MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Considering the day, I think it quite fitting that our last post focused on a worship service in heaven praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I pray that you will all choose to celebrate Jesus even as we share our love with family and friends this holiday season.  One of my granddaughters has been interested in writing music recently, and we have spent some time collaborating together.  The following Christmas song is a result of those collaborations (copyright © 2013).

A WORSHIP SERVICE IN HEAVEN

In the last post we established that the context most readily lends itself to identifying the 24 elders as angels.  They joined the four beasts in singing the praise of the Lamb for His work of redemption of mankind.

NIV (per information in previous post) Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

As they sang, they were offering incense before the Lord that was identified as “the prayers of the saints.”

Revelation 5:8 “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”

Our communion time with God in prayer is pleasing to Him.  It would seem that the more we pray the more incense will be available to offer before the throne.  Note that these actions again connect the elders to the 24 courses of the priesthood established in the Old Testament since some of the duties of the priests were to offer incense and sing the praises of God.

Revelation 5:11-12 “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”

  

I think John is overwhelmed by the sight and sound of all the angels of heaven surrounding the throne of God.  He makes a special point of declaring that the number of this multitude was so great that he could never hope to count it, so he expressed it the best way that he could:  10,000 x 10,000 + 1,000’s of 1,000’s—and this is after having lost the third who chose to follow Lucifer/Satan.  This also confirms that Satan has a great army of evil angels.  He can’t be everywhere at the same time like God can, but he can sure blanket the earth with his forces of evil.

The numbers given to John were also given to Daniel:

Daniel 7:10 “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”

            Hebrew: “ten thousand” = myriad or indefinite number

All the rest of the angels had joined the “beasts” (cherubim) and the elders (watchers, the supreme court of angels) to praise the Lamb and declare His worthiness to take the inheritance that was His by right of His willing sacrifice for man—to die that I might live.

Revelation 5:13-14 “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

It seems that at this point John was allowed to see that scripture would be fulfilled when all creation bow their knees in worship of our Savior.

Isaiah 45:22-23 “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This part of John’s record is similar to prophecies given to the Old Testament prophets—viewing prophecy from mountain peaks with valleys of time in between.  I can’t imagine that this universal chorus of acknowledgement and worship will happen until Jesus rules on earth.  In fact, I think this event will probably find its complete fulfillment before the white throne of judgment described in Revelation 20.

(to be continued…)

JESUS TAKES THE SCROLL AND RECEIVES THE PRAISE OF HEAVEN

The last post was full of some very important, powerful truths about our Lord and Savior; and I felt it was important to allow some time for meditation—even if it meant not completing that section of scripture.   We had established that Jesus was the “Lamb” possessing all authority and all knowledge throughout creation.  John then sees Him taking the book out of the right hand of God the Father on the throne.

Revelation 5:6-7 “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.”

Jesus was not qualified to take the scroll until He had endured the cross and emerged victorious from the grave.  He would never have presumed to take the scroll without being certain of His right to do so.  Interesting to me is the interaction being observed between Father and Son—two separate beings, yet one (another one of those truths about God that our mind is not capable of truly understanding).  These verses also made me think of some verses in Daniel that I think are referencing this same scene.

Daniel 7:13-14 “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

God the Father gave the scroll to the Son who readily took it from His hand as the spoils of victory.  It connects the contents of the scroll to the right of dominion over the kingdom of earth—a kingdom that will never be destroyed and will exist for eternity.

I think it is important to note that there is no time reference made regarding Jesus taking the scroll and when He begins to open it.  Scripture is clear that the reckoning of time in heaven is far different from time on earth.

2Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

In fact, the record describes an intervening time of heavenly praise and worship for the Lamb, our Savior.  In heavenly time He has only been there a couple of days. 

Revelation 5:8-10 “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

I love the King James Version of the Bible; but when I look at the original language and the context, I sometimes think the translation could be better.  This is one of those sections.

Considering the scriptural foundation established previously and the most logical reading of the context, I believe the NIV (supported by several other translations) gives a better translation in this instance. 

Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

The expanded Greek translation of Kenneth Wuest, noted New Testament Greek scholar from Moody Bible Institute, also supported the NIV with the following translation:  “you are worthy…you redeemed to God through your blood [men] out of every tribe and language…and constituted them to our God…and they shall reign as kings on the earth.”

If I am correct, it would support the idea of the 24 elders being composed of a special group of angels or “watchers” as referenced in Daniel.

Daniel 4:17 “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”

My daughter pointed out that the song is being sung by the four beasts and the 24 elders.  This again supports the NIV translation since the four beasts were certainly not redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

As redeemed saints we have been given a position before God as kings and priests, and we shall reign on earth. 

1Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.”

Revelation 1:6 “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father….”

A king has authority and power.  As rulers on this earth, God will give us authority and power to influence the lives of others in a positive way, according to His will.  A priest has the privilege of intimate communion and service before God.  Our position as priest grants us personal access to God and the privilege of interceding for both ourselves and others.  New Testament saints aren’t the only ones promised a position as priests of the Lord.  Isaiah prophesied the same for the people of Israel.

Isaiah 61:6 “But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.”

Jerusalem is also promised a position of royalty before the nations; this would also include its inhabitants, the Jews, as distinct from the Gentiles.

Isaiah 62:1-3  “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.  Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.”

This is definitely indicative of a time future to the events in progress in John’s vision.  I believe this references the millennium, but I think it continues on past that to the new heaven and new earth. 

(to be continued…)

THE LION, THE ROOT OF DAVID, THE LAMB

In the previous post we were shown a seven-sealed scroll that represents the right of authority over planet earth.  A search was made for one qualified to open the scroll, but no one was found.  This caused John to break down in tears because I believe he understood the significance of finding the One qualified to open the scroll.

Revelation 5:4 “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

One of the elders came to comfort John and informed him that “the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David,” had emerged as the Victor qualified to open the scroll.  Scripture refers to this person as God, specifically as Jesus.

Hosea 5:14 “For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.”

Isaiah 11:10 “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”

            Note:  Jesse is the father of David

Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

When John looked to see who had come forth, he saw one that stood as a “Lamb as it had been slain.”

Revelation 5:6-7 “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.”

This is another section in which I feel I have gained a much better understanding in the last few years.  Once I realized that the 24 elders were probably representative of angels and not representative of the raptured church, it was easier for me to understand how this section could be similar to that in the beginning of chapter 12—showing the historical background that sets the stage for what would follow.  It also provided an answer as to why Jesus was not at the right hand of the Father when John first entered heaven, which is where scripture declares Him to be.

Hebrews 1:1-3 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

Hebrews 10:10-12 “…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all….this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.”

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1 Peter 3:21-22 “…the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

I believe this is a picture of the victorious resurrected Lord Jesus, the Lamb that had willingly offered Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice that would provide for the redemption of mankind.

This Lamb is pictured having seven horns and seven eyes.  The number seven represents completion in scripture, and I believe the seven horns picture His complete authority over planet earth.  He had successfully “taken back” the authority Adam had relinquished to Satan when he chose to follow Him in rejection of God as His LORD.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Hebrews 2:9 & 14 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man…. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil….”

The “seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God” throughout the earth are a picture of the Lord’s omniscience—the fact that He knows and sees everything, has complete knowledge—made possible through His everywhere present Holy Spirit.  Do I truly understand how this is possible?  No—and I am glad I don’t.  If I could understand all about Him, He would not be the LORD God. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God is much greater than His creation.

2 Chronicles 2:5-6 “…for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him….”

Psalms 139:1 & 7-10 “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me…. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

Jeremiah 23:24 “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”

(to be continued…)

REVELATION 5 – THE SEVEN-SEALED SCROLL

For the best understanding of this post you need to have read at least the previous three posts.

Revelation 5:1–3 “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.”

At this point John’s focus turns to the fact that God the Father is holding a scroll (from the Greek) written on both front and back and sealed with seven seals.  A mighty angel then loudly speaks out asking, “Who is worthy or deserving to break the seals and open the scroll?”  John then reveals that no man in heaven, earth, or under the earth was qualified to open the book and see its contents.

It is obvious that the scroll is a legal document of some type.  Being able to break the seals would imply right of ownership.  God the Father is the one with the authority to determine who is qualified to take possession of the document.

I found two logical explanations regarding this document; one by Jon Courson and the other by Warren Wiersbe. 

Courson:   

“Initially, a title deed would be written only on the smooth side and sealed with a single seal (Jeremiah 32:6-29).  But if the owner became unable to meet his financial obligations, he would have to relinquish his title deed – upon the backside of which would be written his debts and upon which would be placed seven seals.  If at any time during the ensuing seven years he could pay off his debts, the seals would be broken, and the title deed returned.

All of this explains what is in the hand of the One Who sits on the throne here in Chapter 5:  It’s the title deed to Planet Earth.  The title deed to this planet was originally given to Adam in the Garden of Eden when God told him to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28).  Adam forfeited his right to ownership when he ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  You see, although Satan tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, Adam’s was an overt, calculated act of rebellion, which is why the Bible speaks of Adam’s sin as that which transferred to Satan the title deed of planet earth (Romans 5:14, 1Timothy 2:14).”

Romans 5:14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”

1Timothy 2:14 “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”

Wiersbe:

“The Roman will was sealed with 7 seals.  The scroll gives Christ the right to claim creation by virtue of His death.  A will can only be opened by the heir.  Christ is the ‘heir of all things.’”

Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds….”  [end quote]

John was devastated when he realized that no one had stepped forth as worthy to open the scroll. 

Revelation 5:4 “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.”

I think he knew that the eternal future of believers and the fulfillment of God’s covenants with Abraham and David were at stake.

(to be continued…)