Trying to Understand 'The Mark'

Scripture: A third Angel followed, shouting, warning, "If anyone worships the Beast and its image and takes the mark on forehead or hand, that person will drink the wine of God’s wrath, prepared unmixed in his chalice of anger, and suffer torment from fire and brimstone in the presence of Holy Angels, in the presence of the Lamb." Revelation 14:9-10

Observation: As angels pronounce glory and woes upon the earth, this angel again brings up the mark of the beast. The most dreadful element of this mark is the punishment for receiving it ... eternity burning in fire, suffering torment, as part of the full and undiluted wrath of God.

Application: Our era has had talk about 'the mark' and about how it is applied. Certainly, knowing that our Lord is loving and merciful and kind, one thing is certain ... the mark cannot be applied without our full knowledge and intent. The Lord would not do that; he would not allow billions to suffer by accidentally doing something. Betrayal of the Lord - betrayal that warrants permanent suffering - can only be intentional.

I have no idea what 'the mark' would ever be. I have no idea how end-times work. I have no idea about almost everything ever said about Revelation, barely even understanding the modern interpretations let alone the original text. However, I trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, as we proceed through difficult times, I do not know how, or even if, they fit into any of the narrative of Revelation. And my understanding of this is not necessary. May I only know you more and more, every hour of every day. Amen.

You Are my Song

I am reminded of my past attitudes about worship, and about every change the Lord has worked in my heart over the last 30 years. He is so loving, so wonderous, so faithful, so great, so mighty.

So who am I to not worship you!

When the Truth Hurts

Scripture: Those people will cheer at the spectacle, shouting ‘Good riddance!’ and calling for a celebration, for these two prophets pricked the conscience of all the people on earth, made it impossible for them to enjoy their sins. Revelation 11:10

Observation: In the vision of the two witnesses, their death is celebrated. In most classic interpretations, the reason for celebration is given as these two "tormented" the world, which is always interesting since they were in only Jerusalem for their entire existence. However, The Message describes this "torment" differently ... the witnesses made it impossible for people to "enjoy their sin".

In other words, the two witnesses were speaking truth over the world, and - unable to deny the supernatural power and authority of the witnesses - the world felt attacked. It was undeniable that the witnesses were both a) condemning certain behaviors and attitudes of the world, and b) in possession of an unexplainable authority to make such condemnations.

Confronted with the fact that the Lord God almighty has empowered two spokespeople to command all the world, how does everyone respond? They grow angry, and joyfully celebrate the violent attack and open murder of these two, all because they spoke truth about the behaviors that bring joy and life versus conflict and pain and death.

Application: While this may or may not be a proper interpretation of the language of Revelation, I am more than willing to agree that ... I totally see this scenario going down this way for exactly this motivation. The greatest "emotion" we see in societal group-think right now revolves around the permission to pursue sin. People celebrate their "freedom" and "rights" to take on activities that actively destroy their own lives, harm their families, and damage their psyche.

Anyone who loves people enough to speak the truth is labeled a 'hater' or even worse, so of course the two witnesses will receive such a backlash even more.

Prayer: Lord, the world is in so much pain. We pray for awakening and revival, but we also know that, in the end, whenever that is, the world will be at least as dark as it is today if not darker. Are we on that final path, or is there a wave of hope for the current souls in the world? For the sake of my children, I hope so. Amen.

Do Not Keep your 'Enemies Closer'

Scripture: Old enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building The Temple of the God of Israel. They came to Zerubbabel and the family heads and said, “We’ll help you build. We worship your God the same as you. We’ve been offering sacrifices to him since Esarhaddon king of Assyria brought us here.” Ezra 4:1-2

Observation: Just as the rebuilding of the temple begins, these people - "old enemies" - arrive and offer help. Zerubabbel will tell them 'no', and in response they will do the opposite of helping. They will harass the people of Jerusalem and conduct a campaign to have the building stopped. In hindsight, it seems their original intent was shallow at best, and perhaps a veiled attempt to undermine the effort all along, or it could have been sincere but being turned away made them hurt and angry.

So ... did Zerubabbel do the right thing? Should he have accepted the offer of help, with a possibility that such help would have either greatly expedited the entire effort OR created a major problems internal within the project that could have destroyed the effort? Or should he have rejected the offer as he did, guaranteeing hardship and delays?

This feels like a common problem. We even have trite expressions that metaphorically address this topic. We say to "keep your friends close and your enemies closer", and "a wolf in sheep's clothing", and a few others like this ... phrases we have heard, but are the right? Is it "biblical" - a teaching of God - to keep our enemies close?

The short answer is ... no. For Israel, in fact, the teaching of God is quite the opposite. In the promised land, they are to purge their lives of foreign influence. They are told over and over to destroy such influence, reject intermarriage, and be very careful of such input. At the individual level, we often see short-term good but long-term harm every time someone allows an individual who is opposed to the Lord (or the plans the Lord has revealed) into their inner circle.

Zerubabbel had people offering to help, but they were enemies and showed their true colors, for no people-group who truly loved the Lord would actively undermine the temple project. At best, they would have imposed their own ideas, independent of the Lord's instructions, resulting in a corrupt version of the temple. It was better to endure their harassment and the roadblocks they created out of hate and jealousy, than to collaborate and realize their 'help' actually derailed God's plan.

Application: We all have enemies, and it is very, very difficult to understand God's instructions about how to interact with them. Jesus teaches us to love everyone, and even very clearly says to "love your enemies". So there is an explicit instruction to interact with enemies with love and kindness. However, that is different than being "close" to them, and it is absolutely different than inviting them into the Lord's work when they have no relationship with the Lord themselves.

Understanding who an "enemy" is can itself be unclear. An enemy isn't just a non-believer, or even someone who, in their ignorance, adopts practices and lifestyles opposed to God's teaching. An enemy is someone who stands in conflict and opposition to God, to anyone obedient to God, and to faithful individuals even outside of their God-obedient practices. And yes, I have enemies that meet this definition. So does every Christian. Maybe we aren't being killed by terrorists right now, but we can discern the difference between a person who questions our acts of faith in Jesus out of ignorance, and a person who denies Jesus and thus criticizes or even attacks our activities and attitudes.

It is important to walk in the world, finding and reaching the lost, without allowing enemies to influence our work. They absolutely will attack our work - that can never be avoided - but we cannot allow them to influence it from the inside.

Prayer: Lord, may we all care for your sheep, while guarding against the wolves. I know that, especially this week, there will be enemies among us. May we have your wisdom in how we all act and speak and respond, listening to your will as we delivery the gospel to so many lost souls. Amen.

Claiming the Promise of Listening

Scripture:
Listen to this prayer of mine, God;
pay attention to what I’m asking.
Answer me—you’re famous for your answers!
Do what’s right for me.
But don’t, please don’t, haul me into court;
not a person alive would be acquitted there.
Psalm 143:1-2

Observation: Throughout a series of psalms in this part of the book, the writer(s) have been appealing to the Lord for help from their dire circumstances and attacks from others. They beg for the Lord to hear their appeals and protect them. However, this appeal is different. Yes, the psalmist appeals to the Lord to hear their prayer, but what they need protection from is ... judgment.

This person isn't being wrongly attacked. He has done wrong. His wrong is so clear-cut that any judge and jury would find him guilty. This includes the Lord, for this person has sinned, and he knows it is Yahweh who is both the judge and jury in such matters, and thus there is no doubt that he will be condemned. However, the writer makes an appeal, not to a judge, but to a merciful father. He asks simply, please listen to me, hear me out, and have mercy.

In other words, the writer knows that the Lord God almighty, the powerful sovereign God of the universe, has laws and rules and precepts, and he has violated them. He deserves judgment. However, he also knows that this same God is his father, with whom he may talk, and he would like to have a conversation about what has happened in his life and receive both mercy for the past, and guidance for the future. He believes the Lord will listen to him, because the Lord loves him and desires a relationship. Therefore, he is bold enough to ask for a conversation, not a trial. He knows the loving sovereign God of the universe will listen.

Application: I am full of sin and failure. Over and over and over I ask for deliverance from my sin, because I keep sinning. I can't seem to just do right and get my life and my soul better. I know God is disappointed in me, and I know he sent Jesus because there a billions like me who believe in and love the Lord, but can't live right.

So I claim this promise of listening. I claim the promise that the Lord will not just pass judgment on me, but does listen to my prayers, listens to my reasoning, and like a father extends both correction and guidance. He engages with me and in my life, and I want that. I am trying to be better, though I'll never be good enough. However, I can talk to my father, maintain my relationship with him and with Jesus, and he will listen.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy in heaven, I thank you for Jesus, through whom I can sincerely have a relationship with you. Please do listen to me. I am attacked regularly, and I am too weak to fight back properly. I desire your Holy Spirit to strengthen me, and your word to fill me, and your love to overwhelm me. May I find that I grow stronger in your ways every day. Thank you for listening. Amen.

Beyond what the Earth can Bear

Scripture:
Three things are too much for even the earth to bear,
     yes, four things shake its foundations—
          when the janitor becomes the boss,
          when a fool gets rich,
          when a prostitute is voted “woman of the year,”
          when a “girlfriend” replaces a faithful wife.

Proverbs 30:21-23

Observation: This section of proverbs is very pointed in observing foolish behavior, and specifically calling out greed and arrogance and lust-filled lives. This list of four things is provocative to think about, as these are not just a warning about behaviors, but these have a consequence ... the natural order of the world cannot bear up when these things happen.

1) When people of limited means are placed in control of the lives of others.

2) When foolish persons gain power through wealth.

3) When acts of sin and promiscuity are declared virtuous.

4) When families are torn apart by denying the need for union.

Application: I can't help but acknowledging that these four elements are effectively the 'modus operandi' of society today, and perhaps most specifically spearheaded by the "celebrity" culture of our time.

We have major enterprises run by individuals with effectively no education and qualifications. They are placed in these positions of authority, and thus given control over lives of thousands - and then allowed to influence the thinking of millions - because they have amassed ridiculous fortunes due to their performing 'talent'. They go through "personal setbacks" like divorce and betrayal, even entering into unnatural relationships, and they are described using words like "brave" and "survivor" in these scenarios. Their personal lives are the thing of transcendent culture as they move from relationship to relationship with a freedom celebrated by the masses.

Dear Lord. Our very culture shakes the foundations of the world. It is too much for even the earth to bear. Where are we to go from here?

Prayer: Lord, we use the words 'revival' and 'awakening' to see the times you have moved with strength in society in the past, and to hope for such a movement to come. Well, we're out of options, we need revival and awakening in the U.S. There isn't a model where our society and pull back from this cliffside ledge without you. Please, dear Lord, send your Spirit, and turn our nation. Amen.

Doing Right Without Reward

Scripture: The king asked, “What great honor was given to Mordecai for this?” “Nothing,” replied the king’s servants who were in attendance. “Nothing has been done for him.” Esther 6:3

Observation: Haman's plot to completely destroy Mordecai was oh so close to succeeding. He had an order to have all Jews killed soon, and a plan to have Mordecai hung this very day. However, it is this discovery - that Mordecai foiled a plot against the king and was never rewarded for it - that will save his life and eventually the lives of all the Jews.

There are actually two elements to this turn of fortune for Mordecai and the Jews. The first is that the king is reminded of Mordecai's faithfulness. However, the second is just as important in the coming action ... Mordecai was not rewarded for his faithfulness at the time he performed it.

Mordecai has in fact been faithful to King Xerxes. He has attended his court, been a faithful low-level official, and even arranged his niece to become the favorite queen. And he foiled a plot to kill the king by learning of it, then acting by reporting it promptly and accurately. However, he did all these things in relative secret. He didn't do something like openly accuse or kill those plotting against the king, but simply acted as appropriate and allowed the investigation to prove him right. He didn't parade is niece around for the king to ogle, but he coached her in the process to becoming queen. He hasn't made any major power play in the court to self-promote himself, but simply attends to his own work every day.

If Mordecai had been rewarded for saving the king's life, the king wouldn't have needed reminding of it. He would have known of the incident and hand-waved the retelling of it away that night, if it had even been recorded in the logbook at all. If Mordecai would have had such recognition before, Haman would have altered his plot, and at the very least the massacre of the Jews would likely have gone forward without his own disgrace derailing it. And certainly Mordecai would not have received any extremely special, extremely public honor on this very day if he had already been honored with a private gift in the past.

Mordecai has been faithful all along in matters great and small, and his only reward has been his daily salary. It is both these facts that create the conditions for such great honor to come, and even the salvation of God's people.

Application: I try to be faithful ... I know I'm not really good, but I do try to be faithful. My blessings have been continual and daily, for I receive not just my 'daily bread', but I receive an overflowing abundance in my life ... a good measure, pressed down, and overflowing the basket.

And I do not want any other recognition and reward. I believe my great reward will come in heaven, in the form of eternal life in a realm of pure joy and love, with a home provided by my savior Jesus, within the context of salvation for all the faithful believers. These are rewards in the future, and I do not want empty rewards now instead of them. Yes, someday I hope MY king reads in a book of some faithful act I performed, though my deeds are minor and unworthy of singular recognition. So I continue to try to do right, be faithful, and delight in my daily life.

Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for my daily bread. You provide me with everything I need, every day, and I do not need anything further. Your love and grace is sufficient for my life. Amen.

Jesus' New Name

Scripture: I’ll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor. Then I’ll write names on you, the pillars: the Name of my God, the Name of God’s City—the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven—and my new Name. Revelation 3:12

Observation: As Jesus speaks to the church in Philadelphia, he discusses a time of coming testing, and that those who stand strong will become pillars of the church ... they will have this honor on a permanent basis. He then says he will write three names on the pillars - the name of God, the name of the new Jerusalem, and his "new name".

It is interesting to note that the only one of these we might know is the one that was considered unwritable. The name Yahweh is the name of the Lord, as given to Moses, though considered so sacred it could not be written and even its spelling and pronunciation therefore became confused. The name of God's city for so long was known to be Jerusalem, but will the future "new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven" be the same or have the same name? And Jesus - Yeshua - outright says he will have a new name. Do we have any hint what that name will be?

Application: I know I will never be a "pillar" of the church, with these names written upon me. I only wish I could become the kind of faithful disciple that has the name of Jesus written on my heart. Perhaps then the Holy Spirit would bless me with knowledge of his new name. I fear I have no knowledge even of the language the name would be in.

Prayer: Jesus, please write your name upon my heart. I am yours, please claim me. As you told the other church, I sincerely wish to possess only treasure from heaven, and wear only the clothes that will never wear out in heaven. My mind is susceptible to thoughts about things in this earthly realm, and I fail to focus on your kingdom, be it here or in heaven. I desire so much to simply be of you and for you, in thoughts and deeds. Please forgive me of my sins and carve your name into me. Amen.

Esther the OG 'Strong Female Character'

Scripture: So, if the king agrees, let him pronounce a royal ruling and have it recorded in the laws of the Persians and Medes so that it cannot be revoked, that Vashti is permanently banned from King Xerxes’ presence. And then let the king give her royal position to a woman who knows her place. When the king’s ruling becomes public knowledge throughout the kingdom, extensive as it is, every woman, regardless of her social position, will show proper respect to her husband. Esther 1:19-20

Observation: When Vashti refused to attend King Xerxes' party, the issue his advisors raise is this ... that women throughout the land will now ignore men's authority. This is the initiation of the action of this story, to keep women in their "place". It is therefore interesting to know how this narrative will play out. Esther will use intelligence, seduction, and manipulation, to take authority as the queen, then step into a critical situation - a condemning sentence on all Jews - and completely alter the outcome. In this way, she will overcome and/or control Haman, all other male leaders, and even the king himself.

Application: We live in a time when one of the lies satan is speaking is that there is this need to overhaul gender roles, and especially create the idea of a "strong female" that effectively succeeds by doing everything men do, only better. They lie here isn't that equality is good - it is good - but rather the lie is the mis-definition of what equality is and can be. The lie extends to include the idea that past generations of women are weak by the very fact they performed within their 'traditional gender role'. 

Around 2,500 years ago, Esther proved herself strong and capable, while also operating within the classical relationship structure. From "her place" she saved a nation. There is nothing ever weak about her. Likewise, there is nothing about her that ever assumes a non-traditional role. She will, in fact, pull off her final act by cooking a dinner.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with the growth of individuals in learning new things. I am saying that satan is lying to the world when he convinces everyone that traditional female roles are weak while traditional male roles are strong, and thus equality requires tearing down roles and values that have held families together for millennia.

Prayer: Lord, the enemy's lies are permeating everywhere, and they are hardest to address when they embrace "good" ideals like "equality" and "strength" and "liberation" and "anti-oppression". I know this is also so very, very complex. May we stop looking for what is "right" and "good", and instead simply all try to live in a manner that aligns to your will, oh Lord. If we did this, no one would be oppressed, no one would be unequal, and no one would feel the need to change. Amen.

Not Understanding the Four Kingdoms

Scripture: "These four huge animals," he said, "mean that four kingdoms will appear on earth. But eventually the holy people of the High God will be given the kingdom and have it ever after—yes, forever and ever." But I wanted to know more. I was curious about the fourth animal, the one so different from the others, the hideous monster with the iron teeth and the bronze claws, gulping down what it ripped to pieces and trampling the leftovers into the dirt. Daniel 7:17-19

Observation: The original dream Daniel translated for Nebuchadnezzar was about a statue, interpreted as four kingdoms. Years later, Daniel has this dream about four beasts, also interpreted as four kingdoms. This dream, however, involves two amazing details. The second is it includes a vision of judgement, and specifically verses 11-14 which is (as I have heard it from others) the moment where the crucified Jesus arrives - amid the accusations of satan about the evils of mankind - with the burdens of the sins of the world, and the Lord pronounces judgement in favor of Messiah, thus forgiving all sin for those who believe in Jesus.

The first amazing detail of this section, though, is the nature of the fourth beast, or fourth kingdom. This is a beast that defies allegory. It is not described in terms of an animal, as Daniel describes the other kingdoms (lion, bear, panther, and in a later dream a ram and goat). This beast - this kingdom - is very different. It is mechanical and made of metal. It is just a generic monster. It has horns, but then one of the horns becomes effectively self-aware and itself dominates the actions of the monster, even speaking for the monster and speaking against the Lord and all faithful people. It is this horn, sprouted from this beast, that becomes the accuser of Messiah and mankind alike.

In all this rich and confusing imagery, the concept of "four kingdoms" remains. It may be interesting to wonder if somehow the modern world is that fourth, mechanical kingdom. However, that kingdom appears to be defeated with the victory of Jesus ... the moment Messiah's sacrifice is judged worthy, and Jesus takes his place in heaven as the eternal ruler of mankind.

Historically, we know that the blasphemy against God did not end 2,000 years ago. We also know that evil kingdoms did not cease to exist. We remain in a time when evil continues to influence kings and countries, with both actions and policies reflecting various types of blasphemy against the Lord and attacks against faithful believers. While it may be possible therefore to dismiss the last, fourth beast as "Rome" and the very different empire it ushered into the world and existed at the time of Jesus, it also feels like the fact it was "so different from the others" created a new type of warfare against God's faithful people that ripples today.

Application: I am out of my depth when it comes to any analysis and discussion of end-time prophesy, detailed biblical analysis of history, biblical and historical imagery, or anything of that sort. At the very best, I can only consider Daniel in the context of what the Holy Spirit may reveal to my heart, and at a very lesser degree of quality I can apply my own knowledge.

Using all this wisdom, I understand that ... I have no idea how to fully understand the "fourth beast". Sure, I get the fact that the great horn is satan, the accuser arrogant enough to attack both Yeshua and Yahweh. However, I have no idea what all the beasts represent, and why the last, great one is so different, and the implications of all of this for us thousands of years later.

No, I do not understand the four kingdoms. What I DO understand, though, is that indeed the Lord revealed heavenly mysteries to Daniel, those mysteries included the victory of Messiah and establishment of his kingdom on earth, and that revelation is true and trustworthy. How beasts fit into that ... well, maybe they no longer even matter, as it is the faith in Messiah that trumps all earthly kingdoms anyway.

Prayer: Lord, yes I believe in Jesus as Messiah, my Lord and my savior, and I believe in his kingdom come here on earth. While I lament how we struggle on earth with current issues of sin and blasphemy, may I find comfort in the fact that Jesus rules, you are on your thrown, and the terrible kingdoms and arrogant leaders, including satan himself, have already been overcome by Jesus. Amen.