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What will be the criteria for judgement of the nations?
Let’s see what Jim has to say!
In Revelations it’s pretty clear what nations will be judged as part of the end time beast. The symbols for those countries are in Daniel chapter 7. Great Britain is the Lion, Germany is the Panther, Russia is the Bear, the United States is the Eagle, France is the Rooster. The Ten Toes are the European Union. At some point the nations that make up the European Union today will be dwindled down to ten nations. More to come.
Jim is partly right, but the criteria for judging those nations will come from Genesis 12:1-3: which says: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Here in verse three God lays out the rule for how the nations will be judged. Those who are friends of Israel will be blessed and those who are enemies of Israel will be judged and cursed by God in the final judgment.
Keep in mind that God made four covenants with Abraham and the Nation of Israel. The criteria question is answered by the first covenant with Abraham. This covenant then is called the “Abrahamic covenant”. The second covenant is called the “Palestinian covenant”. The third covenant is called the “Davidic Covenant,” and the fourth and last is called the “New Covenant”. Each of these covenants have specific things that are covered and promised to the Nation of Israel. As of today, none of these covenants have been completely fulfilled. They will be completely fulfilled during the 1,000-year reign of Jesus.
If this is the case then nothing in Revelations will happen at all?? At what point will the Seals and Trumpets start? Are these events mute if the four Abraham Covenants only completed in the last 1,000 year reign?
Keep in mind that the things mentioned in Revelation will not occur in consecutive order. There are time periods between the things mentioned in Revelation. The Seals and Trumpets may occur but with “pauses” in between. Some events like the Seals and Trumpets will be before the 1,000-year reign of Christ and some will occur after as part of God’s Judgments. But before the 1,000-year reign of Christ will come the period of Jacob’s Troubles. This is given to us in Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.
8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
9 But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
The period of Jacob’s troubles will come just before the 1,000-year reign of Christ. Some of the events in Revelation occur during the time of Jacob’s troubles and some will occur after the 1,000-year reign of Christ as part of the final judgment of sinful man. What event comes where we do not know precisely, but they will come in God’s timing. Many times, we are not aware that a Revelation event has occurred until after it happens. Keep in mind that somewhere in the Revelation timeline, the rapture of the church (all believers) will happen, and that event will allow other Revelation events to occur. We do know that we are now in the Apostasy of the church which comes as an introduction to the events of the last days. As believers, we must continue to be watchful and asking our Lord Jesus what we are to do and when. He will give us answers when we need them.
It is my opinion that the Super Collider CERN will cause End Time Events. In 2012 they powered up the collider to energy levels never seen before by Mankind. Consequently from those actions the sounds of Trumpets similar to the sounds emitted by a Shofar were heard all around the world. This was about the time that these tests were being run. It’s is extremely complicated the science that is being used at CERN but make no mistake that they are trying to open a doorway into another universe or realm. The site that CERN is on is an old location where they worshipped Apollo thousands of years ago. It’s not a mistake choosing this site so keep your eyes and ears open to what’s happening there. CERN is due to start back up in March. Running time will be approximately 2 years.
Jim, you are certainly entitled to your opinions, and they may shed some light on physical things that impact end time events, but keep in mind that Revelation gives us physical things that may occur, and also spiritual insight into end time events. What you say about CERN may have its imprint on things in Revelation. Man does things that are mistakes and God knows what the consequence of their actions will be. God can use mistakes we (mankind) make for his own purposes. He knows all things that happen, past, present, and future. He is not surprised by anything we do.
For example, Abraham (Genesis 15) had a son by Sarah’s handmaid. That son was the father of the Muslims. They have been a pain in the side of Israel for centuries. God knew that Abraham was going to make that mistake and he will use it in the end time events of Revelation. Keep in mind that God created us and gave us free will. He will not override our free will. He knows the end result of what our mistakes will produce. He knows what will happen with the CERN activities. We don’t! We will never be able to out-guess God and what HE will do with our mistakes. We just need to keep on believing that God knows what HE is doing!
Keep this in mind when trying to understand end time prophecies:
1. Human beings can never out guess God and what He will do.
2. No human being can know the end result of a Bible prophecy with 100% certainty.
3. The end result of a Bible prophecy may be a complete surprise to us (mankind).
4. God included in His Word many mysteries. He does not give us all of the answers in the Bible! For instance, in Revelation 10:9,10 the writer of Revelation is told to take the book given to him and eat it. What was in it was never revealed, but the writer knew what was in it. We do not have a clue what God revealed in that book. God does not reveal everything He knows!
5. The NT church was a mystery. It was never mentioned in any of the OT writings, yet it became a reality because of what Jesus did in his 3 and 1/2 years of ministry. The impact of the NT church has not been fully revealed in prophecy, yet it will have an impact on end time events. God keeps the end result of some of his mysteries to Himself and does not reveal them to us. This is the reason why we cannot know with certainty the impact of any prophecy in the Bible. We must wait and see!
The reason I study Revelations is because I want to be prepared for when crap hits the fan. The motto of the Boy-scouts is to always be prepared. Reading Revelations is a very arduous task. Even though it’s about the future I get the feeling that this book was written not to scare us but to give us the knowledge that we need in order to know when we’re getting close to the end. In my opinion, we’re about 10 years or so away. This is a guess based on my knowledge of recent history, my knowledge of political things that are happening, lots and lots of reading the prophecies in Revelations, an estimation of where things could go in the near future. No one knows the day or the hour but you can know the Season. This is why I study Revelations so fervently. I do believe some things are in play when it comes to the end time. Some examples are, China is the greatest threat to the world today with their 200 million man army, the activities at CERN really bother me, the plans by the Deep State to chip implant the entire world, and last but not least a planet that will make its entrance into the solar system. The last one is occurring as we speak. It doesn’t take genius to figure out we’re close. I read Revelations to make sure I actually see the signs that are coming so when they happen it will not be a surprise.
You are right, Revelation is about future events, and we should be prepared for them. But prophecy is also more than making us aware of the future. There is future prophecy, such as Revelation, and near-term prophecy which helps us to navigate the immediate events. Revelation (long-term) prophecy does not help you if day after tomorrow, you get Covid 19 and die from it. Near-term prophecy (the preparation for how to navigate the soon-to-be events) is also necessary. By concentrating on Revelation prophecy, are you missing out on things that help you get through the days ahead.
The study of Scripture is more than just looking at future prophecies. We need to navigate the near-term events in the right way so we can be ready for near-term events and future events. Failure to prepare for tomorrow can put you into the mode of not properly understanding future prophecy. It takes a balance of understanding tomorrow as well as preparing for next year or five years from now. I agree that what was written has credibility, but what are you over-looking to have a proper understanding of Revelation prophecy.
What I mean is that many of the expressions in Revelation have sources in the Old Testament. It takes a proper understanding of how those expressions were used in the OT to have a proper understanding of their intended meaning in Revelation. A proper study of Revelation is a very arduous and challenging task. Misunderstanding of one expression in Revelation that has its source in the OT can cause misinterpretation. What good is prophecy if comes from an improper understanding of what was written.
FYI – Definition of prophecy from Websters:
1: an inspired utterance of a prophet
2: the function or vocation of a prophet, specifically: the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose
3: a prediction of something to come
Prophecy covers more than just future events.
I guess I should be like those people that believe that Christians will be removed from all of this stuff in Revelations by believing that we will be taken away at the beginning so there is no real need to study Revelations. I do agree that study is necessary but I feel that I’m being warned away. Some believe the prophecies are to far away and do not concern us. I however believe that we are close. The prophecies of the Bible fascinate me a lot so it’s hard for me to stay away.
James let me address several issues that I see in your last response.
1. “Christians” are a general group that have that label. They may or may not believe all of the Bible.
2. “Believers” are those individuals who believe all of the Bible and have given their lives to Jesus as Lord and master. They are servants to Jesus Christ and God the Father.
3. Your statement “be removed from all of this stuff in Revelations by believing that we will be taken away at the beginning” is an off-handed way of saying “to be Raptured”. There is much confusion about “the Rapture”. Let me see if I can simplify this: The Church who is composed of “Believers” will be taken out or raptured at some point. There are several opinions about this, and they have names. Pre-trib, Mid-trib, and Post-trib. No one knows for sure which opinion will be valid until it happens. All of these “opinions” assume that God will remove all of His servants at some point. Scripture does not give us a clear picture when He will do this.
4. Your statement: “Some believe the prophecies are too far away and do not concern us.” Let me lay out some thoughts about this idea. Much of Revelation is to give us a picture of events that will happen before God allows this world to be destroyed and all human beings judged. According to God’s word (Bible) the time of Jacob’s Troubles must occur first (many think it is a 7-year period). Next the reign of Jesus (millennial reign) of a thousand years must come next. After this, will come the “end of the age”, destruction of the world, and the final judgment of all human beings that God created. Revelation does not give us a clear timeline when these three periods will occur, but Revelation tells us some of the things that will happen at some point in each of these three time periods. Much of the prophecy in the OT and the NT do not give specific time points or years i.e. 2030, 2130 or 2230. Revelation tells us what events will happen, but not in chronological order. Only God knows the exact chronological order. We are to study scripture and be ready as if it is going to happen tomorrow, but we do not know the exact “tomorrow” when these events will occur. 2 Timothy 2:15 says 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We are to study God’s Word and know the right doctrines and commands that God gives us. You are “fascinated” by prophecy, which is a good thing, but you should also know the “doctrines” that help one to “rightly divide” what God is saying in His word. Without this we can run into meaningless rabbit trails that cause confusion and misunderstanding. I look forward to more questions!
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowers not.
We must all be sure to pray before we can expect the Lord to enlighten us in His Word!
The purpose of prophecy is to show unbelievers that there is a higher power. The Old Testament Prophets Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Isaiah are my favorites. They gave the children of Israel prophecies of doom and gloom mainly due to there bad behavior. Israel paid with their lives for not paying attention to these prophecies. God warned them but they did not heed his Word. Eventually this led to their capture and destruction of their temple. I fear we will succumb to this fate as well if we in the present do not heed God’s warnings. Yes, the basics make a good foundation as you point out. It does not take much to look at the events of today and think we are on borrowed time. With that said prophecy in the Old Testament and New Testament are important since a lot of what you read in Revelation seems to be talking about what we are seeing as we speak. Just a few things that I’ve seen already: a mark that will be administered to declare ones allegiance to the world government, this is already happening in some small forms around the world. In Europe to be able to enter some clubs a chip implant with your credit card info on it is required to enter. Mexico’s version of our Black Ops Groups is required to implant a chip for identification and location tracking. There is more on this but I do not have time or space for this venue to explain further. Another is the prophecy of the 200 million man army. China boasted of this fact that they have at the ready 200 million men that could enlist into the military at any given time. Another one is wars and rumors of wars. The 20th century was by far the bloodiest in human history and the 21st century doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Another one is Israel is prepared to rebuild the Temple at a moment’s notice. The show Endtime went into detail about all of this with interviews and documents of officials in Israel. These are just a few things to tell us we may be closer to the End Time than we realize.
James, your response is very good. However, I see in it a common misunderstanding about prophecy. Prophecy is not all lumped together as a one-time event. I will explain but it will take me at least four detailed parts. Basically, prophecy has been occurring since Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. All of the prophets, major and minor, wrote prophecy. What we have to do is to see if what they wrote was near-term or far-term prophecy and some of what they wrote has more than one time application. What I will try to do is give the proper category to these prophecies and somewhat of a period to which it is applicable. Bear with me as this will probably take several days. What you have posted is really taxing my knowledge of prophecy, so bear with me.
James, I echo what you wrote in your 2/19 post: “The purpose of prophecy is to show unbelievers that there is a higher power.” That is one purpose of prophecy. In that context, we as believers know with confidence what prophecy means. To that end, I will address what follows in the next several posts.
Much of prophecy that is discussed today centers in the Book of Revelation written by John close to the end of his life. John starts off Revelation by giving the reader the Words given to him by Jesus. Jesus starts by giving John seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor. Chapter one is an introduction of what Jesus wants John to write and give to the seven churches. Chapters two and three are the letters that Jesus wanted John to send to the seven churches. Some say that these letters were sent to the seven physical churches which existed at that time. John did that. However, Biblical scholars say that these letters also represent seven periods of church history. Further they say that the last church letter to the Laodiceans represents the last church age and its flagrant apostasy. If this is true, then we are today in the last part of the last church age. This makes proper understanding of prophecy extremely important.
There is much conjecture as to why Revelation seems to jump from this last church (age) into the events that follow without much explanation. This has invited much speculation. Most people seem to think that Revelation jumps right into end-time prophecy. However, when you study the whole of scripture, there are some “markers” (for lack of a better word). What am I talking about? Namely this: there were four covenants that God made with Abraham and the nation of Israel. None of those covenants have been completely fulfilled. This raises a question: when? It also raises another question. The Church that Jesus started with his earthly ministry was never mentioned in OT (Old Testament) writings. What is its purpose and when will it be completed? That question must also be answered and explained if it was never mentioned in OT writings, including all of the prophets. The answer to that question will have an impact on prophecy and how it is understood.
As I mentioned in my 2/19 post, the time of Jacobs Troubles must also be addressed. When does it occur, how will it impact our understanding of prophecy. Much is written by the OT prophets about the millennial reign of the Messiah. When does it occur and how does it get included in the prophecy picture? The “end-times” that is written about in Revelation is never pin pointed with a “time” accuracy. What Revelation gives us are events that will happen in the future; however, it is misleading to assume that the Revelation events given in Chapters 4 and following all follow in a chronological order. To assume that they are chronological is a serious misunderstanding of what these events mean and when they will happen. Additionally, we must remember that John wrote Revelation at the end of the first century. In what he wrote, he may not have had a proper way of describing what he saw. For example: how would he describe a passenger aircraft going from New York to London? Or, how would he describe a modern army tank in operation on the battlefield? He would use terminology of his day, wouldn’t he? Keep that in mind. In my next post, I will lay out some markers that guide us through Revelation prophecy.
You are correct about there being a random order of events. Daniel chapter 7 shows the End Time Beast as separate nations all functioning on their own. In Revelation chapter 13 it shows all of these as one Great Beast all in one. Just one of the many instances that is easily seen.
This time of tribulation or Jacob’s Troubles will start a series of events. Most probably, the taking away of the church will have occurred at the start of the tribulation. It is thought by many prophecy scholars, that this event, the taking away of the church (rapture) will be the event that the “man of lawlessness” (as he is described in Revelation 13), will use to gain global prominence. He will “explain away” the event in such a way that many will believe that he has an inside track on truth. Thus the time of tribulation (Jacob’s troubles) will begin and then end after seven years. What will bring an end to the time of tribulation?
It appears from prophecy, that Jesus will return with His Saints, defeat his enemies and begin his millennial reign. We find this in Rev. 20:1-6. An angel with a great chain will bind Satan (the Devil) for a thousand years. Satan will not deceive the nations any more for a thousand years. The writer of Revelation continues with those saints sitting on thrones that will rule with Jesus and execute judgment on those who are unbelievers during this thousand years. Verses 4- 6 explain why they have this power and position. But Paul, before John wrote Revelation, had this to say: Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (1 Cor. 6:2). This idea of the saints reigning with Christ is also found in Daniel: Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom (Daniel 7:22). A lot of prophecy points to the Saints who will reign with Christ.
It is also interesting that Zechariah said: Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. (Zech. 8:22, 23) During His Reign, Jesus will bring back all of the dispersed Jews from around the world (Isaiah 11:11-12). To be acquainted with more prophecy about the Millennial reign of Christ, read the following scriptures: Micah 4:3, 4; Zechariah 12 (all); Jeremiah 23:4, 6; Joel 3:18; Isaiah 65:20-23.
My next post will try to tie together some of the things in Revelation to all of the foregoing comments Posts 1, 2, and 3.
James, I want to try to summarize what I have learned over the years about prophecy, including what is in Revelation. A short recap of what has been posted so far. (1) Prophecy of the OT and its relation to the NT and Revelation, (2) The time of Jacob’s Trouble or tribulation as some call it, (3) The millennial reign of the Messiah. These are 3 major sectors of prophecy. This does not include two other sectors of prophecy: (1) the rapture of the church, (2) The events and judgments that occur at the end of the Messiah’s 1,000 year reign when the Evil One, Satan, or the Devil is released from his 1,000 years of being chained up. When Satan is released, he will go on a rampage for being imprisoned and he will rip through what is left of humanity on this earth like a madman. Those who believe in the Messiah will give their life for what they believe. They will make a personal sacrifice of their own life to be in heaven.
The foregoing is a short synopsis of what will transpire in those three periods. The second resurrection will then occur with those who died (believing in Messiah) during or at the end of the Messiah’s millennial reign. The 12,000 from each of the Jewish tribes will be in that group. (Rev. 7)
Now, let me lay out what I think is in Revelation and how it relates to end time prophecy. Remember that Revelation has no time markers, i.e. specific calendar dates as in 2022, but they may have identifying features that relate to when they happen. Let me be honest at this point. In my more than 40 years of biblical study one thing has become clear. No human being has the spiritual mind and intellect to fully reveal all that John wrote in Revelation. We can guess at what some of the things mean, but we do not know with certainty the true meaning. Only God knows. Why? John was about to write what the 7 thunders said and God told him not to. What was spoken by the 7 thunders we will not know until we get to heaven? We can guess at what the 7 seals mean and when they will transpire, but we do not know for certain, likewise, the true meaning of the 7 trumpets are never fully revealed. Much of what will happen in Revelation will only fully be known after it happens. Why? Our understand is way short of God’s understanding. He does not reveal all that He knows!
What we do know for certain is: the church will be taken up (raptured), the time of the tribulation (7 years of Jacob’s Troubles) will come just before the Messiah’s Second coming, and that the Messiah will reign for 1,000 years. Some of Revelation prophecies may relate to the tribulation, and some of it may relate to the judgments following Messiah’s reign. Think about it, those human beings that are alive during the Messiah’s reign will be given every opportunity to believe, but even then there will be those who rebel and refuse to bow to the Messiah’s authority. They will be judged harshly for their continued disobedience and disbelief.
We must continue to believe in God’s Word. Time and this world are transitory. They will end, but God’s Word and His promises are forever real. Keep on reading God’s Word, put your life in Jesus’ hands and believe because those are the things that will have eternal meaning. Follow the instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15. God will show you what you need when you need it.
I have a question: is the Tribulation 7 years or 3 and a half? Revelation Chapter 13 verses 1-10 indicate otherwise specifically verse 5. Also it indicates The Saints (I’m guessing here that is a reference to the Church) saying they will need patient endurance and faithfulness. This is confusing if the Church has been removed before the last 7 year period has started.
13 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
James, one additional point that I failed to cover in my other posts is what is stopping the end times from happening and why.
There is a key verse in 2 Thessalonians 2 that give us a clue to why end-times things are not readily apparent. It follows: 2 Thessalonians 2:6 and now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Notice the words in bold in verse 7. God has put someone or something in place that the man of lawlessness is being restrained. Bible scholars have two theories about this “someone or something.” I will try to explain as best as I can.
The first theory is that the “restrainer” is the Archangel Michael who is the guardian angel over Israel. While Michael is the nation of Israel’s guardian angel, he cannot do anything without God’s consent. However, we know from Daniel, that Michael can be detained or slowed down by demon forces. He does not have total control. The wording in that passage seems to indicate that the “restrainer” is only controlled by timing and certain conditions that warrant his being removed. The Archangel Michael does not seem to totally fill the decisiveness needed here. I think the second theory is a better thought.
The second theory is that the “restrainer” is the Holy Spirit. To me this fits better because He is a person of the Godhead and can respond instantly when the time and conditions set by God the Father or Jesus are reached. Further, I think that the existence of many believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit would be protective force for all who believe and are in the church. So when the Church (including all believers) is taken up, it would make sense that the Holy Spirit would go with them. Only believers in the church are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He would go with them to wherever they are being taken.
When the church with all believers are taken up then the Man of Sin will have nothing left to restrain him. This then will activate the events that are to occur in the end-times. To me this seems the better explanation.
I agree that it’s the Holy Spirit. I have question though, what events are to occur? The Trumpets, the Seals or is it the Bowls and Vials? Have some of the Trumpets and Seals already occurred or none of it has occurred?
Good questions. I will have to do some research.
My guess is that none of the trumpets, seals, bowls, or vials have occurred. But many things in prophecy are known by looking back after they happen. Jesus knows and when He comes, we should be ready!
Hallowed Be Thy Name
In the next few Sunday devotionals, I will be bringing what I hope is an enlightening time of learning about the names of God. I have read the Book that I will use as the source and foundation for our study. The title is My Fathers Names. The author is Elmer L. Towns.
It is interesting that we learn more about a person when we know the names that a person is identified by. For instance, I am a son to my father; I am Father or Dad to my children. To my grandchildren I am grandpa or gramps depending upon their favorite name for me. I am a brother to my siblings, and Uncle to their children. Each of these are an identifier for who I am and the relationship that I have with them.
Our Heavenly Father also has names and many of us only know Him by two or three. That is a shame for our God, Our Heavenly Father has many names given to Him and several of them are used by Him to identify himself. Moses learned this in a very surprising way early in his life before he became the leader of the children of Israel.
Many of us are familiar with Moses and the story of the burning bush. Moses had fled from Egypt and was shepherd in Midian. He had married and had children. But one day he had this experience: Exodus 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.
The burning bush experience was Moses first meeting with the God of his fathers and the nation of Israel. Thus Moses met God and he became the leader of Israel that would free his people from the Egyptian bondage. In this burning bush experience, Moses met God, The Self-Existent One. He and the people of Israel would learn much more about the God of their Father Abraham. They would see firsthand who Jehovah Adonai was and the many wonders He would perform.
Adonai
Who is Adonai? This is one of our Lord’s names. Do you know it and what it means? (Psalm 8:1) As a believer in Jesus Christ, we should be familiar with His names and those of our Lord Jehovah. Why? Let me illustrate this thought with the following example.
Danny is here today. Let me use him in this illustration. Let’s say Danny is the CEO of the McSpirit Corporation. I am a sales rep who wants Danny’s company to be a user of my products. Walk with me as I make a sales call on his corporation.
I am in the Corp. Office and I have spoken with the receptionist and she has contacted Danny’s Executive Assistant and she has time to see me. As I approach her desk, I flippantly say to her I would like to speak with the Old Man who runs the place and I ask her is Danny Boy in.
As a salesman, I have just made three fatal errors in making a sales call. 1. The CEO’s Executive Assistant is key person in this corporation. A doorkeeper and I have disrespected her and her position. 2. I have also disrespected the CEO’s position by calling him the “Old Man” and 3. I shown a familiarity with him by using his first name.
OK what is the application of this illustration? Understand that names and titles open doors. Wrong use of names and titles hinders what we want to do. God has many names and titles. If we want Him to answer our prayers, we should show him that we respect Him and His position.
Let’s take His Name Adonai. In the Jewish community, Adonai means Master. He is our Master and we are His slaves. This is our relationship to Him. We need to approach Him properly and with the correct attitude. We have come into His presence and we are asking Him for something. (our petition) and need His response. He is our Master (God) and we (his slave) need his action on a petition that is close to our heart. We need the correct approach.
This name Adonai means Master. He is our Lord. He is our owner. Because of this relationship, He must provide for our needs (sleep, food, clothing, & basic necessities). He must also provide He must also give direction, training, and accountability for the work we are to do as His slave. The name Adonai puts a lot of responsibility upon the Lord as our master. In this relationship, we must respond with understanding for what He is to do and what we are to do. It is important that we understand the relationship we have with our Master and what we are to do and how we are to respond in our position to Him. To not do so reveals our immaturity. Our Adonai is awesome! Let’s show Him we understand.
I was aware that God had multiple names. How many and what each one was specifically has never been fully taught to me so I am eager to hear the rest of names.
James, most believers have never had proper teaching on the names of God. It is a mystery who many pastors do not teach on this subject. Keep this simple thought in mind. Adonai is our Master and we are his slaves. This is a simple relationship, but many strong willed believers just do not comprehend its meaning, if they did our churches and our world would be a different place. Unfortunately, the Evil One keeps most pastors from teaching on this subject. It is a sad on our modern churches.
Awesome
James The last post on the names of God (which will be posted shortly) will be the name that we as believers have the privilege of using. Unbelievers and unbelieving Jews cannot use this name because they have no relationship with God. We can use Father (Greek Pater) because we know Him personally. It is a privilege we cannot take lightly! Read and enjoy!
I too am looking forward to learning more of God’s names. Anything that will draw me closer to my Lord is priority in my life. Being a slave to the Master is a blessing and honor. I need to be readily available and instantly obedient to His Spirit’s leading. How do I stay “readily available”?
Over the next several weeks, we will try to cover some of the 55 known names of God. A number of those names are compound names but we will cover those that are more commonly used. Thanks for your interest!
God the Strong Creator
Over the past few Sunday devotionals, I have brought several that highlight some of God’s names. It is my hope that you are getting the idea that when we approach our God that we think about the subject we are calling to His attention and doing so by using His correct name and title.
This is important for several reasons. His name and the associated subject are interrelated and by using His correct name and title, He knows that we are intent on knowing Him better. Why? All religions have a god. Our God is special because we know him well enough to approach Him with a subject and His proper title and related name. In this devotional today, we will learn about Our Jehovah God and why He is so central to everything we do.
As our title suggests, Elohim is the Strong Creator. We need to know more about this facet of God’s character. The difference between God and the Lord may be very subtle to some, but to those who know the Lord know the difference. The study of the word Elohim (God) in this devotional will help us to better understand the word Jehovah that we learned about in our first devotional on this series.
The following will help us better understand the names of God and how we are to use them. God (Elohim) is the strong Creator who is the source of everything. The LORD (Jehovah) is the covenant-keeping God who relates to man. Adonai (Master) reflects the servant/master relationship of man to God.
Who is God? The God of the Bible is the Supreme Being, the divine One whom we worship. From the Bible, we can find at least seven definitive terms that tell us more about God.
1. God is life.
2. God is a person.
3. God is a spirit.
4. God is a self-existent being.
5. God is a unity.
6. God is unchangeable.
7. God is unlimited in space and time.
In the book “My Fathers Names”, the author goes into much detail about what these seven descriptive statements about God mean. It would be very helpful to get a copy of this book and read what the author has to say.
Now, what about Elohim? Elohim come from El, meaning “strong one” and alah meaning “to swear or bind with an oath.” This name for God is used 2,500 times in the Bible to identify the Creator God, the One usually identified with this world, objects or the unsaved. He is the “creator” who made all of the physical things we see in the world around us. We must remember He created all things and is therefore outside of all physical creation.
Let me end this devotional today with this one final thought. If there were another god, then Elohim would not be the self-existing, all-powerful, unlimited God. Since there cannot be two unlimited beings, there cannot be another god besides Elohim. If there were another God, then neither God could be an unlimited God. The infinity and immensity of God (Our Elohim) are strong arguments for His sovereignty in the universe and in our lives.
Because He is… we must give Him all that He deserves, including all that we are!
Reference:
The book title is My Fathers Names. The author is Elmer L. Towns.
God Our Father
This devotional today will bring to a close our study of “My Father’s Names” by Elmer Towns. This study will focus on God as he relates to us as Father. The Greek form of father is Pater.
The favorite title for God used by Jesus Christ in the New Testament is Father; He claimed to be one with the father—which is one reason the Jews hated Him (John 5:18). This name for God was totally foreign to the Jews. This was because they had no intimate relationship with their majestic, powerful Creator and Master. In this verse we see their anger: “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18).
Why was this we might ask? The author gives us the following: On a few occasions the Old Testament does identify God as having paternal instincts, as in Jeremiah 31:9 where God says “I am a father to Israel.” …To Israel, God thundered from Mount Sinai in juegment. He was the Holy One in the midst of the Shekinah Glory cloud that rested in the holy of holies. The writer of Hebrews best summarized the Old Testament perspective of God: “for our God is a consuming fire” (12:29).
Jesus revealed a loving relationship with God by calling Him Father. He taught His disciples a new introduction to their (and our) prayers:”Our Father which art in heaven” (Matt. 6:9). Because Jesus’ revelation of the Father was counter to the view of the religious rulers of His day, they wanted to stone Him (see John 5:18; 10:30, 31).
For many of us believers, it may be hard to understand the mindset of the religious leaders of Jesus day because what He taught His disciples and us in the New Testament, we do not have the mind of the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus day. We think nothing of calling the “I am” father, because that is what Jesus taught us. We are the privileged students of Jesus and His disciples who called The Almighty One father. Because we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are now His sheep and part of His and God’s family. Calling the Infinite, Unlimited Creator of the universe our Father is a distinct position as being one of His children. We should never take this position lightly or with a flippant attitude. Jesus suffered on the Cross of Calvary and shed His blood there for us to have this favored position of calling Our God, Our Father.
Who we are as His children should highlight how unique we are as members of Jesus’ family to be able to call God by the name of Father. Our kinship in God’s Family truly brings us untold gifts and resources. We are so blessed!
The compound names of God are interesting and useful. The next post on the Names of God will be a couple of lists that give some of God’s compound names. These lists should be printed off by believers and studied.
Following is a list of the Compound Names of the Lord God
(Jehovah El and Jehovah Elohim)
Jehovah El Elohim–The Lord God of Gods (Joshua 22:22)
Jehovah Elohim–The Lord God (Gen. 2:4; 3:9-13, 21).
Jehovah El Eleohe Abothekem–The Lord God of your Fathers (Joshus 18:3).
Jehovah El Elyon–The Lord, the Most High God (Gen. 14:22).
Jehovah El Emeth-Lord God of Truth (ps. 31:5).
Jehovah El Gemuwal–The Lord God of Recompences (Jer. 51:56).
Jehovah Elohim Tsebaoth–Lord God of Hosts (Ps. 59:5).
Jehovah Elohe Yeshuathi–Lord God of My Salvation (Ps. 88:1).
Jehovah Elohe Ysrael–The Lord God of Israel (Ps. 41:13).
This is the first list of compound names. The second and third list are much longer.
I will try to get them done as soon as I can.