Ok here we go with the rest of Chapter 9. More trumpets to be blown....hold on!
Revelation 9:13-21
13Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." 15So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire[a] and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.
20The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
In verse 13 we see the sixth angel blow his trumpet and John hears a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God. This is a picture of God answering the prayers of the saints offered as incense in Chapter 8:4.
Revelation 8:4
4and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.
Remember the golden altar is representative of Jesus and horns represent strength. So we see in verse 14 Jesus commands the angel to release the 4 angels bound at the Euphrates river. These 4 angels are fallen angels. The amgels have been prepared to do one thing as told in verse 15 to kill a third of mankind! Wow. Verse 16 tells us a huge army will assist these angels. For many years the number was a big problem. Twice ten thousand times ten thousand is 200 million. But now we know China can fill this number!!!! Verse 17 can be looked at two ways. First with the economic troubles that will be taken place the horses could be litteral horses used in this massacre. Many scholars however think with the descrition of the riders using words like fire, sulfur, smoke it very well could be symbollicallyreferring to nuclear war!!! No matter which way the outcome as e are told in verse 18 will be a third of mankind will be killed.
In verse 20 we are told those who are not killed did NOT repent but continued to worship demons, and idols! Can you believe after all this they are still blinded and won't repent???? Then verse 21 tells us they also did not repent of their sin of murder, sorceries, sexual immorality, and theft. If they are worshipping false gods this does not surprise me!
A terrible, terrible time for mankind but it can be avoided by a relationship with Jesus!
I am taking a little break for a week so please come back to continue our study! God bless!
Tom
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Revelation #30
We continue this morning to look at these locusts who sting like scorpions released from hell.
Revelation 9:7-12
7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8their hair like women’s hair, and their teeth like lions’ teeth; 9they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.
12 The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.
In verse 7 we see that these locusts are not a natural locust to put it mildly. They are like horses prepared for battle which represents nothing can stop them. They have crowns of gold on their head which represents authority from God. They have faces like a man which represent superior intelligence. They had hair like a woman which represents beauty and this may be how they get close enough to folks to sting them by their deceptive beauty! Their teeth are like lions teeth which represents their destructive power. The locusts have on breastplates of iron which tells us they will be unstoppable. Their wings make so much noise they sound like many chariots coming...this noise may drive folks crazy. In verse 10 we are reminded about the power of their stinging scorpion like tails that will hurt people. For five months they will terrorize folks! Verse 11 tells us who their king is the angel of the bottomless pit....Satan. Verse 11 gives us his Hebrew name which is Abaddon and his Greek name which is Apollyon which means destruction....and from what we know about Satan it is an accurate description!
Verse 12 tells us that is just the first woe which remember means judgement and that two more are to come!!! In my human mind I can not comprehend fully how terrible of time this will be. This should show us the urgency of telling people about Jesus!
Tom
Revelation 9:7-12
7 In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, 8their hair like women’s hair, and their teeth like lions’ teeth; 9they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. 10They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. 11They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.
12 The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.
In verse 7 we see that these locusts are not a natural locust to put it mildly. They are like horses prepared for battle which represents nothing can stop them. They have crowns of gold on their head which represents authority from God. They have faces like a man which represent superior intelligence. They had hair like a woman which represents beauty and this may be how they get close enough to folks to sting them by their deceptive beauty! Their teeth are like lions teeth which represents their destructive power. The locusts have on breastplates of iron which tells us they will be unstoppable. Their wings make so much noise they sound like many chariots coming...this noise may drive folks crazy. In verse 10 we are reminded about the power of their stinging scorpion like tails that will hurt people. For five months they will terrorize folks! Verse 11 tells us who their king is the angel of the bottomless pit....Satan. Verse 11 gives us his Hebrew name which is Abaddon and his Greek name which is Apollyon which means destruction....and from what we know about Satan it is an accurate description!
Verse 12 tells us that is just the first woe which remember means judgement and that two more are to come!!! In my human mind I can not comprehend fully how terrible of time this will be. This should show us the urgency of telling people about Jesus!
Tom
Monday, September 26, 2011
Revelation #29
Wee as you can see I didn't do a very good job of paying attention on my last devotion or I wouldn't have ended with only one verse to go in chapter 8! But it is ok as it does flow into chapter 9!
Revelation 8:13
13Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!"
Revelation 9:1-6
1And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.[a] 2He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. 3Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 4They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.
In the last verse of chapter 8 John looked and seen an eagle flying and crying out in a loud voice. It was telling that more wrath and judgement is coming to the earth as that is what a "woe' represents. The angles are about to blow more trumpets and that leads us into chapter 9. With all that we have studied so far it is hard to believe it can get worse but oh it is going to get much worse!
We see in verse 1 of chapter 9 the fifth angel blows his trumpet and John sees a star fall from the heaven to earth. This star represents Satan. Look at Luke 10:18:
Luke 10:18
18And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Verse 1 goes on to tell us that Satan was given the key to hell. This shows us that God is in control not Satan! God allowed him to have the key! In verse 2 we are told Satan opens up hell and smoke rose out of the shaft. Then from this smoke came locusts. This is very similar to the 8th plague in exodus:
Exodus 10:14-15
14 The locusts came up over all the land of Egypt and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor ever will be again. 15They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
But these locusts are much more powerful as we find out in the latter part of verse 3. These locusts have the same power as a scorpion....a venomous sting! In verse 4 we are told these locusts are not to do what they normally do which is to destroy the grass or plants, or trees, but they are to harm those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads! This not having the seal refers to those who are not saved! In verse 5 we are told these locusts are allowed to torment for 5 months! Oh my can you imagine the agony??? They could not kill anyone but just sting them like a scorpion! Look at verse 6...this torment along with everything else going on we have already suffered will be so horrible folks will want to die but they will not be able too. Suicide will not be an option...what a terrible time of suffering.
Think on these things today....it blows my mind!
Tom
Revelation 8:13
13Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!"
Revelation 9:1-6
1And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.[a] 2He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. 3Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 4They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. 6And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.
In the last verse of chapter 8 John looked and seen an eagle flying and crying out in a loud voice. It was telling that more wrath and judgement is coming to the earth as that is what a "woe' represents. The angles are about to blow more trumpets and that leads us into chapter 9. With all that we have studied so far it is hard to believe it can get worse but oh it is going to get much worse!
We see in verse 1 of chapter 9 the fifth angel blows his trumpet and John sees a star fall from the heaven to earth. This star represents Satan. Look at Luke 10:18:
Luke 10:18
18And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Verse 1 goes on to tell us that Satan was given the key to hell. This shows us that God is in control not Satan! God allowed him to have the key! In verse 2 we are told Satan opens up hell and smoke rose out of the shaft. Then from this smoke came locusts. This is very similar to the 8th plague in exodus:
Exodus 10:14-15
14 The locusts came up over all the land of Egypt and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor ever will be again. 15They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
But these locusts are much more powerful as we find out in the latter part of verse 3. These locusts have the same power as a scorpion....a venomous sting! In verse 4 we are told these locusts are not to do what they normally do which is to destroy the grass or plants, or trees, but they are to harm those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads! This not having the seal refers to those who are not saved! In verse 5 we are told these locusts are allowed to torment for 5 months! Oh my can you imagine the agony??? They could not kill anyone but just sting them like a scorpion! Look at verse 6...this torment along with everything else going on we have already suffered will be so horrible folks will want to die but they will not be able too. Suicide will not be an option...what a terrible time of suffering.
Think on these things today....it blows my mind!
Tom
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Revelation #28
Well maybe we have recovered from the first two trumpets (but I doubt it) so lets look at the next two:
Revelation 8:10-12
10The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.
12The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.
So in verse 10 we see the third angel blow the third trumpet and a massive star falls from the sky. It was blazing like a torch and must break up as it falls into a third of the rivers and springs of water. Verse 11 interestingly tells us this star has a name....Wormwood which means bitter. A third of the waters will become bitter and many people will die because of this water! Wow! Remember how Jesus told us to come to the sweet living water which was Him, well now look at what this bitter water brings....much death.
In verse 12 the fourth angel blows the forth trumpet and we see that a third of the sun, a third of the moon, a third of the stars, are struck so a third of light both day and night are gone! Jesus came as the light of the world but now that light is being taken away for those who rejected Him. What a dark, dark time for mankind. Darkness also brings fear to many folks as it should in this case as judgement is upon them.
Are we getting the picture of what a horrific time this will be? Tell folks about Jesus while there is still time!
Tom
Revelation 8:10-12
10The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.
12The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.
So in verse 10 we see the third angel blow the third trumpet and a massive star falls from the sky. It was blazing like a torch and must break up as it falls into a third of the rivers and springs of water. Verse 11 interestingly tells us this star has a name....Wormwood which means bitter. A third of the waters will become bitter and many people will die because of this water! Wow! Remember how Jesus told us to come to the sweet living water which was Him, well now look at what this bitter water brings....much death.
In verse 12 the fourth angel blows the forth trumpet and we see that a third of the sun, a third of the moon, a third of the stars, are struck so a third of light both day and night are gone! Jesus came as the light of the world but now that light is being taken away for those who rejected Him. What a dark, dark time for mankind. Darkness also brings fear to many folks as it should in this case as judgement is upon them.
Are we getting the picture of what a horrific time this will be? Tell folks about Jesus while there is still time!
Tom
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Revelation #27
As we look at our verses today it is key to remember these things are unfolding right after the seals have just been opened. As you will see God's judgement is serious business.
Revelation 8:6-9
The Seven Trumpets
6Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.
7The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
8The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
In verse 6 we see that seven angles have seven trumpets and they are about to start to blow them one at a time. In verse 7 the first angel blows the trumpet and hale and fire mixed with blood are thrown upon the earth. We will see many of these trumpets being blown are very similar to what happened with the plagues in Exodus.This is the seventh plague:
Exodus 9:24
24There was hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
Now the blood mentioned in verse 7 of Revelation 8 is interesting. Can you imagine blood all over the place? The smell and the flies! Look at the result of the hail and fire....a third of the earth will be burned up, a third of the trees and all the green grass. This will have a major impact on livestock, and humans!
Now we move the verse 8 and the second angel blows the second trumpet. It is described as something like a great mountain burning with fire is thrown into the sea. No one knows what exactly this is but some guesses are either a nuclear blast or a big volcanic eruption. The result of this is a third of the sea will become blood. Think of the effect this will have on aquatic life! This also resembles the first plague in Exodus:
Exodus 7:20-21
20Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned into blood. 21And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Verse 9 tells us the devastating results of the second trumpet....a third of the sea creatures die, and a third of the ships will be destroyed. WOW!
This is just the first two trumpets my friends. You see why it is so important to tell folks about Jesus!!!
Tom
Revelation 8:6-9
The Seven Trumpets
6Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.
7The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
8The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
In verse 6 we see that seven angles have seven trumpets and they are about to start to blow them one at a time. In verse 7 the first angel blows the trumpet and hale and fire mixed with blood are thrown upon the earth. We will see many of these trumpets being blown are very similar to what happened with the plagues in Exodus.This is the seventh plague:
Exodus 9:24
24There was hail and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
Now the blood mentioned in verse 7 of Revelation 8 is interesting. Can you imagine blood all over the place? The smell and the flies! Look at the result of the hail and fire....a third of the earth will be burned up, a third of the trees and all the green grass. This will have a major impact on livestock, and humans!
Now we move the verse 8 and the second angel blows the second trumpet. It is described as something like a great mountain burning with fire is thrown into the sea. No one knows what exactly this is but some guesses are either a nuclear blast or a big volcanic eruption. The result of this is a third of the sea will become blood. Think of the effect this will have on aquatic life! This also resembles the first plague in Exodus:
Exodus 7:20-21
20Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned into blood. 21And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Verse 9 tells us the devastating results of the second trumpet....a third of the sea creatures die, and a third of the ships will be destroyed. WOW!
This is just the first two trumpets my friends. You see why it is so important to tell folks about Jesus!!!
Tom
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Revelation #26
Today we will start Chapter 8. As you will see the deeper we get into Revelation the more intense and more symbols are used. So go slow and think about what is being said.
Revelation 8
The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censer
1When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings,[a] flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
In verse 1 we are told the Lamb opens the seventh seal and something interesting happens....there was silence for about a half an hour. This is the calm before the storm. Judgement is on the way. In verse 2 we are told that John saw seven angels standing before God and they were handed seven trumpets. Trumpets in the Word of God usually symbolize that an act of God is coming and that is the case here. In verse 3 we are told another angel comes and is given a golden censer which represents the Word of God. This angel was also given much incense which represents the Holy Spirit. This angel was to offer this incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar which represents Jesus. The prayers and the incense rose before God....what a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints rising as a sweet aroma before God! Also remember the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us saints when we don't know what we should pray for as told in Romans 8:26:
Romans 8:26
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
In verse 5 we are told the angel takes the censer and fills it with fire from the altar and throws it to earth! This is a sign of the coming judgement. Along with this fire are an earthquake, great rumblings of thunder, and lightning.
My friends get prepared for tomorrow we will look at the start of the trumpets blowing....not a good day for those who have not been raptured with the church!
Tom
Revelation 8
The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censer
1When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings,[a] flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
In verse 1 we are told the Lamb opens the seventh seal and something interesting happens....there was silence for about a half an hour. This is the calm before the storm. Judgement is on the way. In verse 2 we are told that John saw seven angels standing before God and they were handed seven trumpets. Trumpets in the Word of God usually symbolize that an act of God is coming and that is the case here. In verse 3 we are told another angel comes and is given a golden censer which represents the Word of God. This angel was also given much incense which represents the Holy Spirit. This angel was to offer this incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar which represents Jesus. The prayers and the incense rose before God....what a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints rising as a sweet aroma before God! Also remember the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us saints when we don't know what we should pray for as told in Romans 8:26:
Romans 8:26
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
In verse 5 we are told the angel takes the censer and fills it with fire from the altar and throws it to earth! This is a sign of the coming judgement. Along with this fire are an earthquake, great rumblings of thunder, and lightning.
My friends get prepared for tomorrow we will look at the start of the trumpets blowing....not a good day for those who have not been raptured with the church!
Tom
Monday, September 19, 2011
Revelation #25
Today we will finish Chapter 7!
Revelation 7:13-17
13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" 14I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15"Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
In verse 13 we are told who the folks in the white robes are in the last devotion we had. One of the elders ask the question of who they are and where did they come from. In verse 14 it is interesting that John responds to the elder by saying "sir you know", basically saying why don't you tell me!!! Then the elder tells us that these folks are the ones coming out of the tribulation who have been martyred for Christ! They have been washed by the blood of the lamb...Jesus Christ! Oh my brothers and sisters those who stand for Christ in the tribulation will go through so much but if they accept Christ and remain faithful it will be a great end! In verses 15-17 we see their great reward! In verse 15 they will be before the throne which will be a place of honor. They will serve God day and night in the temple. This is not a bad thing but a good thing and a blessing to do so! Verse 16 reveals some things that will happen to them no more which may have happened in the tribulation to them. No more hunger, no more thirst remember with out the mark of the beast food and water will be hard to get by a follower of Christ! Verse 16 the sun and heat may be a problem also as they may not have a roof over their head! In verse 17 the comfort they will have as the Lamb will be their Shepherd and will be their guide to the living waters...which is Himself! And God will wipe away all the pain of their life! So three things will be provided....provision, protection, and Jesus will preside over them for ever and ever!
Oh what a mighty GOD we serve!
Tom
Revelation 7:13-17
13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" 14I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15"Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
In verse 13 we are told who the folks in the white robes are in the last devotion we had. One of the elders ask the question of who they are and where did they come from. In verse 14 it is interesting that John responds to the elder by saying "sir you know", basically saying why don't you tell me!!! Then the elder tells us that these folks are the ones coming out of the tribulation who have been martyred for Christ! They have been washed by the blood of the lamb...Jesus Christ! Oh my brothers and sisters those who stand for Christ in the tribulation will go through so much but if they accept Christ and remain faithful it will be a great end! In verses 15-17 we see their great reward! In verse 15 they will be before the throne which will be a place of honor. They will serve God day and night in the temple. This is not a bad thing but a good thing and a blessing to do so! Verse 16 reveals some things that will happen to them no more which may have happened in the tribulation to them. No more hunger, no more thirst remember with out the mark of the beast food and water will be hard to get by a follower of Christ! Verse 16 the sun and heat may be a problem also as they may not have a roof over their head! In verse 17 the comfort they will have as the Lamb will be their Shepherd and will be their guide to the living waters...which is Himself! And God will wipe away all the pain of their life! So three things will be provided....provision, protection, and Jesus will preside over them for ever and ever!
Oh what a mighty GOD we serve!
Tom
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Revelation #24
Moving on in Chapter 7!
Revelation 7:9-12
A Great Multitude from Every Nation
9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."
John tells us in verse 9 He sees a great multitude that was uncountable! From all different races, tribes, tongues and languages standing before the throne and Jesus. Wow this is awesome! Is it possible that the 144,00 Jews have anything to do with reaching these saints with the gospel during the tribulation? These gentile believers are in white robes which represent purity and righteousness through Christ. They have palm branches in their hands which represent victory!!! They are crying out in a loud voice praise to God saying " Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Oh what true words! God is so merciful to provide us with Salvation! In verse 11 we see the the angels standing around the throne with the elders and four living creatures and they fall their faces before the throne and worship God. I have a feeling all of us will be on our faces before God quite a bit in heaven. In verse 12 we see them saying to God seven qualities He has given us and we will praise them right back to Him! They are blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might. No doubt God will retain these for ever and ever. Amen!
Just a little glimpse of heaven this morning...does the soul good doesn't it????
Tom
Revelation 7:9-12
A Great Multitude from Every Nation
9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."
John tells us in verse 9 He sees a great multitude that was uncountable! From all different races, tribes, tongues and languages standing before the throne and Jesus. Wow this is awesome! Is it possible that the 144,00 Jews have anything to do with reaching these saints with the gospel during the tribulation? These gentile believers are in white robes which represent purity and righteousness through Christ. They have palm branches in their hands which represent victory!!! They are crying out in a loud voice praise to God saying " Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Oh what true words! God is so merciful to provide us with Salvation! In verse 11 we see the the angels standing around the throne with the elders and four living creatures and they fall their faces before the throne and worship God. I have a feeling all of us will be on our faces before God quite a bit in heaven. In verse 12 we see them saying to God seven qualities He has given us and we will praise them right back to Him! They are blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might. No doubt God will retain these for ever and ever. Amen!
Just a little glimpse of heaven this morning...does the soul good doesn't it????
Tom
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Revelation #23
This morning we move into Chapter 7!
Revelation 7:1-8
The 144,000 of Israel Sealed
1After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants[a] of our God on their foreheads." 4And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
512,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 612,000 from the tribe of Asher,12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 712,000 from the tribe of Simeon,12,000 from the tribe of Levi,12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 812,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
Chapter seven is clarifying for us something also happening in the tribulation. Verses 1-8 are speaking to the Jews while verses 9-17 are speaking to the gentiles. Also note no seals are broken in this chapter which is another clus that this chapter is giving us added information.
Verse 1 says John saw four angels. the number four is the number of this world. These angles are standing at the four corners of the earth...N,S,E,W. The angles are holding back the four winds of the earth. These four winds are the weather. As you can see that no wind is able to blow! In verse 2 we see another angel ascending from the rising sun with the seal of the living God. This seal marks ownership. It symbolizes God's ownership. The seal show us three things...1. Possession by God, 2. Protection by God, 3. Preservation by God. The angel then calls out to the four angels saying don't let the wind go until God's servants are sealed! They a symbol on their foreheads as told to us in verse 3. This symbol is the name of Jesus and God as told in Rev. 14:1! Just as a refresher....do you know what the believer is sealed with? The Holy Spirit! Provides us with the same three things mentioned earlier. In verse 4 we are told the number sealed....144,000. These are Jews saved during the tribulation. Many folks believe the purpose of the 144,000 will be to evangelize the Jews during the tribulation. Then in verses 5-8 we see the number from each tribe of Israel that is sealed.
Many wonder if God has forsaken the Jews because of their rejection of Him but let me give you two verses to show you this is not the case!
Romans 11
The Remnant of Israel
1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
and this verse:
Romans 11:25
The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
From the time the Jews rejected Jesus until fullness of the gentiles there has been a partial spiritual blindness placed upon the Jews. He says "partial" because some Jews have accepted Christ but the nation as a whole has not turned towards Him. The fullness of the gentiles occurs when the rapture takes place.
Lots of info to grab onto this morning!
Tom
Revelation 7:1-8
The 144,000 of Israel Sealed
1After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants[a] of our God on their foreheads." 4And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
512,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 612,000 from the tribe of Asher,12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 712,000 from the tribe of Simeon,12,000 from the tribe of Levi,12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 812,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
Chapter seven is clarifying for us something also happening in the tribulation. Verses 1-8 are speaking to the Jews while verses 9-17 are speaking to the gentiles. Also note no seals are broken in this chapter which is another clus that this chapter is giving us added information.
Verse 1 says John saw four angels. the number four is the number of this world. These angles are standing at the four corners of the earth...N,S,E,W. The angles are holding back the four winds of the earth. These four winds are the weather. As you can see that no wind is able to blow! In verse 2 we see another angel ascending from the rising sun with the seal of the living God. This seal marks ownership. It symbolizes God's ownership. The seal show us three things...1. Possession by God, 2. Protection by God, 3. Preservation by God. The angel then calls out to the four angels saying don't let the wind go until God's servants are sealed! They a symbol on their foreheads as told to us in verse 3. This symbol is the name of Jesus and God as told in Rev. 14:1! Just as a refresher....do you know what the believer is sealed with? The Holy Spirit! Provides us with the same three things mentioned earlier. In verse 4 we are told the number sealed....144,000. These are Jews saved during the tribulation. Many folks believe the purpose of the 144,000 will be to evangelize the Jews during the tribulation. Then in verses 5-8 we see the number from each tribe of Israel that is sealed.
Many wonder if God has forsaken the Jews because of their rejection of Him but let me give you two verses to show you this is not the case!
Romans 11
The Remnant of Israel
1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
and this verse:
Romans 11:25
The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
From the time the Jews rejected Jesus until fullness of the gentiles there has been a partial spiritual blindness placed upon the Jews. He says "partial" because some Jews have accepted Christ but the nation as a whole has not turned towards Him. The fullness of the gentiles occurs when the rapture takes place.
Lots of info to grab onto this morning!
Tom
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Revelation #22
Let's finish up the opening of the seals this morning by looking at the sixth seal!
Revelation 6:12-17
12When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave[a] and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
In verse 12 we read that Jesus opens the sixth seal and John sees a great earthquake take place. Also the sun becomes black as sackcloth and the moon looks blood red. Seismologists say that during an unusually violent earthquake particles of dust and hot ash can be belched from below the ground causing the sun to appear black during the day and the moon to be red at night! In verse 13 we read the quake is so awesome stars fall from the sky like a meteor shower. Can you imagine the panic as these come falling to the earth??? Also in verse 13 we see the comparison to a fig tree losing it's figs by a big wind. In verse 14 we see the sky vanishes from sight like a scroll rolled up, so those who look to the stars instead of God for guidance no longer have anything to look to! The earthquake is so sever every mountain and island are moved...wow stop and think about that for a moment. In verse 15 we see the panic now coming, as everyone from Kings down to slaves run for cover to hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. Brothers and sister don't miss the terror taking place here as it isn't a joke but a reality for those who are not raptured with the true church. In verse 16 we see things are so out of control people will be praying to God for death to escape this wrath from God. In verse 17 we see the question "who can stand" and the answer is no one who is not standing on the "Rock" Jesus Christ!
Tom
Revelation 6:12-17
12When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave[a] and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
In verse 12 we read that Jesus opens the sixth seal and John sees a great earthquake take place. Also the sun becomes black as sackcloth and the moon looks blood red. Seismologists say that during an unusually violent earthquake particles of dust and hot ash can be belched from below the ground causing the sun to appear black during the day and the moon to be red at night! In verse 13 we read the quake is so awesome stars fall from the sky like a meteor shower. Can you imagine the panic as these come falling to the earth??? Also in verse 13 we see the comparison to a fig tree losing it's figs by a big wind. In verse 14 we see the sky vanishes from sight like a scroll rolled up, so those who look to the stars instead of God for guidance no longer have anything to look to! The earthquake is so sever every mountain and island are moved...wow stop and think about that for a moment. In verse 15 we see the panic now coming, as everyone from Kings down to slaves run for cover to hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. Brothers and sister don't miss the terror taking place here as it isn't a joke but a reality for those who are not raptured with the true church. In verse 16 we see things are so out of control people will be praying to God for death to escape this wrath from God. In verse 17 we see the question "who can stand" and the answer is no one who is not standing on the "Rock" Jesus Christ!
Tom
Monday, September 12, 2011
Revelation #21
This morning we will look at the opening of the fifth seal.
Revelation 6:9-11
9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
This is a very interesting picture we see here. When Jesus opens the fifth seal John sees under the altar the souls of those who are slain for the word of God and for their testimony of Him during the tribulation. When the rapture takes place their will be many realize Jesus was who He said he was and now will takes a stand for Him but at a very heavy price. They will be killed! In verse 10 we see they are crying out to God to take avenge for those who killed them and are still living on the earth. Look at verse 11 very closely, they are given a white robe which represents they are now pure in Christ. They are told to rest for a bit until the world kills their brothers and sisters in Christ! Wow. If a man or woman can stand for Christ during the tribulation it will be a sure sign they love Jesus because they will be persecuted in a horrible way.
3 things we can see about heaven here: Number 1 the souls had feelings as they were angry and wanted revenge on their murders. Number 2 they had recognition of the ones who murdered them and were aware of things occurring on the earth. Number 3 They was communication with the Father...oh that will be so awesome!
We will see later in Chapter 6 that God will answer their request to avenge their murders! Beginning in verses 15-17!
Tom
Revelation 6:9-11
9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
This is a very interesting picture we see here. When Jesus opens the fifth seal John sees under the altar the souls of those who are slain for the word of God and for their testimony of Him during the tribulation. When the rapture takes place their will be many realize Jesus was who He said he was and now will takes a stand for Him but at a very heavy price. They will be killed! In verse 10 we see they are crying out to God to take avenge for those who killed them and are still living on the earth. Look at verse 11 very closely, they are given a white robe which represents they are now pure in Christ. They are told to rest for a bit until the world kills their brothers and sisters in Christ! Wow. If a man or woman can stand for Christ during the tribulation it will be a sure sign they love Jesus because they will be persecuted in a horrible way.
3 things we can see about heaven here: Number 1 the souls had feelings as they were angry and wanted revenge on their murders. Number 2 they had recognition of the ones who murdered them and were aware of things occurring on the earth. Number 3 They was communication with the Father...oh that will be so awesome!
We will see later in Chapter 6 that God will answer their request to avenge their murders! Beginning in verses 15-17!
Tom
Friday, September 9, 2011
Revelation #20
We will look at the opening of the third and fourth seals this morning. Remember Jesus is opening these seals.
Revelation 6:5-8
5When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"
7When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
When Jesus opens the third seal as told in verse 5, the third living creature calls and a black horse now arrives on the scene. This horse represents starvation. The rider of this horse has a pair of scales in his hand. This scale is a measuring device for grain. Then a heavenly voice says :"A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius" when translated this meant prices will be inflated 8-10 times normal!!! This will be horrible. The voice also tells them to leave the oil and wind alone...only the rich could afford these anyway.
Now Jesus opens the fourth seal and again the fourth living creature calls out the next horse and it is a pale horse and this color represents death. That is what the riders name is! Hell followed him. They are given authority over a fourth of the earth kill with the sword which will mean wars, famine which is starvation, pestilence which is disease, and by wild beasts which some think refer to rats.
Oh my friends....are you right with God? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? You have seen so far just the start of the tribulation period...don't be left behind!
Tom
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Revelation #19
Today we move onto Chapter 6 of Revelation! Now Jesus will start the opening of the seals on the scroll. This is the beginning of the seven years of tribulation. We must also remember the church has been removed so their is no influence of the church left!
Revelation 6:1-4
The Seven Seals
1Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
3When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
In verse 1 John watches as Jesus opens the first seal. One of the living creatures says with a voice like thunder(thunder is always a signal for God's judgement coming in the Bible)" come" and the first horse comes out! Verse 2 tells us Johns first sees a white horse and at first glance we would think this may be Jesus because white means purity but we must remember that Satan is a master counterfeiter. This white represents false peace which will be brought into this world by its rider. The rider of this horse has a bow which is a weapon of this world which is another clue this is not Jesus. All Jesus needs is the sword which is the Word of God! This rider also has a crown which was given to him which signifies he is the prince of this world. This verse also tells us he came out conquering and to conquer. And he will do this upon mankind! This rider is the anti-christ being released into the world!
Verse 3 tells us the second seal is now opened. The second living creature says "come" and the second horse comes out and its color is bright red. This color represents war! The false peace brought by the white horse will lead to this war brought by the red horse. No more peace and people will kill one another. This rider will be given a great sword to take peace by force!!!! Now that the Holy Spirit along with the church have been taken out of the world this will be a horrible time!
Remember Jesus clearly showed us these things were coming:
Matthew 24:5-7
5For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
We will look at some more of the seals tomorrow.
Tom
Revelation 6:1-4
The Seven Seals
1Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
3When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
In verse 1 John watches as Jesus opens the first seal. One of the living creatures says with a voice like thunder(thunder is always a signal for God's judgement coming in the Bible)" come" and the first horse comes out! Verse 2 tells us Johns first sees a white horse and at first glance we would think this may be Jesus because white means purity but we must remember that Satan is a master counterfeiter. This white represents false peace which will be brought into this world by its rider. The rider of this horse has a bow which is a weapon of this world which is another clue this is not Jesus. All Jesus needs is the sword which is the Word of God! This rider also has a crown which was given to him which signifies he is the prince of this world. This verse also tells us he came out conquering and to conquer. And he will do this upon mankind! This rider is the anti-christ being released into the world!
Verse 3 tells us the second seal is now opened. The second living creature says "come" and the second horse comes out and its color is bright red. This color represents war! The false peace brought by the white horse will lead to this war brought by the red horse. No more peace and people will kill one another. This rider will be given a great sword to take peace by force!!!! Now that the Holy Spirit along with the church have been taken out of the world this will be a horrible time!
Remember Jesus clearly showed us these things were coming:
Matthew 24:5-7
5For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
We will look at some more of the seals tomorrow.
Tom
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Revelation #18
Picking up where we left off yesterday:
Revelation 5:11-14
11Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 13And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" 14And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Remember that Jesus the Lamb of God had just taken the scroll from God. In verse 11 John looks and and at the same time hears a great number of angles and the living creatures, and the elders saying (not singing). Interestingly the Bible never speaks of angles singing! In verse 12 we see what they were saying! They were praising the Lord!" Worthy is the Lamb!" Oh my brothers and sisters...their is only one worthy and that is Jesus! Verse 12 goes on to say what He is worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. Oh yes the One who was slain is worthy of all of these things. In verse 13 John then hears every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea praising God also! Interesting to see that all creation will recognize Him as Lord! Those in heaven, those on the earth, those who are among the dead, and those in the sea! That is why Philippians says:
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Then in verse 14 we see the four living creatures say "amen" and again the elders fall down and worship.
I just want to say again when we see Jesus it will be more than we can ever imagine...think about it for a while!
Tom
Revelation 5:11-14
11Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" 13And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" 14And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Remember that Jesus the Lamb of God had just taken the scroll from God. In verse 11 John looks and and at the same time hears a great number of angles and the living creatures, and the elders saying (not singing). Interestingly the Bible never speaks of angles singing! In verse 12 we see what they were saying! They were praising the Lord!" Worthy is the Lamb!" Oh my brothers and sisters...their is only one worthy and that is Jesus! Verse 12 goes on to say what He is worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. Oh yes the One who was slain is worthy of all of these things. In verse 13 John then hears every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea praising God also! Interesting to see that all creation will recognize Him as Lord! Those in heaven, those on the earth, those who are among the dead, and those in the sea! That is why Philippians says:
Philippians 2:9-11
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Then in verse 14 we see the four living creatures say "amen" and again the elders fall down and worship.
I just want to say again when we see Jesus it will be more than we can ever imagine...think about it for a while!
Tom
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Revelation #17
I hope everyone had a great Labor day weekend. Let's continue on now in our study of Revelation! If you are just joining us I would highly suggest you go back and start at the beginning!
Revelation 5:6-10
6And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying,
"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
As we continue on in Chapter 5, we see in verse 6 when John looked up instead of seeing the Lion that was mentioned in verse 5 he sees the Lamb standing there, as though it had been slain or butchered. Don't let this pass you by....it was Jesus who WAS slain on our behalf! Jesus had seven horns which represents total power....oh thank you Jesus for having all power! This lamb also had seven eyes which represents knowing all and seeing all. We can not hide from God...he knows it all and sees everything and I am greatful Jesus is by me at all times aren't you??? This verse also mentions the seven spirits which we learned earlier as the attributes of God which are particularly His being everywhere. Verse 7 tells us the lamb went and took the scroll from God and when Jesus got the scroll the four living creatures and twenty-four elders, which we talked about in the previous chapter, fell down before the Lamb in worship and honor. Each was holding a harp which is a symbol of praise. They were also holding golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This shows us how important prayer is to God! Verse 9 tells us they were also singing a new song, which is a song of redemption! Oh what a beautiful song for the redeemed! But it won't be for those who don't have a relationship with Jesus...remember this verse:
Matthew 7:21-23
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
God loves us all so much, That is why He sent Jesus to save us! Wow!
See you tomorrow!
Tom
Revelation 5:6-10
6And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying,
"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
As we continue on in Chapter 5, we see in verse 6 when John looked up instead of seeing the Lion that was mentioned in verse 5 he sees the Lamb standing there, as though it had been slain or butchered. Don't let this pass you by....it was Jesus who WAS slain on our behalf! Jesus had seven horns which represents total power....oh thank you Jesus for having all power! This lamb also had seven eyes which represents knowing all and seeing all. We can not hide from God...he knows it all and sees everything and I am greatful Jesus is by me at all times aren't you??? This verse also mentions the seven spirits which we learned earlier as the attributes of God which are particularly His being everywhere. Verse 7 tells us the lamb went and took the scroll from God and when Jesus got the scroll the four living creatures and twenty-four elders, which we talked about in the previous chapter, fell down before the Lamb in worship and honor. Each was holding a harp which is a symbol of praise. They were also holding golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This shows us how important prayer is to God! Verse 9 tells us they were also singing a new song, which is a song of redemption! Oh what a beautiful song for the redeemed! But it won't be for those who don't have a relationship with Jesus...remember this verse:
Matthew 7:21-23
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
God loves us all so much, That is why He sent Jesus to save us! Wow!
See you tomorrow!
Tom
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Revelation #16
Oh prepare to get excited the next couple of lessons!
Revelation 5:1-5
The Scroll and the Lamb
1Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 3And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."
Chapter 5 is a praise chorus for the provision of salvation. If that don't get you stirred up in your faith I am not sure what will! In verse 1 John says he saw in the right hand of God who was seated on the throne a scroll that had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. This scroll had to do with man and as we will learn as we move on it that it reveals the judgements of God. In verse 2 John sees a strong angel which tells me the angel may have tried to open the scroll but could not because the angel then asks who is worthy to open the scroll and in verse 3 says no one in the three places man dwells...heaven, earth, or hell are able to open the scroll or to even look at it! Wow. In verse 4 John begins to weep at the news that no one is worthy to open the scroll. In verse 5 one of the elders brings some amazing news to John..."Weep no more, behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and the seven seals! My friends Jesus is ABLE!!!!!!
Rejoice in that fact this morning Jesus is ABLE to do all things!
Tom
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