FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
Suggested Reading: Revelation 13
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This is station 7 on the Via Dolorosa (Latin, "Way of Suffering"). It is a street in two parts within the Old City of Jerusalem, believed to be the actual pathway that Jesus walked, carrying His cross on the way to His crucifixion. Today's key verse tells us of "The Lamb slain before the foundation of the world." In point of time it happened on the Cross, but God operates outside time. God, who is "Love" (1 John 4:8b) is also the One "Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty"!!! (Revelation 1:8b).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 13:8
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…
Two “beasts” appear in this chapter. It is quite characteristic of apocalyptic visions for animals to symbolize human beings. In this instance, we see (in verse 18) that the beast is a man, for he has a “man’s number.”
For many readers, the book of Revelation is dominated by the number “666.” And all kinds of attempts have been made to “calculate the number of the beast” to discover his identity, but I think John wants it to remain an enigma. It is beyond the scope of this brief commentary to review some of the more creditable efforts to unravel the mystery.
The important thing to keep in mind is the expectation of a powerful, charismatic leader who will appear on the world stage and dominate it (or “exercise his authority” – verse 5) for “forty-two months.” For that period of time he has total control “over every tribe, people, language and nation” (verse 7). What is more, he has a side-kick who acts on his behalf with awesome signs and wonders (verses 13-15), who is so effective and intimidating that he is able to “deceive the inhabitants of the earth” (verse 14). Why, he can even make a statue of his boss talk! He also imposes a strict economic policy on the people of the world, so that only those who “receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead” are able to buy and sell (verses 16-17).
These two beasts have become known as the “Antichrist” and the “False Prophet.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, Your One and Only Son, Jesus, our Messiah, suffered the most excruciating death ever devised by man and by Satan. Dear Jesus, You took upon Yourself, because of Your infinite love, all the sin and wrong I’ve done and will ever do. I pray for a deeper understanding of the ways in which I can serve You with greater love and faithfulness than ever. In Your strong Name I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When I read the horror-filled words John used to try to describe what he saw, I cannot help but think that while there is disaster yet to come, Jesus has already won the eternal victory over sin, death, Satan, and Hell! Jesus shouted just before His death, “It is finished!!!” I remember that the event of the cross, while inside time, is not limited by time, but covers my past, present and future, as it does for the entire human race.
Jim and Kathy Cantelon, who lived for seven years in Jerusalem, have often walked the Via Dolorosa as I have done on visits to Israel. They will understand my story here. On one occasion in 1968, I stopped along the “Way of Suffering” at “Gabatha,” the “Pavement” stones which covered the courtyard of the Roman Governor where Jesus was beaten so severely. It’s located below the present road beneath a convent. The sister who took us down to the level of the street from Jesus’ time was very unemotional and matter of fact as she gave us the details of the place. The next time I visited, the same sister was totally different. With tears in her eyes she began to sing, “He is Lord. He is Lord. He is risen from the dead and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!” I said to her, “Sister what has happened to you? You are so different now than the last time you took us here.” She answered, “O, I know Him now!” She had experienced the power of the Holy Spirit revealing Jesus at a local prayer meeting, and her life was transformed from one of religious activities into a vibrant living relationship with Jesus! This experience happened to me as a 16 year old. I’ve never been the same either.
Yours for moving from religion to relationship with the living resurrected Lord Jesus!!!
David
A closer view of station 7 on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem.
Praying Father, to know you more and trust You like never before! To rest in the assurance of salvation and eternal life. To glorify and magnify your presence. To be aware of Your still small voice, and experience the joy and freedom of placing You above all worldly matters. Thank you for these promises and for peace and restoration in our lives! Amen!
Amen David
Amen, David M. and David, fellow blogger. Please pray for me in some decisions I am trying to make now. Thanks and God bless you all.
I pray for God’s voice to lead and guide you in every decision you need to make. I pray and believe that peace will be your guiding force. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Amen. Listen to your heart, Ger. Wisdom will follow. Gods blessings!
Dear sisterGer, may you hear God’s voice of wisdom leading you in the decisions you need to make. Be at peace, He has your answers. God bless.
May our good Lord be at the fore front of that decision you are trying to make, In Jesus name. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father: We bring Ger before you right now. We pray that You would lead and guide her in the decisions she needs to make. As she comes before You in prayer, may she feel Your presence and may You give her clear understanding and wisdom in the decisions she needs to make. We give You all the praise, glory and honour, in Jesus Name, Amen!!
Amen to your Prayer For Today DM.
I know the experience of moving from religion to relationship with Jesus, our heavenly Father. What peace and joy! I’m sure we will all come to this if we aren’t already there, like the nun in Jerusalem. Such an amazing story DM. Thank you for sharing.
Station 7 pics are lovely.
I pray for all troubled souls this glorious Spring day. May they find peace and reassurance in the knowledge that God hears their pleas and will act upon them with His infinite judgement and love.
If I lived today for me
the darkness would overshadow all the light
and I would have no strength to face a minute of my life.
If I lived today to fulfill a creed
to obey rules long broken by others better than me
I would have no hope of ever being free.
If I lived today striving to prove my worth to all
to demonstrate my abilities, talents and skills
I would have no joy for imperfection and failure would kill.
But if I live with Jesus
intimacy abounding with grace
I can find the courage to finish running the race
So circumstances may try me
and my sorrows may multiply
But I will never be lost or lonely with my friend, Lord Jesus by my side
Lovely Donna, thanks for sharing your heart. Bless you this day.
Indeed Donna
Thank you sister Donna ,your poem is a soothing breeze and such great comfort for each of us .
God bless you .
Carole.
Thanks for your prayer Pastor David. I lift my voice to praise you Lord and as I read John’s vision, which can be frightening, I rest in the knowledge I am your child. I pray I will continue to hear you though the Word and keep my eyes focused on The One Lamb of God who suffered and died to save me.
Thank you Jesus for your great sacrifice.
Wonderful pictures Reynold!
Amen
The story of that sister makes me question myself in a way ‘are my just in a religion or in a relationship with Christ?’ Sometimes I do feel like I am only in a religion and most times I actually can convince myself that I am in a relationship with Christ. I don’t know if the feeling is supposed to be steady… Please help out. Either ways, I am certain that I want to be in a relationship with Christ and Love Him and put Him first in all that I say, think and do. May He grant the gift of the Holy Spirit to those of us who still feel confused some days. Amen!!
I was hoping for a deeper explanation for the mark of the beast. Love the pictures. You all have a blessed day.
A quick way to tell the difference between a religion and a relationship is this– religion tells you, you have to— relationship says, I want to. So if you think you have to pray you are following a religion, if you want to pray, you’re in a relationship. If you go to church on Sunday because you think you have to, you are following a religion. If you want to go to service on Sunday you are in a relationship. If you read your Bible because you think you have to, you are following a religion, if you read your Bible because you want to that is relationship.
And like any other relationship you might not always “feel’ it”, to “know it” . For example I might not always feel like the best daughter to my mother, but I know I am her daughter, my feelings don’t change the relationship, but how I conduct myself within that relationship can affect the quality of how I experience that relationship.
Anyway I hope that helps.
Dear sister Donna , love your explanation , I will make a point of sharing it with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in church tomorrow night.
God bless you.
Carole.
Revelation is a very difficult book to comprehend. Thank you Jim & Kathy for your insights into Revelation.
I am believing that the saints will be taken away in the rapture before the Antichrist comes because I believe in pre-tribulation rapture of the church and followers of Christ. Hallelujah, PTL!!!!!
Yes Ruby, I agree with you WE are pre trib saints PTL …Keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the situation ,We are His children, He will grther us to Him Amen….R…
Dear Rev. David M.
I am so grateful for being guided through Revelation by such clear teaching from you , the Cantelons and all the fellow bloggers.
Heavenly Father , how very blessed we are to turn all our trials , tribulations , concerns to the One and Only Precious Lamb who shed His blood for us , took our sins , conquered the enemy and gave us The Holy Spirit , so thank you Lord , thank you Jesus now, let us bring Your Light to every darkness , hope where there seems to be none , Your perfect Love for those who are searching for You . All this in Your Precious Name . for Your Glory until Your Return, Amen.
PS… Dear sister Ger, may Our Wonderful Councelor guide you in your decision making .
THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU LORD FOR WHAT YOU ABOUT TO DO , ALL FOR YOUR GLORY , AMEN.
Have a blessed day everyone on this beautiful spring day
xoxoxo Carole.
Thank you Lynne, David, Catherine, Patricia, Ruby, Lynda and Carole. Your prayers are effective as I got courage and got some answers today already about service for the Lord Jesus. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness through your servants. God bless you saints!!
Hallelujah !!!
That is the God that I serve!! All glory and praise to Him for ever and ever!! Amen
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know “Thus saith the Lord”.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, O for grace to trust Him more!
Prof. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding…in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path!
We need not fear the future …for He is faithful and we can trust Him to the end!!!
Thank you Rev. David and Jim and Kathy for guiding us through Revelations!!
A most heatfelt thank you David and wonderful team for all the love, work and prayer you have put into this awesome projet. I have enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to continuing. May God bless you with excellent health, fresh revelations and annointing.
Will encourage many more to follow this devotional bible reading .
God bless Nicole