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.
Something to ponder.Have to run.Blessings
Time
Time is a dream where everyone partakes,
Like a bubble on the circle of eternity,
Where God can reach out as He makes
Each one of us ready to find infinity.
Time is artificial,providing a start and finish,
Where eternity had never known such,
So that He could measure without anguish
Every deed we do and each heart we touch.
Time is the first miracle that hides our lives
In the darkness of a future yet unknown,
For this darkness has treasure that gives
Light unto those who’s truth he’s shown.
Time is a gift where we can show The Master,
That we freely choose to love fellow man,
Or the greed of selfishness’ finite disaster,
Where some may reject His holy plan.
Time will end at Heaven’s gates where His love
Will welcome His holy Lamb and His sheep,
Beginning new work in His Kingdom above
And finding the reward that each shall reap.
G W (Bill) Marshall / 06 July, 2013
Thank you William for sharing!
When in Israel in 1975 as well as in 2001 weI/I walked the Via Dolorosa. How He suffered for us; for me. What Great love the father has for us that He gave His One and only begotten Son to die for us!! Thank You Jesus for Your Great love for us, for dying that I might live!! Praise You Lord!! Amen and Amen!!!
Praise You Jesus, that You have all things under control, and are holding us in the Palm of Your hand. We can trust in You for You are our Refuge and our Strength a Very present help in time of trouble.!!!! Amen!!
TY William Marshall for the wonderful poem….the words are comforting,thought provoking..
The Triune God! The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit….amen it is true because God says so….
Pray for me to forgive someone who bullied…it was very upsetting…. involved acknowledging receiving the money….
What does the Lord want me to do? Does He want me to have someone rent the back room? If so I ask the Lord to hand pick someone, perhaps someone who is like-minded…..
just wondering, I can’t seem to find the “sound” icon when reading the text from the Bible, sometimes I see it; but not all the time….
just wondering what am I doing different or???????
Thank you,Sah.The sound icon is only visible on certain versions of the bible in Biblegateway.Forgiveness sets “you” free,not the one forgiven unless they choose to accept it.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we receive,
And freely we must give it too,
To prove to Him we do believe,
Forgiveness also works for you.
When a friend stabs your back,
Do not turn and choose to attack;
But smile and take up his slack
To show the faith you do not lack.
When you forgive it then returns,
For your heart is then lightened
While given the freedom it yearns
And your mind is then enlightened.
Let His healing hand touch your soul,
Then may His love render you whole,
For Satan will try to collect a toll;
If your faith is weak you give control
But someone you may overlook
Is one you may be least kind to;
For mistaken paths that you took;
The one you forgive must be you.
GW (Bill) Marshall/2012
Sah you are in my prayers
God bless you Lianne, you also have been in prayers for a long time, I pray God is walking right beside you all the time, I pray that no harm comes to you when you are in difficulties; I pray God will wrap His loving arms around and keep you safe…..
I am so thankful you share your stories, you give inspiration to many others…..God bless…….
hep! help! help!
I can`t find the `sound`icon, I enjoy hearing someone read the Scriptures….but I can`t find it….what am I doing wrong…..please help….thank you and God bless
You might have accidentally clicked the actual Scripture verse instead of the word HERE. If you click the Scripture verse it will direct you to a page that doesn’t have the sound icon, but if you click the word HERE that links you to the page that has the sound icon– so try clicking the word HERE and see if that was the problem
Good word!!! Thank you!