7th Seal & 1st 4 Trumpets (Revelation 8)

Let’s look at the punishment of those who persecuted the church, the final of seven seals and the first four of seven trumpets.

7th Seal - Silence

Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

Whether or not the seals or the scroll is being revealed is unclear, so we will leave it at that and be satisfied with the mystery. Sometimes silence in the church is a good thing. This silence seems to be profound and expectant.

Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

Trumpets were blown at sacred assemblies, as a signal to move camp and as an alarm of war (Numbers 10:4-9). A whole festival was set aside specifically as a memorial of blowing of trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25).

Revelation 8:3-4 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

A golden vessel mixes the prayers of the saints with incense. The golden censer was part of the Temple furniture behind the veil, within the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 7:50; 2 Chronicles 4:22; Hebrews 9:1-5). It was only accessed on the Day of Atonement and so this is a very special vessel for a very special occasion. How precious must God regard the prayers of His saints sanctified by Christ’s Atonement (Psalm 141:1-2; Ephesians 5:1-2)!

Revelation 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

God’s answer to the prayers of His suffering saints is fire on earth, good news for the church, but bad news for the church’s foes.

Revelation 8:6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

1st Trumpet - Fire & Blood

Revelation 8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Is this literal ecological disaster of great magnitude or are the trees and grass symbolic of people destroyed who persecuted the church as a final warning for them to repent? A parallel with the plagues of the Exodus is unmistakable.

2nd Trumpet - Fire Mountain

Revelation 8:8-9 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

A mountain symbolizes a human government. Israel was God’s holy mountain (Exodus 15:17) and Babylon was a destroying mountain (Jeremiah 51:25, 42). A mountain burning with fire can signify a volcanic event. Certainly an allusion to the Egyptian plagues is evident, punishing those who persecuted the church.

3rd Trumpet - Fallen Star

Revelation 8:10-11 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

This is interpreted by many wildly speculative means, but an old prophecy gives some meaning. As Jerusalem rejected the fountain of living waters, and hewed broken cisterns that could not hold water, so many have chased after modern versions of idolatry (Jeremiah 2:1-13).

4th Trumpet - Sun, Moon & Stars

Revelation 8:12-13 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

With imagery long used in ancient prophecies depicting the fall of nations and national leaders, this can apply to the fall of Jerusalem, the fall of Rome and even the fall of a yet future Beast power. Woe, woe, woe seems to imply a worsening of world events just before Christ’s Second Coming.

Let’s never forget that what we are reading pictures the victory of the church over evil in the world.

The Sealed (Revelation 7)

Let’s take a look at the sealing of the faithful among all nations, beginning with Israel in Revelation 7.

Israel Sealed

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners [angles] of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The four angles or compass points of the land are still used today. Winds are pictured as scattering the ancient nation of Elam (Jeremiah 49:36-37), as an attack by the enemy nation of Babylon (Jeremiah 51:1-2) and a spiritual battle with false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

Revelation 7:2-3 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

People must eventually decide to either have the mark of the beast, a trust in worldly politics and human solutions, sealed in their foreheads or the seal of God, the Holy Spirit. The people of God are certainly sealed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22) as a seal of belonging (2 Timothy 2:19) and a seal of holiness (Exodus 39:30).

Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Are these literally physical Israel now converted to the true faith? Once first among the nations, they became among the last because they rejected Christ, now are they counted first once again after the conversion of many Jews just before Christ’s return?

Revelation 7:5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

No longer is Reuben counted first, the literal firstborn, yet unstable as water (Genesis 49:3-4), has been replaced. Judah, the tribe from which our Lord sprang, has taken first place among the twelve.

Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

Manasseh was one of the sons of Joseph, here counted separately and Dan is now missing, possibly because they left their inherited land and began worshipping pagan gods. They eventually disappeared as a people from history. This possibly also symbolizes Judas Iscariot who betrayed his place among the Apostles and so a substitute, Matthaias was chosen (Acts 1:15-26).

Revelation 7:7-8 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The inheritance of Joseph now falls upon his second son Ephraim, who received the birthright of the first son. Thus bringing the number of the tribes back up to twelve, in a similar manner that a substitute was required for the twelve Apostles.

All Nations Sealed

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Are the 144,000 literal Israel or spiritual Israel? We are not told. If spiritual Israel is intended, the church, then who are these other people also dressed in white, a symbol of righteousness? These other nations are also therefore in the church.

Let’s not wildly speculate, but be satisfied with the words as they are, and with the mystery of what is not said, for now. The use of palms elsewhere symbolizes rejoicing in the Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40) and Jesus’ victory parade (John 12:13).

Revelation 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

These are also the saved, giving praise to the source of their salvation. So, the theory that only the symbolic 144,000 are saved is wrong.

Revelation 7:11-12 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

This 7-fold doxology is an anthem of complete praise.

Revelation 7:13-14 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of [the] great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

The Great Tribulation is that which was foretold by our Lord and Daniel (Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:1) and results in persecution and suffering and martyrdom of the people who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:15-17 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Using words from Isaiah 49:10, this is a time when the plight of an oppressed people is over. There is no more hunger or thirst of starved and persecuted Christians, no more heat of fiery trials, no more tears, just the Lamb, a feast and life-giving water.

The time is coming when the faithful of all nations will be sealed and dressed in righteousness, ready for the great day of the Lord. Will we be among them?

Nah-Yeah

How do we answer hostile questions about our faith? How do we know where the authority of God resides? Is the authority of God in our lives? Let’s explore Jesus’ confrontation with religious leaders over His authority and the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:23-32.

Authority

Matthew 21:23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

What education or formal recognition did Jesus have? As God with us, is Jesus handcuffed by human authority or traditions? Of course He had the highest authority possible, direct from God the Father. Can we discern between heavenly and human authority? Jesus’ answer was a question and a parable.

Matthew 21:24-25 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’”

The church is a mixture of human and divine authority. Human authority in the church is always faulty. Jesus did not receive authority from men, but from our Father in heaven. We cooperate with faulty human church authorities, but if they should permit or encourage sin, we submit to heaven.

Matthew 21:26-27 “But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Jesus answered a deceitful question with a skillful question. When they could not answer, Jesus also refused to give an answer. We don’t always have to answer a hostile question. Sometimes a non-answer is the best answer.

Nah-Yeah or Yeah-Nah

Matthew 21:28-29 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.”

The prophet Jonah also said no at first, but prophesied to an ancient nation that shockingly repented. God blessed that nation spiritually in later history for this. Their descendants became Christians, most notably the Assyrian Church of the East, an independent church founded by the Apostles Thomas, Bartholomew and Thaddeus.

Christian living proves a change of heart. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). As the son who said yeah-nah, some say yes to the Word of God, but no to living as Christ. Others say nah-yeah, initially saying no to God’s Word, then yes as their faith grows.

Matthew 21:30-31 “Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.”

Jesus told religious leaders, sinners would enter the kingdom before them. The yeah-nah son represents people who say yes to God then disobey. If even church bishops disobey God, their authority is void. What would Jesus say to us? Have we initially said yes but ignored the way of righteousness?

Relent and Believe

Matthew 21:32 “For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.”

The way of righteousness is through faith in the authority of Jesus. Jesus was speaking of the nay-saying of the religious leaders of that time. They refused their Messiah. Do we doubt kingdom authority when confronted with it? Do we prefer following the ideas of the world instead of Jesus?

Sometimes the best answer is no answer or a warning. The kingdom of heaven is where heaven rules. Have we said yeah-nah, saying yes, but then no to believing God’s Word? Or, have we said nah-yeah, initially saying no, but then coming to obedient faith in God and His Word?

Readings

Exodus 17:1-7 Do we tempt the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Revelation 2:1-7 Can a church that has lost its first love repent?

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 Do we incline our ears to the words of God’s mouth?

Matthew 21:23-32 in Rhyme
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Certain Jews with seniority
Asked about Christ’s authority
He said, I have a question then
Was John sent by heaven or men?
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Because of public opinion
They would not answer the question
And as they refuse to comment
He won’t tell of His endorsement
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A farmer asked his sons to work
The first said nah-yeah with a jerk
The second said yeah-nah to him
Each changing his mind on a whim
-
Which one did as his father asked?
The one who obeyed at the last
Tax collectors and harlots do
The will of God long before you

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Four Horsemen (Revelation 6)

Let’s see what happens as Jesus opens the first six seals of the mysterious scroll.

1st Seal - White Horse

Revelation 6:1-2 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

The white horse is commonly seen as the conquest of Roman imperialism, various antichrist figures, or warfare in general. Some include Christ and the Gospel in that warfare as He conquers evil and through Him, the church is triumphant, overcoming spiritual battles.

2nd Seal - Red Horse

Revelation 6:3-4 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

The red horse seems to symbolize variously the bloodshed caused by the Roman system, and all similar systems of human oppression throughout history, and the persecution of Christians.

3rd Seal - Black Horse

Revelation 6:5-6 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

The black horse seems to symbolize variously the deprivation caused by the failure of all human economic systems and the famines caused by warfare.

4th Seal - Pale Horse

Revelation 6:7-8 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

The pale horse clearly symbolizes death and Hades, and a large percentage of people dying by various means. These first four seals symbolize the woes that accompany believers living in this world.

5th Seal - Martyrs

Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

These are the martyrs of the Christian faith past, present and future, pictured as under the altar, where the blood of sacrifices was spilled.

6th Seal - Cosmic Signs

Revelation 6:12-14 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

A preterist view of this is a societal earthquake and the shake up of political leaders pictured by sun, moon and stars in the fall of Jerusalem. An historical view might include the fall of pagan Rome to Christianity, and a futurist view might see these catastrophic signs right before the Second Coming. The symbolic or spiritual view can see all these as valid facets of the struggle between good and evil.

Revelation 6:15-17 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

This clearly moves the emphasis from any forerunners or prototypes, such as a preterist view of the fall of Jerusalem, or an historical view of the conquest of Rome by Christianity in Constantine’s time, to its final fulfillment at the Second Coming. These ideas pale into insignificance compared to their final fulfillment at Christ’s return.

Let's not live in fear, but in hope as these signs are a prelude to the ultimate victory of the Lord and finally peace on earth.

Last

What would Jesus say about first and last place? Let’s examine the puzzle behind Jesus blessing those in last place in Matthew 20:1-16.

Wine Industry Parable

Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

The Gospel writers openly wrote about Jesus and wine. Grace is risky. Legalism removes risk and grace. Someone might get drunk, yet Jesus turned water into wine, drank with sinners and used wine as one of the elements of the Lord’s Supper. He even used the grape harvest in parables.

Matthew 20:2-7 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

Matthew 20:8 So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’

Let’s understand the context. Jesus’ disciples quarreled openly for position. They spurned widows and children who attempted to talk to Jesus. This attitude is not tolerated in God’s kingdom. Those who arrogantly puff themselves up, and look down on others will be last in heaven. The last are put first.

Matthew 20:9-10 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.

How long we have served God does not give greater entitlements. In heaven there is a Great Reversal. The first will be last and the last first. Let’s not allow position or tenure to delude us into thinking we are better than anyone. They may be our boss in heaven.

Matthew 20:11-12 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’

The Old Testament law of redistribution, around the Jubilee, is neither capitalist, nor socialist. Like this parable, God’s kingdom will operate differently. This subversive parable reveals kingdom values, not based upon entitlement, but need. None of us is entitled to heaven, yet we all have a need of life after death.

Matthew 20:13-15 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

He kept hiring people because they needed work and paid them the same contract wage no matter how long they worked. Jewish Christians are equal to Gentiles, and ancient churches are the same as new ones. “The parable is thus about the goodness... the mercy... of God... The Generous Employer.”

Ref: Hagner, D. A. (2002). Vol. 33B: Word Biblical Commentary : Matthew 14-28. Word Biblical Commentary (572). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

An evil eye is an attitude of envy, greed or stinginess. Wanting first place is an evil eye. When we believe that others are undeserving of positions because they have not been around as long as we, is an evil eye. Human perceptions of what we deserve are not heaven’s.

Ref: Friberg, Friberg, Miller, Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. 2000.

Lasts are Firsts

Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

Many so-called little people are big in heaven’s eyes. Why is the janitor the happiest person in the building? Why is the widow the one with the most encouraging word? Why is the wisdom of an old man in a nursing home the greatest thing you have heard all week?

Why does the poor farmer out working in his field sing so loudly? Why does the blue collar worker live longer and have a happier marriage than the billionaire? These are great secrets of the kingdom of heaven. This parable does not excuse unfair wages, but explains God’s generosity.

This world is upside down. The arrogant, the narcissistic, the greedy who have chosen first place in this life, have chosen the last place in heaven. The selfless, the generous, the serving who often choose last place in this life, are rewarded with first place in heaven. The Great Reversal is coming. Where will we be?

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Exodus 16:2-4, 15 God often provides even when we pray lacking in faith

Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Israel escaping slavery is a picture of us escaping sin

Jude 1:3-23 in the midst of apostasy we must strive to maintain our faith

Matthew 20:1-16 in Rhyme
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The kingdom’s like a landowner
Hiring help as a grape grower
The contract, a penny a day
All day or part for the same pay
-
But those who worked all day complained
So then the landowner explained
That’s the contract and you agreed
To be generous is my creed
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Take what’s yours and be on your way
Don’t begrudge their bountiful pay
Don’t envy what I give away
The last will be first in that day

Forgiving

How often should we forgive? Let’s explore the difficulty and necessity of compassion and mercy, forgiving from the heart. Let’s look at what Jesus taught about forgiving in Matthew 18:21-35.

How Often Forgive

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

How often must we be abused and bruised by others and still forgive? Peter’s suggestion seemed generous compared to an ancient Jewish idea of begging for forgiveness three times. How often ought we to ask God's forgiveness? If the answer is only 7 times, then we are all in trouble.

Without Count

Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Forgiveness often accompanies deep personal pain. It’s a choice, despite pain and despite lack of trust. Holding grudges hurts us deep in our souls. Forgiving blesses us forever. Jesus' answer, 70x7, means hyperbolically don’t keep count. If we have to keep track perhaps we have not really forgiven at all.

The Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:23-34 A king’s servant asked for debt forgiveness and received it. He then violently confronted a fellow servant, who owed him a much smaller amount, and had him thrown into prison. The king was angry at this lack of compassion. God demands that we, the forgiven, also compassionately and mercifully forgive.

The Gift of Forgiveness

Matthew 18:35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Forgiveness is a very difficult task. We must differentiate between trust and forgiveness. Trust is not demanded. Trust takes a long time to regain, but forgiveness is demanded. We may pray, “Father, help me! I’m angry at sin and I don’t trust weak humanity, but I have decided to forgive.”

Hosea and Gomer

How difficult would it be to forgive an adulterous spouse? Would you take them back, or more would your rescue them from sexual slavery and empty your bank account to do so? That's exactly what Hosea did for his wayward wife.

Unfaithful Spouse

Hosea 1:2-3 When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the Lord.” So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.

Hosea went through a lot of heartache because God’s prophesy of Gomer’s unfaithfulness came true.

My Husband

Hosea 2:16-17 “And it shall be, in that day,” Says the Lord, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, And they shall be remembered by their name no more.

Gomer’s adulterous ways pictured Israel’s idolatrous unfaithfulness to God. Hosea’s pain pictures God’s pain when we are unfaithful. Yet, God looks forward to the day when His Bride repents of false worship.

Forever

Hosea 2:19-20 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.

God looks forward to the day when people repent and become faithful to Him.

Rescue

Hosea 3:1-2 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.” So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley.

Gomer ended up as a sex slave. Hosea rescued his unfaithful wife from the sex traffickers, paying all the money he had and the rest of the price in produce.

The rocky marriage of Hosea and Gomer is a love story picturing God’s love for His often unfaithful Bride, the Church. Jesus loves us, forgives our unfaithfulness, and gives all to save us from ourselves. Let’s now remain faithful to Him forever.

What if we refuse to forgive? God doesn’t give us that option. Peter wanted a limit. With hyperbolic language, Jesus taught that compassion and mercy must last a long, long time from the heart. We pray like Jesus on the cross, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Forgiveness Scriptures

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Colossians 3:13)

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

Let’s be grateful for God’s forgiveness and forgive others from the heart, sincerely. Compassion and mercy are the values of strong people who can forgive even the deepest hurts, because God forgave us.

Readings

Exodus 14:19-31 skeptics may scoff, but cannot explain how corals in the red sea would have formed themselves in the shape of wheels and chariots.

Psalm 114 miracles of the Exodus picture the miracles of our exit from sin.

Romans 14:1-12 preferences over food and worship days or any similar non-essential should not divide us.

Matthew 18:21-35 in Rhyme
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Peter asked, How often absolved
Seventy times seven resolved
Therefore the kingdom’s like a king
Whose servant’s accounts was settling
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One owed him ten thousand talents
But he forgave him the balance
But that servant was merciless
To a debtor he caused distress
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The king said, You wicked servant
Unforgiving, not observant
I forgave you; you should forgive
In debtor’s prison you will live
-
So will My Father do to you
If you refuse forgiveness due

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Revelation 5

Let’s look at John’s vision of the scroll with seven seals and of every creature in heaven and earth worshiping God.

The Scroll

Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

A scroll written on both sides indicates the fullness of it. It is similar to the scroll that Ezekiel saw (Ezekiel 2:9-10) filled with lamentation, mourning and woe. The contents of this mysterious scroll are not given. Later we see that its seven seals are divine punishment.

Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Who can reveal the secrets within the scroll?

Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Many theories abound, but no man is worthy to reveal the secrets. All we understand about the book is the contents of its seals beginning in Revelation 6, not what is written in the book itself.

Revelation 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Are we so desirous to understand God's word?

Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Only Jesus can reveal the secrets. Let's see what He has to say.

Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

This pictures Jesus as an innocent little sacrificial Passover Lamb, living yet slain, a symbol of a different kind of leadership to that of beast-like worldly human governments. The horns of a more mature ram on a little lamb, symbolize God’s omnipotence (Deuteronomy 33:17; 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 48:25; Zechariah 1:18; Daniel 7:24; 8:20) and seven symbolizes perfection. The eyes symbolize God’s omniscience, as they run to and fro throughout the whole earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). The seven Spirits express perhaps the fullness of the Holy Spirit or the seven angels in the seven churches, apostled or sent forth into all the earth (Zechariah 3:9; 4:10).

Revelation 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Jesus takes the book from God the Father.

Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Our prayers are symbolized as incense, a pleasant odor in heaven.

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Our songs on earth are often imperfect, so we need a new song, not with doubtful human words but pure. This will be sung by resurrected saints from everywhere.

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Remember: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9)

The Myriad

Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Myriad, in some translations, literally means ten thousand and figuratively a very large number.

Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Who else is worthy? None of us.

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

How is this possible to see except as an awesome vision?

Revelation 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

This song of the redeemed is not just sung but includes ceremonial acts in several parts: the four creatures, the 24 elders, and the myriad each in turn carry out their symbolic acts.

The more we understand the difference between the Good Shepherd, pictured in the Lamb, and the beasts which picture human governments, the more we will love the kingdom of God, and the less appealing the politics of this world will be. John's vision of everyone in heaven and on earth praising our Lord is appropriate. He is worthy, and nobody else is.

Revelation 4

Let’s take a look at John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4.

Heaven

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

This seems to refer to the former voice from Revelation 1:10, the voice of Christ, reverberating like a sacred temple trumpet. Since the advent of amplification, we might describe the voice differently today.

Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Like a vision, John was transported “in the spirit” through the door into heaven, perhaps in a trance or ecstasy of some kind.

Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

We have a picture of Jasper of unknown color, perhaps clear white chalcedony [pronounced: kal-SAID-o-knee], along with red Sardius and an emerald green rainbow or glow.

Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Could this picture represent the complete church of God, in both testaments, in the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles? Is this also pictured in the 24 courses of priests serving in the temple (1 Chronicles 24:1-19)?

Revelation 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Most commentators seem to identify the seven lamps and seven Spirits with seven different manifestations of the Holy Spirit among the seven churches.

Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts [creatures] full of eyes before and behind.

Few like the translation “beasts” as it seems to degrade these angels. A better translation is “living things” or “living creatures.” Like the sword out of Jesus’ mouth, picturing the sword of the Word of God, we must see these as possibly more symbolic than literal.

Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

This reminds us of the symbols associated with at least 3 and perhaps all 4 leading tribes camped about the worship tent in the wilderness. Judah (the lion) was camped on the East with Issachar and Zebulun. Ephraim (the ox) was camped on the West with Manasseh and Benjamin. Reuben (the man) was camped on the South with Gad and Simeon. Dan (the snake) was camped on the North with Asher and Naphtali (the eagle here is unconfirmed, except as a possible symbol of a judge).

Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

These spirit beings are similar to the Seraphs of Isaiah 6:2-3, who also cried “holy, holy, holy.” In a symbolic genre, their example of worship is more important than speculation about what the eyes or wings mean. Saying “holy, holy, holy” reminds us of the Trinity and the One who was, and is, and is to come. How often throughout the day do we pause to give a word of thanks or praise to God?

Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Giving glory and honor and thanks is a beautiful summary of what our prayers ought to be.

Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Casting crowns is an ancient symbol of surrender and subjection to a conquering king.

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord [and God], to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The original language says “Lord and God.” When we say that the Lord is worthy, we are saying that we are not worthy. The little word “for” here introduces the reason for “the glory and the honour and the power.” None of us created all things. Humanity has no reason for self-glorification, self-honoring or even taking power to self.

The words “for your pleasure” sound like God is self-indulgent in modern English, and are better translated today as “by your will” (NIV, ESV), or “because of Your will they existed, and were created” (NASB). Saying that God is worthy is a simple acknowledgment that we only exist because of His will.