Only You!
In this story, a king entered his garden one morning and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was out of heart because it could not bear grapes like the vine. Likewise, the vine would throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as delicate fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall, fragrant like the lilac, and so on throughout the garden. Coming to a heart’s-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. “Well, heart, I’m glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened.” “No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one, but as I knew you wanted a heart’s-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart’s-ease that I can.”
“Others may do a greater work, but you have your part to do, and no one in all God’s heritage can do it so well as you.”
—- copied from Streams in the Desert, Cowman, January 7, pegs 7 & 8
January 1st
Today, we stand on the verge of the unknown. 2025 lies before us, and we are going forward to possess it. Who can tell what we shall find? What new experiences, what changes, what new needs will arise? All our supply comes from the Lord God Almighty, whether or not we wish to acknowledge that. Remember this encouragement from years before, “The path ahead is a land of hills and valleys with plenty of rain. It is a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it from the beginning to the end of the year!”
—- a paraphrase of Deuteronomy 11:11-12; Streams in the Desert
Prayer by Righteous People Gets Things Done
Herod Agrippa I, king over Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and territories east of the Jordan River, beheaded the apostle James and arrested Peter. He plans on executing Peter, as well, to reinforce the support of the Sanhedrin for his rule. But it is the weeklong Feast of Unleavened Bread, the time when the Jews celebrate their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. For whatever reason, Agrippa will wait until the holidays are over.
Although Peter has been arrested by the Sanhedrin twice, this is his first recorded altercation with the Romans. In fact, until this point, the Romans seemed to have ignored the church, thinking it was just another Jewish sect and posed no political threat to order. Between eight and fourteen years prior, the Roman governor Pilate crucified their leader, Jesus—not because He threatened any disruption to Rome’s rule, but because the Sanhedrin threatened unrest if Pilate let Jesus live.
Pilate was indifferent to the wishes of the Jews so long as they didn’t interfere with the performance of his job. Agrippa, however, is more invested in the people he rules and their religion. He kept Caligula from installing a statue of himself in the temple and read to the people from the Mosaic law. He plans on killing Peter not to ensure rest but to build goodwill.
But the church is praying. God promises to hear, with a mind, to act on the prayers of righteous people. Around this time, James, Jesus’ half-brother, wrote, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Peter will later affirm the sentiment. Peter will be rescued unscathed. That doesn’t mean God grants all the requests of His followers, and crucifixion is still in Peter’s future. But, like the night of the storm, Jesus still has plans for Peter on earth.
This is a story about the power of earnest and fervent prayer by righteous everyday people. Bibleref.com
Book of Revelation – Chapter 22
We are at the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation. Only those folks that repent of their sins, expressing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternity, will be admitted into the new Jerusalem.
From verses 1 & 2: We read of a pure river of water of life, clear as a crystal, flowing out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Its very transparency allows for the reflection of the glory of God. The river flows pure and unobstructed, symbolizing everlasting life’s constant flow from God’s throne to God’s people. It seems to flow down the center of the street with the tree of life on either side of the river bearing 12 types of fruit with a fresh yield each month. Hence, there will be an infinite variety that will fill heaven. Even with glorified bodies, we can enjoy the habit of eating. We will enjoy the best drink possible – the pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. There is no pollution with this water. The full delights of glory remain unrevealed until the right moment. The leaves of the tree of life are for the health of the nations. Life in heaven will be fully energized and exciting.
In verse 3, there is no more curse on humanity. This curse started in the Garden of Eden, was partially removed during the Millennium, and is now permanently obliterated. It means the end of sorrow, pain, and especially death – the most terrible aspect of the curse (Genesis 2:17) – forever.
In verse 4, we will observe the beauty of our Savior’s countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever. There we will spend all eternity carrying out the infinitive variety of tasks that the limitless mind of God can conceive. There is nothing beyond His face in terms of bliss once we have seen Him (John Phillips commentary, page 257).
Then in verse 5, there is no night to experience there in heaven (the new Jerusalem). You will not need a candle, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God gives the residents light, and they shall reign forever and ever. It is the glory of Christ that illuminates the city and its inhabitants.
Now comes the closing remarks as the Book of Revelation concludes with verses 6 through 21.
In verse 6: God-breathed. Everything written, said, and shown was to show God’s servants and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that these things must happen shortly. The angel proceeds to tell John why God has allowed him to experience this vision of the Revelation. He says, “The God of the holy prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you that the things you have heard and seen must come to pass speedily.” So, “we see that God’s Word is accurate and its truths have been transmitted, recorded, arranged, and preserved exactly as God had in mind.” (John Phillips commentary, page 258).
In verse 7: Now, Jesus speaks, “Behold, I come quickly,” indicating that once a series of events start, they will proceed in rapidly increasing succession. Van Impe adds, “In other words, when these things begin to come to pass (see Luke 21:28), the signs and events will fall into place so speedily – one after another – that a state of preparedness should be maintained.”
What should we do then to be ready? To be prepared for the Lord’s return, an individual “should keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Meaning: we are to long for Christ’s return and our eternal fellowship with Him. “After reading Revelation, Christians should love Christ more, seek to be more like Christ, hope for their resurrection bodies, and anticipate their eternal rewards.” John MacArthur, Because the Time is Near, page 330.
Again, John falls before the angel in verses 8 & 9 to worship him in light of all these revelations. He shouldn’t, nor should we worship anyone or anything but God only! The angel sets John straight again on this issue.
From verse 10, we read that the angel speaks to John once more, saying, “Don’t seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Therefore, neither should we seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book. People are to be made aware of the future. They must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Then, as they live in these times, they will understand God’s program. They will also realize that, once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this, they will be prepared.
In verse 11, there is a choice to be made. Each individual must choose what they shall be; unjust and filthy in hell or righteous and holy in heaven. We are to choose wisely! A person’s response to the exclamation of the prophecy of Revelation will fix their eternal destiny.
In verse 12, the prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass as written. The Lord says, “When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began.”
In verse 13, God says, “For I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of the faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).
Verse 14:
- “Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life.” Dr. C. I. Scofield.
- “Blessed are they that wash their robes in the Lamb’s blood that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city.” Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironsides, Dr. J. A. Seuss
From verse 15: a list of those not allowed into the city: dogs (people of a vile & harmful character), sorcerers (those that practice occult activities and those who use drugs), whoremongers (those engaged in illicit sexual activities), murderers, idolaters (people who worship false gods), liars (people who love and practice lying). Listed are those who lack the “new birth” experience and who love and habitually practice any such sins above and continually refuse Christ’s invitation to repentance and salvation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Notice this crowd is also listed in Revelation 21:8.
In verse 16, the message of the Revelation is valid (true) because Christ inaugurates (initiates) and guarantees it. God extends the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Jesus is the root and offspring of David and the bright & morning star.
“COME” is the call in verse 17. The Holy Spirit and the Bride plead, “COME!” If you hear this call, let your voice join the chorus. God compassionately declares, “Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life.” The first part of verse 17 is a prayer addressed to Christ for Him to “Come” by the Holy Spirit and the Church. The second part of the same verse is addressed to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ. It is the last call for unbelievers to repent.
Clink this link: https://youtu.be/lkqB2hth4rA
Verse 18 and 19: We are to take the Book of Revelation seriously. One must not meddle with or handle lightly the truths that mean so much to the God of heaven and earth. God’s wrath abides on those who tamper with His Word, cutting out the parts that offend them and adding their own ideas to it.
The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return. In verse 20: Surely I come quickly. With Revelation’s promises given over 2,000 years ago, the history we trace seems like a long time. When you see the beginning of these events and their rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come soon or suddenly. Remember, it has only been two days since Christ left to prepare a place for us and His promised return (refer to 2 Peter 3:8). The response of His people is AMEN (or so be it).
Verse 21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all as an expression of God’s grace toward fallen humanity. The Lord of glory offers heaven to those who accept His glorious invitation and return to Him in light of His inevitable return. AMEN.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Book of Revelation. I hope you have received encouragement about the future and that your faith has increased in His promises. I recommend that you read the Book of Revelation for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to understand His word. May you find courage in living a faithful life before Him.
Book of Revelation – Chapter 21
After the Great White Throne Judgement of chapter 20, the heavens and the world move toward another judgment; chapter 21 is the eternal state with new heavens and a new earth. This chapter and the next present a fantastic future that awaits every believer of all dispensations and ages. Without warning, the heavens disappear with an earsplitting noise. All heavenly bodies or planets burn up and be destroyed. The world we know as earth with everything in it will vanish. The noise of this destruction will be deafening. Refer to 2 Peter 3:7-13.
In verse 1, we read of a new heaven and new earth with no sea. New is not merely new as to time but also as to kind. Therefore the sky will look similar, as will the world, but also different. For example, the new earth has no sea. The first earth and the first heavens are purged with fire and regenerated. This purging is necessary because Satan defiled both spheres, and God makes them anew and fresh. All of this occurs at the end of the Great White Throne Judgment.
- Old Jerusalem exists today. It is historic, the City of David.
- In the exact location as the first, a second Jerusalem becomes the center for Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth and the earthly nations’ capital city. Also, during this thousand-year reign, a satellite city (the new Jerusalem) hovers above this planet. This celestial city is home to all believers during this period and eternity.
- Finally, the new Jerusalem descends to the new earth at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ. It serves as heaven’s capital city on the new earth eternally.
Verse 2 speaks of a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, a new capital city. People in the new Jerusalem will live in peace and harmony.
Then we come to verse 3, where God dwells with His people. Before the Fall in Eden, God came and walked with Adam in the cool of the day, so God shall live with men forever and delight in His abiding presence. Presently, the location of God’s Tabernacle is in heaven. He descends to earth with His heavenly entourage, settling in the new Jerusalem to begin global operations from this satellite city. The redeemed in their glorified bodies live in the new Jerusalem.
In verse 4: God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain; for the former things pass away, such is this land of eternal life. No more cancers, diseases, heart attacks, automobile accidents, or wars. What is declared is the absence of anything to be sorry about. There is no sadness, no disappointments, no pain, no tears of regret, no loss of loved ones, no more funerals, no more graves, no more hospitals, no more broken homes, and no more broken hearts. And sin has ceased because Satan forever remains incarcerated in Gehenna, the lake of fire.
In verses 5 and 6, God adds that he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. All creation began without sin, and now it has ended without sin. Our spiritual thirst will be satisfied forever.
From verse 7, we learn the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4) is an overcomer; he shall inherit all things, and God will be his God, and he shall be His son.
Verse 8 speaks about those sinners who miss this eternal paradise upon the earth. Where are they now? They are in the lake of fire (the second death) with no second chance, no reprieve, no commuted sentence. This list should be read as a description of eternal character. Who did not make it?
- The fearful; are those who rejected Christ to escape the ridicule of men.
- The unbelieving; are those who rejected the doctrine of Christ’s deity and shed blood as the only means of obtaining eternal life.
- The abominable; are those who engage in corrupt practices, speaking the language of Christendom but never living it. They profess that they know God, but in their works, they deny him. They are described as being an abominable (hateful & obnoxious), disobedient (unruly & disorderly), and unprincipled (immoral, unethical, & corrupt) rogue (or SOB) Titus 1:16.
- The murderers; are those who carry hatred within their hearts and minds for others (1 John 3:15).
- The whoremongers; are those who engaged in fornication (premarital sex), adultery (extra-marital flings), or perverted sex.
- The sorcerers; are those who practiced drug usage for “kicks” and “highs.”
- The idolaters: are people who worship or revere anyone or anything other than God, living and trustworthy, or using idols in worship. (1 John 5:21).
- All liars; are those who deceived others, distorted the truth, and destroyed humanity by lies.
Verse 9: Now John is shown the Bride, the Lamb’s wife. She is the one who made herself ready in fine linen, clean and white (chapter 19:7-8), and who returns with Him (Christ) for the 1,000-year honeymoon (chapter 19:11-16).
In verse 10: The great city, the holy (heavenly) Jerusalem, descends out of heaven from God. John is impressed by the city’s brilliance, the size of the municipality, and the city’s beauty. The new Jerusalem reflects its people, the redeemed or the Bride.
From verses 11 thru 14, we get a description of the new Jerusalem in more detail. The city was clear as crystal, with a great wall, 12 large gates, and 12 foundations.
- A great high wall surrounded the city. It is an eternal memorial of our hidden life with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) until we appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4). It reminds the believers that God loves His people and protects them while on earth.
- Twelve angels staff the 12 gates. These gates remain open, and the angels welcome those possessing the right and privilege to enter the city. Each gate has the name of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- The city sets on 12 foundations, each named after each of the twelve apostles of Christ.
In verses 15 thru 17, the size of the new Jerusalem gets revealed.
- The city forms a perfect cube of tetragonal shape. Its width, length, and height are equal (at 12,000 furlongs or 1,5000 miles). This distance would cover a geographic area in the USA, extending from Maine’s northernmost point to the southernmost point of Florida and from the eastern seaboard to Colorado. A city of this size could house every person ever born, plus billions of additional people. Remember, from verse 3, this city comes down from heaven and orbits earth during the millennium reign before coming to rest upon the new earth as eternity begins.
- The walls surrounding the city extend 216 feet high by the measure of a man. The wall is relatively low compared to the city’s walls, reflecting no need to ward off an attack.
In verses 18 thru 21, we see a further description of the wall, foundations, and gates.
- The wall of jasper represents Christ, in His radiant glory, surrounding His saints.
- The city was pure gold, like transparent glass, which typifies the righteousness of God’s holy nature. The transparency allows God’s glory to shine through to every aspect of the city and beyond.
- The various foundation stones – brilliant – picture the Lord’s attributes and various aspects of His redemptive work.
- A single pearl composes each gate that never shuts. Each immense pearl symbolizes the tremendous sufferings of Christ.
- Streets made of pure gold appear as transparent glass.
Verse 22 tells us that there was no temple in the city (new Jerusalem) for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple because God has chosen to dwell with His people.
In verse 23, there is no need for the sun or moon since God and the Lamb lighten everything. No wonder there shall be no night there, for the night is an impossibility since Christ’s splendor, and glory shines brilliantly.
Verses 24 thru 26: These verses picture the multitudes who came through the Millennium as born-again, regenerated believers. These did not follow Satan in the final rebellion upon release from the bottomless pit. Therefore, they entered the eternal state in bodies of flesh. Their rulers, kings, and presidents are also born-again and still living in earthly bodies. They bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem as well. They come to praise Him, who is all in all. Security is needless in the land of an eternal day with no night.
In verse 27: The warning flag is again lifted as John writes, “But nothing impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of the living will enter the city.” GNT
Bill Wyler
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