READ, LOOK, LISTEN

Today’s Reading: Revelation 14 

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

One of the many sculptures in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome depicts a woman reading the Bible. John XXIII began changes which would have encouraged reformers such as Martin Luther. He issued a revolutionary statement. He told his people to “READ THE BIBLE!”

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

Key Verse: Revelation 14:3a

They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders…

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

John now shifts from a description of the beast and his worshippers (chapter 13) to a description of the Lamb and His followers. Consistent with Old Testament expectation, the venue is Mount Zion. Micah, for instance, foresaw the day when God would gather the faithful remnant to Mount Zion and reign over them forever (Micah 4:6-8). Joel and Isaiah also saw something similar (Joel 2:32; Isaiah 11:9-12; 40:1-46).

Who are these “144,000”? In chapter 7, we saw this number first mentioned, and I underlined the importance of the symbolic numbering. The group in this chapter (chapter 14) is probably the same people. In both chapters, the 144,000 are sealed on their foreheads…in chapter 7, the substance of the seal is not mentioned, but in chapter 14, John tells us that the seal comprises the names of the Father and the Lamb. This seal, of course, is in direct contrast to the name (or number of the name) of the beast which was placed on the right hand or forehead of his worshippers in chapter 13.

The message to the worshippers of the beast is one of dire warning – they “will drink of the wine of God’s fury” and “will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb” (verse 10). Usually we think of torment as the exclusive domain of Hell, but here we see the high view God has of our wilful choices and the total anger He has at those who choose to reject His Son. That’s why verse 13 has special meaning and warning: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’m very aware that one day I will stand before Your Judgment Seat where believers in Jesus will be judged. The words of the hymn writer come to mind, “Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.” I pray for Your grace so that my faith in Jesus’ salvation will never waver. In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Besides telling his people to read the Bible, which was something discouraged by the Roman Catholic church for centuries, Pope John XXIII (1958-1963) symbolically opened a window in the vatican which faced St. Peter’s Square, and in front of thousands of people welcomed the Holy Spirit to come in. Shortly after this I was preaching in Quebec City at the invitation of Rev. Vern O’Brien, when we received an invitation to visit a Roman Catholic convent to preach to the nuns. The Mother Superior had written to me as a result of seeing the Crossroads telecasts on local TV. She wrote that she had prayed with me and for the first time in her life she had the assurance of eternal life. Vern and I witnessed an amazing sight… 20 or more Roman Catholic sisters opening their hearts and minds to the assurance of salvation according to the promises of the Bible as shared with them by Protestants. It was quite shocking for us to see the Holy Spirit come upon these nuns as the Apostle Peter had seen at the home of the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, as recorded in Acts 10:34-48. This work of the Holy Spirit, I discovered, was happening all over the world. When we begin to read seriously and consistently God’s Word, we begin to think God’s thoughts, and as someone has said, “When a person begins to think, God has the advantage.”

Yours for reading (or listening) to God’s Word and for enthusiastically convincing others to do the same,

David

The Basilica centers around the Papal Altar where only the Pope celebrates Mass. It was consecrated by Clement VIII, June 5, 1594, on top of several other older altars. Rising above the altar is the baldacchino (95ft. canopy), Bernini’s masterpiece and first work in St. Peter’s. The ancient tomb where the Apostle Peter is said to be buried lies directly below the altar.

Artistic representation of Biblical stories and portrayals of important leaders seem to cover every square inch of St. Peter’s Basilica. John’s challenge was to try to put the visuals he saw in his visions into words. The artists such as Michelangelo had the opposite challenge. They sought to put words into visuals.

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.

THE WOMAN, THE DRAGON, AND THE MALE CHILD

Today’s Reading: Revelation 12 

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

Pictured is the exit of the Grotto at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The “male Child” of today’s reading was born here in the cave just beyond the open door.

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

Key Verse: Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

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

In this chapter, we read of a “war in heaven” (verse 7) precipitated by an attempt by Satan to destroy the pre-existent Messiah – the “male Child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter” (verse 5). One of the unusual aspects of this account is the use of the past tense. John writes of something that has already happened both in the heavenly and earthly realms.

In reading about Satan’s downfall (verses 8-9) one thinks of Jesus’ words in Luke 10:18, when He says to disciples He had sent out two by two, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” This may help us to understand why Satan now operates in the space/time realm of the created universe. It may also help us understand why this world and this age are so utterly evil. But it should also encourage us to know that Satan’s rule will not last forever…“his time is short” (verse 12c).

We need to remember that Satan is not God, nor is he a dark equivalent. He does not possess godlike attributes. He is not all-present. He is not all-knowing. He is not all-powerful. He is an enemy, but a defeated one. And in the interim, between his present “warrings” and his future destruction, we can resist him “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of [our] testimony.”

Satan is powerless in the presence of the “Lamb.” All those who by faith have placed themselves beneath the atoning blood of Christ are absolutely beyond the limited reach of this “accuser of the brethren.” As the old hymn says, we are “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for 24/7 faith to resist Satan through “The blood of the Lamb and by the word of their [my] testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Grant me grace, O Lord, as You did those early church believers who “did not love their lives to the death.” I ask these requests in the Name of the One who lived as an Overcomer 100% of the time, Jesus Christ (Messiah). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

John sees into eternity past. He can only describe Satan as a fearsome creature who reminds him of a dragon. The woman, Mary, represented the Jewish people through whom Messiah was born. They, the Jewish nation, will be supernaturally protected from the hatred and destruction of the dragon’s puppet, the Antichrist, for 3 1/2 years, the latter half of the great tribulation (12:6). These prophetic pictures seem to move back and forth, from the past to the future. Let us remember that at all times the male Child, Jesus Christ, continues to rule and overrule with the “rod of iron” (complete authority in the lives of all who have given Him their lives, and who continue by a daily act of their free will to yield to Him as their King).

Jesus spoke in John’s hearing decades earlier in similar Words (for a Gospel reading check out Luke 9:51 to 10:1-20). The sin of Satan in Heaven was pride. Jesus used the example of Satan’s fall to warn the disciples against the spiritual pride expressed in their report of successful ministry. Jesus does not say, “Good job, boys!” He immediately references Satan’s fall. John was allowed to see what Jesus had described years before. With God, time is not a limiting factor. He is outside of time! (quantum physics) He sees our first parents cast out of the Garden and the defeat of the serpent/dragon at the same instant.

Yours for the total overcoming power of Jesus who dwells in every believer,

David

This is the inside entrance to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land.

Originally built by Constantine’s mother in the fourth century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530s. The Church of the Nativity was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim’s rule in 1009. The trapdoors in the floor reveal 4th-century floor mosaics from the Constantinian church.

THE KINGDOM

Today’s 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.

A MIGHTY ANGEL

Today’s Reading: Revelation 10 

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

Looking from Israel across the Dead Sea to the Kingdom of Jordan, you can see the salt-laden shoreline and the spotted sink holes. Imagine John’s vision of a gigantic angel. One of the angel’s feet is on the land and the other on the sea.

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

Key Verse: Revelation 10:6b-7

…there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

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

The key verse is a quote from a “mighty angel” who comes “down from heaven” (verse 1). He is of immense size, his body “robed in a cloud,” with “a rainbow above his head,” his face shining “like the sun,” and his legs “like fiery pillars.” He places one foot on the sea and the other on the land, raises his hands to heaven, and shouts with a lion’s roar (verses 2-3).

To this point in Revelation, John has written as though he were in Heaven. Now, however, he is on earth (visions have a way of changing from one scene to another), and he is able to converse with this remarkable angel. Another aspect of the scene, which in the natural world would be incongruous, is perfectly in order in an apocalyptic vision – John, the human being (with human physical dimensions) not only converses with this immense angel, but is also able to take a scroll from the angel’s hand and “eat” it.

The scroll tastes “sweet,” but turns John’s stomach “sour” (verse 10). Its content has something to do with prophecy – for John is told, after eating it, that he “must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings” (verse 11).

Perhaps the key ingredient in the scroll has to do with “the mystery of God [being] accomplished” after the seventh trumpet is blown (verse 7). That mystery is very much related to “our Lord and…His Christ” who “will reign for ever and ever” (11:15).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. You reign supreme. I look around me and see confusion, violence, and evil men destroying people’s lives. I pray for insight to see that while human free will seems to be in charge temporarily, in reality You are working in spite of me and all other men and women, as well as through me and all who are people of good will, to ultimately bring about Your will here on earth. In Your loving and all-powerful Name I ask You for grace. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Some Bible prophesies I think I can understand, particularly the 500 or so that have already been fulfilled. The remaining 500+ still in the future are a far greater challenge. There is so much symbolism, understandable because people such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and John were human just like me. Not that I’m comparing myself to them, but it’s comforting to know that they were also imperfect pilgrims on their way, as John Bunyan wrote, to the “Celestial City.” The Apostle Paul, originally known as Rabbi Saul of Tarsus, a brilliant intellectual, wrote, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then [in the future] face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known!” That’s from the Bible’s love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13:12. The infinite value of reading God’s Word daily, even when we “know in part,” is absolutely essential to me as a believer in Jesus. God does reveal Himself through reading the Bible. For example, I was browsing Youtube and rediscovered a testimony of Stan Telchin, a Jew, who was shattered by a phone call from his daughter in university, telling him that she had come to believe that Jesus Christ was the Jewish Messiah. He set out to prove her wrong by studying the Bible. You can guess at the outcome. Click here for the his testimony from a few years back. I’ve learned to keep on keeping on reading God’s Word, even if I do not have total insight into the mysteries which will only be fully understood when the actual events have occurred.

Yours for never, never, never giving up on reading our Bibles!!!,

David

P.S. COMING UP JUNE 3rd! We start our next two-year journey through the Bible, beginning in Matthew’s Gospel, and then to Genesis. Every day will have fresh insights. Some content will be put back into the oven and brought out at 6 a.m., just as fresh and hot as it was the first time around. Let’s do it again! Let all your Facebook and/or Twitter friends know. Tell your neighbours and friends across the country and around the world. Let’s take up the challenge for another two-years!!! Amen!!!

ABADDON (Hebrew – “Destruction”) & APOLLYON (Greek – “Destroyer”)

Today’s Reading: Revelation 9 

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

You can see the remains of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. This temple and the idols of gold, silver, brass, stone and wood, which were in it, represents the efforts of man to replace Almighty God with likenesses of fallen angels and demons who desired to be worshipped as if they were “The Great Creator,” the One and only true God who is over and above His creation, yet is present everywhere, and who cannot possibly be represented by the works of man’s hands. At the writing of the “Revelation,” priests and people were in this building with the worship of (as Revelation 9:20-21 says), “demons and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone and wood which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

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

Key Verse: Revelation 9:20a

But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands…

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

By now you’ve seen how difficult it is to try to analyze and systematize the content of apocalyptic writing. John is describing a vision, and in doing so is attempting to describe the indescribable. Scores of well-meaning attempts have been made over the years to tell us what John “really meant,” but all such efforts should be taken with a grain of salt. Especially if the would-be interpreter is dogmatic about his interpretation!

This is why it’s refreshing from time to time in Revelation to come across material that hints at the purpose of the vision. Look at verses 20 and 21. These two sentences follow a description of two of the three remaining trumpet-disasters. The fifth trumpet precedes a fallen star unlocking “the shaft of the Abyss,” out of which a dense cloud of smoke produces a plague of tormenting locusts (verses 1-11). The sixth trumpet releases a supernatural army of 200 million who destroy a third of mankind. What’s the point of these cataclysmic horrors?

Apparently repentance is the point. Verses 20 and 21 tell us that the “work of [mankind’s] hands” is sufficient to bring heaven’s wrath upon the earth. That “work” is idolatry, murder, occultism, and sexual immorality. The scope of the disasters shows how enraged God is at sin. Were it not for the gracious work of Christ, mankind would have been destroyed long ago. That’s why we should repent of all sin now – while there is yet time.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Almighty God, I pray for continuous grace so that I may live in a repentant state, deliberately turning away from sin and moving always toward You! Lord Jesus, may I take my stand beside You at the entrance to the bottomless pit, Hell, and by every means at my disposal, seek to rescue the perishing multitudes. In Your Name, Jesus, I volunteer! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a Pastor for many years, I would take the opportunity at least once a month to speak at a gathering of our young people. On one occasion I passed around papers and pencils, asking that they would describe modern warfare…tanks, fighter aircraft, flame throwers, etc., but they were not allowed to use any language which was developed in the past 100 years. One by one, I saw the lights going on in their faces as they understood what their Pastor was getting at. They faced the same challenge as did John in Revelation, trying to describe a battle scene which was 2,000 years into the future (Revelation 9:7-10). John uses the word “like” four times here. This means it’s symbolic, not literal.

It’s confession time for me. The reason I chose to use Jim and Kathy’s commentary on Revelation, besides my high respect for them, is that I can sometimes be a chicken (the opposite of a lion) when it comes to this book. Surprised? As I shared in a recent blog, I think it has something to do with my Doctor of Theology Dad telling me when I was just a boy that he had visited a library in London, England, which had over 1,000 commentary books on Revelation and, according to the librarian, not one of them, as far as he knew, agreed 100% in their interpretations. Sometimes, we just have to wait and see.  I remember coming home from grade 7 at Hopewell Public School, starting to cry when I saw my Dad, and telling him that my science teacher had made fun of me in front of the class because I had raised my hand and said that God created all things. My father put his hand on my shoulder and gently said, “Just wait David, God will prove Himself to you over the years.” I waited, and God has surely proven Himself to me over and over!

Yours for the blessing John promised we would receive from reading and hearing this book, even if we don’t understand everything at the present time,

David

THE SEVENTH SEAL

Today’s Reading: Revelation 8 

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 the original artwork for the musical “The Scroll” by Bruce Stacey, which Crossroads featured in the Pavilions of Promise at three World Expos in Vancouver, Brisbane, and Seville. Notice the seven seals! (Revelation, chapters 5-8).

Key Verse: Revelation 8:6

So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

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

The seventh seal is opened and a half-hour silence follows (verse 1). As the silence ends, John sees “seven angels who stand before God” being given “seven trumpets” (verse 2). These seven angels haven’t been mentioned as yet, but they are probably some kind of personification of the “seven spirits” before the throne in 1:4. They are given seven trumpets and each angel in turn blows his trumpet.

But before they blow their trumpets another angel appears. One author calls him “the angel of worship”. He offers incense at the altar, and it ascends “with the prayers of the saints…before God” (verse 4).

Here is what Lynn Harold Hough says about these events:

“It is remarkable that in the midst of all the rushing movement of the book of Revelation there is always time to set each particular experience in rich and noble perspective. The hour of worship has its own rights amid all the heavenly events. Even God’s judgments are not apart from the saints. They include the prayers of the saints.” (Interpreter’s Bible Vol. 12 p. 426).

Then the trumpet disasters begin. First come hail and fire (verse 7). Then a burning mountain falls into the sea (verse 8 ) followed by a blazing star falling on the fresh waters (verse 10). The result is a badly scorched earth and polluted sea and land waters. Then a fourth trumpet reduces all day and night light in the heavens by a third (verse 12).

The chapter ends with an eagle warning about the disasters yet to follow (verse 13). There are still three trumpets to be blown.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for the wisdom and strength I need in order to respond well to these warnings of coming judgment. In the light of these future events, may I serve You more fervently with my whole heart and mind. I ask for this working of Your Holy Spirit in me in the Name of the Person who lived life at 100% of His potential, Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Jim and Kathy Cantelon spent seven years in Jerusalem planting a great congregation of Christians, and encouraging other such congregations throughout Israel. Some will be surprised to discover that there are several thousand Jewish Christians there. In some respects it is like the first century when all the early Christians were Jewish, and, of course, that included Jesus Himself (click here for the exciting ministry of Jerusalem’s King of Kings congregation). When the Cantelons returned to Canada in 1988, I immediately contacted Jim and invited him to join me as a host on the 100 Huntley Street telecast.

Revelation 7 makes interesting reading to a member of those who call themselves “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” They originally claimed that they were the 144,000. I would ask them at the door, “Of which tribe are you?” When they got to be more than 144,000 in number, they had a problem. They had experience manipulating their teachings before. They provide an example of the dangers that can arise when attempting to interpret the Bible in general, and Revelation in particular, without reference to the historical understanding of the early church leaders, as well as those who are in the mainstream of prophetic understanding today. In his excellent book, Blood Moons Rising, Dr. Mark Hitchcock (in his chapter called “The Dating Game”) writes, “Jehovah’s Witnesses founder Charles Taze Russell set 1874 as the date of Christ’s return. After that, their leaders continually earmarked various years: 1878, 1881, 1910, 1914, 1918, 1925,1975, and 1984. After nine wrong dates, they claim to have given up on predicting the time of Christ’s coming.”

Yours for remembering the Apostle Peter’s words, “No Scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20),

David

P.S. A lot of trumpets are blown in today’s chapter. Below is a photo of when a shofar was blown at the beginning of “Heaven’s Rehearsal” 2008 in Toronto (click here for info on Heaven’s Rehearsal). A shofar is a musical instrument of ancient origin, made of a horn, traditionally that of a ram, used for Jewish religious purposes. Like the modern bugle, the shofar lacks pitch-altering devices. All pitch control is done by varying the player’s embouchure.

The Bible in Christ Church Jerusalem is written in Hebrew. In the background you can see the menorah, a seven-branched lamp stand used in the ancient Tabernacle in the desert and Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and the emblem of the modern state of Israel.

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

144,000

Today’s Reading: Revelation 7 

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

The Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem is said to be the place where the shepherds watched their flocks by night, when the angels appeared to them with the announcement of the birth of Jesus. In the symbolism of today’s reading, the Lamb is also the Shepherd. Tradition tells us that John was in a cave on the island of Patmos when he received the “Revelation.”

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

Key Verse: Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

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

Reading Revelation is like looking through a kaleidoscope. The colours, the patterns, the overall picture keeps changing – it seems in constant flux. Suddenly, the martyrs “under the altar” of 6:9 are now “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb” (7:9). Numbered among them are “144,000 from all the tribes of Israel” (verse 4). I say “numbered” loosely, for we’re reading about an apocalyptic vision here, and any number’s value is symbolic. (Even the naming of “all the tribes” bows to symbolism in this case, for the tribe of Dan is not mentioned. Instead of Dan is Manasseh – see Genesis 49.)

As the martyrs glorify God – “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (verse 10) – the angels “around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures” (verse 11a) fall down and worship (verses 11b, 12).

In the middle of all this, a dialogue occurs between two people: John and “one of the elders” (verse 13a). The elder asks John if he knows who these countless thousands are. Then he answers the question himself, telling John that “these are they who have come out of the great tribulation” (verse 14a). They “have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (verse 14b). And now, “the Lamb…will be their shepherd” (verse 17). That first martyr, Jesus, who gave His life that they might live, “will lead them to springs of living water” (verse 17b). The Lamb is a Shepherd.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

O “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b), Your servant, John, was likely there at the Jordan 70 years earlier and heard John the Baptist say those words. Thank You for all those years of faithfulness by John and for the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” which he shares with us. I pray for the faith to receive the promise. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a child of probably 9 or 10, Revelation 6:14-17 made a huge impression on me at a family altar reading. The word picture here is so powerful! I could imagine all the rulers who thought they were so big, so important, and so powerful that they did not need God, and who had blasphemed His Name, cowering in the caves for fear. I could almost hear them crying out “to the mountains and rocks ‘fall on us and hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!'” (6:16). I remember looking around at my mother and father and seeing peace and security on their faces. And when we knelt in prayer, their prayers for lost souls gave me a sense of that which is most important in preparing for eternity. Mother died when I was 12. I had no doubt that she was in a place of perfect peace and joy. For me, however, I wallowed in self-pity and resentment against God for almost four years. I urge, with passion in my heart, for everybody to come to Jesus now. He took upon Himself the judgment of God! At His death the rocks ripped apart, the skies were total darkness, and He said, “It is finished!” From that time until now He says to us who believe, “DO NOT FEAR!!!” Call 1-866-273-4444 for a loving person who will pray with you for assurance of your eternal safety, security, love and peace in Jesus!

Yours for NO FEAR!!!

David

The support pillars were not there in the cave with the shepherds and sheep at the birth of Jesus but are in place today as a safety measure for visitors. God chose the shepherds as the first evangelists. They proclaimed to all in Bethlehem, the place where the lambs for the Temple sacrifices were born and raised. Luke probably interviewed the shepherds for his Gospel. He wrote of the shepherds, “They made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child, and all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them concerning this Child” (Luke 2:17-18).

THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE AND THE BLOOD MOON

Today’s Reading: Revelation 6 

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

The moon over a northern Ontario lake. Today’s chapter refers to the moon turning blood red (6:12).

Key Verses: Revelation 6:12b, 16-17

The moon became like blood… And said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

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

The Lamb opens the first seal, releasing the first of seven plagues upon the earth. The imagery of the first four is powerfully vivid: horses of different colours and their riders, all symbolizing war and its tragic results. A white horse appears, its crowned rider holding a bow, and he rides out to conquer (probably representing an invader). Then a red horse follows, whose rider holds a large sword and the power to take peace from the earth. Next, a black horse, its rider holding scales in his hand, enters. This rider announces an exorbitant price for wheat, indicating famine prices, the sorrowful result of war. The fourth is a pale horse, ridden by Death itself, symbolizing the disease and casualties of war and famine.

The fifth seal reveals the multitudes slain in war because of their “testimony” (verse 9). They call loudly for vengeance and are told to be patient.

The opening of the sixth seal introduces ominous cosmic disaster: a great earthquake, a blackened sun, a blood-red moon, falling stars, and a vanishing sky (verses 12-14). Every human being on earth is so terrified that all of them seek sudden death…not for fear of the disasters but for fear of Him who precipitates them: the One “who sits on the throne…and the Lamb.” The issue is not the apparent anger of nature. The issue is the very real wrath of the Father and the Lamb at all unrighteousness and injustice. The “great day of their wrath has come,” and in light of their judgments and man’s accountability, “who can stand?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

In the Day Unto Day eight-book series, Norma-Jean and I (David) wrote the prayers for each day of that two-year journey. This was our prayer to go with the Revelation 6 reading…We invite everyone reading this to pray with us. “Lord, we realize that You are a God of perfect love, but also perfect justice, and You punish all sin. We repent of all sin and evil in our lives and ask that we will be cleansed through the shed blood of Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

At almost 80 I have many memories of fulfilling God’s call on my life. For example, I was almost 25 years old (June 1961) and was asked by Rev. George Ewald to conduct a week of evangelistic services in Lennoxville, Quebec. As far as I can recall, there were no people in attendance the first evening who were not already believers in Jesus. I prayed about this fervently. The next morning I did something which might bring disapproval from some reading this. I went into Sherbrooke to the store that sells suits and clerical garb to priests, and I purchased a clerical collar. I already had a black suit. That afternoon and every afternoon for the week, I was decked out in my high collar and knocked on doors throughout Lennoxville. At least the people knew I was not a JW or a Mormon. I was invited often into the homes and sometimes was sitting on the living room couch before they knew why I was there. “Please come in, Father.” I have not worn clerical symbols over the years except on unusual occasions. My Father always wore his high collar, so I was comfortable as an ordained minister wearing one. Night after night new faces were seen in the congregation, and quite a few made first-time decisions to give their lives to Christ.

Yours to fulfill the final Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, and yours believing that I would be the most selfish person on earth if I kept the Good News of Jesus to myself!,

David

P.S. Below is picture of two other helpers I had that week in Lennoxville…Caspar and Jasper. At about 4 p.m. with their help, I would play my trumpet standing on the sidewalk while the children were heading home from school, and I’d give them a note to take home to their parents, inviting the kids to come to the church at 5 p.m. I guaranteed the parents that the children would be home by 6 p.m. Many parents came to the church with their children and some invited Jesus into their hearts. I’m aware this all sounds crazy to many modern ears, but I’m convinced Jesus approved, and I know Rev. Ewald approved.

Ron took this picture when I spoke to the Crossroads staff in Chapel a while back. Caspar and Jasper would help me play the trumpet seen on the podium along with my Loyalist’s hat. There are lots of ways to have fun while sharing Jesus with children!

THE SCROLL

Today’s Reading: Revelation 5 

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 a several hundred year old Torah scroll that is on display in the “Quick Study” TV studio in Orangeville, Ontario. Rod Hembree, a former producer of the 100 Huntley Street daily TV show, is now host of “Quick Study.”

Key Verse: Revelation 5:9

You are worthy to take the scroll,

And to open its seals;

For You were slain,

And have redeemed us to God by Your blood

Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

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

John now sees a “scroll” in “the right hand of Him who sat on the throne” (verse 1). It has writing on both sides and is sealed with seven seals. The value of its message is so great that no one “in Heaven or on earth” can break the seals and read it (verse 3). John laments, but then hears one of the elders say, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (verse 5).

But, rather than a Lion, John sees a Lamb, “looking as if it had been slain, standing in the centre of the throne” (verse 6). The multi-dimensional factor is very evident here, in that “the One who sat on the throne” (verses 1, 7b) is still sitting there, even while the Lamb is at the “centre of the throne.” His “seven horns and seven eyes” represent “the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth” (verse 6). The “seven spirits” were previously described as seven lamps, but in this instance they may be a reflection of the seven eyes of God in Zechariah 4:10, “which range throughout the earth”.

The seven horns speak of power – omnipotence. The seven eyes speak of knowledge – omniscience. The Lamb of God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He is, in every way, very God. He is the only One “worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals” (verse 9). He and the One “who sits on the throne” are One. The hosts of Heaven sing, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!” (verse 13). The Lamb is worthy!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I join the billions of people who, along with the angels, say with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” “Worthy!” “Worthy!” “Worthy!” I believe in Your infinite worth, Lamb of God. In You there is power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing. I speak as just one of that great multitude, and I’m confident that You hear me. As the hymn writer put it, “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean. How marvellous! How wonderful, then my song shall ever be! How marvellous! How wonderful is my Saviour’s love for me.” Amen and amen!!! (David’s prayer and the prayer of all who will join him)

100 PERSONAL WORDS:.

In our worship service in church recently we sang with a great congregation the Words of Revelation 5:12-13. I was lifted in spirit into the throne room of Heaven to join the 100 billion or so worshippers (5:11) in singing “Worthy is the Lamb!” (click here to join in). According to reports, there were at least 1,000,000,000 (one billion) here on earth in church Sunday morning who were singing hymns of worship to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Yours for the day when the saints go marching in. I want to be in that number, and by God’s grace alone, I will!!!,

David

P.S. My son-in-law, Bruce Stacey, wrote a magnificent musical work called, The Scroll. It was the centrepiece musical work for our Crossroads “Pavilion of Promise” at three of the four World Expositions in which Crossroads participated. Revelation 5 was his inspiration for this composition.

Close-up view of a Hebrew scroll. Rod Hembree has the most interesting artifacts on his TV show.