FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
Today’s 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.
Thank you for sharing that story and prayer with us, David, and photos, Reynold. To be walking on those paved stones, where Jesus walked, but in turmoil on the land where He was tortured and suffered for us. Oh, thank You, Jesus! Indeed, God’s timing is not of this world. Our God is love; the One “Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Amen! I can say with all certainty, I am not looking forward to the pre-tribulation coming of the Anti-Christ and False Prophet. We hold onto our Rock. God’s blessings, dearest saints, in the Lord.
“You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 118:28-29 ESV
Unspoken – Call It Grace (Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPVLXDuHpj4
Amen Pastor David And Beverlee. Have a blessed day everyone.
Thank-you pastor Mainse for this daily devotional Bible study and Beverlee for your comments and links.
Amen David! I am reading Revelation out loud believing I am blessed by doing so (Rev 1:3)! In all the mystery of this book I hold one thing close- when I am forced to receive a mark on my hand or forehead I will REFUSE!!! Blessings to all!
Thankfully we true believers will have been raptured and will be with Jesus in heaven when the antichrist & false prophet is having their way on the earth during the 42 months of the great tribulation.
Thank you Lord Jesus for suffering for me and taking on all my sins, past, present and future. Thank you also Pastor David for leading us and teaching us in the Word. Blessings to all.
Amen!! to every comment above.
God is good and His mercy & love endures forever, praise His Holy Name, Amen!!
Coming from, and being raised in the UK Greek Orthodox faith/church…I can relate to the sister’s first manner and presentation…and then, when in 1970, I received Jesus into my heart and was born again and filled with the Holy Spirit and was set free…I can relate to your second meeting with the sister and the difference in her manner and her presentation.
Praise God, Thank You Jesus for setting me free from the past and making me a new creation in You!!
In 1975 and then again in 2001, I recall walking on those stones, also visiting the various sites spoken of by you Pastor David, and the beautiful photos by you Reynold are a reminder of those times.
The Book of the Revelation of Christ could be scary, especially some of the middle chapters;
but Praise God for His Great Love for us, His children…Is 43:1b “Fear not; for I have redeemed you , I have called you by your name; you are mine.
Is 43: 5a “Fear Not: for I am with you:”
This chapter reminds me of how personalities or leaders in our current society – is unheard of – all of sudden rises in prominence in world leadership – and suddenly it seems everyone gravitates towards him and accepts their leadership and their lofty words…or those, who come on the scene and seem to ‘do wonders’. Sometimes just flowing with the crowd-type of thinking. I think this chapter represents ‘a caution’ – be careful of who we so readily accept because of their charismatic-type of personality. Truly, we need to have the gift of discernment – “a discerning spirit” – even in our world and society today.
Just a word to “Sah’: I read yesterday’s scripture and blog comments today as I was not able to do so yesterday. We can only do what we can do with God’s help. The reading is suppose to be a means to encouraging our spirit in the Lord and not a burden. So, to some, the readings are heavy duty. So, It is ok to express your opinions or frustration about trying to keep up with the Bible Reading. Only you know what you are able to handle. I think Beverlee was just trying to say that it was important to have a daily time with the Lord. But, like everything else, if we feel something is too much, we have to adjust so that whatever we are doing is not burdensome. We are not under law. We are under the precious grace of God – and God knows our hearts and he loves us ‘with no strings attached”. So, Sah, be encouraged, and just do whatever you can even if it is reading the key verse of the daily scriptures or read parts of the chapter and catch up later. Whether it be a few verses or a whole chapter, whether morning, noon or night. It is the relationship with the Lord that counts. He knows that your heart belongs to him and that you love Him. I am reminded of one of my favourite verses: Psalm 29:11 “The Lord will give STRENGTH to His people; the Lord will bless His people with PEACE”. God knows our circumstances – He knows how much we can handle – He knows that we love Him. Sometimes, it is just being quiet – receiving his strength – experiencing his peace. Sometimes, as Christians, we lay heavy burdens upon ourselves. Do this – do that – do something else. But, the work of Christ is DONE! He did it all for me. It is just great to sometimes be quiet before the Lord and ” rest” in Jesus and let the Holy Spirit renew and lift our spirits.
May God bless, encourage and strengthen every blogger whatever the circumstances any of us may be facing. The good thing about the blog is that it is a fellowship circle where we can from time to time share our burdens or frustrations, join in praying for each other or special prayer requests or just enjoy the link we have with each other even though we have never met. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) -Samuel
Amen, Pastor Samuel!
Amen,Pastor Samuel
I am really enjoying and understanding Revelations so much more this time through. Thank you for taking only a short passage each day and including good commentary and then Pastor David adding the 100 words and thoughtful prayer too.
Mr. Mainse if you read this blog I am requesting that you give consideration to posting 5 days a week! The program is on TV 5 days a week, and in some cases only 3 times a week depending on the time!