Summary:
The Seals
Verses 1-17
John watched as the Lamb opened the 1st of the 7 seals. One of the 4 living creatures cried out in a voice like thunder, 'Come!' A white horse appeared; its rider carrying a bow. The rider was given a crown and rode out like a conqueror bent on conquest.
The 2nd seal was opened and the 2nd living creature said 'Come!' A fiery red horse appeared. The rider was given power to take peace from the earth and make men slay each other. He was given a large sword.
The 3rd seal was opened and the 3rd living creature said 'Come!' A black horse appeared; its rider with scales in his hand. A voice among the living creatures said, " 'A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine.' " (Verse 6b)
The 4th seal was opened and the 4th living creature said 'Come!' A pale horse appeared. It rider is named Death. Hades followed closely behind. They were given power over 1/4 of the earth to kill by the sword, famine, plague, and the wild beasts of the earth.
The 5th seal was opened. John saw under the altar the souls of those slain because of God's word and their testimony that they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, " 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?' " (Verse 10b) They were each given a white robe and told to wait a bit longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers to be killed as they had been was completed.
The 6th seal was opened. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair. The moon turned blood red. The stars of the sky fell to the earth like late figs that drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. The kings of the earth, princes, generals, the rich, the mighty, every slave and free man hid in caves among the rocks of the mountains. They called out to the mountains to fall on them, to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the Lamb's wrath. They will say, 'The great day of Their wrath has come and who can stand?'
Lori's Thoughts:
Horse Rider Tool/Weapon Result
White Conqueror bent Bow, Crown
on conquest
Fiery Red Given power Large sword Peace taken from the
world,
men will slay each
other
Black Scales 1 qt. wheat/3 qts. barley for
daily wages;
wine & oil
not affected
Pale Death, followed Sword, Famine, Attack 1/4 of the earth
by Hades - both Plague, Wild beasts
given power
*This is my educated guess. Do not take my word as fact.*
Maybe the 4 living creatures are the angels holding back the riders from the four corners of the world: North, South, East, and West. Maybe I'm not meant to know what they symbolize. But, why would God present it to us in the Bible?
Maybe the rider on the white horse represents Jesus bent to defeat the devil and death. He is given a crown because He is our rightful ruler. He created us, for heaven's sake.
Maybe the other riders are angels - of death, whereas the angels represented by the 7 stars are messenger angels. Maybe the red one has already come. There hasn't been a lot of peace for a long time. Our history books denote wars and depressions as eras worth knowing. There was the Enlightenment, about 300 years ago, but even that had conflict and wars, like America's Revolutionary War. I can't remember them talking about an era of peace.
Maybe the black one has to do with the economy. We're in a recession. Japan was demolished and now the stock market is crashing. Congress may have to instill another furlough, where federal employees will be forced not to work, so we won't get paid. Maybe our wages, the wheat and barley, will be garnished. I wonder what the oil and wine represent? Assets that can be liquidated?
Maybe the pale horse has come. Look at all the earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, cholera breakouts, and radiation poisonings that have happened. Hundreds and thousands have died because of them. Hades is close behind...
The 5th seal - souls under the altar. Maybe they were sacrificed and their souls must wait where they fell until they are gathered together with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
The 6th seal - a great earthquake and all our sources of light are changed. John sensed the earthquake in heaven. Will the sky, versus the earth, be shaken? The sun goes pitch black, the moon blood red, and the stars will be violently thrown out of place. The sky and land will be moved out of their places as well. Everyone will hide together, despite their class or position, and they will beg for death rather than face God's wrath.
I hope not to be in this group.
Have mercy on me, Lord, a sinner. Mold me and change me. Let me be wholly yours.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I Chronicles 23 (NIV)
Summary:
The Levites
Verses 1-6
When David was old, he made his son Solomon king over Israel. He gathered all the Israelite leaders, priests, and the Levites. 38,000 Levites, ages 30+, were counted. David appointed the following Levites with specific duties:
- 24,000 to supervise the work of the Lord's temple
- 6,000 officials and judges
- 4,000 gatekeepers
- 4,000 to praise the Lord with the appointed musical instruments
David divided the Levites into groups, with respect to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Key: [] = Mother
+ = Firstborn Son
* = Son
d = Daughter
w = Wife
Gershonites
Verses 7-11
Ladan -> Jehiel+, Zetham*, Joel*
Shimei -> Shelemoth*, Haziel*, Haran* - the heads of Ladan's families
-> Jahath+, Ziza*, Jeush*, Beriah* - the last two did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family with one assignment
Kohathites
Verses 12-20
Kohath -> Amram*, Izhar*, Hebron*, Uzziel*
Amram -> Aaron*, Moses* - Aaron and his descendants were set apart to consecrate the most holy things, offer sacrifices to God, minister, and bless His name forever. Moses, the man of God, and his sons were counted as part of the Levite tribe.
Moses -> Gershom*, Eliezer*
Gershom -> Shubael+
Eliezer -> Rehabiah+ (an only son) -> many sons
Izhar-> Shelomith+
Hebron -> Jeriah+, Amariah, Jahaziel, Jekameam
Uzziel -> Micah+, Isshiah
Merarites
Verses 21-32
Merari -> Mahli*, Mushi*
Mahli -> Eleazar*, Kish*
Eleazar -> daughters only
Kish -> sons that married Eleazar's daughters (Yes, they were cousins. Remember, this was a much different time than it is now.)
Mushi -> Mahli* (how sweet - he named his son after his brother), Eder*, Jerimoth*
These were the workers, ages 20+, who served in the Lord's temple. (I know, it said ages 30+ in the begining. What is important is that they served God.) David declared that, since God had given Israel rest, the Levites didn't have to carry the tabernacle or the articles used in its service. The Levites were to help Aaron's descendants in the service of the temple. They were in charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purification of sacred things, and other duties in God's house. They were also in charge of the bread set out on the table, the flour for the grain offerings, the unleavened wafers, the baking and mixing, and the measurements of quantities and sizes. They were to stand every morning and evening, during the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals, and appointed feasts to give thanks and praise to the Lord. They were to serve before God regularly, in the proper number and way prescribed.
The Levites carried out the responsibilities for the Tent of the Meeting and the Holy Place, under their brothers, the descendants of Aaron, to serve in the Lord's temple.
Lori's Thoughts:
This time, when David counted the people, it was for the service of God, rather than the service of self, as when he counted the fighting men of Israel. This was a time of peace. Rather than fighting or fleeing, Israel would be established. Rather than praying to God for strength and deliverance, it was now time for Israel to praise God for the times He had helped and protected them.
Imagine if you had a buddy that you helped out of financial crises time and again, as a gift. You never asked for reimbursements. Imagine if that buddy took your money and never once expressed gratitude. I would be pretty frustrated and question our friendship.
It is just as important to stop moving forward, stand where you are, lift your head and hands up, and make a joyful noise, as it is to lean and depend upon God. Acknowledge all the times God got you unstuck or shielded you from the flaming arrows of the evil one. Believe me, your heart will swell and you will say as David said in the 23rd Psalm, "My cup runneth over".
As sinners, we don't know how to pray or praise, which is why there were so many rules for worship. Now, there is freedom in Christ and we can worship freely - by ourselves or with others.
The Levites
Verses 1-6
When David was old, he made his son Solomon king over Israel. He gathered all the Israelite leaders, priests, and the Levites. 38,000 Levites, ages 30+, were counted. David appointed the following Levites with specific duties:
- 24,000 to supervise the work of the Lord's temple
- 6,000 officials and judges
- 4,000 gatekeepers
- 4,000 to praise the Lord with the appointed musical instruments
David divided the Levites into groups, with respect to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Key: [] = Mother
+ = Firstborn Son
* = Son
d = Daughter
w = Wife
Gershonites
Verses 7-11
Ladan -> Jehiel+, Zetham*, Joel*
Shimei -> Shelemoth*, Haziel*, Haran* - the heads of Ladan's families
-> Jahath+, Ziza*, Jeush*, Beriah* - the last two did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family with one assignment
Kohathites
Verses 12-20
Kohath -> Amram*, Izhar*, Hebron*, Uzziel*
Amram -> Aaron*, Moses* - Aaron and his descendants were set apart to consecrate the most holy things, offer sacrifices to God, minister, and bless His name forever. Moses, the man of God, and his sons were counted as part of the Levite tribe.
Moses -> Gershom*, Eliezer*
Gershom -> Shubael+
Eliezer -> Rehabiah+ (an only son) -> many sons
Izhar-> Shelomith+
Hebron -> Jeriah+, Amariah, Jahaziel, Jekameam
Uzziel -> Micah+, Isshiah
Merarites
Verses 21-32
Merari -> Mahli*, Mushi*
Mahli -> Eleazar*, Kish*
Eleazar -> daughters only
Kish -> sons that married Eleazar's daughters (Yes, they were cousins. Remember, this was a much different time than it is now.)
Mushi -> Mahli* (how sweet - he named his son after his brother), Eder*, Jerimoth*
These were the workers, ages 20+, who served in the Lord's temple. (I know, it said ages 30+ in the begining. What is important is that they served God.) David declared that, since God had given Israel rest, the Levites didn't have to carry the tabernacle or the articles used in its service. The Levites were to help Aaron's descendants in the service of the temple. They were in charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purification of sacred things, and other duties in God's house. They were also in charge of the bread set out on the table, the flour for the grain offerings, the unleavened wafers, the baking and mixing, and the measurements of quantities and sizes. They were to stand every morning and evening, during the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals, and appointed feasts to give thanks and praise to the Lord. They were to serve before God regularly, in the proper number and way prescribed.
The Levites carried out the responsibilities for the Tent of the Meeting and the Holy Place, under their brothers, the descendants of Aaron, to serve in the Lord's temple.
Lori's Thoughts:
This time, when David counted the people, it was for the service of God, rather than the service of self, as when he counted the fighting men of Israel. This was a time of peace. Rather than fighting or fleeing, Israel would be established. Rather than praying to God for strength and deliverance, it was now time for Israel to praise God for the times He had helped and protected them.
Imagine if you had a buddy that you helped out of financial crises time and again, as a gift. You never asked for reimbursements. Imagine if that buddy took your money and never once expressed gratitude. I would be pretty frustrated and question our friendship.
It is just as important to stop moving forward, stand where you are, lift your head and hands up, and make a joyful noise, as it is to lean and depend upon God. Acknowledge all the times God got you unstuck or shielded you from the flaming arrows of the evil one. Believe me, your heart will swell and you will say as David said in the 23rd Psalm, "My cup runneth over".
As sinners, we don't know how to pray or praise, which is why there were so many rules for worship. Now, there is freedom in Christ and we can worship freely - by ourselves or with others.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Revelation 5 (NIV)
Summary:
The Scroll and the Lamb
Verses 1-14
John saw, in the right hand of the One seated on the throne, a scroll with writing on both sides, with 7 seals. A mighty angel called out, " 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?' " (Verse 2b) No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open it or look inside. John wept because no one worthy was found.
One of the elders told John, " 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' " (Verse 5b)
Then, John saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slain. It was standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders. It had 7 horns and 7 eyes, which are the 7 spirits (or sevenfold spirit of God sent out into all the earth). He took the scroll from the One on the throne. The living creatures and elders fell before Him. They each had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 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.' " (Verses 9b-10)
John looked and heard the voices of many angels: 10,000 times 10,000. They encircled the throne, the creatures, and the elders. In a loud voice, they sang: " 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!' " (Verse 12b)
John heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them sing, " 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' " (Verse 13b) The four living creatures said 'Amen' and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Lori's Thoughts:
This is my educated interpretation - The scroll is the Book of Life, where the names of those who are saved are written. John wept, because if no one was worthy to open the scroll and present the names to God, then none of us humans could ever enter heaven. However, Jesus is worthy. He is worthy, because He paid our entrance fee with His blood.
The golden bowls with incense are the saints' communications with God. Maybe this is evidence of a relationship with Him that helps back up the scroll's list.
Who are the thousands upon thousands of angels? Are they those of us that will be in heaven, in our new bodies? If angels are represented by spirits, lampstands, and the Lamb's 7 eyes in Revelation; maybe we are represented by angels...
All heaven broke loose in praise and worship of our Savior and Redeemer. It's interesting how He is represented as the Lion of Judah and the Sacrificial Lamb. Our God is mighty. He humbled Himself for us. He may be scarred as a Lamb, but He is the I Am. My words are inadequate to express how awesome and powerful He is.
The Scroll and the Lamb
Verses 1-14
John saw, in the right hand of the One seated on the throne, a scroll with writing on both sides, with 7 seals. A mighty angel called out, " 'Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?' " (Verse 2b) No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open it or look inside. John wept because no one worthy was found.
One of the elders told John, " 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' " (Verse 5b)
Then, John saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slain. It was standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders. It had 7 horns and 7 eyes, which are the 7 spirits (or sevenfold spirit of God sent out into all the earth). He took the scroll from the One on the throne. The living creatures and elders fell before Him. They each had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 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.' " (Verses 9b-10)
John looked and heard the voices of many angels: 10,000 times 10,000. They encircled the throne, the creatures, and the elders. In a loud voice, they sang: " 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!' " (Verse 12b)
John heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them sing, " 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' " (Verse 13b) The four living creatures said 'Amen' and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Lori's Thoughts:
This is my educated interpretation - The scroll is the Book of Life, where the names of those who are saved are written. John wept, because if no one was worthy to open the scroll and present the names to God, then none of us humans could ever enter heaven. However, Jesus is worthy. He is worthy, because He paid our entrance fee with His blood.
The golden bowls with incense are the saints' communications with God. Maybe this is evidence of a relationship with Him that helps back up the scroll's list.
Who are the thousands upon thousands of angels? Are they those of us that will be in heaven, in our new bodies? If angels are represented by spirits, lampstands, and the Lamb's 7 eyes in Revelation; maybe we are represented by angels...
All heaven broke loose in praise and worship of our Savior and Redeemer. It's interesting how He is represented as the Lion of Judah and the Sacrificial Lamb. Our God is mighty. He humbled Himself for us. He may be scarred as a Lamb, but He is the I Am. My words are inadequate to express how awesome and powerful He is.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I Chronicles 22 (NIV)
Summary:
Verse 1
David declared that the house of God and the altar for burnt offerings for Israel would be established at the threshing floor he had bought from Araunah.
Preparations for the Temple
Verses 2-19
David ordered the assembling of the foreigners in Israel and appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone to build the house of God. David provided a lot of iron for the nails for the doors of the gateways and the fittings. He provided more bronze than could be weighed and more cedar logs than could be counted, which had been gifted to him by the Sidonians and Tyrians.
David said that his son, Solomon, was young and inexperienced. The house of God was to be magnificent, famous, and full of splendor in the sight of all nations. So, David would make preparations for it before his death. He called for Solomon and charged him to build God's house. He told Solomon of his intentions, but God had told David that he'd shed a lot of blood and fought many wars on the earth. He would be given a son of peace and rest, and God would give his son rest from all of his enemies. His name would be Solomon, which is similar to the Hebrew word for "peace". God would grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. Solomon would build a house for His Name. He would be God's son and God his Father. God would establish his throne forever.
David asked for God to be with Solomon and grant him success as he built God's house, according to God's instructions. David asked for God to give Solomon discretion and understanding when in command of Israel, to help him keep God's law, which would help him be succesful. He told Solomon to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged. David also put in a great effort to provide for the temple:
- 100,000 talents (about 3,750 tons) of gold
- 1,000,000 talents (about 37,500 tons) of silver
- bronze & iron too great to be weighed
- wood & stone
- innumerable workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpentars, crafstmen for the various metals, etc.
Solomon was allowed to add to the supplies. David also ordered the leaders of Israel to help Solomon with this project. God was with them and had granted them peace by handing over the land's inhabitants to David. The land was subject to the Lord and His people.
"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God." (Verse 19a)
David instructed them to build the sanctuary to bring the ark of the covenant and sacred articles into the temple to be built for the Name of the Lord.
Lori's Thoughts:
See how quickly God helped David get back on his feet after slipping in sin, then repenting immediately? That's because David belonged to God. Our Father is just and merciful. If we devote ourselves to Him, He is good to make us aware of wrongs, which we will do as humans, and we can return into His favor. Now, that's not to say we can live as sinners because He'll forgive us every time. Forgiveness is for the sincere. As Christians, we should sin rarely to never, because the Holy Spirit guides our hearts and thoughts. Also, no tempation has come to you, that has not been experienced by others. God will provide a way for you not to fall into sin. (See I Corinthians 10:13)
David said God's will be done for the temple. He was not to be the builder. David was humble enough to step back and support his son for God's work. Solomon had a good father. His father taught him about obedience and worship of God. He taught Solomon how to be a leader, to be strong and courageous. He spoke words of encouragement and faith in his son's capabilities, despite his youth and lack of experience. I encourage all parents to follow David's example. We need to build up our children in the knowledge and confidence in God. This will enable them to be good people and accomplish great things.
I imagine heaven to be like Solomon's time. Peaceful. Work devoted to God. The creation of the most beautiful and grand artwork I've ever heard of, including the Sistine Chapel. I look forward to it.
I must express my human reaction here. 1,000,000 talents = 37,500 tons = 75,000 pounds of silver! That's the equivalent of a baby elephant stacked on top of 3 of the heaviest recorded elephants!
We cannot deny that God wants us to prosper. Let me just remind myself and you that there are things much more valuable than things, such as Love and a relationship with God. Without these, everything is meaningless.
Remember to "... devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God."
Verse 1
David declared that the house of God and the altar for burnt offerings for Israel would be established at the threshing floor he had bought from Araunah.
Preparations for the Temple
Verses 2-19
David ordered the assembling of the foreigners in Israel and appointed stonecutters to prepare dressed stone to build the house of God. David provided a lot of iron for the nails for the doors of the gateways and the fittings. He provided more bronze than could be weighed and more cedar logs than could be counted, which had been gifted to him by the Sidonians and Tyrians.
David said that his son, Solomon, was young and inexperienced. The house of God was to be magnificent, famous, and full of splendor in the sight of all nations. So, David would make preparations for it before his death. He called for Solomon and charged him to build God's house. He told Solomon of his intentions, but God had told David that he'd shed a lot of blood and fought many wars on the earth. He would be given a son of peace and rest, and God would give his son rest from all of his enemies. His name would be Solomon, which is similar to the Hebrew word for "peace". God would grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. Solomon would build a house for His Name. He would be God's son and God his Father. God would establish his throne forever.
David asked for God to be with Solomon and grant him success as he built God's house, according to God's instructions. David asked for God to give Solomon discretion and understanding when in command of Israel, to help him keep God's law, which would help him be succesful. He told Solomon to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged. David also put in a great effort to provide for the temple:
- 100,000 talents (about 3,750 tons) of gold
- 1,000,000 talents (about 37,500 tons) of silver
- bronze & iron too great to be weighed
- wood & stone
- innumerable workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpentars, crafstmen for the various metals, etc.
Solomon was allowed to add to the supplies. David also ordered the leaders of Israel to help Solomon with this project. God was with them and had granted them peace by handing over the land's inhabitants to David. The land was subject to the Lord and His people.
"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God." (Verse 19a)
David instructed them to build the sanctuary to bring the ark of the covenant and sacred articles into the temple to be built for the Name of the Lord.
Lori's Thoughts:
See how quickly God helped David get back on his feet after slipping in sin, then repenting immediately? That's because David belonged to God. Our Father is just and merciful. If we devote ourselves to Him, He is good to make us aware of wrongs, which we will do as humans, and we can return into His favor. Now, that's not to say we can live as sinners because He'll forgive us every time. Forgiveness is for the sincere. As Christians, we should sin rarely to never, because the Holy Spirit guides our hearts and thoughts. Also, no tempation has come to you, that has not been experienced by others. God will provide a way for you not to fall into sin. (See I Corinthians 10:13)
David said God's will be done for the temple. He was not to be the builder. David was humble enough to step back and support his son for God's work. Solomon had a good father. His father taught him about obedience and worship of God. He taught Solomon how to be a leader, to be strong and courageous. He spoke words of encouragement and faith in his son's capabilities, despite his youth and lack of experience. I encourage all parents to follow David's example. We need to build up our children in the knowledge and confidence in God. This will enable them to be good people and accomplish great things.
I imagine heaven to be like Solomon's time. Peaceful. Work devoted to God. The creation of the most beautiful and grand artwork I've ever heard of, including the Sistine Chapel. I look forward to it.
I must express my human reaction here. 1,000,000 talents = 37,500 tons = 75,000 pounds of silver! That's the equivalent of a baby elephant stacked on top of 3 of the heaviest recorded elephants!
We cannot deny that God wants us to prosper. Let me just remind myself and you that there are things much more valuable than things, such as Love and a relationship with God. Without these, everything is meaningless.
Remember to "... devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God."
Monday, March 14, 2011
Revelation 4 (NIV)
Summary:
The Throne in Heaven
Verses 1-11
John looked and saw a door before him, standing open in heaven. The first voice that he had heard, which sounded like a trumpet, spoke again and said, " 'Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.' " (Verse 1b) Immediately, John was in the Spirit and saw before him: a throne in heaven. Sitting on the throne was one with the appearance of jasper and carnelian . There was an emerald-like rainbow encircling the throne. Around the one throne were 24 others, with elders on them. The elders were dressed in white, with crowns of gold on their heads. There were flashes of lighting, rumblings and peals of thunder from the one throne. Seven lamps were blazing before the throne. These seven lamps are the seven spirits, or the sevenfold spirit. A sea of glass, clear as crystal, was also before the throne.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes all over. One was like a lion, another like an ox, one with the face of a man, and another like a flying eagle. They each had six wings covered with eyes. Day and night, they never stop saying, " 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.' " (Verse 8b)
Whenever the creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and lives forever, the 24 elders fall down before Him and worship Him. They lay down their crowns before the throne and say, " 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.' " (Verse 11)
Lori's Thoughts:
John says that he was in the Spirit. He was not physically taken to heaven nor was he dreaming. I believe he was given a vision. Christ told him he'd see what was to come. I believe he saw what heaven will be like.
I don't know for sure who the elders are, but I heard a theory that they are the 12 leaders of Israel and the 12 apostles. Not the 12 disciples, because that would include Judas. Since Judas died without repenting of his sin, I do not believe he is one of the 24. It's too bad, because God would have forgiven him if he'd asked.
I think the 24 represent the people of the Old and New Testament times. We will be in heaven together and worship God all the time, as we were meant to be. This might sound like too much, but humans are always worshiping something, whether it's God, money, celebrities, the devil, or themselves. We were made to worship. Out of ignorance or hatred, we worship what we should not. Only God is worthy and gives us life for our devotion to Him.
I'm not sure what the creatures with eyes represent. They are good because they worship God. Are they angels? They have six wings each. I'm not sure. I'm just trusting that my God knows all ..."and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." (Romans 8:28a).
Heaven sounds beautiful and powerful. Imagine precious gems amid the clearest and stillest water, with thunder and lighting. Awesome and powerful is the I am.
(Interesting tidbit - one of my high school teachers pointed out that jasper has every color of every human race. We are made in His image --see Genesis 1:27.)
The Throne in Heaven
Verses 1-11
John looked and saw a door before him, standing open in heaven. The first voice that he had heard, which sounded like a trumpet, spoke again and said, " 'Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.' " (Verse 1b) Immediately, John was in the Spirit and saw before him: a throne in heaven. Sitting on the throne was one with the appearance of jasper and carnelian . There was an emerald-like rainbow encircling the throne. Around the one throne were 24 others, with elders on them. The elders were dressed in white, with crowns of gold on their heads. There were flashes of lighting, rumblings and peals of thunder from the one throne. Seven lamps were blazing before the throne. These seven lamps are the seven spirits, or the sevenfold spirit. A sea of glass, clear as crystal, was also before the throne.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes all over. One was like a lion, another like an ox, one with the face of a man, and another like a flying eagle. They each had six wings covered with eyes. Day and night, they never stop saying, " 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.' " (Verse 8b)
Whenever the creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and lives forever, the 24 elders fall down before Him and worship Him. They lay down their crowns before the throne and say, " 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.' " (Verse 11)
Lori's Thoughts:
John says that he was in the Spirit. He was not physically taken to heaven nor was he dreaming. I believe he was given a vision. Christ told him he'd see what was to come. I believe he saw what heaven will be like.
I don't know for sure who the elders are, but I heard a theory that they are the 12 leaders of Israel and the 12 apostles. Not the 12 disciples, because that would include Judas. Since Judas died without repenting of his sin, I do not believe he is one of the 24. It's too bad, because God would have forgiven him if he'd asked.
I think the 24 represent the people of the Old and New Testament times. We will be in heaven together and worship God all the time, as we were meant to be. This might sound like too much, but humans are always worshiping something, whether it's God, money, celebrities, the devil, or themselves. We were made to worship. Out of ignorance or hatred, we worship what we should not. Only God is worthy and gives us life for our devotion to Him.
I'm not sure what the creatures with eyes represent. They are good because they worship God. Are they angels? They have six wings each. I'm not sure. I'm just trusting that my God knows all ..."and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." (Romans 8:28a).
Heaven sounds beautiful and powerful. Imagine precious gems amid the clearest and stillest water, with thunder and lighting. Awesome and powerful is the I am.
(Interesting tidbit - one of my high school teachers pointed out that jasper has every color of every human race. We are made in His image --see Genesis 1:27.)
Friday, March 11, 2011
I Chronicles 21 (NIV)
Summary:
David Numbers the Fighting Men
Verses 1-30
Satan arose against Israel. He prompted David to take a census of Israel. David told Joab to count those from Beersheba to Dan. Joab responded: Let God multiply the troops by 100. Weren't all of them David's subjects? Why did David want to bring guilt on Israel? But, David overruled Joab.
Joab did so and reported 1,100,000 swordsmen, including 470,000 in Judah. He left out Levi and Benjamin, because the command repulsed him. The command was also evil in God's eyes, so He punished Israel. David confessed his sin and asked for God to remove his guilt. God responded through Gad, David's seer. God gave David three choices: 3 years of famine, 3 months of being driven away by their enemies' swords, or 3 days of the sword of the Lord - a plague in the land and the Lord's angel ravaging Israel. David responded: He was in deep distress. Let him fall in God's hands, because God is merciful, but do not let him fall into the hands of men. So, God sent a plague on Israel. 70,000 men fell.
An angel was sent to destroy Jerusalem. God grieved because of the calamity and told the angel to withdraw. The angel was standing at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David saw the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword over Jerusalem. David and the elders were wearing sackcloth and they fell facedown. David told God that it was he who had sinned, that the Israelites were just sheep. He asked for the punishment to fall on him and his family.
The angel of the Lord told Gad to tell David to build an altar to God on Araunah's threshing floor. David obeyed. Araunah was threshing wheat when he saw the angel. His four sons hid. David approached and Araunah fell at David's feet. David asked to buy Araunah's threshing floor, at full price, to stop the plague. Araunah offered it for free, as well as the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for wood, and wheat for the grain offering. David insisted to pay the full price for what would be used for God. He paid 600 shekels (~15 pounds) of gold. He built an altar to God, sacrificed burnt and fellowship (peace) offerings. David called on God and He sent fire from heaven on the burnt offering.
God told His angel to sheath his sword. When David saw that God had answered him, at Araunah's threshing floor, he offered sacrifices there. The Lord's tabernacle, which Moses had made in the desert, and the altar of burnt offerings were at the high place in Gibeon. David couldn't go there to inquire of God, because he feared the sword of the angel of the Lord.
Lori's Thoughts:
Obviously, David sinned because he followed orders from someone other than God. However, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around why taking a census is bad. Here's my educated guess: David was counting the fighting men of Israel. Knowing this number would give him a false sense of security. He would rely on humans for strength and protection, rather than on God. Allowed to do so, David would have ended up as King Saul - in self-worship.
So, God brought it to David's attention that he had sinned. He was good enough to consult with David for the punishment of Israel. Because of one man's sin, a whole nation was punished. I mean, 70,000 people died for David's sin! Well, I have good news for you. The sacrifice of one Man covers the whole world's debt for their sins. Check yes or no for receipt.
Now, how amazing and scary would it have been to see the angel of the Lord, wielding a sword? I would have been scared. I bet Araunah was thinking of the angel of God that had destroyed the firstborn Egyptians. Maybe that's why his sons hid.
Well, Araunah was quite respectful of David and of God, offering everything for free. We should be willing as well to offer everything to God, if He asks us to. David was right to pay Araunah, though. This was another sign of contrition and act of atonement. What saved David was his immediate repentance and obedience. He did exactly what God told him to do and the destruction stopped. God let David know He had heard his prayers by sending fire from heaven for the burnt offering, which must have been another amazing sight.
Like David, we should fear God's wrath, but know that He is merciful and just, and He does love us. He wants to save us, not destroy us. Remember, God was grieved at Jerusalem's destruction and stopped it, before everyone was killed. However, there is no room for sin, with God. It must be eradicated. I guess it is fitting that this story ends at a threshing floor. In the words of John the Baptist, " 'I will baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.' " (Matthew 3: 11-12) Let the Holy Spirit help you remove the sin from your life, like chaff. Be on fire for God.
David Numbers the Fighting Men
Verses 1-30
Satan arose against Israel. He prompted David to take a census of Israel. David told Joab to count those from Beersheba to Dan. Joab responded: Let God multiply the troops by 100. Weren't all of them David's subjects? Why did David want to bring guilt on Israel? But, David overruled Joab.
Joab did so and reported 1,100,000 swordsmen, including 470,000 in Judah. He left out Levi and Benjamin, because the command repulsed him. The command was also evil in God's eyes, so He punished Israel. David confessed his sin and asked for God to remove his guilt. God responded through Gad, David's seer. God gave David three choices: 3 years of famine, 3 months of being driven away by their enemies' swords, or 3 days of the sword of the Lord - a plague in the land and the Lord's angel ravaging Israel. David responded: He was in deep distress. Let him fall in God's hands, because God is merciful, but do not let him fall into the hands of men. So, God sent a plague on Israel. 70,000 men fell.
An angel was sent to destroy Jerusalem. God grieved because of the calamity and told the angel to withdraw. The angel was standing at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David saw the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword over Jerusalem. David and the elders were wearing sackcloth and they fell facedown. David told God that it was he who had sinned, that the Israelites were just sheep. He asked for the punishment to fall on him and his family.
The angel of the Lord told Gad to tell David to build an altar to God on Araunah's threshing floor. David obeyed. Araunah was threshing wheat when he saw the angel. His four sons hid. David approached and Araunah fell at David's feet. David asked to buy Araunah's threshing floor, at full price, to stop the plague. Araunah offered it for free, as well as the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for wood, and wheat for the grain offering. David insisted to pay the full price for what would be used for God. He paid 600 shekels (~15 pounds) of gold. He built an altar to God, sacrificed burnt and fellowship (peace) offerings. David called on God and He sent fire from heaven on the burnt offering.
God told His angel to sheath his sword. When David saw that God had answered him, at Araunah's threshing floor, he offered sacrifices there. The Lord's tabernacle, which Moses had made in the desert, and the altar of burnt offerings were at the high place in Gibeon. David couldn't go there to inquire of God, because he feared the sword of the angel of the Lord.
Lori's Thoughts:
Obviously, David sinned because he followed orders from someone other than God. However, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around why taking a census is bad. Here's my educated guess: David was counting the fighting men of Israel. Knowing this number would give him a false sense of security. He would rely on humans for strength and protection, rather than on God. Allowed to do so, David would have ended up as King Saul - in self-worship.
So, God brought it to David's attention that he had sinned. He was good enough to consult with David for the punishment of Israel. Because of one man's sin, a whole nation was punished. I mean, 70,000 people died for David's sin! Well, I have good news for you. The sacrifice of one Man covers the whole world's debt for their sins. Check yes or no for receipt.
Now, how amazing and scary would it have been to see the angel of the Lord, wielding a sword? I would have been scared. I bet Araunah was thinking of the angel of God that had destroyed the firstborn Egyptians. Maybe that's why his sons hid.
Well, Araunah was quite respectful of David and of God, offering everything for free. We should be willing as well to offer everything to God, if He asks us to. David was right to pay Araunah, though. This was another sign of contrition and act of atonement. What saved David was his immediate repentance and obedience. He did exactly what God told him to do and the destruction stopped. God let David know He had heard his prayers by sending fire from heaven for the burnt offering, which must have been another amazing sight.
Like David, we should fear God's wrath, but know that He is merciful and just, and He does love us. He wants to save us, not destroy us. Remember, God was grieved at Jerusalem's destruction and stopped it, before everyone was killed. However, there is no room for sin, with God. It must be eradicated. I guess it is fitting that this story ends at a threshing floor. In the words of John the Baptist, " 'I will baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.' " (Matthew 3: 11-12) Let the Holy Spirit help you remove the sin from your life, like chaff. Be on fire for God.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Revelation 3 (NIV)
Summary:
To the Church in Sardis
Verses 1-6
Description of Christ: He holds the 7 spirits (or the sevenfold spirit) and the 7 stars.
Praise: Some of them have not soiled their clothes, so they will walk with Him, dressed in white, because they are worthy.
Warning: They have a reputation for being alive, but they are actually dead. Wake up! Strengthen what is left and about to die. Their deeds are incomplete in God's eyes. Remember what you've received and heard. Obey it and repent. If you don't wake up, He will come like a thief, when you don't expect Him.
Reward: Those that overcome will be dressed in white. He will never blot out their names from the book of life. He will acknowledge their names before the Father and His angels. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Verse 6)
To the Church in Philadelphia
Verses 7-13
Description of Christ: He is holy and true. He holds the key of David. What He opens, no one can shut. What He shuts, no one can open.
Praise: He knows their deeds. He has opened a door before them that no one can shut. They have little strength, but have kept His word and have not denied His name. They have kept His commands and endured patiently. He will keep them from the hour of trial and what will happen to the whole world, to test those living on earth.
Warning: Those of the synagogue of Satan, claiming to be Jews, but are not, are liars. He will make them fall at the feet of the Philadelphians and acknowledge that God has loved them. He is coming soon, so hold on to what you have, so no one will take your crown.
Reward: Those that overcome, He will make a pillar in God's temple. They will never leave it again. He will write on them God's name; the name of God's city, that is the New Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven; and the new name of Jesus. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Verse 13)
To the Church in Laodicea
Verses 14-22
Description of Christ: He is the Amen. He is the faithful and true witness. He is the ruler of God's creation.
Warning: He knows their deeds. They are neither hot nor cold. Since they are lukewarm, He is about to spit them out of His mouth. They claim to be rich and that they don't need anything. In actuality, they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Christ counsels them to buy from Him gold refined in fire, so they can be rich; white clothes to cover their shameful nakedness; and salve for their eyes, so they can see. He rebukes and disciplines those He loves. Be earnest and repent. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and him with me." (Verse 20)
Reward: To them that overcome, He will give the right to sit with Him on His throne, just as He overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Verse 22)
Lori's Thoughts:
Description of Jesus: He holds the key of David. Christ knocks on our hearts. If we open our hearts to Him, maybe this is when He opens doorways for us. If we open doorways to evil spirits by knowingly or unknowingly getting involved in the occult or worshiping a false god, that is a demon or the devil, and God closes these doors when we confess our sins and submit to Him, then He can open a doorway with us when we worship Him, to connect with the Holy Spirit. Remember, we cannot serve two masters, so we must expel sin from our lives once we accept Christ as our Savior. The Holy Spirit helps us do this by bringing our sin to our attention. I know He has for me.
Praise: Sometimes good people die. We should not fear the first death. If your life is in His hands, He may give you rest until the hour of trial is over and it is time to wake up and go Home. Remember, His will be done, not ours. My brother had an adopted father, in Christ. Mr. Maisu. He was a good man and a good father. After having been abused by our biological father, it was a blessing to see a loving and selfless man. Mr. Maisu died of cancer. Our father is still alive (we haven't lived with him for 10 years). Some may see this as unfair. But, we are limited in our thinking. We see the present only. God sees all - the beginning, middle, and end. I believe we will see Mr. Maisu, completely healthy, in heaven. I believe God is gracious enough to give my biological father time to submit to Him. God is loving, patient, forgiving, and just. I praise Him!
Warning: Be dead to sin and alive in Christ. This is truly living. You'll know it when you experience it. Desire the things of God, not of this world. Money just brings problems. The more money you get, the more pride, greed, and loneliness you'll receive. Your desire and dependency on God diminishes. Wake up! God desires to give us what is truly valuable. There's the story of the blind man, where Jesus spits in dirt to make a salve to plaster on the man's eyes. He told the blind man to go wash it off and his sight would be restored. In Revelation, Christ is speaking of spiritual blindness. He can help us see that our worldly desires are for Satan's bait, which leads to eternal death. Let us taste and see that God is good and wants us to have eternal life.
Reward: Christ can present us before the Father as holy and blameless. Though our sins be as scarlet, we will be "dressed in white". We will be with God forever in the heavenly temple. He will seal us, spiritually, with His name. He claims us. The devil is trying to claim us as well. Don't give him a foothold. We now suffer with Christ, on this earth. In heaven, we will reign with Christ.
To the Church in Sardis
Verses 1-6
Description of Christ: He holds the 7 spirits (or the sevenfold spirit) and the 7 stars.
Praise: Some of them have not soiled their clothes, so they will walk with Him, dressed in white, because they are worthy.
Warning: They have a reputation for being alive, but they are actually dead. Wake up! Strengthen what is left and about to die. Their deeds are incomplete in God's eyes. Remember what you've received and heard. Obey it and repent. If you don't wake up, He will come like a thief, when you don't expect Him.
Reward: Those that overcome will be dressed in white. He will never blot out their names from the book of life. He will acknowledge their names before the Father and His angels. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Verse 6)
To the Church in Philadelphia
Verses 7-13
Description of Christ: He is holy and true. He holds the key of David. What He opens, no one can shut. What He shuts, no one can open.
Praise: He knows their deeds. He has opened a door before them that no one can shut. They have little strength, but have kept His word and have not denied His name. They have kept His commands and endured patiently. He will keep them from the hour of trial and what will happen to the whole world, to test those living on earth.
Warning: Those of the synagogue of Satan, claiming to be Jews, but are not, are liars. He will make them fall at the feet of the Philadelphians and acknowledge that God has loved them. He is coming soon, so hold on to what you have, so no one will take your crown.
Reward: Those that overcome, He will make a pillar in God's temple. They will never leave it again. He will write on them God's name; the name of God's city, that is the New Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven; and the new name of Jesus. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Verse 13)
To the Church in Laodicea
Verses 14-22
Description of Christ: He is the Amen. He is the faithful and true witness. He is the ruler of God's creation.
Warning: He knows their deeds. They are neither hot nor cold. Since they are lukewarm, He is about to spit them out of His mouth. They claim to be rich and that they don't need anything. In actuality, they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Christ counsels them to buy from Him gold refined in fire, so they can be rich; white clothes to cover their shameful nakedness; and salve for their eyes, so they can see. He rebukes and disciplines those He loves. Be earnest and repent. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and him with me." (Verse 20)
Reward: To them that overcome, He will give the right to sit with Him on His throne, just as He overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Verse 22)
Lori's Thoughts:
Description of Jesus: He holds the key of David. Christ knocks on our hearts. If we open our hearts to Him, maybe this is when He opens doorways for us. If we open doorways to evil spirits by knowingly or unknowingly getting involved in the occult or worshiping a false god, that is a demon or the devil, and God closes these doors when we confess our sins and submit to Him, then He can open a doorway with us when we worship Him, to connect with the Holy Spirit. Remember, we cannot serve two masters, so we must expel sin from our lives once we accept Christ as our Savior. The Holy Spirit helps us do this by bringing our sin to our attention. I know He has for me.
Praise: Sometimes good people die. We should not fear the first death. If your life is in His hands, He may give you rest until the hour of trial is over and it is time to wake up and go Home. Remember, His will be done, not ours. My brother had an adopted father, in Christ. Mr. Maisu. He was a good man and a good father. After having been abused by our biological father, it was a blessing to see a loving and selfless man. Mr. Maisu died of cancer. Our father is still alive (we haven't lived with him for 10 years). Some may see this as unfair. But, we are limited in our thinking. We see the present only. God sees all - the beginning, middle, and end. I believe we will see Mr. Maisu, completely healthy, in heaven. I believe God is gracious enough to give my biological father time to submit to Him. God is loving, patient, forgiving, and just. I praise Him!
Warning: Be dead to sin and alive in Christ. This is truly living. You'll know it when you experience it. Desire the things of God, not of this world. Money just brings problems. The more money you get, the more pride, greed, and loneliness you'll receive. Your desire and dependency on God diminishes. Wake up! God desires to give us what is truly valuable. There's the story of the blind man, where Jesus spits in dirt to make a salve to plaster on the man's eyes. He told the blind man to go wash it off and his sight would be restored. In Revelation, Christ is speaking of spiritual blindness. He can help us see that our worldly desires are for Satan's bait, which leads to eternal death. Let us taste and see that God is good and wants us to have eternal life.
Reward: Christ can present us before the Father as holy and blameless. Though our sins be as scarlet, we will be "dressed in white". We will be with God forever in the heavenly temple. He will seal us, spiritually, with His name. He claims us. The devil is trying to claim us as well. Don't give him a foothold. We now suffer with Christ, on this earth. In heaven, we will reign with Christ.
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