Sunday, May 18, 2014

THE KINGDOM

Suggested Reading: Revelation 11 

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The Red Basilica is a monumental ruined temple in the ancient city of Pergamos, now Bergama, in western Turkey. The temple was built by the Roman Empire, probably in the time of Emperor Hadrian and possibly on his orders. It is one of the largest Roman structures still surviving. This great empire obviously felt threatened by a 90-year-old Christian Jew named John, so much so that they arrested him, put him in prison, and then exiled him to an island so he could no longer preach on the streets of their cities. But they still could not silence him. There on that island he wrote the amazing book called, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ!"

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Revelation 11:15b

The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!

 

Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…

As John’s vision continues, he is given a measuring device and is told to “measure the temple of God and the altar” and to “count the worshippers there” (verse 1). He is also told not to measure the “outer court” because it has been given to “the Gentiles” who will “trample on the holy city for 42 months” (verse 2). Then the speaker refers to “my two witnesses” (the speaker is not named but I think we can assume it is Jesus) who will “prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth” (verse 3).

John goes on to say that these two witnesses are “two olive trees” and “two lampstands” who devour their enemies with fire that comes out of their mouths (verses 4, 5). Then, in verse 6, he calls them men, and in verses 7-12 we see them killed by a “beast that comes up from the Abyss”, and after three and a half days, they are resurrected and ascend “up to heaven in a cloud.”

The witnesses are not named, so I won’t speculate as to their identity (although some commentators build a case for them being Elijah and Moses). The beast is also not named, but we do know that this beast is the first of four referred to in the vision. The other three were the dragon (or Satan, 12:3), the beast with ten horns and seven heads (13:1), and the beast with two horns who spoke like a dragon (13:11). Apart from the variety of description, all these beasts are committed enemies of God. In this chapter, many commentators identify this beast with the Antichrist.

But the key verse (verse 15) is the focus of the chapter. The “kingdom of the world”, that is: Satan’s domain, will eventually give way to “the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” The Lamb will “begin to reign” (verse 17).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, rule and reign over my life here and now! You have given me the great honour to come into Your presence and speak with You in prayer…and You speak to me through Your Word, which I read daily. I pray for the ability to concentrate on what You have to say, and after I have listened carefully, I ask for grace to do that which pleases You! In the name of the One Who always pleased You, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Very early in my life, I knew that a king ruled over a kingdom. As a Canadian, our king was named George VI. He was my king for my first 16 years. I was confused as a little boy, because we had a Canadian Prime Minister called Mackenzie King. There was never any confusion in my mind as to the real King, the King of kings, Jesus Christ. As a family we bowed our heads and prayed before every meal and went to our knees after every meal to worship God and to pray for His blessings upon us. I never doubted that we were in the very presence of Almighty God! At least once every day my father would pray, “O God, may the smile of Your approval be upon our lives for this day!”

For several years I had the honour to serve as a judge in the awarding of the “Templeton Prize.” Among the prize winners were Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, Rabbi Jacobovitz (Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and the Commonwealth), Bill Bright, and others. The judges were invited each year to Buckingham Palace where the presentation was made to the winner. I discovered that there were ornately decorated rooms in the Palace representing every area of the world where Britain had once ruled. While their “Kingdom of this world” has been diminished greatly, the memories of an empire that once ruled over people on every continent were still there. The symbol of the “Lion,” depicting Great Britain’s power, seemed to be everywhere in and around the Palace. Look again at today’s key verse. The “Lamb” upon the throne! For some reason, I keep thinking over and over again of the nursery rhyme, “Mary had a little lamb.” Yes she did! The blessed Virgin Mary gave birth to “The Lamb of God!” A marvellous songwriter, Mark Lowry, who has often appeared on the 100 Huntley Street telecast, wrote a song called, Mary, Did You Know? Click here to listen to this song of profound and powerful truth.

Yours for Jesus’ reign forever and ever!!!,

David

P.S. What is Jesus’ Kingdom like? It’s described by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The stories and teachings written in the Gospels, which took place in between the birth of Jesus and His death, followed by His resurrection, are about His Kingdom rule here and now and in the world to come!!! I have a suggestion! This summer, set aside four days to read, non-stop if possible, one complete Gospel each day. I plan to do this in order to comprehend, in a fuller way, the eternal Kingdom!

A view from inside the Red Basilica in ancient Pergamos.

12 thoughts on “Sunday, May 18, 2014

  1. Revelation is becoming quite mind boggling now, perhaps intended to be so. One aspect is clear. The dominion, power and glory of our God rules over many fronts of evil and warfare. Your suggestion to read four gospels over four days each, would give us better kingdom perspective and sounds like good way to ground our journey through the next two years. I plan to read my bible this time and mark the key points throughout it. May our Lord’s strength and blessings continue to guide us throughout.

  2. So happy to be able to post a comment; computer problems of late; yesterday’s link with Stan Telchin was incredible!! What a testimony and I am so thankful to have a better understanding of the division between Jew and Christian. The photos have been amazing. So looking forward to the next two years with the blog. What a great idea to read one gospel for an entire day, David. The LAMB will REIGN! AMEN!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1DZA_TdBBI&hd=1

    Mary Did You Know CeeLo Green singing, with an excellent video showing the depiction of Jesus’ life

  3. What a revelation in today’s reading. I echo your comments David and Beverlee Kay. Will really enjoy our next 2-year study, the good Lord willing.
    Amen to your prayer for today DM.
    Am going to try your suggestion to read the four gospels mentioned.
    Blessings to all this Sabbath.

  4. The Lord after me praying about it that those 2 witnesses are also symbolic and them being also those 2 lamp stands are the Word and the the Holy Spirit, which both dwells in Jesus. Those 1269 days do come to about 3 years Jesus ministered on earth, then was killed and rose again up to heaven.!

  5. I am the same age as you. Also have had major health issues. Still going strong. I have totally enjoyed these past two years with you. Planning to stay with you so long as The Lord allows. Just thought I should add to the credit for the Mark Lowry song. He wrote the words for a drama in 1974. The music was written by Buddie Greene in the ’90s. He is also an amazing musician..on gaither a lot. Blessing

    • Thanks for the link/song. Points out the need to PRAY for America to remember God! Justin Trudeau has said no one who is pro-life can be a new candidate in the next election….which will impact who is making decisions down the road. Pray!

  6. Thank you Pastor David for the challenge to read the four Gospels in four days. I will endeavor to do so, and ask The Spirit’s guidance in taking it all in. I look forward to studying once again with everyone. Appreciate very much your prayer Pastor and the links to the song.

    I am glad I am Child of The Most High God!! Sabbath blessings to all.

  7. Catching up! I took note of your nephew Chris’ need for prayer Beverlee. Reynold and Kathy’s interview with Stan Telchin was so informative and would love to read his book, “Abandoned.” Take up your challenge, David about reading the Gospels. Gives meaning to the verse in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Trust all is well on this Lord’s Day.

  8. Mary had a little Lamb, His fleece was white as snow and everywhere that Mary went the Lamb was sure to go. He followed her to school one which was against the rule; He made the children laugh and play to see a Lamb in school.
    The Lamb is not allowed in school these days either!!!
    to make the children laugh and play….

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