Detox for the soul #4

April 23, 2020

Today is Thursday. That’s the day after Wednesday and the day before Friday, if anyone is still tracking time.

We know the toxin and can set our guard. John summarized it, “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” [1 John 2:16 NLT] But how to we detox from all the guilt, judgement, and condemnation we have earned? I am so glad you asked!!!

Let’s start with a promise. The verse has been called the “proto-evangelical.” God promised, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” [Genesis 3:15 NLT] Notice the hostility is between the devil and the woman and their respective offspring. There has been only one offspring of a woman, Jesus born of a virgin. When Jesus died on the cross, it seemed as if the snake had struck its blow. When Jesus rose from the dead, He crushed Satan. The devil no longer has power over those he enslaves through sin. There is no more fear of death for those who are in Christ.

Let’s look at a sacrifice. Adam and Eve tried, unsuccessfully, to cover the cause of their shame. In other words, humans can never cover their guilt. “And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.” [Genesis 3:21 NLT] This is the first time they saw death. This sacrifice of one life to cover for another set the legal precedent for the “blood sacrifice.”   The need for a blood sacrifice is stated, “…and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” [Hebrews 9:22b ESV] BECAUSE the consequence of sin is death (physical and spiritual) then the forgiveness of sin would also be death (the blood of Jesus).

Let’s consider a blessing. Adam and Eve were then driven out of the garden. This is were the story of forgiveness and redemption begins, “So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden…” [Genesis 3:23a NLT, NIV, etc.] It seem strange to think of being banished from paradise as a mercy intended to set our feet on the right path. Yet there is one special detail to note in the next verse, “He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” [Genesis 3:24 ESV] Death provides a buffer to the unhindered expansion of evil.

The good news is, in Christ, this tree is not permanently lost to humanity. We are invited to have access, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7 NLT] The need for such a tree (or trees, see Revelation 22:2) indicates the believer’s life, health, and healing comes from the continual provision of God. This is foreshadowed by the grace given to us on another tree where Jesus died. This grace is continual nourishment to the soul.

Bitter darkness or joyful light?

April 15, 2020

At this point in the trajectory of the pandemic, there have been a little over 2 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. Over 130,000 have died. A little over half a million have recovered. What looks like good news is the number of new case, worldwide, has fallen over the past four days. In the USA, over 3 million have been tested, 100,000 plus have been hospitalized. (Stats from JHU) Over 27,000 Americans have died, to date. (source: worldometers)

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I hear the senseless bickering of politicians who would rather rule a corpse than save a life. I see politicians leverage the situation for non-sequitur stuff rather than save a life. I feel for the families that have lost loved ones while politicians and media blindly blast blame, instead of put effort toward saving a life. 

I want it to be over. The reality is there is only one way for this to end. We may find a solution to this virus; but that ends only prolongs the agony, muddies the water, and boost the poison of our politics. There is only one solution to what this world desperately needs: Jesus, who is King of kings... period.

Paul urged us to love others, to “do no harm.” (see Romans 13:10) With this advice in mind, he continued, “As you do all this, you know what time it is. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. Now our salvation is nearer than when we first had faith.” [Romans 13:11 CEB] There is an echo from the Old Testament in this verse.

After David united all the tribes of Israel, they congregated for a large celebration. All the tribes, except one, sent large numbers of representatives (armies). The exception, “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” [1 Chronicles 12:32 CEB] Others had gathered for war, Issachar gathered for peace. Others were prepared to fight each other, Issachar did not abandon the homeland to the Philistines. Others felt the need to protect themselves, Issachar felt the need to take the lead.

Paul urged the Romans to “wake up from your sleep.” In Mark 13, talking about the end times, Jesus says “Stay alert!” not once, not twice, not three times, but four times. Think Jesus is making a point? Advising the servants concerning the return of their master, Jesus states, “Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping.” [Mark 13:36 CEB] Nobody can say when the day or hour will be… but it might be possible to know the season (Matthew 16:3). The season is right. Then again it has always been right for Jesus' return. 

“Everything that is revealed by the light is light. Therefore, it says, Wake up, sleeper! Get up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [Ephesians 5:14 CEB] This is not the time to abandon our world to the darkness. Just like the heroic actions of the medical world to save lives, we must do our part in this pandemic of sin.

Time to light up this world with the truth of Jesus.

Victory over death part 10

April 13, 2020

Remember Monday? Before the pandemic, a lot of people felt the drain of having to go back to work after a brief couple of days rest. 

Let me back up and cover one event that happened on the day Jesus was resurrected (Sunday).

Two men are walking to a small town near Jerusalem called Emmaus, it’s about seven miles. We find the account in Luke 24:13 – 34. The stage is set with these words, “They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him.” [Luke 24:14 – 15 CEB]

The idea of being “prevented” comes from the Greek word that is a “passive imperfect.” The “passive” shows us that they were acted upon, they did not act. The “imperfect” gives us a clue this was continuing something already happening. 

What prevented them from recognizing Jesus? I am so glad you asked!!! (Hint: The clues are in the text.)

There are a series of not understanding or believing. After Jesus asks them a second time what they were discussion we watch them explain three reasons why people are blinded.

1. They did not understand Jesus. “…They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet.” [Luke 24:19 CEB] These two were willing to understand Jesus as a prophet, but not as God.
2. They did not understand the nature of death. “But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him.” [Luke 24:20 CEB] They thought death is the end.
3. They made it political. “We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago.” [Luke 24:21 CEB] The idea of a redeemer or deliverer (the Messiah/Christ) was based on politics.
4. They did not believe the eye witnesses. “But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” [Luke 24 22 – 24 CEB]

Jesus’ rebuke strikes like a hammer on an anvil because Jesus intends to reshape our thinking. “Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about.” [Luke 24:25 CEB] The “dull minds” comes from the Greek idiom “slow in heart.”  Literally Jesus says, they lack sense (foolish), and are stupid (slow to comprehend and act). Jesus could have left them blinded by their flawed thought process and hard hearts, but that is not His intentions for anyone.

With the care and accuracy necessary for the blacksmith to shape the metal to his will; Jesus proceeds to give them THE Bible lesson, “Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.” [Luke 24:27 CEB]

Later their eyes were opened. They recognized Jesus. They recognized there were signs before, “They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” [Luke 24:32 CEB]

Their errors: they reduced Jesus to a “just” a prophet (or a good teacher), they thought death was the end, they made it political, and they didn’t believe the witness given to them. (Did they just explain one or more reasons you do not believe in Jesus?)

If Jesus is the living God who has conquered death, there is everything to gain and nothing to lose by following Him. If Jesus is NOT the living God who conquered death, there is nothing to gain and everything to lose by rejecting Him.

Victory over death part 8

What did Jesus do today?

April 11, 2020

Today is Saturday. The day after Jesus died on the cross. Imagine the death, decay, and despair the followers of Jesus felt today.

But what did Jesus do? His earthly body was dead, but we know that He was busy accomplishing and completing the action started when He gave up His spirit.

Let me take a second to "put down" a poisonous idea. There are people who think Jesus was killed by the Jews. This is a lie, straight from the tongue of the devil. Jesus was very clear, “This is why the Father loves me: I give up my life so that I can take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I give it up because I want to. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it up again. I received this commandment from my Father.” [John 10:18 CEB] This is a key idea of the crucifixion: Jesus WANTED to give up His life. This is love in action.

So what was Jesus doing today? I am so glad you asked!!!

One possible explanation to Jesus’ activity on this day may start with, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5 NIV] Jesus demonstrated the true cost of sin. This was a legal exchange, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” [1 Peter 3:18 NIV] Paul put it this way, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” [Romans 3:25a NIV]

Rather than focusing on the legal theory, I want to point to a simple and stunning truth. Paul claims in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [NIV] In other words, Jesus took the place we have earned and deserved. In exchange Jesus offers us His place. All because Jesus WANTED to substitute Himself for us by accepting the punishment and suffering our sins deserve. This is what theologians call “vicarious death.” In other word, Jesus suffered the whole of the right judgement against us in every way.

But wait, there is more! In the “Apostles’ Creed” most Christians confess that Jesus “descended into hell” (or “descended to the dead”). We read about this in Acts 2:24, “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” [NIV] Notice the “agony of death” part.

Paul testifies, “But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” [Romans 10:6 – 7 NIV] The “deep” in this verse is properly translated “the abyss” (The Greek says “tis katabesetai eis abusson”) In Hebrews 2:14 – 16 we learn Jesus shared fully in every human experience, except sin.

I am fond of the idea that Jesus substituted Himself for me. He took my deserved punishment for sin on the cross. Jesus literally went to Hell for me. SPOILER ALERT: When Jesus raises from the dead, literally and physically; He shatters the power of sin and death. Jesus crushes the power of Satan (see Hebrews 2:14).

Are you afraid of death? This COVID-19 pandemic is like a splash of ice cold water in the tepid reality of existence. The question is: do you want to exist or do you want to live? Many of us are existing. We eat, sleep, breath, work, and take up space just existing. God calls us to an abundant and eternal life in Jesus. 

This is the question mark of the cross. Will you have faith, the kind that changes the way you think and behave, in Jesus’ shed blood for your soul?  

Victory over death part 3

April 6, 2020

Today is Monday, if anyone is keeping track. Today is an interesting day in the final week of Jesus’ earthly life (a.k.a. “Holy Week”).

One of the debatable timing of events is the “cleansing of the temple.” Matthew records it happening on Palm Sunday. Mark puts it on Monday. Luke does not give a time. John puts this event at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Considering the detail the Gospel writers put into the story, I think it is likely Jesus cleansed the temple at least twice. In John the key statement is “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” [John 2:19]. The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called “synoptic” because they are very similar) record, “And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” [Mark 11:17 NIV, also see Luke 19:46, Matthew 21:13]

Matthew 21:14 records, “The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.” [NIV] The significance of this statement comes from those who entered the temple. Jesus cleared space for them. By now, if you follow the life of Jesus, the amazing part was not that He healed. It seems Jesus healed people just about everywhere He went (except for a few in His home town, because of their lack of faith). When Jesus drove out the animals and money changers, He cleared out the section of the Temple reserved for Gentiles, the sick, and the handicapped.

Imagine the indignation on the religious elitists who were the gatekeepers keeping people away from God. They lose money from the business shut down. Their sacred space is invaded by undesirable people. And to add insult to injury, Jesus heals the people, doing what they should have been doing. As a bonus, the people who were no longer excluded from the inner parts of the Temple now had free access.

Imagine being one who has been excluded. Physical suffering compounded by religious exclusion and multiplied by the humiliation of begging are suddenly healed, invited in, and set on equal footing. The blind may never have seen the alter. The lame may have never step past the threshold of the Temple. The Temple gates were thrown open for the “dogs” (Gentiles).

Jesus also declares a significant shift in the purpose of holy space. The Temple was no longer for “sacrifice.” Temple space was now to be used for prayer. Little did they understand that day, God’s perfect sacrifice was about to put an end to the necessity of the daily and yearly sacrifices.

At the moment, most of our church buildings are empty. Most of our buildings will require extraordinary and continual deep cleaning. Contrary to one news network's empty church ad, claiming this is the only way we will have a future; I pray this will not last long and there will not be enough room to accommodate all the people seeking God. When this plague passes, churches will be open, but to whom and for what purpose?  

What would it take to clean out our churches (and lives) to accept those who are not like us, not perfect, or maybe considered “undesirable?” You can do it now or Jesus will do it later.

Victory over death part 2

April 5, 2020

Today is “Palm Sunday.” This story is found in all for Gospels, (first four books of the New Testament about Jesus life, ministry, and miracles).

From Mark’s account we see an interesting bit about the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” [Mark 11:2 NLT] A donkey, in American thinking, is stupid and stubborn. Riding one that nobody has ever ridden would have been almost impossible. Yet this is a fulfillment of prophecy. “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey -- riding on a donkey’s colt.” [Zechariah 9:9 NLT] The choice of a donkey is significant because it is what a king would ride if he were entering a city in peace. In war time, the choice would have been a horse.

As Jesus entered the city, “Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God (Hosanna) for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” [Matthew 21:9 NLT] This comes from Psalm 118:26 – 27. The Jewish tradition at the time was to shout “Hosanna” and wave palm branches around the Torah (first five books of the Bible) during the festival of Sukkot (Booths/Tabernacles).  This outraged the political elites of Jesus’ day. They insisted Jesus quiet the crowd. Jesus’ responded, “... “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” [Luke 19:40 NLT]

This is five days before the Passover. According to the Old Testament Law, this was the day the Passover lambs were chosen (destined for sacrifice they were taken into the home) . With the huge amount of lambs (and what they drop on the road) brought into the city that day, no wonder the crowd laid down their cloaks. Jesus is openly displaying Himself as the Messiah to the people that day. But Jesus was understood to be the Passover lamb to be sacrifice so the people would be spared. John the Baptist declared, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” [John 1:29b NLT] Paul understood, “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.” {1 Corinthians 5:7c NLT]

Jesus enters the Temple, looks around, and leaves. [Mark 11:11] He does nothing. He doesn’t start what would have been an expected rebellion. He doesn’t give a sermon. He simple goes back to Bethany (and goes to bed). I’m guessing that may have been a letdown for people expecting a deliverer. But, Jesus does not meet our expectations, especially when He has something better in mind. The path to victory is not through the sword or sermon. Victory comes only as Jesus lays down His life. Deliverance comes only through the shed blood of Jesus.

The whole trip, from the “Triumphal Entry” to the crucifixion seems scripted as suicidal. Jesus’ confrontations with the political elite, posing as experts of religion, looks like He is poking, prodding and provoking them to into their actions. Yet, I think this shows Jesus is in control of every situation, event and outcome from beginning to end. Jesus clearly understood what He was doing. Listen in on His conversation with the disciples, “From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.” [Matthew 16:21 NTL]

I do not know what the future holds; except Jesus will return and set all wrongs right. Nobody knows the day or the hour. Who knows how this COVID-19 will fit in, if it fits at all. Yet I see humanity doing everything it can to escape the inescapable. Death waits for us. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, or next week; but it waits and will take every one of us (short of divine interruption in the natural course of history). Just remember our expectations can be very different than Jesus’ plan. His plan is always better than we expect.

Discipleship Ladder #2 (Knowledge)

2 Peter 1:3 – 11

Discipleship Ladder #2 (Knowledge)

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to^[c] his own glory and excellence,^{[d] 4} by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,^[e] and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. ⁸ For if these qualities^[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[g] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 (“knowledge” 161x in 158 verses ESV)

“Knowledge”

1. acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition:

2. familiarity or conversance, as with a particular subject or branch of learning:

3. acquaintance or familiarity gained by sight, experience, or report: [dictionary.com]

Knowledge as a negative:

                1. It may be an opportunity to sin.

Gen_2:17  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

                2. It is may become a burden. 

Ecc_1:18  For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

                3. It is may spin us around.

Isa_47:10  You felt secure in your wickedness, you said, "No one sees me"; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me."

                4. It is may destroy us.

1Co_8:1  Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.

1Co_8:11  And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.

                5. It is may be the occasion for arguments.

1Ti_6:20  O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge,"

                6. It is spiritual warfare.

2Co_10:5  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

               

The dangers of the lack of knowledge:

                1. God takes it personally.

Job_38:2  "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

                2. It exposes our true heart.

Pro_1:22  "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Pro_1:29  Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD,

                3. It makes us impatient.

Pro_19:2  Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

                4. It destroys us.

Hos_4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

                5. It sends people to hell.

Luk_11:52  Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering."

What is necessary to acquire knowledge:

                1. The healthy fear of the LORD.

Pro_1:7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

                2. Deliberate consistency.

Pro_19:27  Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Pro_23:12  Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

                3. God’s will.

Dan_2:21  He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;

                4. By asking.

2Ch_1:10  Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?"

Where do we get knowledge:

                1. Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Isa_11:2  And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

                2. Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Psa_19:2  Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

                3a. Through the Pastor.

Jer_3:15  "'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

                3b. Through the Pastor.

Mal_2:7  For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

                4. Together as a church.

Col_2:2 – 3  that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, [3]  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Why is Peter so concerned?

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. [2 Peter 2:20 – 21]

Revelation 4:1 – 5:14 Vision of heaven

Revelation 4:1 – 5:14

Vision of heaven

“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.^.’  At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”

Revelation 4 begins with John being asked to “come up here.” The moving of an individual by the Spirit is seen in other places in Scripture. Some examples include:

Elijah: ^“I don’t know where the Spirit of the Lord may carry you when I leave you” [said by Obadiah in 1 Kings 18:12].

Ezekiel: “The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed” [Ezekiel 3:14 – 15].

Philip: “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing” [Acts 8:39].

Paul: ^“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows” [2 Corinthians 12:2].

The Revelation 4 throne is occupied.  The general feeling is this is THE ONE who rules all.  Everything comes from and to this one who is seated on the throne.  This is the appearance of God the Father.  There is NO physical description of the one on the throne other than colors and impressions. The language is rabbinical to describe the “shekinah” glory of God. We also have God posturing Himself as the confident victor in the inevitable war that follows.

“And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.” The rainbow (literally “iris” and can be translated “halo”) is the symbol for covenant and promise (see the covenant given to Noah after the flood).

Surrounding the throne were 24 other thrones, and seated on them were 24 elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.

This is the only mention of the number 24 (used symbolically in scripture).  Wesley suggests the 24 thrones/elders represent “the whole body of saints.” Possible ideas: the 12 tribes + 12 apostles, the divisions of Aaron’s descendants (and duties), angelic rank (Colossians 1:16), great and minor prophets, etc…

“From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal” [verses 5 – 6a]. The ancient world worship “gods” that terrorized people with lightning and thunder. However, the image we have brings joy to those in heaven.  The seven lampstands have already been identified as the seven churches, but they also have a connection to the lampstands in the temple.  The significance of seven connects with the seven-fold Spirit (Holy Spirit).  Notice the nature of the old covenant (temple), the new covenant (church), and the Holy Spirit are to light up their surroundings and operate in the light. 

“In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back” [verse 6b].  The four living creatures have been a source of speculation.  The cherubim on the mercy seat (lid to the “ark of the covenant”) had two wings.  In Isaiah 6 there are seraphim who have six wings.  The eyes of the living creatures are a picture of ceaseless vigilance and unending intelligence.  They are the “honor guard” for the one who sits on the throne.  Early Christian writers understood the creatures to represent the four gospels, the four “great” apostles, and/or the church of both the Old and New Testament (Israel marched under four banners: Reuben = man, Dan = eagle, Ephraim = ox, Judah = lion).  Wesley suggested that they represent the church, because they “sang a new song” [verse 5:9ff] only possible for humans. This song’s theme is redemption, something angels do not know.  They sang, something angels are never mentioned doing.

The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle [verse 8]. Wesley gives this opinion: The first living creature was like a lion to signify undaunted courage. The second, like a calf or ox, was to signify unwearied patience. The third with the face of a man was to signify prudence and compassion. The fourth, like an eagle was to signify activity and vigor.

We now cross the first two praise anthems.  These times of praise supplement the awesome images of God.  “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.’ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay 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.’”

The first praise anthem reflects back to Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple (Isaiah 6:3).  This threefold “holy” is referred to as the “Trisagion.” This threefold pattern is then repeated in a reference to time: was, is, and is to come. We see the threefold nature of God (“trinity”) and His relationship to time (before, now, and future), indicating God’s presence everywhere (not just in physical space). This also emphasizes God eternalness.  It has been suggested that they also represent the three stages of God dealing with us: creation, redemption, and sanctification.

The second praise anthem represents a response to the truth of the first anthem.  The elders lay down their crowns, which is an act of worship.  Their praise is directed at “our Lord and God.”  This is a significant counterpoint to the Roman emperor worship.  We see preparation for the clash of two kingdoms. 

Notice that God is “worthy.” What God is worthy of is to “receive” (or “take”) is “glory, honor, and thanks” (another tricolon).  In fact, God is the ONLY being in the universe who is worthy to receive these things.  The reason for this worth is God is the one who created and sustains all things by his will (again said three times). The rights of ownership apply to the one who has created the world and us.  It is His to set the laws since He understands how life is supposed to work.  The creation/creator motif plays a significant role in Revelation (as well as theology).  The reason God is worthy is that He is THE creator.

John is now presented with a quandary that seems to stop the progression of the vision: “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside” [5:1 – 4].

The expression “saw” or “looked” occurs often in Revelation so often that John is sometimes nicknamed the “Seer.” What John sees is a scroll written on both sides with seven seals. Ezekiel was given a scroll written on both sides to eat (Ezekiel 2:10). A Roman will was sealed with the seals of seven witnesses. This may be considered the “last will” of sinful humanity. A seal could only be broken by the person for whom the sealed document was intended.  Anyone else opening a sealed document risked death.

Notice nobody in heaven, or earth, or under the earth could open this scroll.  This is connected to supremacy of Jesus found in Philippines 2:9 – 11: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Again we see a threefold emphasis.  However, the significance is that no angel (or heavenly creature), no human, and no fallen angel (demon) is worthy to break the seals.  Satan would like to take God’s place, and humans have tried (and are trying) to take the place of God; but this worth must be earned.

John’s weeping sets in because he understands the importance of this scroll and the necessity of it being opened.  Is it possible there is no heir to open the will?  Is it possible there is nobody to rightfully inherit the document and its contents?  In this, the only dark moment in heaven, something remarkable happens.

Then one of the elders said to me, “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.”

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘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.’  Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne” [5:5 – 7].

John is informed the “the Lion” has triumphed and is able!  However, what John sees is a Lamb.  On an animal scale, these two animals would be opposites.  One is a powerful predator while the other is about as helpless as it gets.  The lamb looks like it has been slain, referring to Jesus’ death (and by implication resurrection).  The image of the “root of David” vaults us back to the multiple prophecies about Jesus; His rightful place, His death, and resurrection.

The Lamb is seen having seven horns (symbolizing power) and seven eyes (symbolizing the sevenfold Spirit of God).  All power, knowledge, and wisdom are His.

Revelation 5:8 – 14 gives the next three anthems of praise in the book of Revelation: “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:  ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons 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.’ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.”

The third anthem is sung.  The focus of number four is “with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”  Two ideas jump out at this point; Jesus has purchased us with His blood and this is open to all people everywhere at all times.  We see the basis of our faith in the blood that purchased us.  We also see the equality of every human and God’s desire to bring all to faith.

The fourth anthem is spoken by the angels, and more or less confers the similar worth to Jesus as to the God (the Father). The fifth anthem features the first two groups being joined by “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea.” Notice this is very similar to the list of those who were unable to open the scroll and those who, according to Philippines 2:9 – 11, will “acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Before the mayhem begins we get a good picture of the magnificent glory of God. We taste the joy of the results of our resurrected Lord and Savior.  This is a prelude to God unleashing His justice on a world that will constantly refuse salvation despite the final and dramatic attempts God goes through to offer salvation to all.