Monthly Archives: March 2016

What’s In Your Church?

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churchChurch services are meant to be about worship, ministry, instruction in the word, and the sacraments. They are not about foolish displays of human bravado and unnecessarily tempting or testing the Lord in experiences. How some who claim Christian standards can get their priorities so bent out of shape, wrong emphasis, and distraction of study is quite remarkable.

When the Apostle Paul was under guard and being transported to Rome to exercise his Roman citizen right of appeal to Caesar, he gathered wood for a camp fire. In this process he was bitten by a viper [Acts 28:1-6]. Even though he shook it off into the fire, those from the Malta population around him were startled that he did not dminiJimie. At first, in verse 4, they thought Paul “to be a murderer” and their superstitions considered the snake bite an omen and him a “dead man.”    However, he simply shakes the viper off into the fire and continues unaffected. The local natives who lived on the Island of Malta then thought him a god. Both of their assumptions were based upon weak knowledge, superstition, and past experience.

There is no later mention, message or proclamation by Paul that this is due to his faith and that this should now be a test of one’s belief in Jesus Christ. He did not seek to prove anything and had just saved his prison guards from a shipwreck. This happened while he was serving not seeking. As Bill Muehlenburg puts it, Paul was not “majoring in a minor principle” for living a life in Jesus.

The real danger in this passage is to think the successful practice of snake handling snake handlingis some form of proof of one’s faith. Some churches in the South do precisely this. Many good intending men (and women) have died, one might say, in his or her misunderstanding of a minor incident per scripture and attempting to major in it as a routine church-sanctioned practice; just like the Malta Islanders who witnessed this event by the campfire swung from one unproven expectation to another false conclusion. Miraculous yet minor incidents in scripture should never become major practices or theological planks.

This instance is only mentioned as one incident in the travels and life of Paul (Acts 16:18). It also may be based upon and incorrectly juxtaposing a supposition from Mark 16:18. Mark is the first New Testament book ever written. There is even strong theological thought that Mark 16:8 was actually the end of Mark’s passage in chapter 16. Mark 16: 9-20 seems out of place from the previous 8 verses since it is based upon a suddenly hurried shorthanded coverage of events. Some translations don’t even mention the verses in 16:9-18. The ESV, GNB, Wescott-Hort Greek New Testament, and the Lexham English Bible, to mention but a few, put these verses and passage in [brackets] to denote the possibility these were inserted by someone else at a later date. The Book of Mark is the ONLY synoptic gospel to record this account.

NOTE: Scripture is inerrant however, those who translate it can be in error. Some may even have an agenda for so doing. Study, Study, Study to show one’s self approved [2 Timothy 2:15]; begin with awareness, next step is to study for understanding, only then comes personal conviction of accept or reject what one was originally and only recently made aware. A jump from awareness or introduction to new information to conviction misses the critical step of study or understanding. Knowledge without understanding is very dangerous ground. Such is the original basis of ‘jumping to a conclusion.’

The reference in Mark 16:9-20, whether he actually wrote it, is often a situation of reading the text outside of its own context. In verse 14 we read that whomever, presumably Jesus, is addressing “the eleven and their unbelief” of it being Him who appeared to them. His statement per “the eleven” becomes what is ­­-called in grammar, an antecedent to the “believers” mentioned in verses 16 and 17. These men were not without fault. They were sitting at their tables not even remembering that Jesus promised his resurrection would be three days after his crucifixion. In verse 14 Jesus rebukes their unbelief. Yes, some of these guys were in unbelief. Then, in the following verses (16 and 17), talking to the same eleven and knowing the free will of man has not been removed, Jesus says “those who remain as unbelievers will not have this power that is mentioned in the following verses” (my paraphrase). But, those who with their free will decide to totally believe, to them will be given the powers to overcome the things mentioned in verses 17 and 18.

Once again to address a previous article about what some call grave-sucking. This was an Old Testament one-time occurrence that was NOT intended for anything but to fulfill a promise made to Elisha and to get this dead guy out of the way so the other Israelis could flee the scene. It was nothing other than an act of urgency. Just as with snake handling, and the rest of Mark 16: 17, 18 which is only discussed in the Book of Mark. The eleven were protected, but were not instructed to practice this to prove anything. There is real caution and danger of practicing “grave sucking” to supposedly absorb the spirit of the deceased. A person is opening one’s self up to be dwelt by a spirit or spirits. Who can control what type or kind of spirits may leverage this opportunity. As Christians we already have the indwelling of the most powerful Spirit; i.e. the Holy Spirit.

The Empty Egg

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Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a consultation. As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said to them, “Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn’t fair to him to be with younger children who don’t have learning problems. Why?

there is a five-year gap between his age and that of the other students.”

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. “Miss Miller,” he said, “there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here.” Doris sat for a long time

after they had left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness.  But it wasn’t fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to

teach, and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn

to read and write. Why waste any more time trying?

As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family, she thought. Lord, please help me to be more patient with Jeremy. From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy’s noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him.

“I love you, Miss Miller,” he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris’ face turned red. She stammered, “Wh-why that’s very nice, Jeremy. N-now please take your seat.” Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the

idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. “Now,” she said to them, “I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Miss Miller,” the children responded enthusiastically-all except for Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus’ death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment?

Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them. That evening, Doris’ kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy’s parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller’s desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. “Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life,” she said. “When plants peek through the ground, we

know that spring is here.” A small girl in the first row waved her arm. “That’s my egg, Miss Miller,” she called out. The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. “We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly.

Yes, that’s new life, too.” Little Judy smiled proudly and said, “Miss Miller, that one is mine.” Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, “My daddy helped me,” he beamed.

Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty.  Surelyit must be Jeremy’s she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. “Miss Miller, aren’t you going to talk about my egg?” Flustered, Doris replied, “But Jeremy,your egg is empty.” He looked into her eyes and said softly, “Yes, but Jesus’ tomb was empty, too.”

Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, “Do you know why the tomb was empty?” “Oh, yes,” Jeremy said, “Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up.”

The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the schoolyard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away. Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.

Submitted by Murphy James

Revelation 12 (Part 2)

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All armies will begin to march to the valley of Jezreel, on the plain of Esdraleon, near the ancient city of Megiddo.

They will come to do battle in part at least, over the *dwindling petroleum resources in the Middle East. We know that speculation today points to a massive world class oil reserve in this area. Israel has invited Russia to help exploit this oil. It will give Russia a vested interest in this territory. *See Revelation 12 – Part 1

JIV side note: It may be of value here. In WWII Germany invaded and conquered Norway, Romania and other Eastern European nations for resoures petrotheir oil reserves. As oil supplies dwindle in the Middle East, a world class oil supply in and around Megiddo would be highly sought after; a good excuse albeit a hidden agenda of the invaders, to invade Israel. To the conqueror go the spoils of war. Megiddo, the town, is in the Valley of Jehoshaphat; i.e. Esdraleon.

God will be drawing these forces and nations there to put an end to mankind madness. What a perfect reason for enemies of Israel to descend on this area armed to the teeth. The Lord says: I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land (Joel 3:2). The Lord will destroy the armies of rebels that day at the final battle of the war called Armageddon. This incident parallels the sound of the seventh Trumpet in prophecy; the 3rd woe [Revelation 11:14 and chapter 12]

https://www.raptureready.com/rr-oil.html  Is it 1,260 or 1,335 days? This will be explained in a later article.

While discussing Revelation, chapter 4 forward, keep foremost in mind that Israel is the center of the discussion. The woman represents Israel; the child is Jesus Christ; the dragon is Satan. He hates God. Look back to Jeremiah 33. This chapter, and several other chapters to his writing credit, is exclusive to Israel. It talks about the End of Time. When writing Jeremiah himself is imprisoned in his own country of Judah. King Zedekiah did not like what Jeremiah was saying about Israel and God’s judgment, so he threw him into prison. NOTE: Like throwing him into prison will somehow thwart Gods’ judgments?????

What is the Revelation point found in Jeremiah? There are many scripture that discuss end time so either the bible is infallible or full of major errors. Let’s not bet our lives and life after death on it being errant. Israel is the focal point. Israel is God’s hand-picked people (Isaiah 43:21) who supposedly were to be a light, mentors for spiritual and moral guidance of the world… (First paragraph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Unto_the_Nations; Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 60:3). They failed but God will give them a second chance. No wonder in Revelation 12 the Dragon wishes to destroy the woman and her male child; Israel and her offspring; Jesus through the Tribe of Judah, and Christianity.

Jumping ahead several chapters we find in Revelation 19:15 “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.” Chapter 12 is the backdrop to this great battle when Christ sets foot on the Mt of Olives east of Jerusalem at the same time as these opposing forces converge on Megiddo 55 miles to the north.

Revelation 12:3-17 is a terse and accurate history of Satan’s efforts to bring to ruin God’s eternal plan for man. Ultimately, Satan will decide if he can’t stop God from redeeming his own creation, he will try to destroy it (WMD). One of Satan’s efforts to destroy Jesus upon his birth via King Herod’s decree to kill all male children under the age of two; Matthew 2:16) was not to simply kill the young Jesus, but to prevent him from growing up, demonstrating his powers as the begotten (birthed) son of God, and going to the cross to give mankind a path to eternity with Him paying our penalty for sin.

When war broke out in heaven, Revelation 12:7-9, it did not end with Satan’s defeat. According to chapter 12, along with his fellow fallen angels, Satan is barred from heaven (V10). This is at the mid-point in the 7 year Tribulation. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says: “For the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) is already at work: only “He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” This does not mean the Holy Spirit is removed. He is taken out of the way or ceases restraining Satan’s deeds, deception and recognition of the false church after being cast to earth [Revelation 12:9].

If it is the church and the prayers of believing and practicing Christians within the church that act as the biblical restrainer it is theologically logical that a pre-tribulation or mid tribulation rapture is why the restrainer is removed. The Rapture of the church would be over. Satan is then unrestrained.

However, if the restrainer is the Holy Spirit, He is just as much God as is Jesus and God the Father. He is omnipotent and omnipresent; all knowing and always present. He will remain available to anyone who accepts, then follows Christ’s example on earth; i.e. being born again in the Spirit of God.

According to Hebrew 2:5-8, Satan realizes that humans have the potential of being higher than is/was he as an angel.

Heb 2:5  For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.

Heb 2:6  It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?

Heb 2:7  You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor,

Heb 2:8  …putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. (ESV)

Rightly dividing the Word of God, this passage is speaking of Jesus. In verse 6, man is included so we are a part of this God-given authority. Satan hopes to destroy mankind by making wars and rumors of war with mankind killing off each other; not just the Christian of Israeli populations. I have not read all of his writings on this subject, but *http://www.sayadi-al-nas.ae/eng_monthly_flyer/engl_may06.htm is a good brief. I cannot speak to the rest of his theological positions and withhold opinion. However, this website page/blog itself is good study and reading.

*Saladi Al-Nas is an Arab who sees the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do not believe, as stated in our ”What We Believe” section of this website, that speaking in tongues is the only sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Neither does Saladi. He offers it as ONE possibility. This baptism includes any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 13 tells us that when Satan realizes he is cast from the approaching the Throne of God and bound to earth, he turns his wrath on “the woman which brought the child into the world.” i.e. Israel.

The specifics of it being a similitude of Israel’s exodus from captivity in Egypt are most peculiar. They (she) are provided for per physical needs. Her every need, not wants, is God provided. Just as with the Red Sea swallowing up the Egyptian forces chasing the Israelite’s as they crossed over, and the seas swallowed up the enemy of God, V15 and V16 of Revelation 12 show a strong parallel. The “flood out Satan’s mouth” is a huge army.This fits so well with the gathering of forces in Har Megiddo (Armageddon). Just as the Red Sea swallowed up the Egyptian forces pursuing the Israelis and Moses, in Revelation 12:16 we read that the “earth opens up and swallows” the pursuing army (flood) sent by the dragon or anti-Christ.

Satan seeing and knowing (YADDA) that to continue chasing her is a direct confrontation with the protection of God, something he knows is a lost cause. He changes tactics, attacks “making war with the remnant of her seed [poieō polēmos meta hē  loipoi hautou sperma].” Some thoughtful and insightful bible scholars suggest that the woman that flees to the protection of God in Petra is the *144,000 [Revelation 7 and 14] reserved by God for himself. This means the remnant are those left on earth and in Jerusalem.

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring–those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus
[Revelation 12:17].

*This does NOT in any way suggest that there will  be only *144,000 who enter heaven or the safe haven of Petra. The bible is specific… these *12,000 are from each Tribe of Israel minus Dan. There is nothing symbolic about this specific identity. Revelation 7 tell us that these are “sealed.” Don Koenig states: These brethren may have been killed or God may have supernaturally removed them from the earth. Scripture gives no answer as to the fate of their mortal bodies. https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=adk&hsimp=yhs-adk_sbnt&p=Don+Koenig+on+the+144%2c000&type=appfocus31_ra_ff&param1=20160307&param2=545e5dc5-629b-4287-ae2e-fc50d5dd5c8e&param3=radio_0.2.0~US~appfocus31&param4=14215-bb8~firefox

This 144,000 can very possibly be those who against all odds have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior and are surviving the Great Tribulation… up to this point. Now we might consider the voices from under the throne calling for their deaths to be avenged. God says… when the right number has died for my cause, I will bring judgment on those who have slain my people. [Revelation 6:9 – 11; the opening of the 5th seal]. Let’s allow for a possible connection.

  1. The 144,000 are all sealed on their forehead and are servants of God.
  2. They are sealed before any harm is done on earth.
  3. They are from the tribes of Israel; exception is the Tribe of Dan

At this time, no one will be guessing IF this is the Time of Jacob’s Trouble; i.e. the great tribulation [Jeremiah 30:7]. Revelation 13:7,8 point out that this anti-Christ or evil one will dominate all politics in the world, rule over all tongues and nations, and those remaining on earth not sealed to God will worship him. These people are those whose names are not WRITTEN in the book of life.

Verse 12:9… “If any man has an ear, let him hear.”

 

 

Revelation 12 (Part 1 of 2)

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Author’s Note: Rather than do a verse-by-verse discussion of chapter 12, as can be found in so many commentaries and web sites, we will discuss the implications and try to clarify some of the misunderstandings adding to our reader’s knowledge of the truth.

The last book of the Bible - RevelationsDoes this chapter belong in the Book of Revelation? At first glance or even with additional reads it doesn’t seem to fit. Revelation is written mostly in a sequential or chronological order, but reminders and additional prophecy is added to enhance one’s understanding. Chapter 12 seems out of place when read in the vein of Revelation content. However, there is a very good reason or two this chapter belongs right where it is found. Later in another post, we will explain why chapters 12, 13, and 14 are one basic thought.

Setting: We have a woman, new born child and dragon. They are signs to John appearing in heaven. This means they are signs outside the realm of simple earthly issues. Therefore we need to look beyond the earth and events here on earth, at the same time assess their application to things of End Time; in actuality, the beginning of a NEW time. This is the Book of Revelation. Let’s first look at a few passages of scripture as backdrop to this rather odd or seemingly out of place chapter.

Deuteronomy 7:6 (The New Living Translation)

“For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

We might add to this that such a designation as HIS PEOPLE out of all the people on earth is why anti-Semitism has been around since Israelis have been around. Their troubles began in Egypt when the “Shepherd Kings” took the *Pharaoh ship of (lower) **Egypt. These foreign Pharaohs are those who “did not know Joseph”

Exodus 1:8]. “Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (NASB)

*To paraphrase Wikipedia… some time before 1650 BCE the arrival of the *Hyksos led to the end of the Thirteenth Dynasty of Egypt. *Shepherd Kings.

**It was not unusual for there to be two Egyptian Pharaohs in power at the same time; one in the north [lower Egypt] and one in the south [upper Egypt]; i.e. two kingdoms; the upper and the lower. Since Egypt is south of the equator, Lower Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea nearest the Equator; Upper Egypt is closer to the Sudan, perhaps best identified as Thebes. This is sometimes difficult to understand for those of us who live north of the equator.

Valley of MegiddoThe Bible tells us that in End Time armed forces gather at Har Megiddo (Armageddon; i.e. the Valley of Jezreel sometimes call Esdraelon). The actual fighting will be 55 miles south of this area in Jerusalem; i.e. the Valley of Jehoshaphat. As of the last week in February, 2016, it is reported out of Israel that there is a possible joint effort between Israel and Russia to drill for what might be a world class oil field in the Har Megeddo area. I report… you conclude. A future article in this website will address the possibilities and their fit with the Bible and End Time. Perhaps I won’t need to report as the news channels will cover it for us. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3346302/posts

Back to our discussion topic: At times it can be a bit difficult to grasp the combined meanings of Revelation 12 and Daniel 7 but here is an attempt. To the Point:

In Daniel we find four beasts rising from the sea (of people) but in Revelation we find but one beast with multiple heads, 10 horns and crowns. To see that there is a direct connection one must go to Revelation 13:1-2 where John visualizes Daniel’s beasts, now as ONE creature; part leopard, feet of a bear, mouth of a lion together with 10 horns… (ESV) “And to it [singular] the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.”

Leopard? Bear? Lion? That is only three. What happened to the fourth beast of Daniel? Look back at Daniel 7. We see that the fourth beast is not given an animal identity; only that it differs (Daniel 7:7d) from the other three and is more powerful. A few verses later in Daniel we read that Christ arrives to claim his throne. The fourth beast, unlike the other beasts, is probably Satan himself.

Revelation 20:2 tells us that eventually Satan is bound for a 1,000 years and his power stripped. This leaves the other kings/crowns of the other three creatures without power. Daniel 7:12 says… “As for the other three beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives are prolonged for a season and a time” [ESV]. Why Jesus gives these three enemies of his additional time is an enigma. Any opinion at this point is just that… an opinion.

*Revelation 12:9… and the great dragon is cast out (of heaven), that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceives the whole world; he is cast out [of heaven] into the earth… (v12) beware or woe to the inhabitants of the earth…” [emphasis mine].

PS: there are at least four times where the bible records that Satan is defeated by God.

  1. When he rebelled against God in Heaven but still has access to the Throne of God to complain about the faults, flaws and sins of Christians. Revelation 12:10
  2. When he is hurled down from heaven and can no longer approach the Throne of God. Revelation 12:10b
  3. When Christ returns to the Mt of Olives and establishes His kingdom rule over all of the nations. Revelation 20:1-3; Zechariah 14:4
  4. When Satan is defeated at the end of the 1,000 reign of God’s Kingdom on earth and he is judged then cast into the Lake of Fire that has been reserved for him, the beast, and the false prophet. Revelation 20:10

In verse 13 of chapter 12, we finally get back to the woman who brought forth the man child, the dragon, and the persecution. What eliminates the possibility that it is now the church itself being persecuted? The church has been persecuted since its origination under Roman rule following the crucifixion of Jesus almost 2,000 years ago. This is nothing new to John, the author of Revelation. What he sees is something new, not ancient or status quo.

Revelation says: for the woman was given two wings of a great eagle that she may fly into Egypt, right? NO! Mary, Joseph and Jesus fled to Egypt right after Jesus was born and only for about two years; not the wilderness. Revelation says “that she may flee to the Wilderness where her every need will be provided.” This also occurred when the children of Israel fled Egypt (Book of Exodus), the rule of the Hyksos Pharaohs in Lower Egypt, and after their 400 year captivity and slavery. The church is not even mentioned yet suggested. This is about Jerusalem, Christ on his throne in Jerusalem, and Israel. This is about Israel (the woman) where she is nourished for a time, times and half a time (3 ½ years); the second half of Daniel’s 70th week [Daniel 9]. This is about God’s chosen people… Israel.

A recent thought per Armageddon… the recently discovered [2016] and significant oil rights in Har Megiddo… Israel, along with Russia’s assistance at drilling gives Russia a vested interest and reason to control or prevent a clash between the King of the North and the King of the South in this area. The problem is that this section of Golan Heights is still recognized as “in Syria.” Israel has never annexed it since taking back control of it in 1973; 40 plus years ago.

Let me quote something that Don Koenig wrote per part of his discussion on Revelation 12:

Genesis 37:9,10… Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me. But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?”

Jacob (Israel) probably rebuked Joseph because Joseph was arrogant and he misunderstood. The dream was not just prophetic about what would happen in his life. Jacob and Rachel never bowed in worship to Joseph. Rachel died long before Joseph became a ruler in Egypt. The dream was a similitude of Joseph representing the Messiah that would come.

http://www.thepropheticyears.com/The%20book%20of%20Revelation/Revelation%20Chapter%2012.htm

This closely reflects or has a parallel to what John witnessed on the Island of Patmos while writing Revelation 12. The sun, moon and stars in obeisance. In Revelation we have the stars in a crown on the head of a woman. Some theologians and commentaries identify the stars as the Tribes of Israel, some the Disciples of Christ, others really stretch imagination to its limits making their ignorance or denominational patriotism known per their opinions on chapter 12. The differences are also obvious. The woman flees from a great dragon, she is in hiding protected by God for 1,230 days; 3 ½ years, and she is in the wilderness, not Egypt.

What also stands out is the specific mention of 3 ½ years. The Children of Israel wandered for almost *39 years in the Wilderness. However, they were protected, they had provisions of manna and quail, and there were enemies all around them who sought their demise.

*Before being condemned by their God to wander in the Wilderness, Israel had already spent 1 year trying to get into the Promised Land. 40 – 1 = 39 years

The application is not clear but Revelation 4:1 and 11:19 have similarities. 4:1 states “After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven!…” Revelation 11:19 states “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened,…” [ESV]. Both regard heaven being open and the Temple in heaven being open.

The Stars being swept from heaven by the dragon’s tail [1/3 of them] are the angels of rebellion who sided with Lucifer/Satan. There may also be a tie between their fall from heaven and the meteorite shower of the heavens collapsing onto earth as read in Revelation 6:13, Joel 2:10 and Mark 13:25. It is obvious to even Satan that when he is finally denied access to heaven after his second war with Michael and the other 2/3s of the heavenly angels he is defeated. Now he reverts to trying to deny the remaining humans on earth a chance to confess Christ. He does this by causing great slaughters of mankind; wars and rumors of wars; man killing off mankind. As the Bible states in verse 12b of Revelation 12… “…for he knows his time is short.”

Author’s Note: The quote from Revelation 12:12 about Satan knowing his time is short, is amazingly underscored by Daniel 12:12… “Blessed is the one who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days” (1,260 plus 75 days) This 1,335 will be explained in a later article. However, the fact that both of these assurances, one of Satan being very angry (disparate) and the other of the hope to hold on are found in a chapter 12 and a verse 12; both end of time books. Hmmm?

By the way, the sea to which Revelation 12:12 refers is “the sea of people” remaining on earth. There is little justification for it to be anything else. Just like the waters in the “flood of water” from the mouth of Satan attempting to destroy “the woman” (Israel) found in Revelation 12:15 is an army of very significant size.

Revelation 12 (Part 2) coming soon.miniJim