the idea of death was whitewashed by the shining one (serpent.) Even was persuaded to partake of the forbidden, and in turn, gave to her husband. Something changed. They knew they were naked and covered themselves. When God called, they hid in fear. Death came to humanity, and with it came fear. Death became the bondage of Adam’s race.

Yet Adam was not supposed to know death. This bondage to death is the very thing the enemy has used to shackle people. When people are confronted with sudden death, fear and then panic take hold. The shining one brought war to God through humans. The mythologies of old subtly obscure the truth.

Jesus in rebuking Peter, hoped to shock him from panic. It was Jesus on His mission to end the war of the gods and free humanity. Jesus was going to do it by dying. His resurrection destroyed the power of death. Fear and panic are decimated. We know that by hindsight. Think of how many times the Bible tells us to not be afraid, even in the presence of God.

So then, as the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were throughout their lives subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14–15

It is my opinion that the eventual devastation of this grotto is proof that God destroyed the power of death. The sacred places of the old gods are in ruins now.

That fear of death that binds no longer has power. Jesus died to give us precious respite from the justice due to us for our sins. He rose again to give us victory over sin. It is in that freedom we have an opportunity to be reconciled to God Himself.

Rest assured, though… If one dies in their sins, the destiny is everlasting perdition.

The People Decide

On By TimIn Church, Revelation 01Leave a comment

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:17-20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I recently found myself in a discussion about these letters. Much of the discussion involved how to apply what is written, and whether they were addressed only to the seven churches named or they have applications for today. There is a specific objection made to the application of the term “lukewarm.”

Surely these epistles were written to real-first-century local assemblies. Jesus addressed them by name. Jesus words in introducing Himself as the head of these churches include an application that was present then, and “which will take place after this.” Of course, the rest of Revelation is yet future. Given the introduction, Jesus clearly is saying the entire revelation has layered applications.

Take the Epistles Seriously

An objection was raised that these seven epistles to the churches have nothing to do with our modern-day.

As I stated earlier, these 7 epistles are layered with meaning and nuance. There is an application for the period in which they were written, application for the entire end age including today. There are deeper meanings of each letter that can be applied to every local assembly of believers. Each of these bodies would, more-or-less, fit into one of those seven descriptions. These epistles can even be loosely applied to the panorama of the “church age.” That is, these seven churches are chronological descriptions of the universal church since Jesus founded it. The last three are noted as end times bodies. Also noted in the epistles, though it may not be readily discerned… There is always a body of people who would usurp the authority and leadership of Jesus in these churches.

The message that Jesus gave to each body is a report card. Where the church falls short, Jesus assures that such can change direction. He even offers many remedies for that. More importantly, Jesus also speaks directly to those individuals within these bodies, “let him who has an ear.” This demonstrates these may have personal applications, too.

I take the Bible seriously… Even in its seeming offensive applications.

He Who Has an Ear

“To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write:
“The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says these things: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
“To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:14-22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We come to the major objection that leads to a rejection of the application to individuals and to church bodies of our day. It’s right there… “because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.” I’ve underlined one of the words Jesus used.

You see, many folks misapply this verse. They use it to beat up individual Christians. That isn’t how Jesus used it. To apply it that way is incorrect. The proper way to use it is to describe a body of believers. A body of believers that really had no need of anything from Jesus. Lukewarm is not a description of individual believers.

These are letters to churches. Each of the seven addressed, and if the problems weren’t rectified Jesus would leave this church… As a body. Our perspective of history clearly demonstrates this. Local assemblies in Europe have shut their doors. Church buildings are being sold and used for other purposes. This is what happens when a church leaves their first Love, for whatever reason. It begins with drifting away from the truth, it progresses in a usurping of the headship of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes the misapplication of lukewarm is a way of shaming and controlling individuals. Nevertheless, a teacher who wishes to use the term to shame and admonish believers in the local fellowship is really stating the fellowship itself is lukewarm. That term may say something about leadership and may not.

As discussions go, this one has a natural evolution.

Who is the Head?

Church is not a building, at least not in the Biblical idea. Church is not a 501C3 corporation. Biblically, it is always used as a local assembling of believers. The head of which is always Jesus Christ.

Let us view these seven churches from the vantage point of the Head and history. The names of these churches are an indication of their character. There is also an unspoken implication of how the Headship of Jesus has been usurped by the spirit of the age.

I know your works, your labor and your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles, but are not, and have found them to be liars.

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

Today Ephesus is a Moslem village called Selçuk. At the time of the epistle, it was a central point of Christianity. John, Paul, Peter, Polycarp, and Irenaeus – were all in Ephesus. They were able to test those who claimed to be apostles. The church at Ephesus knew real apostles. Yet, the church with so much history died. We learn something, those who sought to control that church were false apostles.

I know your works and tribulation and poverty (but you are rich). And I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

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

Smyrna, the martyred church. The church whose name derives from myrrh. The sweet smell used to cover the stench of dead bodies. We know it was Rome who was trying to seize control, the government wanted to usurp the Head.

But I have a few things against you: You have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

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

Pergamum, the citadel is said to characterize the Roman Catholic church. After the Roman government tried to seize control of the church, in some ways it did. Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman empire. With it, came a whole new idea to integrate the church into the empire. As history demonstrates, it worked the other way around. The empire entered the church. A hierarchy of religious-political leaders was established which would eventually result in the papacy. This is what Jesus warned about by using the term Nicolaitan. It literally means power over the laity. The clergy usurped the Headship of Jesus.

But I have a few things against you: You permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, but she did not repent.

Revelation 2:20-21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Thyatira hints at the sweet scent and sacrifice of labor. This city occupied a favored position on a trade route, the city was home to many trade guilds. Practices in these trade guilds included idol worship and sexual immorality. A woman stepped in to lead this body away in spiritual seduction.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain but are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfected before God.

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

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. Listen! I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie. Listen! I will make them come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you.

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

Sardis is the embodiment of the reformation period of the church. The deeds of this church were found incomplete, and that body rested in those. In that sense, we can say that carnal Christians wanted control.

Philadelphia, the church of brotherly love! This is the church period denoting the great revivals all over the world. This church had no reprimand from Jesus. We see that is those who say they believe, but do not who were the problem. The unbeliever seeks to usurp Jesus as Head of this church.

For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Revelation 3:17-18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Laodicea is the people’s church. This is the church that offers itself in a way to seek the approval of all people. We could call this the seeker-sensitive church. The buildings have every comfort with environments designed so as not to offend anyone’s sensibilities. It is this church that the laity wants to usurp Jesus. He says He will spew such out of His mouth. It is much of what we see offered by churches today.

These letters are primarily written to bodies of believers and seemingly have nothing for or against individual people and their salvation. Our perspective of history clearly teaches Jesus very much will remove His presence and blessing away from a local gathering of believers because of their collective spiritual condition. The judgment is to the local body, not the individual or their salvation.

Lukewarm

Methinks there is something that convicts in that description. Especially with peoples’ excuses for not attending church today… Or how church should satisfy personal preferences. As the conversation meandered, it was peppered with objections about why not to attend church. It’s true that church attendance doesn’t save. I don’t even think it is required.

Another objection is how the teaching did not appeal, and how there was no real personal application. The words stated were “I already felt I learned better on my own time than a church.” In other words, the teaching really wasn’t advanced enough to satisfy perceived personal needs. I can understand that, but I also think it is a dangerous place to be spiritually. Anytime the Bible is openly proclaimed, a believer can be taught. It is God’s word and His Word never returns void, especially to believers.

Other points of interest included his pastor being a she. That is another discussion.

Yes, we are to learn in church, but our time for real learning is in private. It is how we communicate with our Savior. We talk to Him. He instructs us from His Word. That’s not to say you won’t learn something in church from a sermon, but that ought to be supplementary to what happens in your prayer closet.

Given these objections, one can clearly surmise they arise from lukewarm bodies.

What do We Do About It?

We need to be active in whatever local body we find ourselves in.

He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so we may no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming. But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself, from whom the whole body is joined together and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively does its work and grows, building itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:11-16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Each of us has been bestowed with a unique set of giftings by God. These are to be used for the building up of the body. This cannot be done if one deprives the local assembly of the usage of their gifts. We are designed to be in fellowship with other believers, and it is the only place where one can mature into a complete man. That term doesn’t exclude the ladies, either.

What is inherently necessary though, is fellowship. There is no other way to ‘grow up’ in the fulness of Christ. Oh sure, we can always hope to have a Damascus Road experience, but those seem to be extremely rare.

When we forsake the assembly… It is a way to deny the headship of Christ.

I know all about kvetching over how church doesn’t meet my felt needs. But it’s not supposed to do that. The worship isn’t for me, it’s for Jesus. The assembly isn’t for me, it’s for the entire body. My comfort ought not to be a concern, I have a home.

Instead, of finding a plethora of excuses for not attending a local assembly, why not do it God’s way despite the leadership or direction of the body?

Let us look forward to assembling with our brothers and sisters. Let us be prepared to do it the right way. Be ready to give something away and not seek something to scratch our own itch.

Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is not much time left. Love you brothers and sisters spurring each other to love and good works!