Is this the Apocalypse? (part 2)

March 29, 2020

The internet is full of people proposing Biblical explanations for what is happening. It seem the whole world is in some form of self-imposed isolation, lock down, or social distancing.

One such explanation comes from Isaiah 26:20 which states, “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.” [NIV]

Isaiah 26 is one of my favorite chapters, in one of my favorite books. There was a time when I was disgusted with Christianity and wanted to give up. I felt that I needed to read the Bible one more time before I walked away. It was the book of Isaiah that put an end to my bitterness. Yes, I was still disgusted with Christians. But who was I, a flawed person, to judge another flawed person?

Back to Isaiah’s prophecy. Isaiah 26:20 talks about shutting the doors and hiding from the “his wrath” (or anger, or fury). The very next verse states, “See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer." (Isaiah 26:21 NIV)

Isaiah 25 is about the final days when “(God) will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces…” (Isaiah 25:8a ESV) These images are Christian images for the “end times” when God will set all wrongs right.

Chapter 26 starts, “In that day this song will be sung…” Verse 19 promises a physical resurrection from the dead, “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!” [ESV] 

Why does this happen? I am so glad you asked! 

“But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord.” (Isaiah 26:10 NIV) However, bad times create possibilities, “O Lord, in distress they sought you; they poured out a whispered prayer when your discipline was upon them.” (Isaiah 26:16 ESV)

My heart’s cry has always been to see the beginning of the end. Is this it? I don’t know. Remember, the Jewish scholars knew where the Messiah (Jesus) was to be born. Somehow they missed it. At the crucifixion they even fulfilled prophecy, unknowingly. When in an event, it is hard to see if it lines up with prophecy or not. Only time and hindsight can answer the question.

I do know that Isaiah offers advice to God’s faithful, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV) Do you “trust” God or are you relying on something that is other than Jesus?

“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (from Revelation 22:20)

Is this the Apocalypse ?

March 23, 2020

Some people are wondering if this is the end, like the book of The Revelation type end. So, I’m going to dig into that subject.

I believe the Bible should be read in the simplest and most literal manner that makes sense in context (of the passage, the original writer, and today’s world). I’m not much into the idea of loading our interpretation down with theological systems and presumptive traditions. Personally I believe that Jesus’ return could be at any time.

When we talk about “prophecy,” what we are talking about is actually INTERPRETATION. That interpretation is based on the shifting perspective of the individual in their time period. So for instance, a second century Christian reading about the city on seven hills would automatically think of Rome. In the twenty-first century, another capital city that would fulfill the criteria is Washington D.C. (It is a planned city designed to mirror Rome and sits on seven hills.)

For those new to these ideas, there are multiple ways to understand the book of Revelation. One of them is to see it as a book of “prophecy.” (Events that have yet to happen.) I’d like to point out that John watched them from heaven. This would mean Revelation was written as a history. However, this prophetic view has probably not been the interpretation for the bulk of Christian history.

Much debate has happened about the timing of Jesus’ return. Technically, it’s Jesus’ revelation or apocalypse. The Greek word for reveal is apocalypse. This often centers on the “rapture.” The rapture is a physical removal of believers from the planet earth. It’s important to know “rapture” is never mentioned in the Bible, in any translation. It is a word constructed to describe an event. 

Where does it come from? One thought is that John was taken into heaven to watch the events in Revelation 4:1. The thought is John was representative of the church. Okay, so I started with the one with the biggest stretch of the imagination…

Another place the idea comes into focus us from 1 Thessalonians 5:9a, which states, “For God has not destined us for wrath…” [ESV] The idea is the “Great Tribulation” (the theorized final seven years of earth’s existence before a millennial kingdom is established) is the time of God pouring out His wrath on earth. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 talks claims, “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” [ESV] There are also those who point to “being changed in the twinkling of an eye” and the “restrainer” being removed (or stepping aside).  The point is generally those who believe in a “rapture” believe that it will happen BEFORE the “Great Tribulation” when God pours out His wrath on the earth (not just humanity), or in the MIDDLE of the “Great Tribulation," or at the END of that time.

Confused yet? You should be. The problem is matching the events of today with the events of the Bible is a bit dicey. Our perspective is skewed by current events and what we want to see happen. Let’s say you were living in 1918 when the Spanish flu ripped countries and families apart. How would you have seen those days? Those who lived through World War II must have wondered if Hitler and company were not the incarnation of the Four Horseman in Revelation 6.

Let me leave you with some happy thoughts. Paul’s advice for those wondering about the end was, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” [1 Thessalonians 4:21 ESV] Jesus taught “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” [Luke 21:28 ESV] In other words, in times of unprecedented stress like we are facing now, the follower of Jesus should renew their hope and be reminded that drifting in life is no longer an option. 

Okay, it was never an option. Nothing like a plague to get our attention and wake us up.

(Why do we have to wait for God to grab us by the throat?)