" The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, " Prophesy!" Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to Him.
(Luke 22:63-65)
This is the passage I started reading on this Good Friday morning. Something stopped me from reading further, but to go through it over and over again to picture the scene in my mind. Here stood my Lord, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace before Him all knees would bow down one day, as a prisoner, hands bound, being mocked and beaten by mere men, servants of the Roman regime.
Abandoned by His disciples, followers, family and those whom He loved enough to heal, the Sovereign Lord stood alone amidst the mocking crowd without uttering a word to defend Himself. A word from Him would have brought down the heavenly angels for His rescue and revealed His true identity to the mocking men. But that wasn't our Lord's style. He never tried to impress human beings and prove Himself by doing amazing things. Remember, that's what Satan tried to make Him do when he tempted Him in the wilderness soon after His baptism in the Jordan river. Then and there, the Son of God snapped back at the devil saying, "Do not put the Lord Your God to the test." Jesus had been firm on His statement from the start of His ministry and He was not going to back down from it just to save Himself from pain and humiliation.
After all, Jesus knew before hand what was in for Him for the next couple of days. Yes, His flesh pleaded with the Father in the garden of Gethsemane to remove the predestined suffering if possible. But when He found peace with His Father's will, He knew far too well that no amount of suffering nor humiliation would keep Him back.
So, instead of getting angry with those who were mocking Him, Jesus must have felt sorry for them. After all, they were just the tools of their masters and they were doing what they were doing best to show off their authority and power. What a vast contrast between the human and divine perceptive of authority. Here stood the King of kings who orchestrated the establishment of the universe silent without using His authority while servants of Roman regime showing off their authority in their time of opportunity. No wonder Jesus declared that unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Unless those men had eyes to see who Jesus was really, they could act only in the way they knew to act. Jesus knew that. That's why on the cross, He prayed, " Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." He must have prayed for all those who cried out and demanded Him to be crucified, those spat on His face, mocked and laughed at Him all the way to the cross, those who slashed His back with whips and nailed Him on the cross.
Surely it was painful torture Jesus underwent to redeem the world. His precious blood was needed as an atonement, It was a priceless sacrifice made out of love, even for those who beat and humiliated Him beyond measure. Their acts may have grieved Jesus and brought much pain. But He refused to give into anger and pass judgement on them. Instead, He understood their human nature and prayed out to His father to forgive them. What more do we need to prove Him divine? Who else in human form had ever displayed such love as what was showed on the cross at Calvary on that Friday two thousand years ago?***
Today, we call it Good Friday in its remembrance. As a child, I used to wonder why they didn't call it Bad Friday because Jesus died on that day. I was not mature enough at that age to realize that Good News was spread and goodness was berthed because of what happened on that Friday.
Strangely Good Friday is not a public holiday in California where I live now. It's my off day, so I didn't need to go to work. To make it convenient for all to attend, our Good Friday service is schedule at 6;30 pm.
I always cherish the memory of attending Good Friday and Easter services while I was growing up. As a teenager and a new born again believer, I used to be a vegetarian throughout the lent season and fast all day on Good Friday till I return back from church service that evening.
Even though I grew up in a Hindu neighborhood and Buddhist country, we, the handful of Christians living in our neighborhood observed these day with great piety and servitude at a nearby American Mission built country church with high steeple beautiful stained windows. A huge bell gonged loud enough three times before every church service so that the churchgoers in the neighborhood could hear and walk down to the church on time.
Good Friday service at our country church usually started at 3pm and went for three hours straight in order to bring remembrance of the three hours Jesus hung on the cross. I can still hear in my ears the sweet voice of our church's nightingale, Sakuntala, singing songs on the passion of Christ and playing her violin solemnly.
With a pin drop silence hovering in the sanctuary, all eyes closed and knees bent, the songs and prayers truly lifted us up to view the scene in our minds. The pastor along with guest preachers focused their sermons mainly on the seven words Christ uttered on the cross.
No one complained or left half-way of the three hour service. We didn't have any high school ministry at church to keep us teenagers occupied during the service. So we all attended the one and only service provided. Instead of drums and guitars, we had organ and violin as accompaniment when we sang hymns. When collection plates were passed around,coins of 5, 10, 25 cents equivalent to pennies were mostly put, rarely more valuable rupees.
I've attended Good Friday services at many churches in different countries in my life. But nothing brings me so much rich memories as the ones I had at the simple American Mission built church in my hometown in 1960s. There was so much depth and reverence in the worship that impacted all who attended.
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Friday, March 29, 2013
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Book of Revelation- Letters to the churches (Rev. chapter:2)
In the past two weeks, I tried to share what I learned at our Bible study on the first chapter of the Book of Revelation. This week, we delved into the 2nd and 3rd chapter of the book, where Apostle John, who was commissioned to write what He saw in a vision, was clearly directed to what to write in a letter to each of the seven churches in Turkey.
Even though, John was asked to write to those practically existing churches in Turkey at that time, it could well apply to churches at large throughout the age, including the ones in our time and within our communities.
It was Christ, who introduced Himself to John in the vision as "I am the First and the Last" commissioned John to write these letters. Interestingly, in the salution of each letter, Christ introduce Himself by a different name. Written to the attention of the leader of the church, each letter has the components of salution, commendation and /or cendemnation, exhortation and the promise of rewards to those who overcome.
To the church of Ephesus, Christ introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walk among the seven golden lampstands. He commends the church for its hard work, perseverence, resisting sin, discerning false prophets among the believers and enduring patiently without quitting on its faith. Yet, there was one flaw- a big one, maybe a giant one in the Lords eyes for He says, "Yet, I hold this against you; You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." Ooops! That's a mega one.
We would have stood in awe before such a church which was working hard, growing larger, living with no scandals, outsteading trouble makers and false teachers and persevering in good faith. We would have ranked them top in the chart. But the Lord's eyes which could see through the depth of the hearts found them error in one vital thing. They had lost their initial passion for the Lord in a big way. In their busyness of working hard to build up the church, they have slided in their devotion. Such a decline in devotion wasn't a small matter in Christ's mind. The rest of the good deeds put together couldn't suffice this missing part. Even though the church had been functional and doing great to onlookers eyes, it had become somewhat robotic spiritually.
Warning given-If the church doesn't repent, it will be rooted out from its place.
Reward promised: To him, who overcomes, the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the paradise of God.
Question: Have I slided back in my love towards God?
Have I become too busy working and serving the Lord that I've no time to spend time with
Him alone?
Time to think, confess and get back to the Lord with love and devotion. Toiling for God without much devotion towards Him bring no joy to Him or to me.
To the church of Smyrna, Christ introduces Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
He commends them for being rich spiritually despite their poverty and affliction in the world.
He warns them of the persecution they're going to face for His sake for a short time, but He encourages them to be strong and not be fearful even to the point of death.
Reward promised: Crown of life; They wouldn't be hurt by the second death.
Question: Am I spiritually rich as the church of Smyrna, which was well pleasing to Christ's eyes.
Is the church I attend helps me to become spiritually rich in their teaching and in fellowship?
Am I willing to be faithful unto my last breath or would I give into fear of opposition, humiliation or persecution and give up on my faith?
Do I consider the blessing of being Christ's follower slightly and for granted or am I so thankful and grateful for that?
To the Church of Pergamum, Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the sharp, double -edged sword.
He commends them for being faithful and true to His name inspite of living in an ungodly place where Satan and his ways have become norm and accepted. The church found favor in tth sight of the Lord, for not renouncing their faith inspite of seeing strong witness like Antipas being putting to death in their city.
Warning: Yet, there were some who profess to be Christ followers in the church, but who hold onto the teaching of some who tolerates sexual immorality and idol worship practices. Such pollution in the church was grievous to the Lord. Unless they repent, they would be fought with the truth of the Word and put to shame.
Reward promised: To him who overcometh, hidden manna and a white stone with a new name would be given. Only the one who receives the stone will know the name written on the stone.
Question: Am I in anyway polluting or compromising the truth of God?
Am I following the world's or Christ's way?
Do my action speak louder than my words to convey that I'm a follower of Christ?
Do I become judgemental and look down on everyone who don't agree with me or do I act in love as Jesus did?
To the church in Thyatira, Christ introduces Himself as the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze in the vision.
Commendation: The church is commended for its deeds, love, faith, service and perseverence. Also, they were commended for doing more than what they did at first.
Warning: Yet, there was something Christ wasn't pleased with- the tolerance towards a prophetess who misleads His servants by her teaching. Her acts to inco-operate sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols into the church were abnoxious in God's sight. Time was given for repentence. If not, she as well as her future generation will undergo terrible suffering.
To those who do not give into the prophetess' teaching, they were told to hold onto the truth till He comes.
Rewards Promised: To him who overcomes, he'll be given autority over the nations. He will be given the morning star-The Light.
Question: Am I giving into false teaching or easily swayed by the teaching of so many on television and airways, who call themselves Christian leaders, but their lives and motives are far away from Christ's?
Do I know the scripture enough to discern what is true and what is false?
Do I seek God's guidance for discernment?
Do I pray for my church and the churches in general so that they'll be protected from the lies and misleading of the evil one?
Or am the one quick to point my fingers in judgement rather than leaving the judgement to God and praying for clarity and the backslided ?
(Contd. with the next 3 churches in my next posting.)
Even though, John was asked to write to those practically existing churches in Turkey at that time, it could well apply to churches at large throughout the age, including the ones in our time and within our communities.
It was Christ, who introduced Himself to John in the vision as "I am the First and the Last" commissioned John to write these letters. Interestingly, in the salution of each letter, Christ introduce Himself by a different name. Written to the attention of the leader of the church, each letter has the components of salution, commendation and /or cendemnation, exhortation and the promise of rewards to those who overcome.
To the church of Ephesus, Christ introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walk among the seven golden lampstands. He commends the church for its hard work, perseverence, resisting sin, discerning false prophets among the believers and enduring patiently without quitting on its faith. Yet, there was one flaw- a big one, maybe a giant one in the Lords eyes for He says, "Yet, I hold this against you; You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." Ooops! That's a mega one.
We would have stood in awe before such a church which was working hard, growing larger, living with no scandals, outsteading trouble makers and false teachers and persevering in good faith. We would have ranked them top in the chart. But the Lord's eyes which could see through the depth of the hearts found them error in one vital thing. They had lost their initial passion for the Lord in a big way. In their busyness of working hard to build up the church, they have slided in their devotion. Such a decline in devotion wasn't a small matter in Christ's mind. The rest of the good deeds put together couldn't suffice this missing part. Even though the church had been functional and doing great to onlookers eyes, it had become somewhat robotic spiritually.
Warning given-If the church doesn't repent, it will be rooted out from its place.
Reward promised: To him, who overcomes, the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the paradise of God.
Question: Have I slided back in my love towards God?
Have I become too busy working and serving the Lord that I've no time to spend time with
Him alone?
Time to think, confess and get back to the Lord with love and devotion. Toiling for God without much devotion towards Him bring no joy to Him or to me.
To the church of Smyrna, Christ introduces Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
He commends them for being rich spiritually despite their poverty and affliction in the world.
He warns them of the persecution they're going to face for His sake for a short time, but He encourages them to be strong and not be fearful even to the point of death.
Reward promised: Crown of life; They wouldn't be hurt by the second death.
Question: Am I spiritually rich as the church of Smyrna, which was well pleasing to Christ's eyes.
Is the church I attend helps me to become spiritually rich in their teaching and in fellowship?
Am I willing to be faithful unto my last breath or would I give into fear of opposition, humiliation or persecution and give up on my faith?
Do I consider the blessing of being Christ's follower slightly and for granted or am I so thankful and grateful for that?
To the Church of Pergamum, Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the sharp, double -edged sword.
He commends them for being faithful and true to His name inspite of living in an ungodly place where Satan and his ways have become norm and accepted. The church found favor in tth sight of the Lord, for not renouncing their faith inspite of seeing strong witness like Antipas being putting to death in their city.
Warning: Yet, there were some who profess to be Christ followers in the church, but who hold onto the teaching of some who tolerates sexual immorality and idol worship practices. Such pollution in the church was grievous to the Lord. Unless they repent, they would be fought with the truth of the Word and put to shame.
Reward promised: To him who overcometh, hidden manna and a white stone with a new name would be given. Only the one who receives the stone will know the name written on the stone.
Question: Am I in anyway polluting or compromising the truth of God?
Am I following the world's or Christ's way?
Do my action speak louder than my words to convey that I'm a follower of Christ?
Do I become judgemental and look down on everyone who don't agree with me or do I act in love as Jesus did?
To the church in Thyatira, Christ introduces Himself as the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze in the vision.
Commendation: The church is commended for its deeds, love, faith, service and perseverence. Also, they were commended for doing more than what they did at first.
Warning: Yet, there was something Christ wasn't pleased with- the tolerance towards a prophetess who misleads His servants by her teaching. Her acts to inco-operate sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols into the church were abnoxious in God's sight. Time was given for repentence. If not, she as well as her future generation will undergo terrible suffering.
To those who do not give into the prophetess' teaching, they were told to hold onto the truth till He comes.
Rewards Promised: To him who overcomes, he'll be given autority over the nations. He will be given the morning star-The Light.
Question: Am I giving into false teaching or easily swayed by the teaching of so many on television and airways, who call themselves Christian leaders, but their lives and motives are far away from Christ's?
Do I know the scripture enough to discern what is true and what is false?
Do I seek God's guidance for discernment?
Do I pray for my church and the churches in general so that they'll be protected from the lies and misleading of the evil one?
Or am the one quick to point my fingers in judgement rather than leaving the judgement to God and praying for clarity and the backslided ?
(Contd. with the next 3 churches in my next posting.)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Book of Revelation- Session Two (Rev 1:9-20)
Last week, in the study of Revelation, I wrote about what I learned in Revelation 1;1-8 and in the first video session of Beth Moore's teaching on this book. This time, those of us who are doing the Bible study are instructed to learn in the SOS step manner in order to learn deeper and apply meaningfully in our personal life.
S ---What does the scripture say?
O--- Is there anything the scripture requires for me to obey ?
S----How can I share this truth with others?
Reading: Revelation 1: 9-20
What does the scripture say?
Apostle John who writes this book is in the island of Patmos as an exile for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people. On the Lord's Day ( probably a Sunday or a Sabbath Day) while he was worshipping God in prayer and praises, he heard a voice sounding like a trumpet behind him and telling him to write on a scroll whatever he sees and send it to the seven churches in Turkey at that time. The voice named the churches clearly as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
John turns around to see who was speaking to him.
What did he see?
He saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands, was someone like the Son of Man( Jesus) standing among them, dressed in a robe flowing down to His feet and with a golden band around His chest (in a priestly attire).His hair white as wool and snow( symbolizing wisdom) and His eyes blazing like fire (symbolizing His judgement of all evil.) His feet shone like glowing bronze and His voice sounded like rushing waters. In His hand, He held seven stars and in His mouth , He had a sharp double edged sword (representing the power of His words.) His face shone like a brightly shining sun.
John fell like a dead man at the Lord's feet. But the Lord gently tapped him with His right hand and said, " Don't be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
The Lord asked John to write what he has seen then and what will take place later. He explained to John that the seven golden stars that He held in His right hand represented seven angels (or leaders) of the seven churches and the seven lampstands represents the seven churches to whom John was asked to send what he wrote.
Is there anything in these scriptures, I'm required to obey?
We find John worshipping God in spirit when he heard the trumpet like voice behind him. It wasn't a cooperate worship. John was alone worshipping God in private. Worshipping God with fellow believers is good and essential. But worshipping God in private, when no one is around and looking is vital. It is the key to a strong faith walk. Do I commit myself to have the private audience with God daily? If not, I need to set aside unneccessary schedules and commitments and have daily time with God for prayer and worship.
When I do, I'll be able to hear the Lord's small voice telling me what to do or not to do. Rarely would I hear an audible voice or see a vision like John. But I could hear the Lord speaking to me through His Word (the Bible.)
The number seven (7) represents complete and perfection.
We read that the Son of Man ( Jesus) standing among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars in His right hand. The lampstands represents churches and stars represents the angels of the churches.
What do I learn here?
I learn that Christ loves each of these churches and cares enough to make John to write and send His message to them. He wants the churches to be complete in perfection. He holds the angels/leaders of the churches accountable for that.
How do I obey? Because the churches are close to God's heart, I've to work for the betterment of them by praying for them, loving the fellow believers Christlike and serving wherever and whenever my help is needed. Like these churches mentioned in Revelation, no church is perfect. Instead of giving into badmouthing, judging and making division in the church, I need to leave the judgement part to the Lord.
What would I share?
I'd share the importance of praise and worship in our time with the Lord.
I'd share that John couldn't behold the glorous face of Christ when he turned around to see. It wasn't the face of Jesus of Nazereth, his Master with whom he walked, talked and ate for three years in Galilee. His voice didn't sound the same as before. Unworthy to stand before the glorious risen Christ, the Alpha and Omega, John fell like a dead man at His feet.
Likewise, we too might have a different view of Christ in our mental picture. For some of us, He's more of a friend in need, a deliveror from trouble, a guide for heaven and comfort. Most of us picture Him with a smiling face, dressed in a white robe and having blond hair and blue eyes. No one could blame us for that's the image of Jesus we've seen on pictures hanging on the walls, on Sunday school take aways, church buildings, books and movies ever since our childhood.
And, now in this chapter, we come to view another picture of Him. Here, instead of seeing Him as Jesus-the Son of Man, we come to see Him as Christ-the Son of God in His glory. Dressed in a robe with a golden band across His chest representing a High Priest, having the hair white like wool and snow displaying His wisdom, and His fire like blazing eyes symbolizing judgement of all evil and the sharp double edged sword in His mouth symbolizing the power and authority of His words.
Could you and I ever stand erect and behold such a majestic vision of Christ? For sure I cannot. In my unworthiness to stand before Him, I too will fall flat on my tears bathed face and lay dead like John, if not for the grace and gentle whisper of His loving voice. How often we tend to forget who truly Christ is-the Lord of lords and King of kings, and see Him only as the world around us potray Him. But when we seek Him with our whole heart and abide in Him according to His words, He is going to reveal more and more of Himself to us. It may not be through a vision as in the case of John, but in some other ways He sees best to reveal in a personal way. During such revelation, we may hear the nudge of the Holy Spirit directing us what to do.
Let us too behold the Lord in reverence and obey Him as John did two thousand years ago.
S ---What does the scripture say?
O--- Is there anything the scripture requires for me to obey ?
S----How can I share this truth with others?
Reading: Revelation 1: 9-20
What does the scripture say?
Apostle John who writes this book is in the island of Patmos as an exile for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people. On the Lord's Day ( probably a Sunday or a Sabbath Day) while he was worshipping God in prayer and praises, he heard a voice sounding like a trumpet behind him and telling him to write on a scroll whatever he sees and send it to the seven churches in Turkey at that time. The voice named the churches clearly as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
John turns around to see who was speaking to him.
What did he see?
He saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands, was someone like the Son of Man( Jesus) standing among them, dressed in a robe flowing down to His feet and with a golden band around His chest (in a priestly attire).His hair white as wool and snow( symbolizing wisdom) and His eyes blazing like fire (symbolizing His judgement of all evil.) His feet shone like glowing bronze and His voice sounded like rushing waters. In His hand, He held seven stars and in His mouth , He had a sharp double edged sword (representing the power of His words.) His face shone like a brightly shining sun.
John fell like a dead man at the Lord's feet. But the Lord gently tapped him with His right hand and said, " Don't be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
The Lord asked John to write what he has seen then and what will take place later. He explained to John that the seven golden stars that He held in His right hand represented seven angels (or leaders) of the seven churches and the seven lampstands represents the seven churches to whom John was asked to send what he wrote.
Is there anything in these scriptures, I'm required to obey?
We find John worshipping God in spirit when he heard the trumpet like voice behind him. It wasn't a cooperate worship. John was alone worshipping God in private. Worshipping God with fellow believers is good and essential. But worshipping God in private, when no one is around and looking is vital. It is the key to a strong faith walk. Do I commit myself to have the private audience with God daily? If not, I need to set aside unneccessary schedules and commitments and have daily time with God for prayer and worship.
When I do, I'll be able to hear the Lord's small voice telling me what to do or not to do. Rarely would I hear an audible voice or see a vision like John. But I could hear the Lord speaking to me through His Word (the Bible.)
The number seven (7) represents complete and perfection.
We read that the Son of Man ( Jesus) standing among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars in His right hand. The lampstands represents churches and stars represents the angels of the churches.
What do I learn here?
I learn that Christ loves each of these churches and cares enough to make John to write and send His message to them. He wants the churches to be complete in perfection. He holds the angels/leaders of the churches accountable for that.
How do I obey? Because the churches are close to God's heart, I've to work for the betterment of them by praying for them, loving the fellow believers Christlike and serving wherever and whenever my help is needed. Like these churches mentioned in Revelation, no church is perfect. Instead of giving into badmouthing, judging and making division in the church, I need to leave the judgement part to the Lord.
What would I share?
I'd share the importance of praise and worship in our time with the Lord.
I'd share that John couldn't behold the glorous face of Christ when he turned around to see. It wasn't the face of Jesus of Nazereth, his Master with whom he walked, talked and ate for three years in Galilee. His voice didn't sound the same as before. Unworthy to stand before the glorious risen Christ, the Alpha and Omega, John fell like a dead man at His feet.
Likewise, we too might have a different view of Christ in our mental picture. For some of us, He's more of a friend in need, a deliveror from trouble, a guide for heaven and comfort. Most of us picture Him with a smiling face, dressed in a white robe and having blond hair and blue eyes. No one could blame us for that's the image of Jesus we've seen on pictures hanging on the walls, on Sunday school take aways, church buildings, books and movies ever since our childhood.
And, now in this chapter, we come to view another picture of Him. Here, instead of seeing Him as Jesus-the Son of Man, we come to see Him as Christ-the Son of God in His glory. Dressed in a robe with a golden band across His chest representing a High Priest, having the hair white like wool and snow displaying His wisdom, and His fire like blazing eyes symbolizing judgement of all evil and the sharp double edged sword in His mouth symbolizing the power and authority of His words.
Could you and I ever stand erect and behold such a majestic vision of Christ? For sure I cannot. In my unworthiness to stand before Him, I too will fall flat on my tears bathed face and lay dead like John, if not for the grace and gentle whisper of His loving voice. How often we tend to forget who truly Christ is-the Lord of lords and King of kings, and see Him only as the world around us potray Him. But when we seek Him with our whole heart and abide in Him according to His words, He is going to reveal more and more of Himself to us. It may not be through a vision as in the case of John, but in some other ways He sees best to reveal in a personal way. During such revelation, we may hear the nudge of the Holy Spirit directing us what to do.
Let us too behold the Lord in reverence and obey Him as John did two thousand years ago.
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Book of Revelation- The Unveiling of Christ, the King of glory
Like many, I've avoided reading the Book of Revelation in the Bible thinking that I wouldn't ever understand what's written there even if I try my best to grasp it . So, why bother I thought and had put it off for a long time. I'm not someone who likes to rely on Bible commentary for interpretation, although I admit that there are some great Bible commentaries to help us understand the Bible better.
So, when our Women's Bible Study coordinator announced that we'll be doing the Book of Revelation this Fall I was exited, especially when I learned that we're going to follow Beth Moore's video session series for the study. Like me, 80-100 women too had got excited to sign up for this study to learn what's said so unique and mysterious manner in signs and symbols in this last book of the Bible.
As Beth Moore points out in her study book- " no scholar, commentary , denomination, preacher or teacher can plausibly claim to have all the answers and ultimate interpretation for this fascinating finish of scripture,"it's futile to expect a full understanding of everything written in the book. "As long as God is glorified and His Word held sacred and inspired, having our views challenged can be a very healthy thing," Beth Moore writes and further adds, " An ardent desire to know God through the study of Scripture mixed with a humble spirit concocts the best kind of student. " I pray that I become such a Bible student with a humble heart, and develop an ardent passion for God as Beth Moore does.
Yesterday was our first video session lesson and I've given below what I've learned so that by writing it not only I help myself to remember better, but also hope that those who read this post will be motivated to study the Book of Revelation and helped to come to know Christ as God wants Him to be known to His followers through this book.
The author of this book: John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of John and the epistles John 1 and 2 in the Bible.
Place, where it was written: Island of Patmos( off the coast of Asia) where John had been exiled by the Roman authorities.
Date written: About 95 AD
Setting: Christians were tortured, persecuted and burnt on stakes during the Roman emperor Nero's rule. After Nero's death, Domitian became the emperor of Rome. Although he didn't persecute the Christians as Nero did physically, he did bring psychological torment to the believers. It is said that Domitian was one of the three emperors of Rome who demanded the worship of him by his Roman subjects. Because Christians and Jews refused to bow before anyone but their God, they were mocked, ill treated and looked down as low and uneducated.
Theme: Unveiling of the true vision of Christ.
Purpose: To reveal the full identity of Christ to his believers and to warn the seven churches in Turkey at that time as well as to the believers at large in years to come to keep up their hope and faith to the end and to declare what is to take place at the end of the time.
The purpose of the writing the book is clearly given in the first eight verses in the first chapter of the book. It is given direct and simple that anyone could understand. You don't need a commentary to understand at least to know its purpose. Help may be needed to understand the following passages and later chapters because they deal with a lot of symbols that cannot be easily understood.
In Revelation 1:1-2 reads as follows:
"revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it know by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-that is , the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."
It goes on to say in verse 3-" Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
See, it's not that hard to understand that. God wanted to reveal His son as the King of glory to His believers. Understanding His father's heart, Jesus summons His angel ( name not given, but must be a special one to be Christ's chosen angel) to go to His beloved disciple John in Patmos and reveal to him in a vision what God intends to reveal to the churches.
So, what did John do when he was given such a vision.? As a faithful servant, he records everything he saw and heard from the angel.
More importantly it is said that whoever reads out or hears this prophecy( the events predicted to occur in the future) and believe it in his heart is said to be blessed by God. In those days, not many were educated enough to read or write. So, its either the priest or the scribe who reads out the scripture for the people in the assembly. That's why the one who reads as well as the one who hears and believes are considered to be blessed according to this scripture.
Don't we all want to be blessed by believing what is said to be about our Christ our Saviour, who loved us enough to shed His precious blood to cleanse us from our sins so that we could have an unhindered relationship with God the Father, the Alpha and Omega, the creator of the universe and freed us from all bondage to make us live a contented and fulfilling life?
Christ didn't die so that we could have a prosperous life as some false Christian preachers teach. Christ wanted us to become alive in spirit and enjoy a fulfilling life even amidst troubles and having less to own. Christ alone is sufficient to have the joy and abundance He talked about. Such a loving Lord, who walked on earth two thousand years ago along the sea of Galilee is going to return to earth in a breathtaking way, not as as the one with blond hair and blue eyes in a white robe as we mentally picture Him, but as the King of kings in His full glory surrounded by angels with trumpets in an unknown and unexpected time. Except the Father, no one, even Christ doesn't know the exact time of His coming. Never for a second believe if anyone predict a date or the year of His coming. If anyone predicts, he's nothing but a false prophet.
"The time is near, " it says in verse 3. How near, we don't know. Only the Father knows. Even John may have thought it might happen while he was alive.. But it didn't happen. 2000 years have gone by since then and not many in this day and age believe that to happen. And those of us, who believe in His second coming are being scoffed and scorned by the learned and unbelievers in this modern age.
What does Revelation 1: 7-8 say?
"Look, He is coming with the clouds
and every eye will see Him.
even those who pierced Him
and all the people on earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be ! Amen.
" I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, " who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
The Sovereign God has spoken, and it is up to us whether we want to believe what it says or not. I choose to believe it and be blessed by it, even if I'm looked down and scoffed at by others. What about you?
God reveals Himself to us in so many ways. Though He at times speaks to His people through visions, dreams and scriptures, He does reveals Himself t us through daily occurrence in life we usually overlook. nature, people, trouble, disasters are some venues through which He chooses to get our attention and reveal Himself to us .
As an assignment for this week, Beth Moore has asked us to write down whatever we sense God's revelation to us in a personal way. To do that , I need to have my eyes, ears and heart wide open to detect God's movement and voice in my sphere. Yes, I need to keep my spiritual antenna up to view my God (yours too) in action. Isn't that exciting? Aren't we so blessed to get a glimpse of the all loving God in our day to day routine. That's what is called faith walk. It comes with prayer, humility and surrender. Prosperity and self-recognition need to take the back seat if we need to see what God want us to see. Come on board my friend! Do not delay. Precious is our Lord and precious is His blood that was shed for you and me..
Hope to continue on this Book next week after my next Bible study on Thursday evening.
So, when our Women's Bible Study coordinator announced that we'll be doing the Book of Revelation this Fall I was exited, especially when I learned that we're going to follow Beth Moore's video session series for the study. Like me, 80-100 women too had got excited to sign up for this study to learn what's said so unique and mysterious manner in signs and symbols in this last book of the Bible.
As Beth Moore points out in her study book- " no scholar, commentary , denomination, preacher or teacher can plausibly claim to have all the answers and ultimate interpretation for this fascinating finish of scripture,"it's futile to expect a full understanding of everything written in the book. "As long as God is glorified and His Word held sacred and inspired, having our views challenged can be a very healthy thing," Beth Moore writes and further adds, " An ardent desire to know God through the study of Scripture mixed with a humble spirit concocts the best kind of student. " I pray that I become such a Bible student with a humble heart, and develop an ardent passion for God as Beth Moore does.
Yesterday was our first video session lesson and I've given below what I've learned so that by writing it not only I help myself to remember better, but also hope that those who read this post will be motivated to study the Book of Revelation and helped to come to know Christ as God wants Him to be known to His followers through this book.
The author of this book: John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of John and the epistles John 1 and 2 in the Bible.
Place, where it was written: Island of Patmos( off the coast of Asia) where John had been exiled by the Roman authorities.
Date written: About 95 AD
Setting: Christians were tortured, persecuted and burnt on stakes during the Roman emperor Nero's rule. After Nero's death, Domitian became the emperor of Rome. Although he didn't persecute the Christians as Nero did physically, he did bring psychological torment to the believers. It is said that Domitian was one of the three emperors of Rome who demanded the worship of him by his Roman subjects. Because Christians and Jews refused to bow before anyone but their God, they were mocked, ill treated and looked down as low and uneducated.
Theme: Unveiling of the true vision of Christ.
Purpose: To reveal the full identity of Christ to his believers and to warn the seven churches in Turkey at that time as well as to the believers at large in years to come to keep up their hope and faith to the end and to declare what is to take place at the end of the time.
The purpose of the writing the book is clearly given in the first eight verses in the first chapter of the book. It is given direct and simple that anyone could understand. You don't need a commentary to understand at least to know its purpose. Help may be needed to understand the following passages and later chapters because they deal with a lot of symbols that cannot be easily understood.
In Revelation 1:1-2 reads as follows:
"revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it know by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-that is , the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."
It goes on to say in verse 3-" Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
See, it's not that hard to understand that. God wanted to reveal His son as the King of glory to His believers. Understanding His father's heart, Jesus summons His angel ( name not given, but must be a special one to be Christ's chosen angel) to go to His beloved disciple John in Patmos and reveal to him in a vision what God intends to reveal to the churches.
So, what did John do when he was given such a vision.? As a faithful servant, he records everything he saw and heard from the angel.
More importantly it is said that whoever reads out or hears this prophecy( the events predicted to occur in the future) and believe it in his heart is said to be blessed by God. In those days, not many were educated enough to read or write. So, its either the priest or the scribe who reads out the scripture for the people in the assembly. That's why the one who reads as well as the one who hears and believes are considered to be blessed according to this scripture.
Don't we all want to be blessed by believing what is said to be about our Christ our Saviour, who loved us enough to shed His precious blood to cleanse us from our sins so that we could have an unhindered relationship with God the Father, the Alpha and Omega, the creator of the universe and freed us from all bondage to make us live a contented and fulfilling life?
Christ didn't die so that we could have a prosperous life as some false Christian preachers teach. Christ wanted us to become alive in spirit and enjoy a fulfilling life even amidst troubles and having less to own. Christ alone is sufficient to have the joy and abundance He talked about. Such a loving Lord, who walked on earth two thousand years ago along the sea of Galilee is going to return to earth in a breathtaking way, not as as the one with blond hair and blue eyes in a white robe as we mentally picture Him, but as the King of kings in His full glory surrounded by angels with trumpets in an unknown and unexpected time. Except the Father, no one, even Christ doesn't know the exact time of His coming. Never for a second believe if anyone predict a date or the year of His coming. If anyone predicts, he's nothing but a false prophet.
"The time is near, " it says in verse 3. How near, we don't know. Only the Father knows. Even John may have thought it might happen while he was alive.. But it didn't happen. 2000 years have gone by since then and not many in this day and age believe that to happen. And those of us, who believe in His second coming are being scoffed and scorned by the learned and unbelievers in this modern age.
What does Revelation 1: 7-8 say?
"Look, He is coming with the clouds
and every eye will see Him.
even those who pierced Him
and all the people on earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be ! Amen.
" I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, " who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
The Sovereign God has spoken, and it is up to us whether we want to believe what it says or not. I choose to believe it and be blessed by it, even if I'm looked down and scoffed at by others. What about you?
God reveals Himself to us in so many ways. Though He at times speaks to His people through visions, dreams and scriptures, He does reveals Himself t us through daily occurrence in life we usually overlook. nature, people, trouble, disasters are some venues through which He chooses to get our attention and reveal Himself to us .
As an assignment for this week, Beth Moore has asked us to write down whatever we sense God's revelation to us in a personal way. To do that , I need to have my eyes, ears and heart wide open to detect God's movement and voice in my sphere. Yes, I need to keep my spiritual antenna up to view my God (yours too) in action. Isn't that exciting? Aren't we so blessed to get a glimpse of the all loving God in our day to day routine. That's what is called faith walk. It comes with prayer, humility and surrender. Prosperity and self-recognition need to take the back seat if we need to see what God want us to see. Come on board my friend! Do not delay. Precious is our Lord and precious is His blood that was shed for you and me..
Hope to continue on this Book next week after my next Bible study on Thursday evening.
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