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.
Unraveling the true meaning behind Revelation 13 and estimating who the Antichrist and False Prophet are, remain forever perplexing. We can only trust in our God to be with us through darker days. The true Light is ahead as we are one day closer to seeing Jesus face to face. We stand in awe of Your amazing grace dear Lord and what You suffered for us. You carried that cross, were nailed to it and died on it for the sake of our sins, that we may be forgiven. We love You Christ Jesus and are eternally grateful. God bless you fellow saints in the Lord.
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 ESV
Jesus Paid It All, Fernando Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNc7W8VsVMw
Well said Beverlee , your words and the song touched my heart this morning. Jesus DID pay it all for us. What a joy to know and servre Him as our Lord and Saviour.
Blessings to all, Eleanor M.
Amen thank you Beverlee; Yes, Amen He washed it white as snow!!!
Amen Beverlee and Eleanor M He did pay it all and it is finished. How privileged we are to know Him. No struggle and no doubt. a great day saints. It is a bright sunny day here and suppose to be good all week.
Amen Beverlee. God bless you.
Saw that Ravi Zacharias died yesterday and wanted to share this information about him:
“As a young man, Zacharias attended a Youth for Christ rally, where he responded to the invitation with what he later termed “a kind of half-hearted commitment.” At the age of seventeen, in response to poor academic performance that he felt brought shame on his family, he took poison to kill himself.
He was rushed to the hospital, where a representative of Youth for Christ left him a Bible opened to John 14 and Jesus’ statement, “Because I live, you also will live.”
“Jesus,” he prayed, “if you are the One who gives life as it is meant to be, I want it. Please get me out of this hospital bed well, and I promise I will leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of truth.” God answered his prayer, and Ravi Zacharias kept his promise.”
Revelations is difficult to follow and I enjoy all the different explanations one can find online and on television. God is in control regardless, which is comforting and rewarding. Blessings dear saints on this and each day God gives us.
Amen Lynda. I have seen Ravi give this testimony about attempting suicide in his youth and how it changed his life when Christ took over. It is a wonderful testament to his faith and what God can do in our lives when we let Him. Amen.
thank you Lynda D for information about Razi Zavharias
sorry I meant to say Razi Zacharias
Thank You, Lord God, for calling us. For saving us. For leading us. For feeding us. For making us. For providing us with all we need. Thank You. In Jesus’s name, thank You.
Amen,Rob.
Yes Amen Rob
Amen Rob
What an unusual cover for this hymn. Maybe it was an album cover? The next song is also so appropriate for our times – “I Need The Every Hour”. Without trusting God, it would be a very difficult time without hope. Praying that many will call upon Him during this time. (I’ve noticed it’s VERY hard on families with young children) & heartbreaking for those in nursing homes – many confined to their room & without visitors. Father help and touch them. I pray for my sister in that situation but I have stopped calling her “my” Donna when praying. I refer to her as “Your” Donna. Lord take over. Thank You 🙏 Amen
Amen Doreen for all you have prayed for. We lift up Donna and all those alone in nursing homes without visitors to sit and talk to them, Lord God. We thank You for coming into their hearts and minds and bringing them comfort. In Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen. ❤️
Amen I agree with your prayer Beverlee
Amen
Good morning saints from Sudbury, Ont. it is going to be a beautiful warm and summer like day here today.
Joyce Myers once said “It is a privilege to trust in Jesus and His promises in His Word” I so agree with this statement from her.
Thank you Lynda for sharing with us some background on Ravi Zacharais.
The first time I heard him I was attracted to his wisdom and gentle spirit.
He has touched and help change so many hearts of young men and women
In Universities. He will certainly be missed by his family and all that he ministered to. I thank the Lord that I had the privilege of hearing him speak.
Amen, Karen.
me too Karen, He poke with wisdom and compassion
Thank you all fellow saints and in total agreement with all your kind and gracious comments. So wonderful to have this posting ability.