Doncha get the feeling that John is having to be very guarded with this letter? Like if it fell into the wrong hands - really bad things could happen? The code at the beginning about the lady and her children -- and then the end with I can't write anymore down on paper -- all sounds pretty careful.
But again that theme of LOVE! He could be talking here about the 10 commandments, as they center on love to God and love to Man, God is centered in Love.
I thought it was interesting how he definitely says there are certain people you don't want to work with -- good advice, something to pray about and watch for; people that don't stick with God's word and try to convince others away from His word.
Also -- stay focused; don't drift away -- and that happens if we don't intentionally pursue a relationship and time with Him -- we drift.
MSG made 2 John a letter to a church from a former pastor instead of to a particular person as the direct translations do. Either way though, the message was the same.
I think there were probably a lot of personal letters that went out from the apostles but the fact that this was one included in the Bible tells me that God wants us to learn something from it.
From reading 1 John it seems like there were a lot of people who didn't believe that God came down as a man & lived among us. Many today think Jesus was just a good prophet. John says these people are deceived & those that teach this have the antichrist spirit, which makes sense. And anyone who would dare claim to be God on earth, like the Pope does, would also fall into this category.
It totally denies the Power of the HS that came over Mary. Denying the HS is denying God & putting mere humans on equal terms with God, which is impossible. Even the reformers of the 16th century saw this & started preaching it. This awakened the dragon & the persecution that followed is just a precursor to what is to come when we as Christians start preaching the Truth without fear again. It's definitely not PC.
Guess I digressed there a bit. My history brain took off.
Back to John. Again he implores them to live out love v6. Unifying myself with Jesus by letting His love change me - enables me to really live His love. Such a challenge in this world with so many different personalities & things to set us off.
Jesus spent more time in prayer after & before His busiest days it seems. I know my brain/body call out for that, but I let my schedule get in the way too much. I need to look at my priorities more often because it seems like they can't out of line pretty easily.
v8,9 has a great warning for those who keep seeking intellectual discussions about religion & think it makes them smarter. "Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God". Unfortunately, I have met a LOT of people like this.
I can relate to v12,13 too. I much rather have a face-to-face conversation vs email, phone or texting. It really helps to see what people are experiencing because you can read their face. Hard to do that with the other 3.
God even had to teach them(us) gratitude. He tells them to give Him the 1st fruits out of gratitude to Him for being faithful & bringing them into the Promised Land. Hadn't thought about it in that respect that He had to actually teach them to be grateful & how to show it. Seems so basic, but obviously, we still struggle today with being grateful. We only want more.
26:18,19 "And today God has reaffirmed that you are dearly held treasure just as he promised, a people entrusted with keeping his commandments, a people set high above all other nations that he's made, high in praise, fame, and honor: you're a people holy to God, your God..."
Like that wording. "Dearly held treasure". Just blows my mind that God can know all about me, even all the dirty corners of me, & still call me a dearly held treasure.
In 27 there are some curses pronounced on people who take advantage of someone else's handicap or weakness (v18) & being disrespectful to their parent in v16 (MSG says demeaning). People are taken advantage of all the time & respecting your elders is a thing of the past. And we are definitely reaping the consequences of it all.
28:1,2 - thought it was interesting that not only were the Israelites to be blessed for obeying God's commands BUT all the nations around them as well.
Having Christ in me isn't just so I can get to heaven, it's to also bless the people around me. I just like that concept. MSG says v2 so nicely. "All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God."
All because I have responded to the Voice of my God. Amen, let it be.
Unfortunately, the rest of the chapter details what the Jews have gone thru because they have rejected Jesus as their Messiah & consequently, God as their Father. I believe it's also a prophecy of those who at the end ultimately reject God totally.
Yeah is -- I wrote in my bible dearly held treasure (as my version simply said, His own special treasure.
Again, I love seeing God's desire for us to celebrate (vs 11) it all plays into that gratitude as you talked about Chris.
Interesting - the plastered stones with the commandments/instructions. Again, I'm thinking another way for people to remember -- some are hearers, some are readers, some are visual -- maybe He's trying to reach all.
It was quite a contrast between obedience/worship and rejection of God. I wonder if this is what future kings read (like when they found the scroll in the temple) that caused some kings to make a huge effort to re-focus their people! Kudos to the kings that actually listened and turned - - most of them just ignored it (hmmmm, sounds pretty familiar to our day and age)
You would think the huge special dedication of the wall would have been just another reminder of the importance of following after God & keeping His ways. They made the rafters ring! (12:42).
Nehemiah took great pains to teach the people & set leaders in place to do things in accordance with what God had directed Moses. You can teach, but you can't change the heart or make it commit to something. That has to be the choice of each of us. Sadly, the people didn't seem to want to change. They fell quickly back into bad habits. Change is hard, especially when the heart is not involved.
Nehemiah had to repeatedly teach them the basics & remind them of God's ways. That gets exasperating; repeating the same thing over & over & people just not comprehending. Especially when it's basic stuff. But Nehemiah was committed. His consistent actions show that.
I can see myself in the people sometimes. This would be a lifestyle change & those aren't easy to be consistent at. Especially if there's family members who don't want to or don't get it. They suck you back in. I think that's one reason why God didn't want the foreigners in with His people via marriage. They didn't understand.
Interesting that Nehemiah brought up the example of Solomon. Especially when we've been reading about him in Ecc. & all the lessons he's learned.
I love how the people, at first, were excited about bringing God the best of all they acquired! They were in love with their God!
BUT -- vision leaks. It happens then and it happens now. and -- if not guarded, love leaks as well. This people lost their strong leader (Nehemiah went back to serve the king) and Sandballet and Tobiah began their inroads -- Tobiah took up residence in the temple (I can hardly believe this! He was the guy that tried to side track Neh earlier) and Sandballet married his daughter to one of the priests! These guys were snakes!
Nehemiah didn't fool around when he got back -- even to beating and pulling out hair (seems a little extreme, but of course - I don't understand the customs. Obviously - - Neh took these offenses very seriously)
Leadership is tough and discouraging. We need to look for ways to encourage and support our leaders that are doing the tough work of ministry!
I have enjoyed Ps 143 for several years. A lot of times vs 8-10 are part of my morning prayer. I can say it any better than David did, to be awakened by God every morning, knowing He loves me & going to bed each night trusting Him. Pleading with Him to teach me how to please Him, serve Him, love Him so I can be with Him forever. Very basic & simply put.
144:1,2 He trains me to fight. It's a different battle when I'm fighting for God & He uses different weapons & He's the One to teach me how to use them intelligently & skillfully.
v9-10 Can't wait to sing the song of deliverance in heaven!
145 is full of praise for God.
v17 "...the trademark on all His works is love."
19 "He does what's best for those who fear him..." The question is do I believe He's doing what's best? If I really do, then why do I complain when it's hard or trying?
I had to say "I trust You Jesus" out loud when I woke up yesterday & then acknowledge "You knew this would happen, You got it all under control" several times during the day. Made things easier to give up control. Great way to defeat satan too.
Good description of Satan in 143:3 "My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness." I appreciate David's view of depression, of being overwhelmed and discouraged; and David's struggle then to "lift my hands to You in prayer (vs 6), as he knows that's his only hope.
His prayer? Show me . . . Rescue me . . . Teach me . . . Lead me . . . it's all total dependance on God -- there's nothing in there about David's ability to make his situation better or to solve the problem. Abandonment - David doesn't even want to take the next step without God's guidance.
I have a long long ways to go I think. I still want to solve all my problems with God's blessing instead of putting all my problems in His capable control and staying focused on His timing/leading!
I've thought this a lot of times: 144:3 "O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? AND - even more than that, that He'd come live with us, teach us, be murdered by us; and yet extend His gift of grace. Worthy is Your name Lord -- Your love is beyond my understanding.
I thought 145:;7 was a snippet of Journey! "Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness" What an honor it was to have a piece of telling people that the "Messiah, our Savior has been born!!!"
Linda, really liked the way you put David's prayer into perspective & his dependence on God. I'm in the same classroom you are...still learning it.
A lot of different thoughts crossed my mind as I read Song of Sol today.
The woman starts off lonely, missing her lover, so lonely that it's painful v1. So she starts out on a desperate search for him. I've been so lonely that it's painful & very empty so I've tried to fill it with other, sometimes harmful things. But that emptiness was God created, it's the God-shaped hole as Plumb sings. Even putting men in that role that only God can fill is harmful as it awakens feelings that aren't in God's timeline (v5) & cause problems until God's timing for a mate.
Interestingly, she finds her love after asking for help. Sometimes after verbalizing that I need help, I immediately find my answer, without the other person even opening their mouth. God has a way of reminding me that I need others in my life & I am not an island, though sometimes I have tried to be isolated & untouchable.
Another thought I had was why wasn't her love with her in the first place, if she loved him so much? Where had she left him? Where have I left God sometimes? It's not God who leaves me to chase another, it's always me leaving Him in the dust or thinking my way is better.
4:8-15 I see God wooing me off of my island prison. Away from the anger & walls (illustrated by the lions/panthers guarding me). And to heal the pain all He does is tell me what He likes about me, what He's seeing through His eyes, not mine & not others around me.
So my challenge daily is to see myself through His eyes. Because...hmmm, well, hard to put the rest into words, but I have to admit, I am a happier person than what I was before I allowed this Stranger onto my island & to take me off of it. Sometimes I still start to head back, but then I'm like the woman at the beginning of chapter 3. Missing my Lover & starting the search again.
Chris you really brought out some good points about our relationship with God on these 2 chapters.
I was thinking about 3:1,2 in relationship to Matt 11:28 (Come to Me) God doesn't push Himself on us, He wants us to realize our respond to His love. There's more "coming" statements in 4:8 -- oooo, I loved the idea of the lions and leopards being the fears, walls, the things that keep us locked up in the hills -- really good.
4:10 Your love delights Me! This is God's thrill when we respond to His love with love (it's all so true in human relationships too -- we all want to be accepted and loved).
4:12 "You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride - a secluded spring, a hidden fountain. This speaks to me of God's individual love for us -- can you imagine spending time with God alone? (I know - He invites us to that every day) but what about when we're in Heaven, a personal time with just you and God -- that seems too good to be true! Why would He want to spend time with ME! But then -- that's just what SOS is all about; He's trying to convince us that we are precious - we are beautiful to Him!
I liked how you brought Matt 11:28 in there. Even God wants to be wanted. And His patience to let us realize our need. So many thoughts in SOS yesterday. Just not enough space to share them.
When I read Revelation I remember all the studying of the different symbols in it. And how many theories are out there. So many people led astray & looking into the future for different fulfillments. History has fulfilled a lot of these things.
I do like how the Dark Ages are represented over & over again along with the French Revolution in the 3 1/2 yrs, the 42 months, 1260 days etc. I like the wording, calling the Old & New Testaments the 2 Witnesses & how they don't let people be comfortable in their sins & that's why they are persecuted.
God protects His people though. It won't always be easy like we wish it would be. The people who have suffered the most here on earth are blessed & rewarded richly in heaven.
A lot of different views of the 144,000 & who they are. I just like the idea in 7:9 of a huge crowd that couldn't be numbered. Sometimes it's hard to find others willing to stand for truth & you feel like a minority. But in heaven - Wow! So many people. I believe this is what Jesus saw, the "travail of His soul" (Is 53) & He was encouraged to press on to the cross for us. Amazing Love!
Yep Chris, I agree---a lot of views on the 144,000. Might as well add mine:
First, there's a huge distinction between Gods purposes for the nation of Israel and the purpose of the church. The church includes both Jew and Gentile and we're now living in the church age. This means that the church has the responsibility for evangelizing the world. In the OT, it was the Jews who evangelized the world. In the time of the tribulation, the spotlite will again be on the Jews and it will be their responsibility once again to evangelize the world.
Now--with that in mind, Rev 7 says the 144,000 are from "the TRIBES of the Children of Israel" (7:4). John then uses the next four verses of Rev 7 telling us exactly which Israelite tribes make up the 144,000. If these were Gentiles, I don't think John would make such an effort to describe the different tribes.
The word "tribes" is used in Scripture to refer to literal ethnic groups. "Tribe" is found almost 300 times in the Bible beginning in Genesis. And each time it refers to the Israelites. The Children of Israel in Rev 7 are Jews-- This term is used to refer to those of Jewish descent. It is not applied to Gentiles and does not include Gentiles.
The 144,000 are Jews by birthright. They do not become “spiritual Israel” as I've heard from some cults who come to my door and try to teach.
Chapter 7 speaks to me of the omnipotence & omnipresence of God. He's in charge of the 4 angels holding back the 4 winds (this says to me . . . everything!! all . . . He's in charge of it all)
Then there is the vast crowd in vs 9. I kindof got goose bumps trying to imagine what that would be like - - the vast crowd worshiping their God, standing in front of the throne - - looking at Jesus glowing face. Victory at last!! and there is nothing but praise and adoration for him (vs 12) it has nothing to do with us . . . all about Him!!
and what a comforting thought in 7:16-17 . . . He is concerned for us, like a mother for her child - - only so much deeper that THAT!
Chpt 8 is God's people's prayers of "help us" going up -- and God's response to the injustice toward His people and Himself - - vs 5 the angel filled the incense burner with fire and threw it down upon the earth" Watch out world -- your time is up. With that -- all of creation goes haywire, nothing is normal anymore.
AND speaking of time -- vs 10:6-7 speaks of this: there will be NO MORE DELAY! God's mysterious plan will be fulfilled. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us why there would be a delay -- but in 9:20 it tells us that "the people . . . still refused to repent of their evil deeds" So -- He's done everything He can. No more delay!! THAT fits with 11:18 "IT IS TIME to judge the dead and reward your servants the propehts as well as your holy people. . . IT IS TIME to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.
I also liked the comments of chapter 11 -- the interlude that spoke of the value of the Bible, the New and Old Testament (which is my understanding of the 2 witnesses). When people do away with the scriptures - - they will act as the people of Sodom and Egypt.
Sherrie - Good point about it being specific about the tribes of Israel & so it must be literal Jews. Maybe. I know Paul talks about us Gentiles being spiritual Israel in Romans 2 though as well. But maybe it is actually Jews that make up the 144,000 & spiritual Israel is the massive crowd. Either way...I just wanna be there.
Linda, yeah I noticed that too about people just doing what they wanted & not paying any attention to what God is doing. Not changing or taking notice. Pretty scary thought really.
To keep a calm disposition when falsely accused, I see as a gift of the HS. There's a definite issue of trust & surrender as well. Jesus manifested the same spirit.
So nice of Jesus to visit Paul & encourage him. I wonder if Paul ever thought that he'd come out alive. It seems like he was just willing to do & go where ever God led him. He had no agenda. There were places he'd like to go when he was in prison, as evidenced by his letters. But he didn't seem to spend much time feeling sorry for himself or thinking "what if".
At every step he seemed to just surrender his will to God & so there was no "what if". I really appreciate the example lived.
Felix just didn't want to surrender. Things got to close to home so he ran from it back to his comfort zone. The interesting thing is that though we call it a comfort zone. It's only that because it's known. What is unknown, makes us uneasy. When we know something, we feel more in control & so we feel safe. But it's just an illusion.
We run from total abandonment to God because it's unsure (we can't see the future) & we compromise our eternal life & happiness for things we can see & "control". I think that's why God had a whole chapter on faith in Hebrews. It's vital.
Gazing intently (23:1) No unsurity - no fear; total bold Paul; living, as Chris said, in boldness with a calm disposition:)
The Romans were much more respectful and kind to Paul than the Jews - - that's what jealousy does; stirs up hatred and cruelty and disrespect.
Yes! I loved it too Chris that the Lord showed up to encourage Paul and give him a sneak peek of where his Journey would go. No doubt Paul hung on to this as he spent 2+ years in Ceasarea. I was just talking to myself about being patient with God's plan as I read this!!
Pretty impressive that the commander had SO many soldiers guarding Paul -- he must have really been expecting a riot. Very cool how God used the Romans to carry out His plan for Paul - to move Paul from place to place.
Doncha get the feeling that John is having to be very guarded with this letter? Like if it fell into the wrong hands - really bad things could happen? The code at the beginning about the lady and her children -- and then the end with I can't write anymore down on paper -- all sounds pretty careful.
ReplyDeleteBut again that theme of LOVE! He could be talking here about the 10 commandments, as they center on love to God and love to Man, God is centered in Love.
I thought it was interesting how he definitely says there are certain people you don't want to work with -- good advice, something to pray about and watch for; people that don't stick with God's word and try to convince others away from His word.
Also -- stay focused; don't drift away -- and that happens if we don't intentionally pursue a relationship and time with Him -- we drift.
MSG made 2 John a letter to a church from a former pastor instead of to a particular person as the direct translations do. Either way though, the message was the same.
ReplyDeleteI think there were probably a lot of personal letters that went out from the apostles but the fact that this was one included in the Bible tells me that God wants us to learn something from it.
From reading 1 John it seems like there were a lot of people who didn't believe that God came down as a man & lived among us. Many today think Jesus was just a good prophet. John says these people are deceived & those that teach this have the antichrist spirit, which makes sense. And anyone who would dare claim to be God on earth, like the Pope does, would also fall into this category.
It totally denies the Power of the HS that came over Mary. Denying the HS is denying God & putting mere humans on equal terms with God, which is impossible. Even the reformers of the 16th century saw this & started preaching it. This awakened the dragon & the persecution that followed is just a precursor to what is to come when we as Christians start preaching the Truth without fear again. It's definitely not PC.
Guess I digressed there a bit. My history brain took off.
Back to John. Again he implores them to live out love v6. Unifying myself with Jesus by letting His love change me - enables me to really live His love. Such a challenge in this world with so many different personalities & things to set us off.
Jesus spent more time in prayer after & before His busiest days it seems. I know my brain/body call out for that, but I let my schedule get in the way too much. I need to look at my priorities more often because it seems like they can't out of line pretty easily.
v8,9 has a great warning for those who keep seeking intellectual discussions about religion & think it makes them smarter. "Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God". Unfortunately, I have met a LOT of people like this.
I can relate to v12,13 too. I much rather have a face-to-face conversation vs email, phone or texting. It really helps to see what people are experiencing because you can read their face. Hard to do that with the other 3.
God even had to teach them(us) gratitude. He tells them to give Him the 1st fruits out of gratitude to Him for being faithful & bringing them into the Promised Land. Hadn't thought about it in that respect that He had to actually teach them to be grateful & how to show it. Seems so basic, but obviously, we still struggle today with being grateful. We only want more.
ReplyDelete26:18,19 "And today God has reaffirmed that you are dearly held treasure just as he promised, a people entrusted with keeping his commandments, a people set high above all other nations that he's made, high in praise, fame, and honor: you're a people holy to God, your God..."
Like that wording. "Dearly held treasure". Just blows my mind that God can know all about me, even all the dirty corners of me, & still call me a dearly held treasure.
In 27 there are some curses pronounced on people who take advantage of someone else's handicap or weakness (v18) & being disrespectful to their parent in v16 (MSG says demeaning). People are taken advantage of all the time & respecting your elders is a thing of the past. And we are definitely reaping the consequences of it all.
28:1,2 - thought it was interesting that not only were the Israelites to be blessed for obeying God's commands BUT all the nations around them as well.
Having Christ in me isn't just so I can get to heaven, it's to also bless the people around me. I just like that concept. MSG says v2 so nicely. "All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God."
All because I have responded to the Voice of my God. Amen, let it be.
Unfortunately, the rest of the chapter details what the Jews have gone thru because they have rejected Jesus as their Messiah & consequently, God as their Father. I believe it's also a prophecy of those who at the end ultimately reject God totally.
Yeah is -- I wrote in my bible dearly held treasure (as my version simply said, His own special treasure.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I love seeing God's desire for us to celebrate (vs 11) it all plays into that gratitude as you talked about Chris.
Interesting - the plastered stones with the commandments/instructions. Again, I'm thinking another way for people to remember -- some are hearers, some are readers, some are visual -- maybe He's trying to reach all.
It was quite a contrast between obedience/worship and rejection of God. I wonder if this is what future kings read (like when they found the scroll in the temple) that caused some kings to make a huge effort to re-focus their people! Kudos to the kings that actually listened and turned - - most of them just ignored it (hmmmm, sounds pretty familiar to our day and age)
Sher - 27:29 reminded me of the outcome of your recent news about your neighbor.
ReplyDeleteYou would think the huge special dedication of the wall would have been just another reminder of the importance of following after God & keeping His ways. They made the rafters ring! (12:42).
ReplyDeleteNehemiah took great pains to teach the people & set leaders in place to do things in accordance with what God had directed Moses. You can teach, but you can't change the heart or make it commit to something. That has to be the choice of each of us. Sadly, the people didn't seem to want to change. They fell quickly back into bad habits. Change is hard, especially when the heart is not involved.
Nehemiah had to repeatedly teach them the basics & remind them of God's ways. That gets exasperating; repeating the same thing over & over & people just not comprehending. Especially when it's basic stuff. But Nehemiah was committed. His consistent actions show that.
I can see myself in the people sometimes. This would be a lifestyle change & those aren't easy to be consistent at. Especially if there's family members who don't want to or don't get it. They suck you back in. I think that's one reason why God didn't want the foreigners in with His people via marriage. They didn't understand.
Interesting that Nehemiah brought up the example of Solomon. Especially when we've been reading about him in Ecc. & all the lessons he's learned.
I love how the people, at first, were excited about bringing God the best of all they acquired! They were in love with their God!
ReplyDeleteBUT -- vision leaks. It happens then and it happens now. and -- if not guarded, love leaks as well. This people lost their strong leader (Nehemiah went back to serve the king) and Sandballet and Tobiah began their inroads -- Tobiah took up residence in the temple (I can hardly believe this! He was the guy that tried to side track Neh earlier) and Sandballet married his daughter to one of the priests! These guys were snakes!
Nehemiah didn't fool around when he got back -- even to beating and pulling out hair (seems a little extreme, but of course - I don't understand the customs. Obviously - - Neh took these offenses very seriously)
Leadership is tough and discouraging. We need to look for ways to encourage and support our leaders that are doing the tough work of ministry!
I have enjoyed Ps 143 for several years. A lot of times vs 8-10 are part of my morning prayer. I can say it any better than David did, to be awakened by God every morning, knowing He loves me & going to bed each night trusting Him. Pleading with Him to teach me how to please Him, serve Him, love Him so I can be with Him forever. Very basic & simply put.
ReplyDelete144:1,2 He trains me to fight. It's a different battle when I'm fighting for God & He uses different weapons & He's the One to teach me how to use them intelligently & skillfully.
v9-10 Can't wait to sing the song of deliverance in heaven!
145 is full of praise for God.
v17 "...the trademark on all His works is love."
19 "He does what's best for those who fear him..." The question is do I believe He's doing what's best? If I really do, then why do I complain when it's hard or trying?
I had to say "I trust You Jesus" out loud when I woke up yesterday & then acknowledge "You knew this would happen, You got it all under control" several times during the day. Made things easier to give up control. Great way to defeat satan too.
Good description of Satan in 143:3 "My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness." I appreciate David's view of depression, of being overwhelmed and discouraged; and David's struggle then to "lift my hands to You in prayer (vs 6), as he knows that's his only hope.
ReplyDeleteHis prayer? Show me . . . Rescue me . . . Teach me . . . Lead me . . . it's all total dependance on God -- there's nothing in there about David's ability to make his situation better or to solve the problem. Abandonment - David doesn't even want to take the next step without God's guidance.
I have a long long ways to go I think. I still want to solve all my problems with God's blessing instead of putting all my problems in His capable control and staying focused on His timing/leading!
I've thought this a lot of times: 144:3 "O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? AND - even more than that, that He'd come live with us, teach us, be murdered by us; and yet extend His gift of grace. Worthy is Your name Lord -- Your love is beyond my understanding.
I thought 145:;7 was a snippet of Journey! "Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness" What an honor it was to have a piece of telling people that the "Messiah, our Savior has been born!!!"
Linda, really liked the way you put David's prayer into perspective & his dependence on God. I'm in the same classroom you are...still learning it.
ReplyDeleteA lot of different thoughts crossed my mind as I read Song of Sol today.
The woman starts off lonely, missing her lover, so lonely that it's painful v1. So she starts out on a desperate search for him. I've been so lonely that it's painful & very empty so I've tried to fill it with other, sometimes harmful things. But that emptiness was God created, it's the God-shaped hole as Plumb sings. Even putting men in that role that only God can fill is harmful as it awakens feelings that aren't in God's timeline (v5) & cause problems until God's timing for a mate.
Interestingly, she finds her love after asking for help. Sometimes after verbalizing that I need help, I immediately find my answer, without the other person even opening their mouth. God has a way of reminding me that I need others in my life & I am not an island, though sometimes I have tried to be isolated & untouchable.
Another thought I had was why wasn't her love with her in the first place, if she loved him so much? Where had she left him? Where have I left God sometimes? It's not God who leaves me to chase another, it's always me leaving Him in the dust or thinking my way is better.
4:8-15 I see God wooing me off of my island prison. Away from the anger & walls (illustrated by the lions/panthers guarding me). And to heal the pain all He does is tell me what He likes about me, what He's seeing through His eyes, not mine & not others around me.
So my challenge daily is to see myself through His eyes. Because...hmmm, well, hard to put the rest into words, but I have to admit, I am a happier person than what I was before I allowed this Stranger onto my island & to take me off of it. Sometimes I still start to head back, but then I'm like the woman at the beginning of chapter 3. Missing my Lover & starting the search again.
Chris you really brought out some good points about our relationship with God on these 2 chapters.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about 3:1,2 in relationship to Matt 11:28 (Come to Me) God doesn't push Himself on us, He wants us to realize our respond to His love.
There's more "coming" statements in 4:8 -- oooo, I loved the idea of the lions and leopards being the fears, walls, the things that keep us locked up in the hills -- really good.
4:10 Your love delights Me! This is God's thrill when we respond to His love with love (it's all so true in human relationships too -- we all want to be accepted and loved).
4:12 "You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride - a secluded spring, a hidden fountain. This speaks to me of God's individual love for us -- can you imagine spending time with God alone? (I know - He invites us to that every day) but what about when we're in Heaven, a personal time with just you and God -- that seems too good to be true! Why would He want to spend time with ME! But then -- that's just what SOS is all about; He's trying to convince us that we are precious - we are beautiful to Him!
I liked how you brought Matt 11:28 in there. Even God wants to be wanted. And His patience to let us realize our need. So many thoughts in SOS yesterday. Just not enough space to share them.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read Revelation I remember all the studying of the different symbols in it. And how many theories are out there. So many people led astray & looking into the future for different fulfillments. History has fulfilled a lot of these things.
I do like how the Dark Ages are represented over & over again along with the French Revolution in the 3 1/2 yrs, the 42 months, 1260 days etc. I like the wording, calling the Old & New Testaments the 2 Witnesses & how they don't let people be comfortable in their sins & that's why they are persecuted.
God protects His people though. It won't always be easy like we wish it would be. The people who have suffered the most here on earth are blessed & rewarded richly in heaven.
A lot of different views of the 144,000 & who they are. I just like the idea in 7:9 of a huge crowd that couldn't be numbered. Sometimes it's hard to find others willing to stand for truth & you feel like a minority. But in heaven - Wow! So many people. I believe this is what Jesus saw, the "travail of His soul" (Is 53) & He was encouraged to press on to the cross for us. Amazing Love!
Yep Chris, I agree---a lot of views on the 144,000. Might as well add mine:
ReplyDeleteFirst, there's a huge distinction between Gods purposes for the nation of Israel and the purpose of the church. The church includes both Jew and Gentile and we're now living in the church age. This means that the church has the responsibility for evangelizing the world. In the OT, it was the Jews who evangelized the world. In the time of the tribulation, the spotlite will again be on the Jews and it will be their responsibility once again to evangelize the world.
Now--with that in mind, Rev 7 says the 144,000 are from "the TRIBES of the Children of Israel" (7:4). John then uses the next four verses of Rev 7 telling us exactly which Israelite tribes make up the 144,000. If these were Gentiles, I don't think John would make such an effort to describe the different tribes.
The word "tribes" is used in Scripture to refer to literal ethnic groups. "Tribe" is found almost 300 times in the Bible beginning in Genesis. And each time it refers to the Israelites. The Children of Israel in Rev 7 are Jews-- This term is used to refer to those of Jewish descent. It is not applied to Gentiles and does not include Gentiles.
The 144,000 are Jews by birthright. They do not become “spiritual Israel” as I've heard from some cults who come to my door and try to teach.
Chapter 7 speaks to me of the omnipotence & omnipresence of God. He's in charge of the 4 angels holding back the 4 winds (this says to me . . . everything!! all . . . He's in charge of it all)
ReplyDeleteThen there is the vast crowd in vs 9. I kindof got goose bumps trying to imagine what that would be like - - the vast crowd worshiping their God, standing in front of the throne - - looking at Jesus glowing face. Victory at last!! and there is nothing but praise and adoration for him (vs 12) it has nothing to do with us . . . all about Him!!
and what a comforting thought in 7:16-17 . . . He is concerned for us, like a mother for her child - - only so much deeper that THAT!
Chpt 8 is God's people's prayers of "help us" going up -- and God's response to the injustice toward His people and Himself - - vs 5 the angel filled the incense burner with fire and threw it down upon the earth" Watch out world -- your time is up. With that -- all of creation goes haywire, nothing is normal anymore.
AND speaking of time -- vs 10:6-7 speaks of this: there will be NO MORE DELAY! God's mysterious plan will be fulfilled. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us why there would be a delay -- but in 9:20 it tells us that "the people . . . still refused to repent of their evil deeds" So -- He's done everything He can. No more delay!! THAT fits with 11:18 "IT IS TIME to judge the dead and reward your servants the propehts as well as your holy people. . . IT IS TIME to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.
I also liked the comments of chapter 11 -- the interlude that spoke of the value of the Bible, the New and Old Testament (which is my understanding of the 2 witnesses). When people do away with the scriptures - - they will act as the people of Sodom and Egypt.
Sherrie - Good point about it being specific about the tribes of Israel & so it must be literal Jews. Maybe. I know Paul talks about us Gentiles being spiritual Israel in Romans 2 though as well. But maybe it is actually Jews that make up the 144,000 & spiritual Israel is the massive crowd. Either way...I just wanna be there.
ReplyDeleteLinda, yeah I noticed that too about people just doing what they wanted & not paying any attention to what God is doing. Not changing or taking notice. Pretty scary thought really.
To keep a calm disposition when falsely accused, I see as a gift of the HS. There's a definite issue of trust & surrender as well. Jesus manifested the same spirit.
ReplyDeleteSo nice of Jesus to visit Paul & encourage him. I wonder if Paul ever thought that he'd come out alive. It seems like he was just willing to do & go where ever God led him. He had no agenda. There were places he'd like to go when he was in prison, as evidenced by his letters. But he didn't seem to spend much time feeling sorry for himself or thinking "what if".
At every step he seemed to just surrender his will to God & so there was no "what if". I really appreciate the example lived.
Felix just didn't want to surrender. Things got to close to home so he ran from it back to his comfort zone. The interesting thing is that though we call it a comfort zone. It's only that because it's known. What is unknown, makes us uneasy. When we know something, we feel more in control & so we feel safe. But it's just an illusion.
We run from total abandonment to God because it's unsure (we can't see the future) & we compromise our eternal life & happiness for things we can see & "control". I think that's why God had a whole chapter on faith in Hebrews. It's vital.
Gazing intently (23:1) No unsurity - no fear; total bold Paul; living, as Chris said, in boldness with a calm disposition:)
ReplyDeleteThe Romans were much more respectful and kind to Paul than the Jews - - that's what jealousy does; stirs up hatred and cruelty and disrespect.
Yes! I loved it too Chris that the Lord showed up to encourage Paul and give him a sneak peek of where his Journey would go. No doubt Paul hung on to this as he spent 2+ years in Ceasarea. I was just talking to myself about being patient with God's plan as I read this!!
Pretty impressive that the commander had SO many soldiers guarding Paul -- he must have really been expecting a riot. Very cool how God used the Romans to carry out His plan for Paul - to move Paul from place to place.