For anyone wanting to check out recent posts on Hebraic material and the book God’s Signature, and able to get to Cardiff this week…(so sorry about short notice)
Grace Gate: Shane Willard this week
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Category Archives: Holy Bible
With prophetic implications, the Kurds, known as the Medes in the Bible, seize oil-rich region of Iraq. What does it mean?
UPDATE: Yes, it’s all about oil – what a surprise! The newly launched trans-Israel part of the export oil route from Kirkuk via Turkey is the real target of increased rocket fire from Gaza (details here). Also, instead of making straight for Baghdad, ISIS units are reported as having made a 2-pronged advance aiming for Amman, Jordan, and the Saudi border (details here).
(Washington, D.C.) — Could recent developments in Iraq have prophetic implications? Actually, the answer may be yes — especially with regards to the Kurdish people who live in northern Iraq. Let me explain.
As we’ve been seeing in recent weeks, the Radical jihadist forces of the “Islamic State of Iraq & al-Sham” (ISIS) are on the move towards Baghdad. They are leaving a trail of bloodshed and carnage in their wake.
The objective of the ISIS leaders is to topple the Iraqi government, seize control of all of Iraq, establish a jihadist state under Sharia law, and use Iraq to begin a regional — and eventually global — Islamic caliphate, or kingdom.
Now, the Kurdish leaders have taken advantage of the chaos of this moment to seize control of the oil-rich region of Kirkuk for themselves. (see AP story below)
The oil fields of Kirkuk have been a long-standing issue of controversy in Iraq…
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Holy treasure of ‘The Open Door’
That the Almighty is not only providing believers with abilities and areas of personal empowerment, but also wanting us to grow and develop them for the good of others, as in Monday’s post, reminded me of the symbolism of an open door. That’s the symbolic designation for the current Hebrew Year 5774 and so it would be good to refresh our minds about that and revisit its importance.
Hence, Tuesday’s post linked into an informative article on this year’s significance, as outlined in last September’s post, The door into the ‘New Season’ is open. It is a time of new beginnings, and especially a good time to dispose of personal baggage and free us up to recognise and take new opportunities. This is signified by digit 4 being the Hebrew letter ‘dalet’, as shown here >
[NB: each character in the Hebrew alphabet represents a letter, symbol and number; and which is not to be confused with numerological interpretation of words and text.]
I noted that a visiting preacher said we need to know God more and grow lots more in areas He’s preparing for us. All we have in life cannot be compared with what we have in Jesus Christ. People have issues with Christians because we’re not living the right way, as Jesus wants us to. A mature tree produces the fruit of a Christ-like character and Jesus has the power to transform us into Him!
So, let’s take another look at how this symbolism of the open door may be activated…
The Unique Doorway
Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture”. (John 10:9 NKJV)
Melissa Flores considers this means that Jesus is our ‘dalet’ – “the One who leads us into greener pastures. Too many of us follow our favourite ministers or voices hoping to find our destiny. Until you hone in on the voice of the Shepherd, the door of destiny will elude you. He alone can confirm. He alone can commission. He alone can grant entry into the next assignment or pasture of your life. Sell all of the stock you have placed in man’s ability to identify and promote you, and invest it where it belongs”. (Emphases mine)
Her explanation connects into what Bob Mazeroski brought from the Lord about His provision of mantles, does it not?
Also, one of the definitions Jesus gave of His identity was, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NIV). That is, we can regard Jesus as being ‘The Doorway’ into the throne room of God.
A Deep Insight From Hebrew
This year I’m dipping into an easy-to-read primer on Hebrew by Steve Maltz, God’s Signature, and any reference by me simply cannot do it justice. Steve’s explanations of the language’s essential contribution to the creation and meaning of scripture are just like being with a tour guide who drops gems of insights as we meander around famous sights. Starting from the premise that the Bible is God’s word to us, Steve promises to answer questions of who wrote it, how manuscript evidence can be traced, how errors are detected and who decided what material to put in the Bible, but first explains the important difference between the Hebrew and Greek mindsets.
That difference may arise from the origins of the Hebrew language lying in pictographic symbols of the Proto-Canaanite alphabet, of which each symbol conveyed a defined visual meaning. Out of this developed the Phoenician-Old Hebrew form of geometrical shapes for those symbols and then eventually came the Biblical Hebrew letters.
To illustrate this concept Steve shows those alphabets’ characters for ‘shepherd’. Next he asks, why did God use Hebrew? In answer he shows those stages for the Hebrew for “word”, davar, which is comprised of three consonants only – dvr – as shown below. Note the inclusion and use of dalet:
Interesting? Surely an understatement!
The symbolical characters give such an obvious yet revelatory insight when we recall the Gospel according to John opens by describing Jesus as “The Word of God”, then tells of His coming into the world and the unique privilege He brought to those who would receive Him – the right to become children of God (verse 12).
Therefore, Jesus is the pathway, or entrance, into God’s mind, exactly as He states in John 14:6 above.
Of particular interest for our purposes is Steve’s examination of dalet itself:
The author goes on to state the root verb as dlh, or dala, meaning that which hangs down, or the idea of letting down or drawing up, as with a bucket in a well. Thus, for this comes the word for bucket, dly or daliy. It seems so mundane but the beauty of Hebrew is it can have a spiritual application, for which Steve quotes Psalm 30:1 and Proverbs 20:5 use of dalah, viz:
I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths.
The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
Also, Psalm 141:3 has a vivid way of using dalet to describe a mouth as “door of my lips” – Set a guard over my mouth O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
And in Jeremiah 36:23, dalet is used for ‘columns’ in “four columns of the scroll”. In other words, as columns hang off a central spine or side of a manuscript, Steve points out that “the word dalet has been used for the simple reason we have something (the “columns”) hanging”.
Hence, the clear sense that there is a doorway of opportunity for us to go through this year. Have you sensed, or even seen it?
It’s time for serious disciples of the Lord, to approach the threshold and enter and break through into what He has for us.
Advice with cautionary note
Let’s reconsider some special points Jesus gave His disciples as ‘one who teaches with authority’, unlike religious leaders, from his extensive instruction known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ (Matthew chapters 5 to 7):
“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened…
…seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteous and all these things shall be added to you…
“I did not come to destroy (what’s written in the Law or the Prophets) but to fulfill…For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven…
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad the way that leads to destruction…Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord” shall enter the Kingdom, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven…
“Therefore, whoever hears and does these sayings of Mine is like a wise man who built his house on the rock: and when the rains, floods and winds came upon it, it did not fall, for it was founded upon the rock…”
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23 NKJV emphases added)
Amen
Now read the next post to learn how the italicised closing thoughts, added after drafting the whole piece, were concurrently confirmed by a prophetic team. Or was it vice versa with the Lord impressing upon me what He gave them?? Click to continue >>
[Image of Door Open in Sky courtesy of Nattavut, FreeDigitalPhotos.net Images from God’s Signature courtesy Terra Nova Publications International Ltd. Steve’s book is available from his website sppublishing.com as well as from Amazon. Be blessed]
Are manifestations of ‘gold dust’ lying signs and wonders?
My account of the recent healings in our church closed by referring to an abundance of glitter found on the seats. As they’d all been carefully wiped beforehand this must have occurred during our 4 hours’ service – yet no-one’s said they’d seen anything happen! This is what it looked like after having materialised:
NB: video opens with fast montage of past ministry events…
A majority of Bible-believing Christians would regard such a weird manifestation as a ‘false sign’ or a ‘lying wonder’ sent to deceive believers. Associated scripture is cited to make the point; for example as listed herein.
Such reactions can, however, take verses out of context. Critics may believe they know the times and seasons but, in my humble opinion, their timing is wrong.
I shall demonstrate why these deposits from ‘out of nowhere’ of tiny glittering particles of unknown composition, should not be regarded of ungodly origin or deceitful’, as may be inferred from the scriptures in the above link. Continue reading
An insight into the supra-natural
My previous post may have perhaps puzzled, or perturbed, some readers? Lately, I’m not writing so much on Biblically relevant news as on the prophetic and more upon the supra-natural, such as subtle linkages, dreams and even visitations.
This culminated in items on three well-known closely connected prophets; Paul Keith Davis, Bobby Conner and the late Bob Jones. Prior to publishing I’d been mulling over the material for several weeks, especially over the dream about Bob.
Let me share a scriptural insight on this more contentious issue for those who prefer to keep to what’s black and white, as printed in the revealed Word of God. Continue reading
Passover and blood-red moons
Credit Fred Espenak; click image for Mr Eclipse website
Today is Passover 5774, which commenced at sundown yesterday. This is a rare occasion when Hebrew and Gregorian calendars coincide for this feast on 15th day of Nissan and 15th April. Their general lack of synchronisation arises from being based upon lunar and solar cycles respectively, as well as their different ways of accounting for cyclic gaps, or leap years in our solar calendar.
I want to give an overview to this topic in view of many references to the ‘tetrad’ of four consecutive lunar eclipses happening on the major Jewish feast days. I’ll also close with some personal observations. Also, out of respect for this holy week I will abbreviate references to G-d in the Hebrew fashion.
Not unlike the secular world, Jews use two kinds of calendars. The civil New Year is counted from Rosh Hashanah in Sept-Oct. The sacred year, from which festivals are computed, starts this month with the slim sliver of a new moon. Their seasonal festivals were started when the Hebrew slaves were set free to leave Egypt and were celebrated annually according to the Lord’s detailed instructions given to Moses. This is given in part below with emphases added to show these are not to be regarded as being Jewish alone but were ordained because they belong to the Lord Himself.:
“Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: ‘The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts…which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.
On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD’s Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD ; seven days you must eat unleavened bread…” (Leviticus 23:2 & 5,6 NKJV per BibleGateway)
The Hebrew of ‘appointed time’ is mo ‘ed, the root of which ya’ad, means to ‘set’ or ‘fix’. The first occurrence is in Genesis 1:14 where the stars and heavenly bodies are created to serve as ‘seasons’ (mo’adim) and as ‘signs’ – hence the significance to a consideration of Passover and last night’s lunar eclipse, and upcoming ones.
Passover commemorates the freedom gained by the ancient Israelites when they were saved from death by having daubed lamb’s blood upon the door-posts of their homes. As a result of Pharaoh’s steadfast refusal to release them to go with Moses to worship G-d, the ‘angel of death’ visited all Egypt’s first-born of man and beast but ‘passed over’ homes where the blood appeared. It was the culminating plague that befell the major power in the Middle East as a result of a clash between its god, Pharoah, and the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who had revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 1-11 refers).
The book of Exodus continues with very specific instructions Moses and his brother Aaron were given as to what to do that dreadful night, and that the people were to commemorate it as a feast of observation throughout all generations. Thus, it’s an everlasting occasion instituted and recognised by G-d and is the first of several annual festivals.
The Lord’s Feasts (Leviticus 23)
- Feast of Passover
- Feast of Unleavened Bread
- Feast of First Fruits
- Feast of Weeks (Shavu’ot or Pentecost)
- Feast of Trumpets (at Rosh Hashanah)
- Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
- Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
In the 1970s Rev John Kilpatrick, pastor of Church of His Presence, recognised the importance and value of these festivals for Christians. The first three occur over eight consecutive days and, with the fourth, occur in the Spring. Their main focus is upon entering G-d’s rest. The others occur in the Autumn/Fall and focus upon entering G-d’s protection.
The first four feasts were also foundational in establishing the Church, or Ecclesia, the body of believers in Messiah Jesus. The next three will relate to the resurrection of the dead ‘at the last trump’ and return of Christ in person to reign and rule.
Despite the flexibility of the Hebrew calendar in adjusting for ‘leap years’, the period between first and last major annual festivals, Passover and Tabernacles, remains constant.
Jesus and the first and a future Passover
Jesus’ ‘last supper’ was a private celebration with His apostles within hours of Him giving up His own life. The bread and wine they shared were those of the Passover Seder, or meal, as recorded by that diligent commentator Luke:
“With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16 NKJV)
And similarly for an associated cup of wine which, with the bread, Jesus said are to be regarded as His body and blood: thus specifically identifying Him as the Passover Lamb.
Jesus was not only keen to celebrate Passover – He will do so once again! This will presumably be upon His return – or am I misreading that straightforward text?
Luke also recorded that, after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus taught the disciples in depth about the kingdom and promised their baptism in the Holy Spirit. So they logically asked Him how soon it will be before the kingdom is set up and restored to Israel.
However, He told them (not upbraided them, as some think!) it’s not for them to know because that’s all in the Father’s hands but there’s a far more important mission for them – being empowered as witnesses of His Good News in taking it to the ends of the earth. Anyway, Jesus already knew His prophecy about Jerusalem being surrounded, the holy Temple demolished and the city trampled upon by Gentile armies was less than four decades away. Therefore, His Kingdom wouldn’t be based in Jerusalem.
Blood-red lunar eclipses
First, it’s important to note that the fact the first Jewish month of the agricultural and sacred calendar starts at new moon and the Passover follows 14 days later, means a full moon always features at Passover. Yet lunar eclipses are infrequent because the moon’s orbit is slightly tilted to the plane of the earth’s orbit around the sun – the ecliptic.
Only total eclipses are red because the only light has been refracted through the earth’s atmosphere, rather like why sunsets are red. (See images at link 3 below.)
As noted in Why I’m Watching, Jesus instructed all believers to watch for signs that would indicate His return is getting very close. Luke noted Jesus’ words, (shown in part only):
“…For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken…” (Luke 21 NKJV)
This reiterated and thereby endorsed what OT prophet Joel had written 9 centuries earlier about the Day of the Lord. And it was repeated to astonished witnesses of the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s following feast of Pentecost, as stated by Apostle Peter,
…The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord… (Joel 2:31)
Therefore, we can understand why many are excited about such signs not only happening on a dedicated Jewish feast day but also when a tetrad of lunar eclipses, together with a solar eclipse, occur in sequence one after the other – it’s astonishing!
FURTHERMORE, somehow the oscillating plane of the moon’s orbit around us just so happens to wobble into the same plane as the earth and the sun (the ecliptic), thereby enabling the moon to enter the earth’s shadow on a few selected and special days. That implies an intelligent designer has synchronised those movements to occur on specific and exceptionally rare days only!
But if the hand of G-d is involved then we do need to take serious note. William Koenig comments and provides a timeline of events:
There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about this phenomenon by Pastor Mark Biltz (and others)…The fact that these events have occurred on the first day of Passover and Sukkoth in back-to-back years only seven previous times combined with the challenges the Jewish people were facing during those times is noteworthy and significant.
- April 15, 2014 – Blood-red moon – First day of Passover (visible: Australia, Pacific, Americas).
- Sept. 25, 2014 — The sabbatical year in the seven-year cycle (2008 to 2015) begins on Rosh Hashanah, and ends on Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 13-14, 2015 — the day of a partial solar eclipse.
- Oct. 8, 2014 – Blood-red moon – First day of Sukkot (visible: Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas).
- April 4, 2015 – Blood-red moon – First day of Passover (visible: Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas)
- Sept. 13-14, 2015 — A seven-year cycle that began on Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 30, 2008, ends on Rosh Hashanah. The sabbatical year from 2014 ends here, too.
- Sept. 13, 2015 (Elul 29, 5776) – Rosh Hashanah starts with partial solar eclipse.
- Sept. 23, 2015 (Tishrei 10, 5777) – Year of Jubilee proclaimed on Yom Kippur.
- Sept. 28, 2015 – Blood-red moon – First Day of Sukkot (visible: Eastern Pacific, Americas, Europe, Africa, Western Asia). This moon will be a super “blood-red” moon. It will look enormous and will shine over Jerusalem. My wife and I were driving into Jerusalem last June during a similar super-moon. It was enormous, breathtaking and appeared over half of Jerusalem. I can only imagine what an enormous super blood-red moon will look like over the city.
[In that newsletter William also refers to the historically significant ‘days of infamy’ for the USA of 19-20 April, as well as globally. See Further Reading #7 below. Jewish dates updated 6 Aug 2015 per Aish.com]
For a good, concise summary of John Kilpatrick’s and John Hagee’s claims check out Aimee Herd’s summary Watching God’s Heavens – what is He saying through blood moon tetrads and solar eclipses? As a regular listener to the first, I noted that pastor Kilpatrick doesn’t claim any prophetical mandate for teaching upon this matter but stresses, “I’m just a watcher, which is what Jesus told us to do” – like me!
Objections
One may easily object that only one of these eclipses will be visible from Israel and so the notion of a tetrad of influentially significant ‘blood moons’ is nonsense.
But that fact may mean only the last eclipse is applicable to Israel, and the others may be relevant to whichever countries will see them. Remember, these feasts aren’t just for Israel but for everyone because they are G-d’s own feast days.
As regards the past tetrads, some suppose there’s ‘confirmation bias’ in picking them. Or else, were ‘prophecies after the fact’ and not warnings because of a time lapse between lunar eclipse and supposedly associated calamitous event in Jewish history. Let’s look, for example, at what William Koenig wrote after discussion with his friend Mark Biltz:
‘Three previous back-to-back “blood-red” total lunar eclipses occurred on the first day of Passover and Sukkot right after the 1492 Spanish Inquisition (ie. in 1493-1494), the 1948 War of independence (ie. in 1949-1950), and the 1967 Six-Day War (in 1967-1968). This pattern points to a very challenging time for Israel and possible war.
‘The Jewish Talmud says, “When the moon is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel … If its face is as red as blood, [it is a sign that] the sword is coming to the world …” The sages in the Talmud understood that a red lunar eclipse means that God will be bringing judgment to His people, Israel.’
Observations
1. The Spanish Expulsion was the most infamous in Jewish history. Catholic Inquisitor Torquemada’s anti-Semitic project became official policy in July 1492 after the defeat of Muslims at Grenada and thus enabling Spain to return to Catholicism. It would have taken many months to arrest and forcibly convert tens of thousands of Jews. So blood moons of 1493’s first and last feasts were truly ominous in attesting to what was happening and not just retrospective as ‘prophecies after the fact’.
2. It is incorrect to consider the 1949-50 tetrad as applying only to the previous year’s War of Independence. It could indicate decades of strife and wars were to follow. In fact that 15 month War lasted until August 1949 and in my opinion it could be applied specifically to Jerusalem. On 3rd April 1949 the Israel-Jordan Armistice was signed which affected Jews’ access to Jerusalem and their holy places such as the Wailing Wall, which was the only proximity permitted to the Temple Mount.
3. Today’s blood moon on Passover may apply to those Jews who are not in Israel but where it was actually seen – the USA. Let me quote perspicacious Caroline Glick’s analysis of her fellow Jews:
In Israel, where our freedom is physically threatened, most Jews understand and live by the lessons of Passover. But something is happening to the Jews in America. More and more, every day we see American Jews embracing intellectual bondage…
When the leaders of the Jewish American community – like their fellow leftists – side with forces of intolerance and discrimination and against Israel’s stalwart defenders and opponents of the oppression endemic in Islamic societies, it does not bode well for the future.
The red planet
The 76-m Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Credit: M. Peel, University of Manchester
Last Tuesday provided a ‘rare cosmic event’ when Mars formed a straight line with earth and the sun (ie. ‘in opposition’). But last night, the same night as the total lunar eclipse, the red planet was at its closest since Jan 2008.
In the UK we couldn’t observe the eclipse but I did notice Mars a few degrees above the bright moon but, as it was so bright, thought it was the brightest star, Sirius. Yet upon checking link 12 below I confirmed it was indeed Mars.
So, in effect we could be having a ‘double-red’ alarm being given from our satellite and nearby planet – exciting times, in a week holy to both Jews and Christians!
Carry on reading in 500th post: blood moons cont’d >>
Further Reading:
- Jewish Calendar is very helpful with Current Calendar of comparative dates.
- Restoring the Revelation of Passover, video message by Rev John Kilpatrick
- Why total lunar eclipses are red, diagrammatic explanation at EarthSky
- What is a Blood Moon? by sky watcher Bruce McClure at EarthSky
- What is the Ecliptic? by astronomer Christopher Crockett at EarthSky
- Koenig’s notes on Mark Biltz’s analysis of 4 Blood-Red Total Lunar Eclipses
- America’s ‘Date of Infamy’ repeated – once again! by Richard’s Watch
- Blood moons and prophetic confusion by Avner Bosky at David’s Tent
- Modern Jewish History: The Spanish Expulsion 1492
- Israel War of Independence: Israel-Jordan Armistice Agreement 1949
- Forgetting Freedom on Passover by Caroline Glick
- The Night Sky, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics
Provocative ‘coincidence’ at the kick-off for redefined ‘Marriage’
‘Provocative’ because a couple of associated events in tandem can make people pause for serious thought. ‘Provocative’, because how and what happened has generated a growing furore not only in Parliament but also amongst voters. ‘Provocative’, because a key spiritual principle is involved which many ignore or refuse to consider, let alone concede it’s correct.
‘Coincidental’ – ha, is it? How can two apparently unrelated events happen yet again, that is, together at the same time by mere random chance. This re-appearance pivots around one lady intimately involved in both events and who directed the main one which closely involves her boss. And now he’s stuck in the second strand. The timing of this ‘chance’ strongly points to the distinct possibility of its being fore-ordained, even a sort of ‘God incidence’.
I humbly submit that the coincidental events around these matters indicate the Lord is keenly aware of what’s going on, and is pointing to His ‘behind the scenes’ activity – for those who may discern it.
Before we proceed, a caveat is necessary. As in previous coverage of this topic, all my comments are observational and not to be construed as being judgemental. I wish only to reiterate what the Lord stated through His Son, as revealed by Holy Spirit inspiration of anointed apostles, prophets and teachers, and add my personal opinion. So let me first explain:
A key spiritual principle
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV)
Over twenty years ago it was important for me, a new believer rescued from the New Age and occult, to get the past healed and its ‘klingons’ dealt with. This was beyond the skills of the Baptist church the Lord directed me to, and so He pointed out certain books by those who’d also come out of Satan’s camp, as recounted here. Then I was directed to a ministry in the north of England specialising in the inner healing and deliverance I’d already read about.
Books by John Sandford were foundational reading and I found he’d been in the same groups as me. Having a scientific background, I was struck by the claim that scripture has laws which are universal in function and application – as in physics – one of which is sowing and reaping. (Read an excellent outline at Elijah House Ministries.)
Therefore, I’ve referred to that principle, as in Galatians 6 above, when blogging about the redefining of marriage as, for example, in several posts of December 2012.
In asking Does David Cameron’s decision line up with the Bible? I noted a developing scandal involving Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who’s responsible for introducing the new marriage law. Therefore, I also asked, “…is all this going to be part of the ‘holy shaking’; that is, of everything not of God?”, bearing the promise in mind of Hebrews 12, viz:
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire. (BibleGateway – emphases added)
And now guess what?
Within hours of the new law coming into effect the scandal erupted over that minister’s abuse of Parliamentary allowances for personal expenses!
On Friday 28th March, whilst several same-sex couples were looking forward to being legally ‘married’ just after midnight, journalists at the Telegraph were drafting the latest in that paper’s 5 year investigative scoop on the MP’s expenses scandal. At 10.00 pm, just ahead of the new marriage laws becoming operative, the paper’s Senior Political Correspondent, Investigations Editor and Whitehall Editor broke the news online.
Already going to print was Saturday’s broadsheet Daily Telegraph with inside pages reporting, ‘Cameron welcomes first gay marriages’, plus a few related items. One about priests being urged to defy the Anglican Church crept into the bottom of the front page, BUT the topmost headline reads:
Cabinet minister abused expenses -Maria Miller, Culture Secretary, made £1m profit after overclaiming for her mortgage
Oh what a surprise? I don’t mean about the minister’s activities, but the fact this news has coincided with the manifestation of what she and David Cameron engineered.
A busy week in politics
Last Friday’s lead editorial Mrs Miller should say sorry to taxpayers opens:
‘It is almost five years since The Telegraph broke the parliamentary expenses scandal. The revelation that some MPs had abused the expenses system – perpetrating, in some cases, outright fraud – rocked public confidence in British democracy. It led to resignations, deselections, electoral defeats and even the imprisonment of some of the worst offenders. Promises were made that things would be different in the future, that there would be house-cleaning and reform. Failure in some quarters to live up to those fine ambitions is why voters remain so disdainful of Parliament and politicians…’
Readers unfamiliar with this sorry saga wanting an overview will find the whole affair summarised in:
- Tory’s 1922 Committee chief tells PM ‘toxic’ expenses damaging to party
- Maria Miller’s expenses threats ‘pretty shocking’ says ex-head of watchdog
- Maria Miller’s Leveson threat, not expenses, is why she must go
This last by an ex-trade union official points to the danger in this affair: threatening the freedom of the press. The penultimate item from the Guardian refers to Miller’s other indefensible threat against the independent Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. That is, not so much questionable expense claims, but her other consequential actions are doubly dangerous!
The whole affair stinks! It is an exceptionally outrageous situation and, as she refuses to resign and PM Cameron refuses to dismiss her, then maybe his ‘fate’ is tied to hers. Not an unreasonable conjecture in view of their mocking the Lord’s ordinance on marriage and the family.
A personal opinion
Personally, as a retired servant of Her Majesty with responsibility for inviting and letting works contracts, and the financial control of major building projects directly responsible to HM Treasury, I am appalled by the unconscionable conduct of this MP.
Is the Living Lord God indicating He isn’t to be mocked and, thereby, letting those who are responsible fall into personal difficulties of their own making?
[Hand Pressing News Icon by Watcharakun, courtesy Freedigitalphotos.net]
Gatekeepers! Watchmen! You are to speak out (The Lord has called you out to be Bold today)
This item is so appropriate in connection with how ardently Steve Hill warned the Church against replacing the Lord’s values with those of the world and falling for Satan’s lies and deception.
Gatekeepers have three primary roles
- To protect the Lord’s house. This means they defend the gospel, the truth of the Word and Protect the holiness of God’s house. Their hearts are on fire with the Fear of the Lord. They want the Lord’s house to be a house of Prayer and they are not content until they see the Lord’s will come to place. The gatekeeper protects the House. They know the scriptures well and are full of understanding. They are bold to speak out against the sins of the church- even if it means they will be mocked, hated or even kicked out of the church. They stay close to the House of the Lord
- They keep the Lord’s people on the right path, keeping them from drifting from the Lord. As a staff or sheepdog would keep the sheep together from straying, so the role of gatekeeper is the same…
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The Lion roars!
SOMETHING’S GOING ON! Did I remark, “I’m never surprised by what the Lord does”?
On Monday I decided to blog briefly about the Lion of Judah. On the same morning, Dr Mike Evans wrote the following email about that same attribute of the Lord:
The Lion’s Roar
“As a lion roars…so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will deliver it. Passing over, He will preserve it” (Isaiah 31:4-5).
As I read this scripture this morning, my heart leapt with joy. That is precisely what I have been doing for almost 47 years—defending Jerusalem. I have stood up to terrorists face to face, men such as Yasser Arafat, whom I confronted at the 43rd General Assembly of the United Nations. I’ve stood up to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president of Iran, face to face in New York City at the United Nations.
For 33 years I have been writing books in defense of Israel. I have just completed my 41st book. We have also produced 18 television documentaries in defense of Israel. The Corrie ten Boom Holocaust Center in Haarlem, Holland has been part of our ministry since 1987 when we purchased it and restored it. I have served as chairman of the board since that time. Thanks to the Jerusalem Prayer Team, no one has ever had to pay a dime to visit the museum since it opened to the public in 1988….
“I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curses thee. And in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).
Israel is God’s dream. We are called to be part of His team. The title deed belongs to God Almighty. When God made His eternal promise to Israel, there was no United Nations, only pagan nations to challenge that dream and to challenge God and His Word. To be apathetic towards God’s Divine plan and eternal purpose as a Christian means to reject the Great Commission: “…you shall be a witness unto me in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria…” (Acts 1:8). God’s prophetic time clock is set on Jerusalem time. The spotlight of Heaven is still on Jerusalem. It all began there, and it will all end there.
Jerusalem is the only city for which God commands us to pray and commands a blessing on those who do. The Jerusalem Prayer Team is the largest intercessory movement in the world for the Jewish People and the city of Jerusalem. It is our Divine commission to bless the Jewish People.
Jesus said, “…truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine [The Jews], you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). I can hear the Lion of the Tribe of Judah roaring. (RB’s emphasis)
May the powers of hell hear the roar of God’s people today—You—declaring that the “people who do know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32). We will defend, deliver, and preserve Jerusalem. The greatest battle on earth is being fought from the Holy City of Jerusalem, according to Isaiah 14, where Satan is battling. All roads lead to Jerusalem. Heaven and earth met in Jerusalem and will meet there again.
[‘Awaken’ by courtesy James Nesbit – click image for website and for purchasing]
5 years ago today: “The End-Game Is Now In Play”
A lot’s happened in the 5 years since I started writing to friends on 28th February 2009 about current events prophesied in the Bible. The first email opened by explaining my grounds for doing so.:
“Last year, I encountered two conflicting claims about Jesus’ explanation of the parable on the end-time harvest of wheat and tares (Matt 13:36). So I went to check scripture but upon opening my Bible a deep excitement exploded within as I heard,
“This is ALL about to be fulfilled!”
WOW! Hence, my previous remarks about a sifting of the Church – in preparation for a rapid ‘sHifting’?”
My contacts had already been established over the previous year. As they were all familiar with scripture it wasn’t always necessary for me to quote or explain meanings. However, with that change in direction upon my hearing direct from the Lord it was opportune to stress the associated scripture, as follows.:
“Jesus urged His disciples to look out for and observe signs of the times. Regarding their questions about His return at the end of this Age, the earliest Gospel account has Jesus stressing 7 times, “Watch…be alert…on your guard“ (Mark 13). Matthew 24 reports Jesus saying 4 times, “Watch…and when you see…” followed by the parables of the burglar and of the virgins:> “Don’t be caught napping!” [Is the Church still asleep?] Luke’s account has, “Be always on the watch…” (ch21:36) and chpt 12 (NIV) has sections on watchfulness and interpreting the times. In each Gospel Jesus commands, “Learn the lesson of the fig tree…”. Also, the Apostles went on to give more indicators…”
Regular contacts had started over a controversial move of the Lord in 2008 in Lakeland, Florida. This had featured healing evangelist Todd Bentley, whose rather rough, logger background and highly unconventional ways generated a heated debate in Christian circles.
I believe the Lord used it to test which disciples are really committed to applying His command to “Love one another”, which is how “the world may know the Father sent me” (John 17:23). Perhaps this would sift out those who are not yet ready for the more demanding move into this ‘New Season’?
Funnily enough each player involved 5 years ago has also been in direct contact with me this week: ‘Revd’ Bill’ – PK Davis (ace teaching on Matt 13 above) – ‘LL’ in reference to TB and Lakeland !!
That first email of 2009 referred to the increasing politicised provocation against believers within the UK, as well as the surveillance against which a director of MI5 warned. We’re well aware of rapidly discriminatory actions against believers in the last 5 years. But abroad, real persecution and terrorism have rocketed in the Muslim world, being most critical in northern Nigeria. So we’ve had it comparatively easy in Britain, but British and American leaders show an atheistic disinterest and lack of compassion over this dire situation.
We’ve also seen the rapid development of anti-Semitism and the creation of the alliance of Middle-Eastern nations prophesied in Ezekiel 38. I’ve written increasingly on this under the descriptor ‘Ezekiel Alliance’, or Gog-Magog. As Zechariah prophesied about Jerusalem, there have been intensifying discussions and sabre-rattling; the latest being that Mahmoud Abbas erupted in a rage over US Secretary Kerry’s proposal for the Palestinian capital to be located not in Jerusalem but elsewhere! (See Zech 12 and Israel Today report.)
That email read as follows:
The End-Game is Now In Play
Dear Friends – further to Rev’d Bill’s recent request re Christian Freedom, may I offer some observations upon our times and, in another message, suggest a way forward?
[Next 2 paragraphs as quoted in blue text above]
So, let’s watch closely what’s happening here and globally. When I’m by a newstand it’s noticeable that the Daily Telegraph is the only paper to headline matters of Christian concern – several within a fortnight recently. Eg. on 6 Feb it broke the news of Nurse Caroline Petrie’s suspension for offering to pray for a patient with front page headline ‘NHS staff face sack if they discuss religion’. We took exception to this and wrote to N.Somerset PCT saying we were glad their policy wasn’t in effect 3 years ago when Nina was fighting for her life! (I explained it was only because the night-duty nurse prayed that her throat immediately opened and she became peaceful, as shown on her monitor’s read-out.) So, we’re pleased to learn Caroline has been allowed to return to work, but I’m challenging the PCT’s ‘equality’ stance.
However, this is just one instance of the growing persecution of believers, principally through a policy supposedly promoting toleration but that’s now a tyrannical tool of intolerance – Equality & Diversity. There are other powers of suppression. Even the previous director of MI5 warns about UK sleep-walking into a police state (‘Abject nonsense’ responded a gov’t minister who lives on another planet). Rampant lawlessness now exists not only in society but also within legal authorities – laws not approved by Parliament – ‘snoop and snitch’ culture – correction punished and evil behaviour rewarded – ID cards and routine interception of email and phones – etc etc. Clearly, Banking isn’t the only thoroughly corrupt UK institution.//Let us, however, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we await the blessed hope of His glorious appearing.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and yours,
This continued in an associated 2nd email, as here.
What Jesus is saying to His Church…
STOP PRESS: Am interrupting preparation of the next post because the scripture I visited this morning was confirmed and reinforced upon opening today’s word from Glasgow Prophetic Centre (emphases mine):
I WILL CLEANSE YOU AND FREE YOU
“I am calling my Bride to purity and holiness.
– You ask me, ‘What does this look like in my life, Lord?’
– It is choosing to set yourself apart and living like my Bride, keeping yourself pure and spotless until the day of my return. Do not live like the other people do. Do not partner with sexual perversion and lust. But keep yourself spotless by refraining from the activities that the world sees as a ‘personal right’ and ‘normal’.
“You are called to be different to set a new ‘tone’ and a new ‘norm’ which is unsullied and holy. Pay attention to what you watch, look at, how you act and what your mind is focused on. Let me help you focus on things that are pure, untainted and blameless in my sight.
“Fix your gaze on me and I will enable you to walk free of all that has hindered you in this area. I will cleanse you and free you from all that entangles and snares you. Come to me.”
1 Peter 2:9-12 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Leviticus 18:1-5;30 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.”.
What was I studying beforehand? – and why?
In observing the debate on Gillan’s blog about the Anglican church’s deliberations over same-sex marriage I’d noted hardly anyone bothers with what the Son of God , our Saviour Jesus the Messiah, has to say on the issue.
What Jesus would say to individuals and churches today must surely be the same as 2,000 years ago, would it not? He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) After visiting seven of the earliest churches in Asia Minor Jesus dictated a message to each one.
Therefore, ALL believers (clergy and laity alike) should take note of every rebuke and commendation, each good and bad point in those reports, learn from them all and make sure they’re applied in church today. As statted therein, Jesus “hates” all doctrine and deeds of idolatry and sexual immorality (“the depths of Satan”) that He observed in the churches of Pergamos and Thyatira in particular. (Chapters 2 and 3, Revelation)
Therefore, my receipt of today’s highly encouraging Lion Bites reiterated and confirmed this issue.
Monday’s Lion Bites is also directly applicable and I would emphasise its associated scripture:
CLEANSING FIRE
“Are you willing to be baptised afresh today – to be purified by the intense holiness and cleansing fire of God? Father God longs to turn up the heat, to burn up the dross – the sin that so easily entangles – so that we can stand before Him with clean hands and a pure heart.
“Are you willing… so that we can stand before Almighty God as a pure and spotless bride, holy and set apart for Him, the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords?”
Matthew 3:11-12 I baptise with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am – so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.
The rabbi’s note, the PM’s death and the angel’s word – part 1
What do last month’s death of Ariel Sharon, previous Prime Minister of Israel – a sealed note on a revelation to that country’s leading rabbi, Yitzak Kaduri, that was kept for the first anniversary of his own death 8 years earlier – and Gabriel’s prophetic word to Jesus’ mother 2,000 years previously – all have in common?
A Matter of Timing
‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck what’s planted…’ (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
That wisdom would apply not only to the connections between the above three persons but also to today’s blog. Note I didn’t write, ‘to the three persons’ lives’. Of course it does relate to that but, I’d submit, it also applies to their prophetic common denominator!
[Aside: interesting to note the preceding verse 2:26 begins, God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight…]
Days before last Christmas I was struck by one of the main verses always featured in the festivities – something angel Gabriel said to young Mary, as blogged a few weeks ago (here). That post considers the prophetic and creative nature of his words brought direct from The Almighty. It closes by promising to explain the relevance of Gabriel’s prophecy of Jesus’ kingship to a vision received by rabbi Kaduri. Prior to that continuation, I suggested readers may like to read a brief blog on Jewish expectation of a saviour, or messiah.
Good as the promise is and with first paragraphs already drafted, I didn’t get around to finishing it in view of other topical material and home priorities.
In fact, it seems the time just wasn’t right. The unintentional delay opened up a window of opportunity for a confirmation to come along that I was on the right track. It must have been the Lord’s doing – and it’s good to know I wasn’t off-beam or had gone off at a tangent!
Now, in writing about it, I believe He’s pointing me to relevant scriptures and bringing further insights…bring it on Lord! I trust you will bear with my building upon what started out as a brief flash of inspiration – it all hangs together.
[Am reminded this is Jewish year 5774 (The Open Door) and what I’ve described above is like entering that doorway and noticing what’s at hand, then looking all around when past the threshold. Also, on checking this draft I hadn’t thought to write ‘flash’ but now recollect seeing several in the sky just before waking today. The last and brightest flash filled the whole sky and I thought it could be the lightning of Jesus’ return in glory.]
SO, back to what Gabriel said:
Gabriel’s Declaration
After reading out Luke 2 at a carol service I wanted to check the first chapter. There, part of what Gabriel said popped up off my Bible’s page and ‘hit me between the eyes’! And it buzzed in my brain for days, nay weeks, afterwards!
It was one of those ‘aha!’ moments when a scriptural insight strikes like a lightning bolt. Since childhood I’d heard of Jesus Christ as ‘King of the Jews’ many times. But this time a new understanding took me by surprise. More was yet to come about that prophecy recounted in the first part “I am Gabriel, …”. But what set everything off was distinctly different to what I wrote about in there. To recap:
In speaking to Mary, Gabriel told her about conceiving a child and giving him a specific name. And he went on to state what Jesus would become, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end…”.
An Insight
Suddenly, I realised the phrase underlined above meant Jesus would become the king of all descendants of the ancient Israelites, and the Jews in particular. But far more than that – Jesus has always been King of the Jews.
It hit me hard that in The Almighty’s sight, the crucified saviour of all Jews and Gentiles has been ‘King of Jacob’s descendants’ ever since His life on earth. Although not enthroned, proclaimed, recognised and reigning as such, none of that makes any difference as far as Yeshua Ha-Mashiach (Jesus the Christ) is concerned.
That is, He regards each and every Jew as one of His subjects and loves each of them – from His birth and throughout 2,000 years of rejection, and then to His return to reign and into the future ‘forever’…which is what I’m about to focus upon.
But the people’s leaders didn’t want to acknowledge that fact. They saw the northern rabbi from Galilee of the Gentiles as a dire threat because the populace had watched Him bring dead Lazarus out of his tomb alive, and thus believed in Him and may become followers.
In council with chief priests and Pharisees over how to prevent the Romans quelling the inevitable disturbance, high priest Caiaphas rebuked his fellows, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish”. A negative political stance, it was nevertheless a prophetical utterance. Jesus’ disciple John explains that peculiarity as, and making this the latest ‘whack on the forehead’.:
Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. (Emphasis mine)
[Note: John was known to the high priest and recorded his above presumption about the Romans taking away their temple and nation. Caiaphas warned Pontius Pilate against releasing Jesus and accused him of acting against Caesar. So, the continued reliance on the term ‘King’ by the Jews is key in the decision to crucify Him. See John 11:45-57 and 18-19. Also, let’s not forget the magi came seeking Jesus as ‘King of the Jews’, which disturbed king Herod.]
Gospel accounts state Pilate was reluctant to order Jesus’ execution and then caved in to pressure from Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, who all wanted Him dead. Thus, it’s easy to assume Pilate pacified them in order to avoid disturbances when Jerusalem was packed with pilgrims. However, the fact Herod Agrippa was the Judean monarch, as vassal of the emperor, indicates the Jews’ claim about Jesus, which Jesus did not deny, was similar to a charge of treason.
Therefore, Pilate had the reason for the death sentence affixed to the execution stake, or cross, namely ‘I.N.R.I’, which means ‘Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews’.
In so doing, Pilate unwittingly validated what the angel had declared in a message from the Throne of God. (The second he’d been assigned to deliver and declare with all the creative power of prophecy, as discussed in my earlier post.)
Regrettably, throughout its history the Church has been no better in its treatment of those who refused to recognise Jesus as their real Messiah. Until Emperor Constantine’s reign the Roman church financially supported churches in the Holy Land led by ‘desposyni’; that is, ‘The Lord’s blood-kindred’. However, this brotherly provision ceased after a dispute with Pope Sylvester. Under the new emperor the church in Rome became officially recognised and established with power across the empire.
Son of David
Although Gabriel hadn’t explicitly described Mary’s future child as ‘King of the Jews’, that’s what ‘the throne of his father David’ implies. And reference to Jesus as reigning over ‘the house of Jacob’ means He would be not only king of the tribe of Judah but also of the other eleven tribes descended from Jacob.
David had ruled 1,000 years earlier and unified Judah and the other eleven tribes, or Israel. Collectively they were known as ‘Bene Ya’aqob’, Sons of Jacob, also as ‘Bene Yisrael’ from his new name after having wrestled like a soldier with the Lord, or an angel – Yisrael, or ‘Prince with God’. (See Genesis 32, interlinear)
As a nation-state once again exists in the ancient land God promised to descendants of Abraham then that title of kingship applies to modern Israel too! In other words, Jesus is that nation’s unrecognised and unseen King, but Who is destined to rule and reign in the flesh, as proclaimed by the ancient prophets and himself during His last Passover meal.
Furthermore, as John explains, Caiaphas’ prophecy refers not only to Jesus giving His life for the Jews but also for other people. Also that Jesus would gather together from all over the world, uniting all who believe in God the Father, no matter whether Jew or Gentile.
Is this stupendous prophetic plan of action being fulfilled in our lifetime? That possibility will be considered in part 2…
Update 4 Dec 2014 – that second part remained unwritten but, as in the first section’s header, it was really a ‘matter of time’. What I intended writing has been overtaken by events, as reported on 26th November in Israel Today – see Arabs and Jews unite to agree only solution to Israel-Palestine issue.
Thoughts on ‘Rethinking Genesis’
T.E. Hanna’s paper published on his blog, to which my covering note links, is interesting reading. He deals with claims that Moses appropriated creation myths of Egypt and Mesopotamia for writing Genesis. He argues that, rather than adopting mythologies of the surrounding ancient East, Hebrew cosmology was written as a criticism of them as well as emphasising not only the God of Israel’s nature but also His superiority over other religions.
I’m not attempting a review of Hanna’s paper The Egyptian Cosmology of Genesis, but wish to share a few thoughts after having referred to Genesis as the scriptural grounds for prophesying into Time (see “I am Gabriel, who stands in the Presence of God”). See also his comments below to the following:
Hanna cites several scholars opinions, one of which is similar to what’s been mentioned several times in our church. That is, after having overcome the magical powers of the priests against Moses, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob directed each plague of Egypt specifically against a particular deity in the pantheon of gods. That is, the God of Israel dethroned them!
How Genesis Differs and is Superior
In view of my old, dead life having been connected with a brotherhood claiming descent from ancient Egypt, I was aware of the similarity of the Memphite cosmogony to that of Genesis. (Personal outline here.) Therefore, it was interesting to read Hanna stating,
Here, we find the creator-god Ptah bringing the world into existence out of nothing, and by means of verbal command.
He stresses the importance of noting this speech doesn’t involve an invocation to higher magical powers and “draws to the forefront the superiority of this creator-god”. Hanna summarises,
…Three profound similarities – creation out of nothing, speaking as the means of creation and the rejection of magic pointing to divine superiority – were completely unique to Egypt and Israel.
He stresses they are not the only similarities for the priests of ‘Sun City’ (Heliopolis) had a cosmogony involving ‘chaos gods’ comprising a ‘tohu bohu’ of formless, empty chaotic darkness – and a breath! Thus, both cultures considered that creation brought order out of chaos, but it would be inaccurate to assume and conclude, “the author of Genesis merely took existing religious imagery and re-packaged it”.
According to the Egyptian creation myths,
The natural world was not brought into existence by the creation of different elements such as the sun, moon, or sea. Rather, this world was brought into existence by the birth of various deities who, in turn, embodied these elements. Thus, Ptah did not speak and the sun appeared; rather, Ptah spoke and the sun-god was born. In contrast to this:
The God of Israel existed in transcendence from His creation. He spoke, and order came into the world. His creative act was not a birthing of other gods; instead, it was simply the bringing forth of natural phenomena. Thus, the God of Israel is not only shown to be superior, but shown to be solitary. In stark contrast to the polytheism of Egypt, the Genesis narrative lays out the supremacy of Israel’s monotheism.
Also, there are other significant differences, for example:
-
the order of creation differed with Light before sun and moon makes the creator distinct from them.
- caring for images of gods was obligatory in Egypt, but Israel rejected all idols.
- humanity is intentionally created in God’s image to reflect His glory.
Mesopotamian Influence
I’m surprised that Hanna doesn’t make any reference to the probable transmission of ancestral history, knowledge and traditions down through the patriarchal chain from at least Abraham, if not Noah, which the Hebrew slaves in Egypt must have known.
Instead, he attempts a cursory nod to similarities between Genesis and the Babylonian epics in noting the strong early influence of the Asiatic Hyksos people. He cites scholars as thinking that the reign of the Hyksos opened the door for Jacob and his large family. Also, the later expulsion of the Hyksos may account for the fact of a new king “who did not know of Joseph”.
Also, the huge effect of the Godly significance of Hebrew, its meanings and application in scripture is not considered at all. In fact, it relates to the Egyptian concept of ‘breath’, not only as being infused into mankind but also and importantly in connection with The Word of God. I’m learning about Hebrew and so its recognition would be welcome, but perhaps the young theologian may cover this aspect another time.
Nevertheless, his short paper on The Egyptian Cosmology of Genesis is recommended reading.
Further Reading:
On the significance of Turkey’s turn-around
Yesterday’s news and announcement on this blog merits a brief explanation. As an ‘alert’, it was dashed off because I was about to close down for dinner but decided to quickly check ‘before-the-media’ news.
In fact, my short window on-line yesterday went in congratulating a friend on his political blog’s news. I mentioned that prophetic material in Ezekiel 38 is increasingly relevant. (As already disclosed, that topic had cropped up in my afternoon meeting.) Hence, my astonishment at reading the news from Debka – I was amazed that what I’d spoken of and referred to in writing had become news on that day!!
Why is this news of Turkey’s prime minster turning against Washington important?
If not the first, Tayyip Erdogan was one of the foreign leaders whom Barack Obama called very soon after taking office. After attending the G20 Summit in London, then with NATO in Strasburg and with the EU in Prague, President Obama went to Istanbul and Ankara on 7th April 2009, “to send a message to the world” (per White House transcript). In making a major speech to the Turkish Parliament on the Middle East, Obama wooed Turkey as “a critical ally”. [Is it a coincidence that Turkey soon moved from being a military ally of Israel to exhibiting great hostility, doubtless encouraged by POTUS’ own inclinations? – see Rewind re. Turkey.]
Two Arabic stations carried Obama’s speech live and Associated Press reported:
Making his first visit to a Muslim nation as president and calling for a greater partnership with the Islamic world in an address to the Turkish parliament, Obama called the country an important U.S. ally in many areas, including the fight against terrorism. He devoted much of his speech to urging a greater bond between Americans and Muslims, portraying terrorist groups such as al Qaida as extremists who did not represent the vast majority of Muslims.
“Let me say this as clearly as I can,” Obama said. “The United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical … in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject.
[Emphases Koenig’s Eye View From The White House, April 9th 2009]
But Bill Koenig, White House journalist, made this prophetically accurate observation:
This will be an incentive for the enemies of the United States to keep going, believing the U.S. has no fortitude to fight, and that they are winning. [Bang on! Emphasis mine]
It was Obama’s opening salvo in moving the goal-posts and he developed his earlier claims during the tour that the US and Europe must change its attitude to the Muslim world. [From thence he went on to cause consternation in bowing to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.]
Two months later, the broadside fired in his Cairo speech made his lack of historical and political accuracy abundantly clear to informed observers. In encouraging a move towards principles of western democracy and welcoming the Muslim Brotherhood he sent an even clearer signal that American policy was now taking an about-turn.
The rest is history and confirms the bankruptcy of American foreign policy with the consequential geo-strategic re-alignment of the whole Middle-East. Iran has beaten the US hands down in nuclear negotiations and, after the fiasco over Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations can no longer trust Obama. Therefore, Russia is now taking advantage of the political vacuum in that region.
Therefore, after a close relationship with Prime Minister Erdogan from the outset of his presidency, the Turk’s turning away from Washington to Tehran is highly significant. This is especially so when we recall Turkey had major differences with Iran over Syria. [See Reuters’ article below for detailed update.]
OR, could Obama have instructed Erdogan to make it up with Iran? Or even to get in so POTUS could have a personal ‘take’ on the Iranians? I wonder…
As prophesied over 2,500 years ago, these peoples are coming together, not in any loose confederation, but in a political and military alliance under Russian dominance!!
EXCEEDINGLY INTERESTING TIMES! The words of the Lord given to His prophet Ezekiel accurately forecasted modern political developments in the region around the tiny state of Israel.
How say you, my reader?
UPDATED 31 Jan: Turkey & Iran – conflict of interest?
Further reading:
- Reuters – Turkey’s Erdogan visits Iran to improve ties after split over Syria
- Dr Renald Showers – Ezekiel prophecy reveals future major alliance against Israel
- Koinonia House – The Treacherous Trio of Ezekiel 38 – Part 1 (Turkey) – Part 2 (Iran) – Part 3 (Russia).
- Richard’s Watch – Rewind re. Turkey and other early posts via links below.
Netanyahu calls Israel “epicenter” of innovation at World Economic Forum in Davos. Cites Bible as a reason for Israel’s strength.
Joel’s report is interesting in tandem with Daniel Pipe’s article in Washington Times citing the Middle East as ‘The sick man of the world’.
He writes, “…two examples point to a larger conclusion: maladies run so deep in the Middle East (minus remarkable Israel) that outside powers cannot remedy them” and then provides a quick summary of catastrophic failures of the Muslim Middle East.
So often there are war or rumors of wars to report from the Middle East. But this week Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fascinating speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It was chock full of good news.
You can read it here, or watch it here.
Several elements caught my attention.
- One: Netanyahu said “Israel is the epicenter of world innovation right now.”
- Two: The Prime Minister cited the Bible as one of the reason’s for the strength of the Jewish people and the Israeli economy.
- Three: He gave interesting examples of Israeli innovation — including how scarce water resources has inspired Israelis to develop the world’s most advance technologies for re-using water, and how scarce agricultural land has inspired Israelis to learn how to get more milk out of every cow (“Whose cows produce the most milk? Don’t guess: it’s Israel. It’s a computerized cow. Every ‘moo’ is…
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Rethinking Genesis
Readers who love to delve and checked out my recent claims on Genesis will be interested in an email received today about ancient cosmologies. Theologian T.E. Hanna is examining the religio-cultural influences of the ancient ‘cradle’ of civilisation upon the Hebrews and the Bible’s origin. He blogs,
A RECURRING criticism of the creation narratives in Genesis 1 and 2 point to the overwhelming similiarities between them and the surrounding cultural myths of the Ancient Near East.
In Rethinking Genesis, T.E. briefly refers to historians’ claims of Moses appropriating Mesopotamian and Egyptian creation myths for writing Genesis. I agree with his line of reasoning in asking if the purpose of the opening chapters of Genesis is to teach not about earth and humanity, but about God?
This argument is made in a research paper available to readers of his blog. He argues that, rather than adopting the mythologies of the surrounding ancient East, the Hebrew cosmologies were written as a criticism of them. As theological education for an emerging Israelite nation, the purpose of these narratives was to emphasize the nature of the God of Israel in contrast to the surrounding polytheism, while also conveying His superiority over competing religions.
If you love to delve then visit Of Dust and Kings, read what he and his readers say and, if interested, consider downloading the PDF of The Cosmology of Genesis 1.
Also, please read discussion with TE Hanna in Thoughts on ‘Rethinking Genesis’ >>
“I am Gabriel, who stands in the Presence of God…”
The angelic being’s introduction of himself is familiar from Christmas scriptures. Yet I propose to connect his messages with the concept of prophesying into Time, especially regarding the Holy Spirit – and with an intriguing prophecy for Jewish people today.
Angelic Announcements
This post’s title is from Gabriel’s response to an elderly priest’s disbelief, to which I refer below. Several months later Gabriel was sent to a betrothed teenager, as depicted in 1898 by Henry Ossawa Tanner in Annunciation (click image for gallery). Her visitor greeted her,
“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
It wasn’t so much the surprise of an invisible spirit becoming visible that troubled her, as what he’d said and how it was said. But this messenger then reassured her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Although not disbelieving what he’d said, the young lady posed a logical question because she was a virgin, “How can this be since I know not any man?” So Gabriel explained,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”
At this Mary responded laudably, “Behold the maid-servant of the Lord. Let it be according to your word”.
How different was the young maid’s acceptance of this decree about her own future to that of Zacharias when Gabriel had visited him a few months earlier. Apparently, Mary hadn’t heard about what had happened. Otherwise, there would have been no need for Gabriel to have confided the news of that first miraculous conception.
So what went wrong for her cousin’s husband?
Zacharias had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of burning incense in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. In view of its performance being in the Holiest of Holies, this duty was done by drawing lots rather than by a rota from many teams of priests.
Whilst Zacharias was officiating, an invisible, supra-natural spirit subtly scintillated at the side of the altar. It proved to be a holy messenger – an archangel, so some believe. He brought news of the future mission of a mightily powerful man of God – the priest’s own son! But Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were childless for she was well past child-bearing age!
However, their prayers for a baby were to be answered and the angel prophesied this special one would be filled with God’s Holy Spirit from before his birth! It isn’t any wonder the priest was in disbelief! When he asked, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years” , the angel’s response was most emphatic,
“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (emphasis added)
If you’re unfamiliar with physician Luke’s investigation into those encounters with Gabriel and what happened when the two cousins met, and to Zacharias too, I’d recommend reading his full account here, by courtesy of BibleGateway.com.
[Perhaps confirmation of my having drafted the above came at yesterday’s house group? We studied Romans 7 and the cousins were mentioned as examples of those who adhere to righteousness rather than living enslaved to sin and death. Thank you Mieke!]
Points to Ponder
Those accounts are particularly interesting in connection with speaking into the future, as summarised in Prophesy TO 2014 and Talking to Time seems to work!
Prophesying is speaking forth the mind and counsel of the Lord God, as communicated to an individual. Therefore, it’s a declaration that cannot be known by natural means – a direct revelation from God. [For more see An Introduction to Prophecy.]
Now let’s examine Gabriel’s announcements in the light of John Kilpatrick’s message, as outlined in my recent posts:
1. In that last quotation, Gabriel issued a decree that happened immediately but which had a limited duration. That is, he spoke into Time by prophesying, did he not? Right away the priest became dumb until he was released from the decree’s power when the baby came to be named months later.
My underscoring of “my words…will be fulfilled in their own time” indicates New Testament support for ‘talking into Time’. Gabriel’s words brought from God were not only welcome news but also, and far more importantly, announcements on earth of declarations that had been issued in heaven. They’re excellent examples of oral statements of God’s will and are thus prophetic and creative, in we can understand from the Word of the Lord given to prophet Isaiah (Isa 55:11 – emphasis mine):
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Thus, what God speaks not only through His holy prophets but also through His angelic spirits who minister to His people, as well as through His Son, is sure to happen sooner or later.
2. From the principles of Genesis 1 the power of divine and human speech is creative, . The presence of Holy Spirit is necessary to bring about a divinely created manifestation. A Hebrew understanding of ‘over’, or ‘hovering’, in Genesis 1:2 is that Holy Spirit was next to or immediately adjoining what was about to be acted upon – all that was required to start the process was a spoken word.
Therefore, when Gabriel spoke to Zacharias the combined action of his words and the Holy Spirit fully rejuvenated his wife’s body. She was no longer barren but could carry and bring a child to birth normally. And even in her womb Holy Spirit was present to make baby John respond to the sound of Jesus’ mother’s voice!! (Luke 1:39-41)
The same happened when Gabriel spoke to Mary. The ‘overshadowing’ power of the Most High that he referred to carries the same meaning as that of ‘hovering’ in Genesis. Being of the Holy Spirit, the same creative power that was ‘In the Beginning’ brought about an ‘immaculate’ conception after the angel’s prophetic announcement. That is, it would not happen until a decree, a spoken announcement, had been delivered and received. Once again Gabriel had spoken into Time – into the next nine months!
3. The creative application of Gabriel’s prophetic description of Jesus’ kingship and its relevance to a possible prophecy given to the late rabbi Kaduri warrants consideration in another post. Read about him meanwhile in Who are the Jewish people expecting?
Continued in > The rabbi’s note, the PM’s death and the angel’s word – Part 1
Further Reading:
‘Radiant Majesty’
Nina’s reference to a trumpet fanfare, actually two, heralding the Queen’s arrival, followed by her majesty’s entrance to an assembly of invited guests, brought an interesting insight from scripture which I’ll share later.
However, Nina went on to compare that event with the majesty of The King of Kings and asked how we think we will respond to being before The Almighty King of Kings. Immediately after Nina finished speaking, Viv Dawes ascended onto the stage to sing sublimely in adoration of Him as follows.:
Radiant Majesty divine
Seated on Your glorious throne
We worship, honour and adore Your perfect holiness.
.
Brilliant light shines with Your power
Burning flame, Your holy fire
Your Glory, Majesty And Holiness outshines the sun.
.
A rainbow halo surrounds You
Majesty shining in Glory
Eyes like flame, Face shines with brilliance
Feet as bronze, refined in a furnace.
.
Radiant Majesty sublime
Seated on Your glorious throne
The First and Last – Living One for ever and for evermore.
The inspiration for these words came to Mair Thorburn without any knowledge of what Nina had prepared months previously on the subject of God’s majesty. Radiant Majesty was completed on 6th September 2013 and is reproduced with Mair’s kind consent.
It’s marvellous how the Lord inspires people with similar messages. I agree with Mair’s opinion that it’s a bit like thousands of years ago when individuals separately heard and wrote the same words from the Lord and which were to become holy scripture.
The above song is best appreciated in accompaniment to the tune that was in her mind during inspiration: the introductory bars to Benedictus from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for peace. Hit the play button and read, or sing, those words in time to the music.:
Pause for reflection
A couple of scriptural points are noteworthy in Nina’s comparison of the Queen’s entry with that of His Majesty. It wasn’t so much the fact that royal protocol requires respect and focussed personal attention upon Her Majesty, for everyone’s gaze turns to catch sight of and follow her, and all ears strain for every word, to make sure nothing gets missed. So too, ourselves in His exceptionally awesome presence.
No, it was more the remarks about a trumpet fanfare that gave food for thought over a couple of references in Paul’s letters. On the face of it they may seem unrelated, but not so. One is about the resurrection of the dead and the other is on Jesus Christ’s return. In concluding his eloquent explanation of believers’ victory over death, Paul writes to the early church in Corinth,
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor 15:50-52 per Bible Gateway)
In a letter to another Greek church (Salonika) he goes into finer detail given by Jesus about what’s to happen next:
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words. (1 Thess 4:15-18 per Bible Gateway)
My reader, be blessed as you contemplate these insights…and let the Lord bring more.
Acclaimed mini-series ‘The Bible’ starts on UK TV this Saturday
Channel 5 is to broadcast the first feature-length episode of this acclaimed mini-series on Saturday 30th November at 9.00 pm – the eve of First Sunday in Advent.
More details on Channel 5 – this programme is billed as ‘breath-taking in scope and scale’ in its portrayal of major stories from the scriptures. Powerful performances, exotic locations, action-packed re-enactments and state-of-the-art CGI bring to life miracles, iconic characters and tales of faith and courage from Genesis through to Revelation.
As a ‘blockbuster’, the series promises to be much grander than even Cecil B De Milles’ spectacular epic-film The Ten Commandments, which etched a mental image into many millions that Moses had possibly looked like Charlton Heston!
Be mightily blessed as you watch and may you be inspired to find out what it’s all about. But better than seeing is getting a grip on the Bible, digging hands-on into its thick, rich pages and checking it all out direct with its Author. In hearing from Him it’s not at all so impossible for Him to point out special scriptures for you personally in making passages stand out as though in 3-D! After all, it’s the Best Instruction Before Leaving Earth!
You can see the Kingdom of God too, but you must be born again. (per producer’s website tweet)
Confirmation, False Confirmation and Permission to Royally Mess Up
In view of my recent reservations over severe criticism of a promise concerning the Welsh Outpouring, this is timely teaching upon the nuances of checking out prophetic words. Thank you Melissa.
Prophetic people live by confirmation. Having honed their spiritual senses, they search out and find witnesses to what they feel God is revealing to them. The keener the listener, the more precisely he or she will hear the confirmation. In my experience, highly risky instructions from God merit more detailed and numerous affirmations that are sometimes overt. If the Lord is leading one into a precarious situation (from natural observation), He often will send a highly specific word to engender confidence. Sometimes our faith needs a little strengthening.
Is God required to prophetically confirm His will for our lives in matters of personal destiny?
No. He is not beholden to give us more than His written Word. However, by His grace He has granted us precious prophetic gifts. By these gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, He benevolently communicates and confirms His will. These supernatural graces or charis of…
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