Month: January 2021

Sunday, 24 January 2021

I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. Revelation 10:1

Chapter 10 begins a new scene, but it is from an earthly perspective. John begins with, “I saw still another mighty angel.” This is certainly another revelation of Jesus Christ, as will be explained as the chapter unfolds. The word translated as “mighty” has been seen in Revelation 5:2. The word is being used to reveal the nature and character of the Lord for this particular unveiling. Everything about the presentation supports the notion of His might. It next says the Angel is “coming down from heaven.”

As he is seeing the Angel coming down from heaven, it signifies John is seeing things from the earth. The statement of John is reminiscent of the statement Jesus made in John 1:51 –

“Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

The previous verses have been centered on battles occurring on earth. Now this Angel is coming to that realm. John then further describes Him as “clothed with a cloud.” It speaks of divine glory surrounding Him. Several times in Revelation, a cloud is mentioned in connection with the Lord (1:7; 10:1; 14:14-16), but more, the Lord is seen to ascend or descend in a cloud numerous times. This is an indication that this Angel is the Lord. And again, John says, “And a rainbow was on his head.”

The symbolism is first seen in Ezekiel 1:28 in relation to the Lord. This ties the Angel now in Revelation directly to the Lord of the Old Testament. The Angel is Jesus –

“Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.”

The rainbow also corresponds to the rainbow around the throne in Revelation 4:3. The rainbow, then, accompanies the Lord who is on the throne and who is now descending. The Greek word translated as rainbow is iris. It is seen only here and in verse 4:3. The rainbow is a symbol of divine mercy as well as His faithfulness in relation to that mercy. The allusion to the bow in the cloud from Genesis 9 is obvious. The reason for the accompanying rainbow now may be as indicated by Albert Barnes –

“The rainbow is properly an emblem of peace. Here the symbol would mean that the angel came not for wrath, but for purposes of peace; that he looked with a benign aspect upon people, and that the effect of his coming would be like that of sunshine after a storm.”

Whether of mercy or of peace, the rainbow speaks to the deity of the Lord here. Next, John notes that “his face was like the sun.” This takes the reader back to verse 1:16, another indication that this is the Lord. His appearance as the sun indicates that what He shines on is fully illuminated. The radiance of the light of life is in Him and it shines forth from Him. There is nothing that He will not see. All that is dark or hidden will be brought to light. It also probably is conveying the idea of the Lord coming in a benign manner. Were it otherwise, a dark cloud could be anticipated instead of the radiant sun.

And finally, John says, “and his feet like pillars of fire.” This then refers back to verse 1:15. There it spoke of his feet being like fine brass that had been refined in a furnace. Brass speaks of judgment whereas fire speaks of purification as well as judgment. The idea of pillars is that of authority, strength, and stability, even permanence (see Galatians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:15, and Revelation 3:12).

Everything about this Angel so far (and to come) speaks of the Person of Jesus Christ in His deity.

Life application: The Greek word allos used here, and translated as “another,” can signify “another of the same kind.” In other words, it can be (and most surely is) another description of the Lord – this book is the revealing or unveiling of Jesus and it is He who is being depicted.

This verse begins an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets, just as there was one between the sixth and seventh seals. This interlude will last for quite a while and the final trumpet isn’t blown until Revelation 11:15. The majestic description of this portion of the heavenly vision is given to prepare us for the verses ahead – all of which are amazing and glorious.

The important point to remember is that God is in control. The future is laid out to show that He is both aware of it and is in control of it. He is revealing Himself to us in these many varied ways to help us have confidence that He is intervening at times in order to bring about the end that He has promised.

And with that thought in mind, we are to remember that He is doing it through His Son. The same One who came to die for us on the cross of Calvary, in order to redeem us, is now attending to the stream of human existence for the sake of those He has redeemed. Let us, therefore, not fret about the world events that would otherwise trouble our hearts. Instead, let us be filled with joy and hope as God continues to bring us back to Himself through our Lord JESUS.

Lord God, how beautiful it is to read the various descriptions given to us in Scripture that show us the glory and beauty of the heavenly realm. Above all, how wonderful is the majesty and splendor of Jesus, our Lord who rules at Your right hand. Thank You, O God, for the wonderful insights into these things. They give us hope in this fallen world as we look to You and your glory with amazement and anticipation of better days ahead! Amen.

Saturday, 23 January 2021

And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 9:21

In the previous verse, it says that mankind (see the explanation of the meaning of “mankind” in that verse) “did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood.” John continues with that sentiment in this final verse of chapter 9.

In addition to those abominable practices, he says they also “did not repent of their murders.” The word is phonos, and it signifies intentional, unjustified homicide. It was first used in Matthew 15:19 –

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

In the Old Testament, there are various words used for killing another, but the term “murder” translates a word first used in the giving of the Ten Commandments. Like the Greek, it is an unauthorized killing of another. However, in the Old Testament it could be either intentional or unintentional. Any unauthorized slaying is defined by the same Hebrew word. And yet, refuge could be given to a person who did not intentionally commit the act. That is defined in Numbers 35. The words of John here in Revelation indicate a willful and intentional act based on the fact that there is no repentance for the deed.

John continues with his words by also noting that the people did not repent of “their sorceries.” The Greek word is pharmakos. It signifies sorcery, but it is based on the idea of “using drugs and ‘religious incantations’ to drug people into living by their illusions – like having magical (supernatural) powers to manipulate God into giving them more temporal possessions” (HELPS Word Studies). One can see the basis for our modern word “pharmacy” in it.

The word is found only in Revelation (three times), along with its associated word pharmakeia, which is found in Galatians 5:20 and once in Revelation 18:23. What is probable is that both basic meanings equally apply here – sorcery and drug use. Both are common in the world today, and the legalization of drugs has become increasingly prevalent, including in Israel.

Next, John says, or their sexual immorality. Sexual intimacy is expected to be between man and woman, and within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual acts are to be considered immoral. Obviously, this is no longer accepted by society in general where every possible perversion of this precept is considered normal and acceptable. But this is not simply a precept to casually overlook. It is stated to be unacceptable even until the last page of Scripture, along with other perversions of what is right –

“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Revelation 22:15

Sexual immorality, of all types, is now widely promoted in the nation of Israel, showing that they are not only not immune from judgment, but that they can and should expect it for their unholy conduct.

John then finishes the list, and the chapter, by noting “their thefts.” Thieving is repugnant because it is taking what doesn’t belong to someone without care or concern for the work and time of the one being stolen from. The other sins will often take up a great deal of time and expense of the offender, who is only bent on more sin, so the easiest route to feed their debauchery is to steal from others. For these acts, continued judgment and woe is coming on the world, especially upon Israel who bears the name of God. Before Christ returns to this wayward people, they must be purified and made ready.

Life application: Man is created in God’s image and to kill another human is therefore an attack against God’s image-bearer. The Bible only gives one penalty for murder – the ending of the life of the murderer. When a society fails to execute one guilty of this capital crime, it is actually a secondary attack against God. And this is what we see in the liberalizing of our judicial systems around the world. Murderers are given light sentences in court and this only leads to more murder.

Likewise, the other crimes against God that are noted in this verse mar the image of God in the people who do such things. When they continue to occur in society, the society devolves into an unholy congregation of wickedness. Even if the society seems progressive, and projects an attitude of caring and “social justice,” the corruption is clearly evident when compared against the standard by which man will be judged – the Lord Jesus.

He is the embodiment of the law, and He offers His perfect performance under the law to anyone who will receive it by faith. This is what it means to be brought into the New Covenant through Christ’s shed blood. But for those who fail to come to Him, the severe judgment of God will be meted out. This is true for each individual, but it is also true on a national scale for Israel. Only after they are purified will He return to them.

For today, consider your standing before God, do what is right and wise, and call on His hand of extended mercy… call on JESUS!

Lord Jesus, when we read the Bible’s list of things that offend You and that bring about Your wrath, we each know that we have participated in many of those things as well. And yet You extend mercy upon us when we come to You through Jesus. We can only pray that You will call the hearts of the unrepentant back to You, just as You have done for those of us who have called on Jesus. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Amen.

Friday, 22 January 2021

But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. Revelation 9:20

As noted in the 9:18 commentary, the extent of the word “mankind” here is actually uncertain. It is probably referring to those in the army of Israel, or even the population who are targeted along with the army. In other words, it says that “a third of mankind was killed.” That would, at this time, leave two-thirds. As John says, “But the rest of mankind.”

If this is referring to the same battle that Ezekiel prophesied about, despite losing one-third of the population, the victory over the enemy is so great that it would still be considered a massive accomplishment. In such a state, John says of those “who were not killed by these plagues,” that there will be no change in their attitude.

Sometimes calamity will bring people closer to God. However, when there is a great victory at the same time, the opposite can be true. The dead are mourned, but the people as a whole feel proud, self-righteous, and seemingly invincible. This appears to be the case here because John says that they “did not repent of the work of their hands.”

If speaking of Israel, as it appears to be the case, they are stuck in idolatry to this day. They have idolatry of self, idolatry of culture, idolatry of nationalism, idolatry of wealth, power, and status. They also have idols throughout the land. It is not uncommon to see buddhas in houses, eastern spiritualism permeates many in the society, and so on. For the most part, they are a secular society that lives very similarly to those in the US and elsewhere. The religious Jews are not religious for the word of God, but for the teachings and traditions of their sages as found in the Talmud.

This is not to beat up on the people. Rather, it is a simple fact. In following any such idol mentioned above, or any other that they follow (and the list is as long as with any other nation), they are not following the Lord. He presented Himself to them and confirmed that He was the fulfillment of their own Scriptures –

“Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:45, 46

If one is not following the Lord (Yehovah of the Old Testament who has come as Christ Jesus in the flesh in the New), they are – by default – following the devil –

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. ⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. ⁴⁶ Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? ⁴⁷ He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:44-47

The thing about Israel (and the world at large today that now has Scripture) is that not only have they followed after countless other gods, but they have rejected the Scriptures. It is these that tell of Jesus (as noted above) as well as the battles that will come. The truth is clearly laid out in them, in minute detail. If they simply made themselves aware of the contents of the word, they would be able to see that the battle now being described was prophesied in advance.

However, as John says, they have failed to come to the Lord so “that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”

The constant failing of Israel (and indeed the whole world, but the focus is on Israel here) is that they have, even since their inception, followed every “god” they could conjure up. They have followed demons (e.g., 2 Chronicles 11:15), and they have followed idols of gold, silver, brass, and wood (e.g., Hosea 8:4). In this, they have traded the living God for those things.

And not only will they not give up such things after this terrifying battle is complete, but they will continue with their abominations as is noted in the verse to come.

Life application: Judgment has been brought about in the fifth and sixth trumpets, which are the first and second woes. These battles comprise the aerial assault and then a ground invasion. However, there has been no change in heart – no repentance and turning to God.

Instead, they have continued in the worship of things made by their hands. Anything that we can form is formed out of something that God has made. Therefore, it is not God. The bizarre thought process of worshipping an idol of this sort, along with the irony involved, is laid out clearly in Isaiah 44:6-20. Take time to read that passage, but here is a portion of it –

 “He burns half of it in the fire;
With this half he eats meat;
He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.
He even warms himself and says,
‘Ah! I am warm,
I have seen the fire.’
¹⁷ And the rest of it he makes into a god,
His carved image.
He falls down before it and worships it,
Prays to it and says,
“Deliver me, for you are my god!” Isaiah 44:16, 17

In the list provided by John in this verse are a host of materials used in idolatry – gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood. But the list is started with the thought that they are really worshipping demons. Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 10:20. Demonic activity is behind all idolatry. Any worship of a physical, tangible, created substance is error.

For proper worship, we are only to look to God, the Maker of all things, and not to the things He has made. The Bible says for us to fix our eyes on Jesus. The word reveals Jesus to us, and Jesus reveals the Father. Why should we look anywhere else for our heart’s desire when He is the Source of all things?

Lord God, how far we have fallen! We direct our eyes away from You and instead lavish our attention and devotion on mere things? Forgive our wicked hearts. May we always remember that You are the Creator and that all things have come from You. May we never set up an idol in our home or in our heart, but instead may we worship You alone. Amen.

Thursday, 21 January 2021

For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm. Revelation 9:19

In this verse, John continues with his description of the horses which he has been conveying. Clearly, his words refer to modern mechanized vehicles, and especially that of tank warfare. In his continued words, he says, “For their power is in their mouth.” He is adamantly proclaiming that what was stated in verse 17 is correct. There, he said, “and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone.”

At John’s time, who would believe such a thing? Because of the incredible nature of the matter, he is reiterating it to ensure that we know that what he said is exactly what he meant. Because it seems so incredible, the thought has long been spiritualized. But to ensure that this means of interpretation is understood to be incorrect, he next says, “and in their tails.”

Someone spiritualizing these verses might say that the power in the mouth of these horses is referring to powerful demonic orators whose mouths destroy those they speak of. And this would not be an unfounded analogy. But what about the tails having power? This too could be spiritualized, right from Scripture –

“The elder and honorable, he is the head;
The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail.” Isaiah 9:15

One could make the argument that this power in the tails is that of false prophets teaching lies. However, with all of the symbolism taken together, and with an understanding of modern air and ground wars, those interpretations must be excluded. The precision of the terminology is such that these words really should be taken literally. Especially when the number of those included, and the ratio of those who will die, are exactingly stated by John.

With this approach understood (meaning a literal interpretation), what is the power in the tail? The secondary weapon systems on tanks are their machine guns, often at the back of the tanks. These cover the rear flank and, sticking out as they do, would appear like tails to John. To continue with his first-century analysis of a 21^st-century battle tank, he next says, “for their tails are like serpents, having heads.”

Serpents are long and thin. This is true in comparison to the larger canon of the front. Further, in saying they have heads, John is conveying the thought that they can spit out venom. Just as the main barrel spits out fire, smoke, and brimstone, so these also are able to spit forth. Because of this, John says they have heads. And the analogy continues when considering the sound of a machine gun, almost hissing as it ejects its many bullets (listen here for a demonstration that would have led John to make this close analogy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZj_Io9jr70).

With this understood, John next says, “and with them they do harm.” That is a most apt description of the effects of a large caliber machine gun as its lethal rounds tear apart other vehicles and humans, and the sand and rock spit up all around as the bullets land around their intended targets.

Life application: The vision only becomes clear in modern times and it points to the fact that Revelation was and is a book of prophecy about a future battle, not something which occurred in his lifetime. Those who want to claim that the church replaced Israel will argue that all of the events of Revelation are past, but this is simply a bad analysis of the timeline, the purpose of the book, and of the meaning of this symbolism that is given.

We are living in exciting times and the events of Revelation are coming nearer by the moment. Maybe they will even occur in our lifetime. In saying that, it is not meant that we will be here. The Bible teaches a pre-tribulation rapture. However, the events may be coming in the span that comprises that of a person alive today.

If this is so, thank God for what His word says concerning our deliverance from this coming world of woe. Thank God for the sure promises found in our Lord, Christ JESUS!

Thank You, Lord, for giving John the visions which we see recorded within the book of Revelation! Because we have an understanding of what he saw, we can look with confidence concerning the events of the book, knowing that You are in complete control of the future and that You have a plan laid out for the people of God. Our confidence and hope are in You! Amen.

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. Revelation 9:18

Here we have the results of the battle waged in the ground war. Of it, John first says, “By these three plagues.” The word “plagues” is inserted here for clarity, but some manuscripts actually include the word. Either way, the intent is that the effects of the artillery and tank warfare are that “a third of mankind was killed.”

The question is, “Does this refer to the whole world, or is it referring to all who are engaged in the battle, or is this the number of those who are killed in Israel?” The first option is unlikely. This is a localized battle. The second option is possible, but if it is the same battle as described in Ezekiel 38/39, it is also unlikely. This is because Ezekiel 39 seems to indicate a complete rout of the invading forces. It will be so catastrophic for them that Israel will spend seven years cleaning up the battlefield and burning that which is left behind in the devastation.

Therefore, if it is the same battle, this is probably referring to one-third of those in the army of Israel, or even one-third of the population who are targeted along with the army. As always, being certain is impossible until the event takes place. However, the means of death is not uncertain. John says the “plagues” are “the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”

In other words, the cavalry of tanks and artillery assembled in the battle will destroy one-third of those it has come to destroy. What is a possible (mere speculation) scenario, if this is the same battle as Ezekiel, is that Israel will see the likelihood of being completely defeated, and so they turn to the use of some type of WMD to end the battle. If so, it would need to be a weapon that can destroy like a nuke, but without the radioactive effects of a nuke.

Jimmy Carter outlawed the construction of a neutron bomb during his presidency. However, it is believed in certain circles that Israel pursued and developed such a weapon. From Wikipedia –

“It is believed that Israel had possessed an operational nuclear weapons capability by 1967, with the mass production of nuclear warheads occurring immediately after the Six-Day War. Although no official statistics exist, estimates of Israeli nuclear weapons range from 75 to as many as 400. It is unknown if Israel’s reported thermonuclear weapons are in the megaton range. Israel is also reported to possess a wide range of different systems, including neutron bombs, tactical nuclear weapons, and suitcase nukes. Israel is believed to manufacture its nuclear weapons at the Negev Nuclear Research Center.”

Because this is so, the scenario above is actually quite likely. Israel faces the giant invading force, defeat appears imminent, Israel deploys a neutron bomb (which does not cause the fallout a nuke would), and thus Israel is able to effectively clean up the battlefield without the harmful effects that would otherwise hinder such an operation. Of course, this is entirely speculation, but the certain aspect of it is that the battle Ezekiel describes will come to pass, and the battle that John describes will as well.

Life application: God has promised to always protect Israel and keep her from complete annihilation. And this, despite her disobedience. It is to Israel that Jesus will return and so this promise stands firm –

“You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.” Ezekiel 38:16

&

“And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 38:22, 23

The faithfulness of the Lord is at stake when it comes to the preservation of Israel. He has spoken, and He will accomplish. This is because He is ever faithful and true. He is JESUS!

Lord, we know that perilous times are ahead, and that Israel will not be excluded from them. But we also know that You are in complete control of all things and that You will protect them for Your holy name’s sake. Thank You for Your faithfulness even when we aren’t faithful. What a great and awesome God You are! Amen.