Light-work

Peace or Fire on Earth

When Jesus was born, the angel chorus sang, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” So it is a little surprising to hear Jesus say something that sounds quite different: “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division” (Luke 12:49-53).

In the latter passage, Jesus is declaring that He will someday bring judgment on the earth and that it can't happen soon enough. Before that fire falls, however, Jesus Himself must be immersed in God's judgment. Peace will not flow from this baptism, but "division;" Even the most basic of family connections will be upset with fathers taking sides against sons and daughters taking sides against mothers. Their disagreement has to do with fire and peace.

It is not politically correct to say it, but the world stands under the shadow of God's wrath (Col. 3:6). Fire will fall! Here is some good news -- There is an escape plan! The Apostle Paul explained it to the Thessalonian church: For they themselves report . . . how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:9-10). When Jesus returns, He will save His own from the falling fire.

How can He do this? Remember that baptism Jesus underwent! When He died on the cross, He experienced the wrath of God as a substitute for men. The fire of judgment fell on Him so that it need not fall on us! He offers this supreme service as a gift for any who want it. Receive this gift and enjoy true peace. Or refuse it and fire will fall.

This notion of "targeted peace" aligns perfectly with what the angels promised: “And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Those with whom God is pleased will enjoy peace. Those who reject His Son and refuse the supremely costly gift for which He paid, will not.

When "Peace on Earth" is assumed to be a privilege enjoyed by all men simply because "it's Christmas," the very purpose for which Jesus came to earth is trivialized, men are dulled to the fact that the place is about to go up in flames, and the profound value of what Jesus accomplished is diminished.

The angel chorus understood it perfectly. A myriad of them came near Bethlehem to celebrate the first phase of a grand undertaking, a peace initiative that would make it possible for some to avoid the fire that would otherwise consume all. This is definitely something worth singing about!

Elusive Christmas Peace

The shepherds were doing what shepherds do at a certain time of year - hangin' with the sheep. It was all pretty routine camping under the stars until a terrible figure flashed onto the scene. He exuded an intense light "not of this world" and left the shepherds groveling in abject terror. Perhaps their fear began to fade when this angel announced some good news, namely, the date and location of a Saviour's birth. Next, a heavenly chorus beamed down, declaring “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). The fanfare was not lost on the shepherds who concluded something big was afoot. They acted on this angelic intelligence report and were not disappointed.

Since that night almost two millennia ago, Christmas cards have heralded the moment using the phrase "Peace on Earth" as the focal point of their cover art. The phrase seems to anchor a lot of our culture's Christmas sentiment, which ranges all over the peace map. Some celebrate God's initiative to restore peace between Himself and men through His Son, Jesus. The more politically correct celebrate a hippie inspired notion of world peace. For families in conflict, Christmas peace is a relational cease-fire, a brief truce where everyone tries to "get through the holidays" without igniting renewed hostilities. Merchants are looking for some sort of peace connection to their products which they can exploit to boost Christmas sales figures.

I found this ad a creative example: Having your septic tank cleaned for visiting family and friends is how to enjoy peace of mind at Christmas. Wow! Peace on earth from something as simple as septic service. Who knew?

So are we honoring the birth of Jesus in all this? I am not denying one jot or tittle of the angels report to the shepherds. But are we justified when we connect the angelic declaration to the enjoyment of some sort of generalized peace in our time?

Here is a passage that must be placed alongside Luke 2:13-14 because it seems contradictory. It captures words of Jesus uttered about 30 years after the angels' birth announcement. Jesus declares to his followers, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division” (Luke 12:49-51).

So who's right? The angels who suggest that Jesus came on a peace mission? Or Jesus who declares He has come to grant anything but peace? What do you think?

Book of Revelation Dominoes

Here is the stated purpose of the Book of Revelation from the first verse: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place (Rev. 1:1). It is obvious that Jesus made this book available to His people for the purpose of generating understanding, not confusion. Alas, there are a lot of people who are confused by the book. So here is my attempt to simplify and clarify. In the interest of simplicity, I have not gone into all the background for each element in this chart - but you can click here if you want to listen to the 60 sermons that provide the explanation for this framework.

The chart above (click on the chart to view a larger version) shows three series of seven (identified as seals, trumpets, and bowls, respectively). Think of these as a series of twenty-one dominoes which fall sequentially. When domino seven falls, it causes the next series of seven to occur. When domino fourteen falls, it puts in motion the last series of seven. These dominoes represent mostly natural disasters, political developments, and supernatural events. The severity of these events is intensified with each new series. The last series of seven represents "full strength wrath."

I am suggesting that the timing of these events is represented by a sort of logarithmic scale. The earlier events (dominoes on the left) describe events that may or may not overlap but which, in some cases, span a period of months. However, the last series (the dominoes on the right) represent a quick succession of events. Taken together, the twenty-one dominoes fall with accelerating momentum that builds to a crescendo of final judgment.

In chapters 10-14, we learn about three developments which will be synchronized to the fall of the fourteenth domino. The amazing prophetic ministry of two Jewish witnesses, the supernatural protection of Israel, and Satan's war against the saints will all culminate in the last series of seven that is set in motion by domino fourteen. This last series will involve the outpouring of "full strength wrath" on those who dwell on the earth. It will also culminate in the judgment of the economic and religious center that is Babylon, as described in chapters 17-18. The fall of domino twenty-one will be synchronized with the victory of the Lamb over all opposition and the revelation of His bride.

The bars for the three periods that end at the fourteenth domino have an indefinite starting point. These periods are all 42 months in duration, but we cannot pinpoint which domino falls 42 months before the fourteenth. The bar for the judgment of Babylon also lacks a precise starting point, but there is no doubt about its end point which is synchronized to the fall of the last two dominoes.

Seems pretty simple, right? Are you tracking with me? So where would the rapture described in 1 Thess. 4:13-18 fit?

Babylon's World of Extremes

JD asks a great question from the sermon series on Revelation: In the last couple weeks we have touched on Babylon and the type of city it will be; my questions are: Is Babylon spared or sheltered in some way from the devastation of the judgments poured out? If not, how is such wealth and opulence available and usable so soon after the global devastation of the judgments? We spent a number of weeks going thru the tough times ahead spiritually and how it will become economically oppressive and devastating worldwide and exponentially so for believers - how does what we are now hearing about Babylon and it's wealth and comfort correlate with what we have previously gone through? World wide famine, economic collapse, enormous loss of human life, natural disasters on a scale unseen previously - and then a city where pleasure rules and stuff is God- where does it all come from in the wake of such devastation and catastrophic losses?

Essentially, she is asking how a city experiencing plenty can exist in a world of devastating want. First, let me affirm what she is saying about the hard times ahead. The second vision in the book of Revelation (Chapters 4-16) outlines an event sequence that consists of three series of seven. Think of them as a line of 21 dominoes representing global natural disasters and political shifts. With the fall of domino seven and domino fourteen, the dominoes that follow take it up a notch from the previous group of seven. JD is exactly right that these will be the worst of times for those who dwell on the earth.

So, how can it be the best of times for Babylon? We are provided with a hint in Rev. 6:6: And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine” (Rev. 6:6). This verse is connected to the third domino. It describes runaway inflation. A denarius (see above for a sample coined in 2nd C. BC) in John's day represented about 3 grams of silver and was the equivalent of a laborer's daily wage. It would buy about 10 quarts of wheat. So John is describing an economic climate in which the value of money has been reduced by a power of 10. Stated in another way, the cost of basic commodities has increased by a factor of 10. No matter how you slice it, this is a description of not much bread for your dough.

But then there is the last phrase, "do not damage the oil and the wine." This suggests a glaring disparity. Those dwelling in the land of subsistence will be in a world of hurt. But those sitting in the lap of luxury will be unfazed - the economic crisis associated with the 3rd domino will not inhibit those who are enjoying the good life. Babylon is not named here but could easily be such a place of living the good life unhindered.

Certainly by the time we conclude the last set of dominoes, whatever protections Babylon has erected will come to naught. But until then, Babylon will hold onto enough of her greatness and grandeur to effectively convince herself that she is beyond the reach of the misfortune that befalls the "little people." Such a grand delusion!

 

The Babylon Code, Pt. 2 of 2

In a previous post, I indicated my preference for an interpretation that connects Revelation 17-18 to Babylon on the Euphrates. I closed with two questions. The first concerns the "imminence" of the Lord's return. If the events of the tribulation will occur at a time when ancient Babylon has returned to become a thriving religious and economic center (which it is anything but today), wouldn't this suggest that the return of the Lord lies far in the future? I also asked, "Does the urgent appeal for saints to 'come out of her [Babylon]' (Rev. 18:4) have any relevance to saints living today since this Babylon does not yet exist?"

To answer the first question, I would point to Dubai as an illustration. (The luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel is pictured above.) This city has a lot in common with future Babylon, and the pace of its emergence as a mecca of opulence has been brisk. Babylon will apex at the end of the seven year long tribulation. A petro-dollar fueled orgy of construction begun a few years (or decades) before the start of the tribulation could repeat the "miracle" that is Dubai. So while I can say we are not there yet, we may only be not QUITE there yet.

As to the second question, understanding the Babylon Code is critical. Based on Revelation 17-18, we can identify five statements which capture Babylon's creed. These declare how future Babylon thinks:

• “I live for me.”
• “You cannot argue with my success.”
• “Get in my way and you will regret it.”
• “There is no ‘right and wrong,’ only what makes me feel better.”
• “No one can stop me from doing what I want.”

Do these not have a familiar ring to them? Do they not sound like the mantra's of western materialism? So I am inclined to suggest that while the city of Babylon is not yet built, the Code of Modern Babylon is very much in evidence. In which case the urgent appeal for God's people to make a clean break makes perfect sense. We live in a day and age when the spirit of Babylon is alive and well even though the city has not yet made her grand entrance. Saints who prevail when she does will have learned how to defy her philosophy even while living in Pre-Babylonian times.

Prevailing saints disagree with the five tenets of the Babylon Code, and they are capable of expressing that disagreement even when it is unpopular to do so. Learn how to recognize it today, how to make a clean break from it, and you will ready when construction gets underway in earnest.

The Babylon Code, Pt. 1 of 2

The Book of Revelation is quite graphic in its description of the Fall of Babylon. This city boasts a long history and notorious reputation. Originally founded by Nimrod (Gen. 10:8,10), it soon became the focal point of men's celebration of their own accomplishments. Bad idea! God intervened and the city was branded with a fitting designation: Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth (Gen. 11:9).

Despite this setback, Babel refused to go away nor mend its ways. Notably, Babylon (same city) was the destroyer of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. In her historic heyday, power, wealth, commerce, and wisdom were hers. The OT prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah would describe her as idolatrous, wicked, arrogant, self-confident, covetous, cruel, and domineering. Babylon is less than a shadow of her former self today, so it is curious that she is presented once more in Revelation 17-18 as the global focal point of man centered religion.

Bible students differ in their identification of "Babylon" in Revelation. It would seem straightforward to identify it with a rebuilt city on the Euphrates river (see image above). The vast gap between the current state of affairs (quite humble) and the future state of Babylon (grand and impressive) suggests the merit of finding another interpretive option. So some have proposed that "Babylon" is a code word for some other physical city (Rome or Jerusalem are often suggested), an institution or entity (the "apostate church" or papacy are often proposed), or a "Babylonian ideology" that gains a global hold on men's thinking.

We need to remember that this is a problem of biblical interpretation. If the text is clearly discussing a rebuilt city of Babylon on the Euphrates in Iraq, then we must choose to believe what Scripture says will happen MORE than we believe our own perceptions of what could be. Yes, I have difficulty imagining a world class city like the one described in Revelation 17-18 coming into such wealth and prominence out of the current political, military, and economic milieu. But I must not allow the limits of my imagination to dismiss out of hand what the text might clearly be saying. Bottom line: I am open to all the options.

All views which propose that "Babylon" is a code word or symbol face a serious difficulty. They lack a decoder. There are 29 phrases or terms used in Revelation that are clearly symbolic. And all 29 of them are identified as symbols by the use of a key term or phrase which connects the symbol to what it represents. The first of these code-breaker phrases in the Book of Revelation appear in 1:20: “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches (Rev. 1:20). (I have highlighted the code-breakers in blue.) No such code-breakers are used with the term "Babylon" to indicate it represents something else. In fact, the exact opposite occurs. A woman sitting on a scarlet beast is clearly identified as code or a symbol of the great city of Babylon (Rev. 17:3-5). Babylon is not the symbol but the reality behind the symbol (which is a harlot in scarlet and purple).

The view that this is the actual city of Babylon on the Euphrates at the apex of a future "greatness" is the conclusion of a plain sense reading of the text. In Rev. 2-3, John clearly intends the mention of a city name to be taken literally. In the one place in the prophecy where he employs a code name for an actual city, he provides a clear code-breaker: And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified (Rev. 11:8).

Several descriptive details add to the impression that the actual city of Babylon is targeted in Rev. 17-18: The fact that the Euphrates River is specifically named in 9:14 and 16:12 marks out a geographical area connected to Babylon as a key focus of coming judgment. The suggestion that Babylon has access to the sea is a detail that fits with Babylon on the Euphrates which is navigable to the Persian Gulf. The descriptive phrase "which sits on many waters," itself a code phrase for the city's global dominance (17:15), recalls Jeremiah's use of this language to describe Babylon (Jer. 51:13), a city of canals, waterways, and marshes. The position of the city "in the wilderness" (Rev. 17:3) is a detail that would also fit Babylon on the Euphrates, although it is not clear if this phrase indicates the city's location prior to or after her judgment.

I find the view that this is the actual city of Babylon on the Euphrates to be more persuasive. Of course, this raises some other questions: Does this mean that the events described in Revelation are "a long ways off" since it would take years for such a city to become a reality? And, does the urgent appeal for saints to "come out of her [Babylon]" (Rev. 18:4) have no relevance to saints living today since this Babylon does not yet exist?

Good questions! What do you think?

Now Where Did I Put That Rapture?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we encounter Paul's description of an event which has come to be called "The Rapture." The verses in Thessalonians are fairly straightforward in their description of a reunion in which the saints, both the living and "those who have fallen asleep," will meet the Lord "in the air" at His coming. The controversy surrounding this event has more to do with where to put it in a prophetic framework.

Among those who believe that the present age will culminate in a time of great turmoil ("The Great Tribulation") that is concluded by the return of Jesus to establish His Kingdom on earth ("The Millennial Kingdom"), the possible options are noted above. [A] represents the pre-tribulation view, that the rapture will be a relatively quiet event in which saints mysteriously disappear from the earth to meet the Lord in the air. [B] denotes the view that the rapture will occur in the middle of the tribulation. [C] positions the rapture at the end of the tribulation. Some prefer to label [C] the "pre-wrath rapture" because they believe it will be synchronized with an intense outpouring of divine wrath: The saints will hit to the skies right as all hell breaks loose on the earth.

Hal Lindsey's book, "The Late Great Planet Earth," popularized the pre-trib view as did the "Left Behind" series by Jenkins/LaHaye. This view has a compelling natural appeal. If I had to pick a view that I like best, this would be it. Descriptions of the tribulation are sobering, even frightening. View [A] proposes that the saints can avoid all the trauma of living through the Tribulation and go immediately into the presence of the Lord. No pain, all gain! What an encouraging prospect!!

Alas, liking view [A] does not make it true. So we must weigh the merits of each option to get at the truth. Three Views on the Rapture was published in 1996, is currently available from Amazon, and closely examines all three positions. The scholars who represent each view (Feinberg, Archer, and Moo) are not light-weights, so waxing dogmatic about whatever view we espouse is unjustified. Don't get cocky, kid!

Here are a few preliminary thoughts to assist you in your quest for the truth. First, let's make some observations about the nature of the Rapture based upon its description in 1 Thess. 4:13-18.

1. The key question that prompted this section is, "Have the dead somehow missed out?"
2. The terms, "shout," "voice of the archangel," "trumpet of God," all suggest that this is a very public event with a lot of fanfare.
3. There is evidence (albeit disputed) that the word translated "to meet" is a formal expression used of a delegation that receives an arriving magistrate. The other two places where this term is used in the New Testament (Matt. 25:6; Acts 28:15) show some correspondence to this idea.
4. Paul's key point is that death makes no difference in one's participation in the "coming of the Lord."
5. Paul's intention was for the believers to use this information as the basis of mutual encouragement.

Whatever view one takes, it must align with these observations. So, when the pre-trib view posits a secret rapture, the equivalent of an alien abduction en masse, there are questions about how well this fits with observation two. For the post trib view, I have to ask: How it is encouraging to be sentenced to seven of the worst years earth has ever known, even if those who survive till the end will be rescued before the final curtain falls?

Could You Be Convicted?

In Revelation, the Overcomer is presented as a model of authentic Christianity. In the future, he will overcome three intimidating threats, a “smart idol,” “the beast” and “his number.” This victory will be won despite considerable cost, including market exclusion, and in some cases, death. So how will the overcomer pull this off? What’s his secret?

One of the overcomer’s victory strategies is based on understanding the concept of “deed forwarding.” Here is John’s explanation: “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them” (Rev. 14:12-13).

In this verse, a special blessing is extended to those who pay the ultimate price for their allegiance to the Lord. But the phrase, “from now on,” suggests that, at a certain point, the difficulty of maintaining one’s allegiance to the Lord will increase (as will the blessedness of doing do).

This blessed condition has two results: The overcomer/martyrs will rest from their labors and their “deeds follow with them.” For those who have been about fighting the good fight, “rest” seems a fitting reward. The second phrase describes those whose deeds provide strong evidence of their faith. By the way, their deeds do not go “before” them as the basis of their salvation. They “follow” as a trail of evidence left by those who are the real thing. “Their deeds go with them and speak for them” would be the idea. On earth, there is no shortage of evidence by which to CONVICT them as followers of the Lord. In heaven, there is no shortage of evidence by which to REWARD them as genuine followers of the Lord. Their deeds make it clear beyond all reasonable doubt who they are.

So what about you? If a Jesus-hater were to follow you around today, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a follower of Jesus?

Farewell, Faithful Servant!

Toyota is having a run of bad press lately. So I thought I might put in a good word to help balance the equation. Yesterday, we bid a tearful adieu to our faithful servant, a 1999 Toyota Avalon. Even in the brief moments before our parting, she was still smiling with her trademark grin (pictured above), declaring with playful smile, "Where would you like to go?" Dubbed "The Grey" (same name as Gandolf before his promotion), she was (like Gandolf) dependable to the end.

We bought this Avalon from a cricket rancher (farmer?) in Mississippi who just "had to have" a new PT Cruiser when they first came out. The Grey was in immaculate condition and had about 30,000 miles on it. Yesterday the odometer read 191,237! We have never owned a car that ran as well, as long, and as comfortably as The Grey. I don't know if it was produced in some exceptional moment when the factory got everything right, but it stands as undeniable evidence that Toyota can make a GREAT car. We used it as a trade-in so Puddin could get a new ride. Because the Avalon was in great shape, the dealer seemed pleased to get it and gave me more than I thought for it, despite it's high mileage.

So now as I stare at the bare spot in the driveway that was its berth, I wonder. What does the next chapter hold? Will the new owner appreciate The Grey and give her the kind of care that allows her to reach the next milestone? But without knowing the specifics of the plot, I know with certainty how the story will end. Perhaps suddenly in a brutal collision, perhaps while abandoned to a ditch beside a country lane, perhaps in rusting repose as her frame perches on concrete blocks, the days of faithful service will end. There will be no celebrations, no fanfare, no congratulations for a race well run. She will simply slip softly into the night.

I am struck by a contrast. The Apostle Paul explains, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve (Col. 3:23-24). Servants of the Lord will never be consigned to the scrap-yard. Their faithfulness may be forgotten among men, but not in the least by the Lord, who will personally give them the greatest reward any man could receive, a heavenly inheritance.

Our bodies, on the other hand, will follow The Grey. They are mere vehicles, transports for the human spirit. They can be damaged; they wear out. Mine is already showing the miles. And I know how the story will end. But Jesus has got things under control. One part of that heavenly inheritance is the provision of a new body, one suited to heavenly existence. On the day I die (or the day the Lord returns, whichever comes first), I will trade in an aging clunker for a new model that is not subject to rust, or aging, or decay. I am so ready to trade up.

Angels Using Amazing DNA Scanners

In Revelation 7:1-8, we are introduced to a group popularly called the "144,000." Just to get some perspective, here is a picture of Neyland Stadium where the UT Vols consistently bring in crowds of 100,000+ on home game Saturdays. The group identified in Revelation 7 would fill Neyland and need another 44,000 overflow seats. This is not a trifling group!

It is common to ask, "Who are they?" Your answer depends a lot on your view of the Book of Revelation. If you are like me, you consider Revelation a straight-forward description of actual future events using normal descriptive language. There are those who would claim otherwise. Some of them see the number, "144,000," as a symbol for completeness or fullness. But this number is not introduced as a symbol (using the customary phrase "which is" - see 1:20 for two examples).

God is good with numbers. He knows the number of hairs on my head, which is a moving target, I can assure you. When Elijah threw a pity party (So typical of pity parties, no one else came!) because he believed "I alone am left" (1 Kings 19:14), God corrected the prophet's math by declaring that He had marked out  7,000 others in Israel who love God and despise Baal. It seems perfectly reasonable for the Lord to do something similar (but involving bigger numbers) in the future. If God wanted to say that this group is a vast multitude, he could easily have employed just such language as He does in Rev. 7:9 which introduces another distinct group.

Others who see the church as the "New Israel" see the 144,000 as a description of all living believers. There are two problems with this view. First, there is no clear example of the church being called "Israel" in the NT. Second, the breakdown of this group into tribal units associated with sons of Jacob provides no meaningful connection to the church. If the 144,000 are all believers on earth at the time, what in the world does it mean for them to be broken into 12 equal groups each associated with a certain son of Jacob?

I prefer a very simple and straight-forward understanding of Rev. 7:1-8. Please bear in mind that angels have access to technology that goes way beyond ours. Prior to unleashing the seven trumpet judgments, an angelic team equipped with amazing DNA scanners will mark out a group of descendants from Jacob. The angel's search criteria will also include a second variable. Those receiving a seal must also be "bond-servants of our God." It is implied that this sealing provides a measure of protection against the coming judgments. This is made explicit in Rev. 9:4.

Here is a great question: Since these 144,000 are a select group of Jewish believers, are they the only ones to receive this protective sealing? Are Gentile bond-servants in these days vulnerable to the trumpet judgments in a way that Jewish bond-servants are not? These 144,000 will not be the only bond-servants living on earth in these days. The protection promises for bond-servants and overcomers are relevant to all, both Jewish and Gentile. Note that these promises do not offer protection from persecution, but from God's wrath. All believers will not experience God's wrath!

Note this! The formation of the 144,000 will represent a remarkable development. Even as life on planet earth is going from bad to worse, an incredible number of Jews will be coming to Christ and dedicating themselves to live for His pleasure. Imagine a stadium with twelve separate sections that can each seat 12,000. The seventh seal will not be broken until every seat in the house has been occupied by a Jew for Jesus! This has got to be one of the more dazzling sights to be seen in what will otherwise be oppressively dark days.

Why Get Stressed If Hell Has a Thermostat?

In yesterday's post, we noted that Hell can be understood as a realm of existence wholly apart from God. This observation is grounded in 2 Thessalonians 1:9: "These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (NASB). This description of a decidedly negative after-life experience should be associated with a range of other terms and expressions. Here is a NT sampler:

1. Gehenna: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
2. Hades: “And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades” (Luke 10:15)!
3. Outer darkness: "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12).
4. Eternal Fire: “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels'”(Matthew 25:41).
5. Lake of fire and second death: “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death”(Revelation 21:8).

While it is possible that "Hades" may, in a context like Luke 10:15, simply be a synonym for "death," the other terms are unmistakably descriptive of "life AFTER death" for those with abysmal prospects. Taken together, the composite picture these descriptions present is beyond sobering. When a man prefers life wholly apart from God, he is choosing to exist in a place completely devoid of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self restraint. Here is a realm shrouded in utter darkness. Despite some men's boasts, they will not be with their friends, because friendship will cease to exist. A man will live without purpose and without rest since these only come from God. Every good thing comes from God so there will be NO GOOD THING in a place that has cast off all associations with Him.

True enough, hell may have a thermostat. In Matthew 11:24, Jesus declares, “Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you [Capernaum].” But this suggestion that some parts of hell may be worse than others must not diminish our apprehension that every level of hell will be pure hell!

As Paul considers the lostness of his countrymen, he confesses great sorrow and unceasing anguish of heart (Romans 9:2). God feels the same way, declaring, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked" (Ezekiel 33:11). Jesus weeps as He crests the eastern ascent of the Mount of Olives and considers the city of Jerusalem, bathed in morning light but slipping into darkness: "How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not" (Matt. 23:38)!  

It can be beneficial to stare into the flames. Get a good look at what a life wholly apart from God looks like. Allow the view to sober you, to unsettle you, perhaps even to disturb you. Then speak up about what you see to anyone who is deluded enough to find life without God attractive.

Believe the Madman!

I remember the haunting words of a Jewish Holocaust survivor. He explained that those who avoided the death camps believed Hitler. As "der Fuhrer's" fierce rhetoric waxed against the Jews, a few took him seriously and fled. The survivor's family believed Hitler's words and fled to the United States. They left behind friends and neighbors who found Hitler's blustering rants unbelievable. They reasoned, "Surely no one would allow such a madman to effect such schemes. Surely our friends and neighbors will rise to our defense. Surely everyone sees that the man is crazy." Upon leaving Germany, the survivor never saw these friends and neighbors again. Their incredulity fed a vain and diminishing hope that was extinguished in the ashes of Auschwitz.

Fatal optimism yet lives! Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has spoken plainly enough. He has declared that Israel should be "wiped off the map." He has the missile capability to do so. He is near acquiring the nuclear capability to do so. And, most importantly, he demonstrates the will to use these capabilities. Some might demur that acting on these aspirations would be suicidal. They might declare, "Surely no one would allow such a madman to effect such schemes. Surely he would not hazard the wrath and reprisal of the international community?"

Benjamin Netanyahu, the current prime minister of Israel, believes the madman. He is settled in his conviction that the risks to Israel from a nuclear Iran are unacceptable. There is NO DOUBT in my mind that he is preparing to extinguish Iran's nuclear facilities. Even if a coalition (that includes Russia and China) could be cobbled together, and if that coalition could muster enough chutzpah to effect harsh sanctions, and if this could be immediately effected and vigorously maintained (those are some very iffy "ifs."), there may not be enough time for such measures to achieve the desired effect. Netanyahu knows this, and also has reason (justified in my mind) to think that President Obama will not support the military action he is planning. He is alone, the clock is ticking, and he believes the madman.

There is a high probability that Israel will launch an attack against Iran in the near future. There is also a high probability that Iran will lob a nuclear warhead into Israel as soon as it is able. It is unclear who will take action first. But let's be clear about about this: Throwing firebrands is the madman's trademark. He may disguise his intentions even by feigning affability, but he is prepared to deal in death. Brace yourselves!

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows and death, so is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, “Was I not joking?” (Prov. 26:18-19).

Not Your Grandma's World

A profound demographic shift is transforming the western world. Birth control (with great dependance on abortion) was supposed to solve the problem of global over-population. Instead, it has doomed our grand children to live in a culture increasingly dominated by Islamic influence. This video is a clear and concise summary of what is happening. How does its insight into our future affect what you do today?

Who's Got Your Number?

Sometime in the future a very powerful smart idol will "encourage" allegiance to a charismatic world leader. Most folks will receive this encouragement as an offer that cannot be refused. A few will see past the hocus-pocus, declining to join the fan club despite the cost: These are the overcomers who are victorious over the beast (the antichrist) and his image - see previous post for more info.

But there is a third facet to their victory. In Revelation 15:2, we learn that they are also victorious over "the number of his name." Now how do you achieve victory over a number? To answer that question let's consider Revelation 13:16-18, which declares: And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six (Rev. 13:16-18).

Lots of energy has been consumed in attempting to make a positive ID on the number "666." It seems warranted because of the exhortation to "calculate" this number and the tantalizing prospect that someone who solves this high-stakes Sudoku puzzle "gets it," he understands. So there has been no small amount of speculation about what it represents. I won't go into all the proposals; they are myriad.

I am of the opinion (and it is just an opinion) that solving the 666 puzzle will be impossible until we pass a certain juncture in future events. Once we pass that juncture, anyone with a biblically informed understanding will "get it" quite easily. There is a biblical precedent for this idea. On the night in which He was betrayed, Jesus explained, “But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them” (John 16:4). Jesus predicted future events knowing full well that his disciples couldn't possibly anticipate how they would be fulfilled. However, He did not provide this information so that they could predict what would happen in the future but recognize what was happening for what it was once it had occurred. His prophecy was not about prediction but recognition!

I think that the "triple six" number system will be immediately recognized (by overcomers) for what it is when it actually appears. The saints will experience an "aha" moment when they are blinded by the obviousness of what they see. But, today, in the season when "666" is not manifest, every attempt to predict what to look for is a subjective stab in the dark.

What we can say right now and with certainty is this: The possession of this number is a requirement for market participation. The beast "provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name" (Rev. 13:17). Can you imagine having to survive in our modern world without buying and selling? I don't care how "off the grid" you live, buying and selling is still critical to your existence. Someday in the future, without a "beast mark" issued in the form of a name or number, you will be on your own.

So why would anyone refuse such a number. According to Revelation 14:9, receipt of a "beast mark" is a clear declaration of loyalty to this coming charismatic world leader and a declaration of opposition toward God: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (Rev. 14:9-10). Anyone with the spiritual eyesight to see the issues clearly would realize that "taking a number" is a choice to keep the pantry stocked at the cost of incurring God's wrath! This is a no-brainer!

The "third victory" of the overcomer is a refusal to align himself with the antichrist even though it means his exclusion from the marketplace. When the time comes and when everyone around him thinks having a triple six makes perfect sense, he will KNOW this is a course defined by perfect stupidity. When told to "take a number," he will respond without hesitation, "Take a hike!"

Ain't No Scary Idol Gonna Break Me!

In a previous post, I talked about how modern technology could solve the age-old problem of dumb idols. Until now, a man might dress up a tree, call it his god, and start consulting it for guidance. There's just one problem, his idol is dumb! In the future, perhaps the near future, the "right hand man" of a charismatic world leader, will solve this problem by inventing the ultimate smart idol.

Here's a preview of his accomplishment. I have inserted in square brackets some descriptions that will help you sort out who's who. "And he [the right hand man] deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast [the charismatic Jesus hater], telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast [the charismatic Jesus hater] who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And it was given to him [the right hand man] to give breath to the image of the beast [living representation of the Jesus hater], so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed" (Rev. 13:14-15).

Talk about a scary idol. This one doesn't just LOOK menacing, it IS menacing! It is sentient and  intelligent. It speaks! It is capable of using these endowments to discriminate between supporters and opponents of the charismatic Jesus hater AND can effect the execution of those opponents. Needless to say, most folks will "get religion" from an encounter with this bad boy. The religion they will be "getting" is fawning allegiance to the Jesus hater.

It is this understanding which helps us make sense of Revelation 15:2: "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God" (Rev. 15:2). There will a group of people who successfully oppose the living image's attempt to intimidate them. I have said it before, and will say it again: The overcomer has within him the power to discern that giving allegiance to the Jesus hater is the stupidest thing a man could do. The overcomer will be able to see through all the hype and PR that everyone else has bought into. He will stand firm in that conviction, even when a talking idol utters very real threats like, "Off with his head!"

It will be worth it: "And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4).

Overcomers and Drop-Outs

Yesterday, we made two observations. (1) The term, "overcomer," that is used in the book of Revelation is simply another title for a "true Christian." (2) The overcomer is willing to die for his faith. He loves the Lord more than life itself and overcomes by thwarting others' attempts to compromise that love. This seems clear enough. But we have to ask, "Is someone who fails to 'overcome' because he denies the Lord not a 'true Christian?'" Our notion of what constitutes a "normal believer" doesn't seem to include this courage that thunders, "Die before deny!" Isn't the whole martyr gig for the Stephen's of the world, and surely not the stuff of ordinary Joes for Jesus?

It is common in today's church to encourage people to pray a "sinner's prayer." It's a good idea! But the simplicity of this moment has potential to reinforce a really bad idea, "Insurance Policy Salvation." When a man says, "Yea, I prayed 'the prayer' a long time ago so I'm good with the man upstairs," it is appropriate to ask if that prayer was about getting fire insurance or the day a fire for God got started! A man can receive salvation in such a moment of prayer, but if he truly has been saved, we ought to be able to see some changes. James would say that faith without works is dead. Faith without change is lifeless faith. Living faith changes a man.

The true state of a man's faith is not always obvious. True, the Lord knows those who are His. But, we can be fooled. Even an apostle like John admits to being taken in, for a time, by some pretenders: They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us (1 John 2:19). There were some in the congregation who gave the appearance of being the real thing. But only when they bailed from the fellowship to pursue an agenda of opposing Christ were their true colors revealed. Perhaps these pretenders "prayed the prayer," but they demonstrated the falseness of that prayer by their actions.

The overcomer is the real deal. Striking evidence is provided by his willingness to be steadfast when following Christ is accomplished by carrying a cross. True believers are willing to die for Jesus. I don't hear this principle talked about much in our pulpits. Not a good sign! It ought to be preached - because it conveys something profoundly encouraging. A marketing slogan queries, "Is it in you?" For the true believer, the answer is a resounding "yes," and we're not talking about sugar water. When someone genuinely surrenders to Christ, he receives the capacity to stand for Christ despite the cost. If you know Jesus, then the capacity to "overcome" is in you. You can do this!

What Overcomers Overcome

Each of the seven churches addressed in Revelation chapters 2-3 receives an "overcomer promise." Here's one: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God” (Rev 2:7).

The other six promises have a similar three part format. (1) They are each preceded by a call for careful consideration, "He who has an ear, let him hear...." (2) The condition is identified by the phrase "To him who overcomes." (3) The result for those who successfully overcome is a profound benefit, although it is variously described as "eat of the tree of life," "not be hurt by the second death," receive "hidden manna, ...a white stone, and a new name," receive "authority over the nations," be made a "pillar in the temple of My God...," and granted to "sit down with Me on my throne." All of these promises are associated with the "finish line" that is described in the last two chapters of the book, chapters 21-22.

A road-map shows what to expect and how to prepare for the journey. Revelation is just such a road-map. The drama that plays out in Revelation 4-20 describes events "before the finish." It identifies the obstacles that will cause some to fail. It points out critical route markers that will indicate when the goal is near. It provides exactly the information an aspiring overcomer could use to great advantage in his journey to the finish line.

So who is an overcomer? View one: This term is synonymous with a "true Christian?" Or, view two, this is a description of a super saint who rises above the norm? View one is preferable. The benefits offered the "overcomer" are no different from what is promised to the true follower of Jesus. If the benefit, "eat of the tree of life," for example, is only available to super saints, where does that leave the less than super saints? Not in a very good place! Conclusion: The fact that the successful overcomer is promised benefits which are extended to all genuine disciples of Jesus tells me that "overcomer" is simply another term for a "true Christian."

Holding this position does raise a sobering question. Some of the characteristics of an overcomer seem to surpass what we would consider "normal" Christianity. For example, the overcomer is one who "keeps my deeds until the end" Rev. 2:26). The overcomer is compared to Jesus who "overcame" by completing His earthly mission (Rev. 3:21), a mission that culminated in His death. In Rev 12:11, overcomers are described as those who "did not love their life even when faced with death." Overcomers don't seem to overcome death, indeed, their victory is somehow secured in death. So what, exactly, does the overcomer overcome? Rev. 15:2 answers that the overcomers' victory is "over the beast, and his image, and the number of his name." The overcomer might not beat death (although he will beat the "second death!"), but he beats the beast at his game of compelling allegiance to himself.

It is not possible to appreciate these verses without concluding that the overcomer represents the true Christian, but his true Christianity includes a surpassing devotion to the Lord. The overcomer shows us that a true believer is willing to die for his faith. His is a simple and uncompromised devotion: He loves the Lord more than life itself. He would rather die than deny his Savior.

An Apocalyptic "Smart Idol"

What would church be like if the morning message was delivered by the "Serminator?" Would it be an improvement to consult a cyborg "Bible answer man" who can instantly answer all of your questions? How will "technological progress" affect "the worship service of the future?"

We have smart bombs and smart home technology. Wait till you see the new "smart idol!" Some time in the foreseeable future, a religious leader called the "false prophet" will arise who assists a powerful governmental leader called "the antichrist" or "the beast." One of the great accomplishments of the false prophet will be creation of a "smart idol," an image of the beast that is capable of breathing and speaking. The achievement will be impressive enough to promote worship of the beast.

In a previous post, we noted that the inability of idols to speak diminishes their appeal. By solving this problem, the false prophet will take worship of the antichrist to a whole new level. Here's the Apostle John's warning about what to expect:

And he [the false prophet] deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast [the antichrist], telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And it was given to him [the false prophet] to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed (Rev. 13:14-15).

This image appears to be a living thing, it speaks, and it kills. The Terminator series has already introduced us to the idea. The false prophet will take the idea and make it real in the world in which we now live. I do not know if this will be achieved through technology or something supernatural. But it will be utterly remarkable. Most men will be enthralled by the beast and captivated by his image. Those who see it for what it is, will discern a connection with the numbers 6-6-6, will be excluded from participation in the marketplace, and will be marked for extermination. The smart idol of the future will not be very tolerant. How politically incorrect!

Could a Terminator Reinvent Idolatry?

The fourth installment of the Terminator movie series is scheduled for release this May. Although the storyline of each movie reflects slightly different time-lines, a computer with artificial intelligence that realizes self awareness is central to each plot. This is not the first time men have spun tales about "when good inventions go bad." Frankenstein fits the profile, as does HAL in Space Odyssey, and a host of lesser lights from sci-fi movies screened during the cold war. But the Terminator series (and a TV spin-off, The Sarah Conner Chronicles) has made the possibility of men creating sentient beings seem believable.

Should the believable become real, a key stumbling block to idolatry would be removed. In yesterday's post, Idols are Dumb, we observed that the attraction of idolatry (which is self-worship) is compromised by the fact that an idol can't speak. So, when a man build's an idol to sing his praises, it bites that said idol has nothing to say!

What if a man could construct an image that speaks? And what if that image could declare the praises of his creator? And what if that image could come up with other witty things to say based upon its superior intelligence? An idol that speaks and is smart - what would men do if they beheld and heard such a thing? I am confident that virtually everyone would be totally smitten by the thing.

Idols are Dumb!

In the book of Revelation, we are introduced to a future form of idolatry. Some of the predictions in John's apocalyptic vision make sense to the modern mind. But idol worship? Surely thoughtful men with an appreciation for science are beyond the appeal of idolatry. Idols are for superstitious souls who imagine misfortune as a sign the gods are angry. How is it that idolatry could make a big comeback in man's future?

Let's be clear about two things. First, the spirit of idolatry is found in self-worship. Isaiah got to the heart of the matter:

    Their land has also been filled with idols;
    They worship the work of their hands,
    That which their fingers have made (Isa. 2:8).

All idolatry is a form of self admiration in which one praises himself by praising his work. A man's accomplishment could be as simple as a stone image or something vastly more sophisticated. But regardless of an idol's form, idol worship is always self-worship.

Second, all idols have a down-side. They can't talk! The OT prophet Habakkuk found the fact that idols are dumb more than a little amusing:

"What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all inside it. But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him” (Hab. 2:18-20).

Men should be quiet and listen when God talks! But idols don't, so men have to do all the talking. This is definitely the downside to idolatry - a man ends up muttering to himself. The appeal of idolatry (self-praise) would surely go up if idols weren't mute. This is precisely what makes the "new idolatry" of Revelation an amazing innovation. Get ready for "idolatry reinvented." More tomorrow!

What Cog is Gog?

The prophesy against Gog and Magog begs the question, "When will these things be?" For a summary of "these things" read yesterday's post and Ezekiel 38-39. A leader named Gog will invade Israel with a coalition army looking for precious metals and commodities. He will fully expect to wipe Israel off the map. But, he will only succeed in rousing God to Israel's defense. Gog will be the one caught by surprise and seriously outgunned. When the dust has all settled, God predicts, "The house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God" (39:22). God also declares, "I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel" (39:29).

From the perspective of the present, there are two key periods of future history. "The tribulation" will be an unprecedented time of earthly turmoil marked by famine, natural disasters, economic crises, and religious persecution. When Jesus returns to earth, his "second coming" will end the tribulation and begin "the millennium," a period of unprecedented world peace and prosperity. Within this framework, modern students of the Bible have proposed five possible locations for Gog's invasion and defeat. I have positioned each by number within the time-line represented above.

Why the broad range of opinions? All of these views struggle to deal with two key features of the prophesy against Gog. For one, Israel is said to be dwelling in peace and security at the time of the invasion. For two, God's defeat of Gog's coalition seems to be something of a "last battle," the extinction of Israel's enemies and the full realization of God's fellowship with Israel. So the scenario associated with each view must include Israel at peace before the invasion (the "dwelling in peace" test), God's dramatic intervention (the "decisive victory" test), and full enjoyment of God's blessings for Israel after the invasion (the "new day" test).

View one seems to inform the works of Joel Rosenberg and Tim LaHaye. I am not sure how peacefully Israel currently dwells in the land, but let's assume that view one meets the "dwelling in peace" test. I still have serious doubt that the beginning of the tribulation can be construed as a decisive victory or a new day (tests two and three). The tribulation will be the worst of times for Israel; many will be martyred, many more persecuted. In which case, I do not find view one particularly compelling. This does not annul the possibility that Russia and Iran could form an alliance in our day. It simply means that Ezekiel 38-39 is not the predictor of such an occurrence.

Of the fives views, I favor number 5. It well satisfies all three tests. Interestingly, in the book of Revelation there is a reference to an event that sounds strikingly similar to Ezekiel 38-39:

When the thousand years [millennium] are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them (Rev. 20:7-9).

From the dawn of human history, sin has created bad blood between brothers. Perhaps Gog's invasion will be the last chapter in this sad story that began with Cain and Abel. Noah had three sons, one of whom was Japheth. Japheth had seven sons including three named Magog, Tubal, and Meshech. In Ezekiel's prophecy, Gog is the leader of the three people groups bearing these precise names. Their grudge is against Israel, the people group descended from Jacob a descendant of Japheth's brother, Shem. At its root, Gog's invasion is an outworking of a rivalry between Japheth and Shem.

How much of this future rivalry did Noah see when he blessed these two sons: "Blessed be the Lord, The God of Shem. ...May God enlarge Japheth, And let him dwell in the tents of Shem" (Gen. 9:26-27). When Gog decides to invade Israel and seize what belongs to a people dwelling in peace, the God of Shem and of Israel will say "enough is enough." When this happens, it will mark the end for Magog, Meshech, and Tubal, the people associated with three of Japheth's seven sons, and any who align with them to defy God, the Defender of Israel.

Shock and Awe for Gog and Magog

A prophecy against Gog and Magog is recorded in Ezekiel 38 and 39. It was written by the prophet Ezekiel while in exile in Babylon during the 6^th century BC. He described a bold invasion of Israel that ends in the complete annihilation of the invaders at the hands of God.  What can we learn from Ezekiel's prophecy about this invasion?

First, let's check out the roster. Gog seems to be a king, and Magog his home turf. Gog is also the "rosh prince," or chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. We cannot rule out the possibility that there is a Russian connection to Gog and Magog. Their attack on Israel does come from "the remote parts of the north" (Ezek 38:7). The coalition Gog cobbles together will include nations from all four sides of Israel: Iran (Persia) to the east, Sudan and northern Ethiopia (Cush) to the south, Libya (Put) to the West, and Turkey (Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Beth Togarmah) to the North.

What is the sequence of events? Gog has a deep seated antagonism toward God and will be drawn toward a final showdown in Israel. The invasion will be motivated by a desire for "plunder," specifically for the precious metals of gold and silver and basic commodities that include cattle and "goods" (38:13). Gog will perceive that conditions are favorable to his success based on two strategic advantages. (1) Israel has negligible defensive assets. They are at peace with their neighbors and live securely (38:8, 11, 14). Israel dwells "at rest" in unwalled villages and without rudimentary defensive systems like bars and gates. Gog considers Israel easy pickin's. (2) He has also assembled a massive army capable of quick mobilization (38:9, 15). He believes he and his innumerable allies can bring a whole new meaning to the phrase, "shock and awe."

Gog, however, will make one fatal error of judgment. In his planning for war, He will factor God out of his calculations. Big mistake! God will take "shock and awe" to a level beyond Gog's comprehension. Some of the weapons at God's disposal will include a devastating earth-quake, pestilence, torrential rain, hail, fire, and brimstone (38:19, 22). God will lay down a dense blanket of the fog of war and create confusion in which Gog's invaders turn on themselves (38:21).

Gog will discover himself wholly unprepared for God's counter-attack. His invasion will become his Waterloo, Israel's miraculous deliverance, and the complete end of Gog's entire army. Israel will seize spoil from the fallen invaders and destroy their war materiel by fire (39:9-10). A massive valley in Israel (perhaps the one pictured above) will become the location for the burial of Gog's entire invasion force (39:11). The task of burying the dead will take seven months to complete (39:12)!

There are two statements that capture the final outcome of this crowning moment in Israel's future: "And the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God from that day onward" (39:22); "I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel" (39:29).

No event in history comes close to matching the details of this account, so it hasn't happened yet. The only time marker we are provided in Ezekiel 38-39 is that the invasion will occur "after many days" and "in the latter years" (38:8). Based on what we know from the rest of the Bible about future events, can we pinpoint "Gog's invasion" within this biblical framework?

Agog Over Gog and Magog

Epicenter, the book and companion DVD by Joel C. Rosenberg, allows us a peek behind the curtain. The author explores and explains the connections to prophesy, history, and current events informing the plot lines of his best selling political thrillers. Here's a link to Joel Rosenberg's blog, if you want to learn more about his thinking. He was also a guest on Glenn Beck yesterday marketing his latest, Inside the Revolution.

In 2000, Mr. Rosenberg observed an alliance forming between Russia and Iran. This unprecedented development prompted him to retrieve a book he had read almost ten years earlier, The Coming Peace in the Middle East, by Tim LaHaye. According to Rosenberg, Coming Peace described "a coming period of security and prosperity in Israel, followed by the rise of a military alliance between Russia, Iran, and a group of other Islamic countries that would target Israel and drive the world to the brink of the apocalypse in what Ezekiel described as 'the last days'" (Epicenter, p. 24). Dr. LaHaye found the basis for this understanding in his interpretation of the "prophesy against Gog," found in Ezekiel 38-39. Mr. Rosenberg was intrigued; "If the rebirth and re-population of Israel described in Ezekiel 36 and 37 were coming true in my lifetime, was it not at least remotely possible that the peace and prosperity - and future war and divine rescue - described in chapters 38 and 39 could soon come true as well?" (p. 29).

This view that Ezekiel 38-39 is describing "the next big thing" on a prophetic time-table informs Mr. Rosenberg's writings. Is this the right spot in time to connect this prophesy? It's a great question that we will speak to in tomorrow's post. But first let's make a few preliminary observations.

The pinpoint accuracy of biblical prophecy does not become obvious until after the fact. Here is a great case in point from the Light-Work Resource Collection. From our vantage point in history, Daniel 9:1-21 is breath-taking as you line up each verse with a four century time-line of middle eastern history. But for those living in the 4^th or 5^th century BC, they could only speculate about how each new development might play out according to Daniel's predictions. This is the speculative challenge Mr. Rosenberg faces. He has written novels "about how the Ezekiel scenario could unfold" (p. 29). How Ezekiel 38 and 39 are actually fulfilled  might be much different. But IF they were fulfilled "next," his scenario's are plausible.

Prophesy rarely provides time markers that allow us to discern WHEN a particular event will occur. Prophesy tells us WHAT will happen, but generally leaves us in the dark about WHEN. This is a function of prophesy's purpose: It is not intended to equip us to become "junior prophets" who predict the dates of future events. Prophesy invites us to get ready for what will happen without knowing exactly when. And it encourages us that God is in control when events unfold just as predicted.

Before checking tomorrow's post, read Ezekiel 38-39. Make some summary observations about WHAT will happen and we'll compare notes tomorrow.

Wow, Wampum, Win, or Whack?

Yesterday, a L-W regular spotted an intriguing connection: The Obama Administration's "help" for domestic automakers comes from the same mold as Nebuchadnezzar's image. King Neb was king of the ancient world's leading superpower in the sixth century BC. One night he saw a spectacular statue in his dreams. The four sections of the statue represented a succession of four kingdoms. Each was associated with a specific commodity, gold with Babylon, silver with Medo-Persia, bronze with Greece, and iron and clay with Rome.

In a sermon series on the book of Daniel a few years ago, I observed that these metallic associations well captured the leadership philosophy of each empire. Here's my summary from one of the sermon slides. Please note that I have used the tried and true preacher's tactic of beginning each point with the same letter - I'm sure you're impressed:

• Gold /Wow!  Using spectacle and “dazzle” to inspire people to follow
• Silver / Wampum!  Using money to purchase allegiance
• Bronze / Win!  Using superior strength to overcome opposition
• Iron / Whop!  Using terror / fear to crush men’s will to resist

So, which approach best summarizes the administration's plan to limit consumers to "responsible" automotive choices? For the auto manufacturer, the government is using wampum as leverage. Toward the consumer, the government is bent on winning. Consumers want one thing, the government wants another. By using its wampum-based influence over the manufacturers, the administration limits consumers to choices it deems "responsible." Whatever choice the consumer makes constitutes an administration victory. Won't this be fun!

Is Planet Earth the Bullpen or the Tryout?

AP is in a small group discussing The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and has a question: Is living according to God's purposes here on planet earth "practice" for what we will do in heaven? Great question!

Life in heaven shares some characteristics with life on earth. For example, the concept of stewardship is evident in both realms. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of the unjust servant. He does so to extol the virtue of living for eternity (Luke 16:9). He reinforces His appeal with this statement: “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?” (Luke 16:11). Life on earth and life in heaven share this characteristic - they are both realms in which men and women are entrusted with responsibilities. Luke 16:11 even declares that how well one fulfills those responsibilities on earth determines his suitability for a greater level of responsibility in heaven.

I think that calling earthly stewardship "practice" has some merit - clearly stewards are doing something on earth that is preparation for something similar they will do in heaven. But there is another notion that attaches to the term "practice" that COULD be a bit misleading. "Practice" refers to activity in which you don't keep score as you prepare for the occasions when you will. Think of the bullpen at the ballpark where that relief pitcher is warming up. This idea doesn't fit with an earthly exercise of stewardship wherein God is clearly keeping score and evaluating our effectiveness. Luke 16:11 sounds more like a "tryout" than a "practice:" Our conduct as stewards in the management of earthly resources determines our suitability to be "moved up to the majors."

I am not sure what term would best capture this nuance. Until we come up with a suitable word, you might want to hold "practice" alongside these important clarifications.

1. There are some aspects to life on earth that are echoes of life in heaven: Stewardship, work, rest, and worship are four that come to mind. Let's call these "shared aspects."
2. There are other aspects to life on earth that will not be encountered in heaven: Marriage, disciple-making, and fighting the old sin nature are three. Let's call these "unique aspects."
3. Some aspects to life on earth will be experienced in heaven but in a profoundly altered way. For example, on earth "spiritual growth" centers on character transformation. This process will be completed when we see Jesus face to face. But there will still be room for growth of another kind, growth in knowledge and understanding. Surely in heaven we will know God truly, but not exhaustively. Perhaps in eternity we will continue to grow as we learn more about our God with each passing aeon. Let's call these "redirected aspects."
4. All shared aspects like stewardship, work, rest, and worship will be experienced in heaven in a greater way. Everything of life in heaven that echoes life in the new earth will be deeper, richer, and more glorious. By this reckoning, the earthly may seem to be little more than a warmup for the real deal that is eternity.
5. Our experience of life in heaven will reflect the ways in which we have lived for His pleasure in all aspects (shared, unique, and redirected) of our lives on planet earth. On this count, how we have lived our lives on planet earth will matter more than anything!

Yes, life on earth is practice for eternity. But it is also the proof of where you belong. It is both bullpen and tryout.