The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman. Revelation 12: 15-17.

 Most recently, we talked about how Satan, who tried to kill the male child, now persecutes the woman who gave birth to the child.

And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. (Revelation 12:13 NASB)

From the first day of the revelation of the mystery, which occurred that day in the garden, he has attempted to kill anything that looked like the male child. Ah, and herein is an aspect of the mystery; your enemy did not know who this male child was.

For us this male child, in the broad view, is the nation of Israel (the male child is also seen as the woman.) This nation began its existence in Egypt with Jacob. By the time the new Pharaoh comes into power, God's people lived in the finest and greenest area of Egypt, in vast numbers. This piece of information was so alarming that the Egyptians made slaves out of them.

How did that happen?

If you are aware of the plight of God's people, then you know that they were making babies like there was no tomorrow, so the Pharaoh orders the midwives to kill the Israeli babies; one did not and we got Moses out of that. A narrow view of Revelation 12:13 would have us looking at Jesus as the male child.

Did Satan try to kill Jesus?

He certainly did, but he did not succeed, as Jesus is still alive.

Having tried to kill off any number of males, none of which slowed God down, he turned his perpetual attention to killing off anything that looked like the nation Israel. If you are familiar with the book of Esther,

He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. Esther 2:7 NASB)

I made a point of telling you her Jewish name, as this is a Jewish story and an example of how one man attempted to kill off the Jews in a holocaust.

You should be well aware that the man who created the havoc was Haman.

Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people and they do not observe the king's laws, so it is not in the king's interest to let them remain. (Esther 3:8 NASB)

Wow, if you wanted to provoke a kings' anger, you could not make a more conclusive list.

Do you think, in the environment that is rapidly developing around the Christ-followers today, that this very thing will not happen to you? Look at this.

"If it is pleasing to the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry on the king's business, to put into the king's treasuries." (Esther 3:9 NASB)

Back to the broad spectrum view. We, who are followers of Christ, are also the male child.

Satan is still trying to kill the male child, and this is where we pick up the story.

Revelation 12:15 NASB And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after
the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood.

Page one.

Poured – is the Greek word ballō and means to vomit.

Water, it seems like a simple, understandable word. It is the Greek word hudōr and means water, as if rainy.

After (the woman Israel) – This is the Greek word opisō and carries the idea of behind, or at one's back. There is definitely a feel for this remnant of Israel running for their lives.

While you may not look at these words and see a massive torrent, capable of killing off approximately three million people, the verse continues.

• “so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood.”

Satan is trying to kill them all off.

Does Satan gain some advantage or a reprieve from God by killing off millions of people?

The answer is NO. God has a plan and it has always included putting Satan away for a thousand years, and then finally dispatching him to his permanent silencing in an eternal hell.

Revelation 12:16 NASB “But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth.”

Whoa, hold up here a minute; the earth helped the woman.

Helped is the Greek word boēthéō. It means to run on hearing a cry, to give assistance.

How do you read a statement like this and not see the earth as having some ability to comprehend and communicate?

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!"

(Luke 19:39-40 NASB)

Here again, I see the earth as having the ability to communicate and comprehend, and the Psalmist conveys the idea that everything can call out to God.

Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy” (Psalms 98:7-8 NASB)

• “the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth.”

Yes, I realize I am limiting God by thinking this way, but I can only see one logical thing; and that would be the earth splitting open and any water flowing after escaping Israel, going into the crevice.

Mouth is an interesting Greek word that I became acquainted with in Horticulture. It is the Greek word stoma and means the mouth as if a gash in the face. In plants, it is an opening on the bottom of leaves from which the plant exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide.

Revelation 12:17 NASB So the dragon was enraged with the woman and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

When I began this study into Revelation 12 I said, we have come back to our history lesson again.

If I apply that thought to Revelation 12:17 am I talking history or a future event?

The answer is both. History because Satan fell before time began, and has been at battle, in an attempt to kill off anyone who may have become the man child himself.

Page two.

Of course, after Jesus Christ came, and the Father announced that He was the beloved Son in whom He was well pleased, there was no longer a need to kill off man-child possibilities. Don't get me wrong, Satan is still out to kill you, through one of his demonic cohorts, but the reasons have shifted to, you look like the one I hate – Jesus.

“So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

In this case, the man child is Israel, the nation; and all attempts at destroying Israel have failed. So he goes and, not just bothers, but makes war with the rest of her children. These are either, the followers of Christ or the Jewish community. I lean toward them being followers of Christ.

How do I know that?

Because, for one, they keep the commandments.

Ah, but can any of us keep the commandments?

No, and that is why we needed a savior.

You might think that we Christians are the ones that keep the commandments, but look within the church and then tell me, how many hold tightly to the testimony of Jesus?

My first reaction is to say, not many. Oh sure, we gather there, but it is more of a social gathering and our commonality is a thin moral fiber called God.

I occasionally think that as a blogger, that does Bible studies daily, that I am holding to the testimony of Jesus more than most; however, I know me and know that I have my bad days as well. It is conversations like this that make me think that we need to realize how God thinks is all that matters; that is where a statement like this comes into play. “I have engraved you on the palm of my hand, and I will never forget you.”(Isaiah 49:17 )This passage demonstrates the depth of God's love for you.

When I read the Revelation there are always two main themes running through my head.

First, this book is a book about Jesus (We are told immediately that it is a revealing of Jesus;) that seems odd doesn't it, especially since, in many ways, the gospels revealed Jesus to us. But, for the most part, the gospels revealed Jesus as a gentle shepherd, who draws all to Himself through His actions and message; and, the gospels revealed Jesus as the lamb who was slaughtered and placed upon the cross.

Another thing that I am aware of is that an uncountable number, get their heads clear and hold on to Jesus; this, of course, costs them their physical lives.

Have you ever thought about that?

It is these puny, temporary lives that impede us from seeking out the God who made us.

Why then, wouldn't we want to clear ourselves and join Him?

I am not talking about suicide, I am talking about changing your focus off worldly desires and on to Jesus. Death has a way of doing just that, as it removes you into the spiritual realm; if you belong to Christ, then you are immediately in His presence at death, while those outside of the family, merely lie quietly, waiting for the final judgment. This final judgment is what you see in Matthew 25, and yes, there is mercy shown to those who acted like sheep. The sheep are defined as those who provided for Jesus by showing mercy to other humans in need. Read the story and you will understand.

Turning your life to Jesus now, before what many call the “tribulation” comes. If you have been living under a rock, then you may not be aware that the Taliban has been given control of Afghanistan once again; and, they are killing Christians and those who assisted the Allied forces. For them, the tribulation has begun, and yet, what we call "the tribulation," is wrath from God and far worse than what we have been seeing. Turn to Jesus, and give Him your life.

He pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. Revelation 12:13-14.

 In my last post I focused entirely on Revelation 12:11 as I asked the question, how and why did “they” overcome? The short answer is, because of the blood of the Lamb. That Lamb is Jesus, and no, He is not eternally pouring out His blood for us – besides, that would be disgusting and feed into the idea that Christ's sacrifice was not enough; it was.

As we sat at the last of the summer concerts in the park, the singer, who had sounded fine to me, spoke out saying, “let me come clean. Two days ago I did not have a voice, at all.” Well, you would never have known it and he finished the night strong. Why tell you this? Because we can easily put our trust in a human, giving them a chance to pull through for us, and yet, struggle with putting our faith in God, His Word, and the sacrifice of His son.

Allow me to come clean.

I have done just that, struggling at times with my faith. I must tell you though, that any struggle I had believing came to an end around 2008 when I began to purposefully study the gospels with the express purpose of finding out who God is and what is His character.

I believed in God and His Son, but why did I struggle with the frequent moments of doubt. The main question was, is this “hope” that scripture speaks of, for real? In the gospels, I found the Jesus Christ I never knew; and, in Him, I saw the Father.

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
(Hebrews 1:2-3 KJV)

Jesus, for the joy set before Him, voluntarily sacrificed His life, rose from the dead, intentionally poured out His blood as a high priest, and offered up Himself as the final sacrificial lamb for our sins.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand, there are pleasures forever. (Psalms 16:9-11 NASB)

He knew that the brutal torture and the pains of hell, would end back in the Father's arms, and we would be His prize. He rescued all those who would accept His rescue.

He paid the bloody price for our redemption, can you accept that?

For us, it is really that simple.

Finally understanding the nature and character of God, I understood that the earth and the evil would be purged, sort of. I now had a hope that I could cling to; and yet, here we are, not only studying the Revelation but living it out before us, the scariest aspect of this destruction is that it would consume us all disregarding our hope.

Several people I pay attention to have done their homework and told us that God follows, with precision, the feasts that He laid out for the Jewish people, such as Passover. As these feasts have come up, (and no we gentile believers don't really have a clue, unless you do your homework,) we have been told that these feasts are times within which we should watch for Jesus' return for His bride. Sadly, I am still here, but I still have hope. A major anchor point that allows us to understand and advocate for prophecy, was Israel - the fig tree, and its rebirth as a nation, which happened in 1948. It is this generation that shall not pass away.

Page one.

On that note, we are still in Revelation chapter twelve, and it seems we are returning to our history lesson.

Revelation 12:12 Moffatt NT (12) Rejoice for this, O heavens and ye that dwell in them! But woe to earth and sea! The devil has descended to you in fierce anger, knowing that his time is short."

Eugene Peterson put it that way.

• “So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there,”

Who is God talking to?

Assuming that this is a pre-creation scenario, then we are talking about the trinity and the remaining angels.

And another sign was seen in the heavens. And behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads! And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and cast them onto the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman being about to bear, so that when she bears he might devour her child. (Revelation 12:3-4 MKJV)

We know that the stars are angels.

And the fifth angel sounded. And I saw a star fall from the heaven to the earth, and it was given the key of the abyss. (Revelation 9:1 MKJV)

This “star” is a physical or spiritual being, we know this because it is given a key to hell. (Don't foolishly assume that God would simply hand Satan the keys to hell; Satan deceived Eve to get them, while Adam, stood there doing nothing to stop Satan's action, and therefore committed treason against God and handed the dominion of earth over to Satan.) Jesus said I beheld Satan fall like lightning to earth. (Luke 10:18). So, if I put together my evidence, then I can build a case proving that it was Satan that fell and he took a third of the angels with him.

Why in the world would they rejoice, because as we have witnessed, simply having Satan thrown to earth has done little more than cause the loss of generations of humans, endless wars, death, and a loss of peace?

The answer to this lies in a word, mystery, and God intentionally let the clues come out that day in the Garden, as He explained to Eve.

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."
(Genesis 3:15 NASB)

Paul told us that the plan to restore all things has been a mystery since the beginning of time.

... according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, (Romans 16:25b NASB)

But it is NOT still a mystery and we can understand it through our relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.
(Ephesians 1:7-9 NASB)

• “But woe to earth and sea! The devil has descended to you in fierce anger, knowing that his time is short.”

Page two.

We understand that Satan was thrown to earth by God, but what we don't see is the anger. Lacking scripture, all we have is an assumption, and that does not work. But we do have well-defined reasoning for Satan's anger and scripture gives it to us.

One of those answers comes from the passage itself and Revelation 12:12 tells us that his time is limited. In trying to understand this lack of time, I am well aware that just since Christ's resurrection Satan has had over two thousand years. I suppose in contrast to eternity 2000 years is just a drop in the bucket.

When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. (Revelation 12:13 NLT)

• “When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth,”

Assuming that God lives among the stars, and God threw Satan to earth; that is a long, fast fall.

How do you not realize that you have been thrown to earth and that the party is over?

Maybe, it is not that far, or Satan is just that dense. Notice how the passage indicates that once he realized he was thrown down, where God's plan, the mystery, would take place, he/Satan immediately began pursuing the woman who had given birth to the male child.

• “he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.”

Does this include Eve?

I ask because Satan immediately takes out both Cain and Able. Every possibility since has been attacked, including Jesus.

The woman is Israel giving birth to the nation. Israel was a nation before it ever became a nation in 1948. So, Satan has been going after God's people, trying to kill them, since the beginning of time; yes.

But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time. (Revelation 12:14 NLT)

This idea of God carrying His people on His wings was not new.

‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. (Exodus 19:4 NLT)

Revelation 12:14 tells us,

• “ But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness.”

Dr. J. Vernon McGee states, “Into the wilderness, into her place." Scripture does not say that the rock-hewn city of Petra will be that place. It could be, but we just simply do not know. This "wilderness" has been variously identified—Petra is not the only place. Some say that it is the wilderness of the peoples of the world; that is, that there will be another worldwide scattering of Israel. Since Christ said, "… flee into the mountains" (Mat_24:16), we believe it to be a literal wilderness, possibly that same one in which Israel spent forty years under Moses.”

A friend asked me about how I do Bible study. I have talked in the past about my disdain for commentaries, and one by Warren Wiersbe, who is renowned for his knowledge and wisdom. In my case, the group leader chose to use the Wiersbe commentary on Romans instead of focusing on the Bible. My feeling. and I get this to some degree from Pastor Tom Hughes of 411 church in San Jacinto, is that I no longer wish to lean upon commentaries. If I can't figure it out from scripture, then I can resort to commentaries that I feel I can trust.

As you can see above, even Dr. McGee, attempted to direct our thinking to Israel running back into the world.

Page three.

I have a problem with that idea for this reason.

“then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. "Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. "Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! "But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.”
(Matthew 24:16-20 NASB)

When Jesus said these words, He said them to a Jewish audience that would never see this particular event, and the circumstances of what appears to be a catastrophic attack, are centered on Jerusalem. This doesn't seem like a global event that would drive them back into the nations as we have for several years see a push (Aliyah) to come back to Israel and the Jews know that. The fact that He spoke specifically about Judea should be a tremendous clue.

The prophet Zechariah established the fact that Israel would be the focus of the attack.

"Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:2-3 NASB)

Just to say the focus is on Jerusalem is not enough. There was a time when “Israel” was a divided kingdom. Israel was the northern kingdom and Judea was the southern kingdom. Obviously, they are one nation, Israel, at this point. So the terminology is meant to promote the idea that the entirety of Israel will be under siege, and soon.

How many people in Israel escape?

“One third of you will die by plague or be consumed by famine among you, one third will fall by the sword around you, and one third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.” Ezekiel 5:12 NASB

Do the math. Only one-third survives and they do so by fleeing into the mountains.

If you were to say, but there a Jews everywhere and not all them come back to Israel, you would be correct; and this is where our presumptive statements, such as the Jews will flee to Petra, in Lebanon, get us into trouble. I realize that these assumptions have been made because 1.) it appeared to be the most logical place considering that scripture speaks of the dragon pouring out a flood, that God diverts, and Petra makes the most sense to some. But have you ever seen pictures of that place? Yes, it is amazing but it is not as expansive as people make it sound, and there is no plumbing if you catch my drift. And 2.) As of 2019, there were a little over 9 million people living in Israel. And you are expecting me to believe that 3 million people will jam themselves into that water-carved canyon for three and one-half years? Obviously and miraculously, some of God's people will be saved, but it is NOT clear where.

Ezekiel chapter seven defines where and how these deaths will come.

'The sword is outside and the plague and the famine are within. He who is in the field will die by the sword; famine and the plague will also consume those in the city.” (Ezekiel 7:15 NASB)

I want you to pay attention to the word plague. Covid falls under this category.

Considering that the Jews are a target of God's wrath during the “tribulation years,” doesn't it seem feasible that many of them died directly related to what is coming? Let me point out that George Soros is a European Jew that hates God.

Page four.

Just in case you don't know, or you have forgotten, here is a bit of what God will bring:

• The antichrist arrives and brings death with him. Revelation 6:2.

• And another, a red horse. To take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; Revelation 6:4.

• Behold an ashen horse. Authority was given to them to kill a fourth of the earth, Revelation 6:8.

• With the sixth seal there was another deadly earthquake. Revelation 6:12.

We are still looking at Revelation 12:14.

• “ But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness.”

Wings is the Greek word pterux and surprise, it means wings, as in bird wings.

Is there a practical way to understand this?

Some would yes, as their idea gives Israel the ability to jump on an airplane and fly someone where else.

Really, do you actually think that is going to happen, especially in this newly improved Covid world we live in where Israel itself has gone back on full lockdown?

No, there will be no escape from Israel, outside of God's plan; that only leaves one other possibility, and that is that Jews, globally, will have to run in any safe direction they can find.

Why make an analogy to an eagle's wings?

Because this is the language that God has used with Israel on previous occasions.

"You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself.” Exodus 19:4.

Having read about Israel's escape from Egypt, on several occasions, I can remember no references to eagles' wings, this leads me to believe that God used the phrase “I bore you on eagles' wings” as an analogy to the magnificence of His actions.

Another reference to eagle wings is found in Deuteronomy.

“Like an eagle teaching its young to fly, catching them safely on its spreading wings, the LORD kept Israel from falling.” Deuteronomy 32:11 GNB

So, when Israel has to run for their lives, God is letting us and them know that He will carry them safely. 

If the eagle's wings are synonymous with the catching away of the church, will you get caught up to meet Him in the air? Those that are not caught up will have to prove their allegiance to Jesus Christ, almost without exception, through their death as a martyr.

They did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:11.

 Previously, we saw Satan cast out of heaven and thrown to the earth.

And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
(Revelation 12:9 NASB)

Almost as though it is a response to Satan being thrown down, a declaration is made.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10 NASB)

The logical assumption would be that this declaration is made to and about Jesus Christ. We worked through the scriptures to assign some timing to such an event and it seems that His death and resurrection is a turning point, where God announces Christ's Son-ship once again. Certainly, Jesus Christ was pronounced to be the Son in power, and, as we saw, He sat down to reign at that point.

“but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,"
(Hebrews 10:12 NASB)

But our assumption about all the power going to Jesus may be incorrect.

Watch what happens next.

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. (Revelation 12:11 NASB)

Suddenly we are redirected to what appears to be the martyred saints; if that is the case, wouldn't this pertain to ALL saints, throughout all time?

Why ask such a question?

Because Revelation 12:11 says “they” and not a specific audience. If you have been reading through the Revelation with us, then you would know that John saw the martyred saints on two occasions, and both times there are referred to as saints.

Do we have other references to saints that are non-revelation-oriented?

Paul had numerous associating the body of Christ to saints. Romans 1:7; Romans 15:26; 1 Cor 1:2; 1 Cor 6:1; 1 Cor 14:33; Eph 1:1; and in Eph 3:8 where he said, “To me, the very least of all saints.” Since we are focused on the Revelation, it seems necessary to point out that references to saints, in John's writing, are all referring to people who endure the time of wrath or died because of the word of their testimony.

I point all this out because the word “they” opens the door to others outside of the time of wrath. People have been martyred for their relationship to Jehovah since time began; and, if you don't believe that look at Cain and Able.

Let's ask the question before someone else does; does everyone that goes through the tribulation and hold the testimony of Jesus Christ, die?

There is, in my mind, no doubt that some will survive.

Isaiah 1:9 Unless the LORD of hosts Had left us a few survivors, We would be like Sodom, We would be like Gomorrah.

Page one.

This idea of survivors is important because it alerted the Jewish disciples that the potential of being completely wiped out was a possibility.

"Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:22 NASB)

Isaiah 4:2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel.

Pay attention to the fact that there are not only survivors among the Jewish people, but among the nations as well. I point this out because there are teachers which say, no one but believers go into the millennial kingdom. Such ignorance is dismaying.

"For I know their works and their thoughts; the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory. "I will set a sign among them and will send survivors from them to the nations: Tarshish, Put, Lud, Meshech, Tubal, and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have neither heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they will declare My glory among the nations. (Isaiah 66:18-19 NASB)

If Revelation 12:11 is NOT referring to specifically to tribulation saints, then the alternative would be those, who throughout all record-able time, have stood declaring that there is salvation in Jehovah.

What proof do we have of that?

Hebrews is a great start, for here we see that faith brought approval from God.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. (Hebrews 11:1-2 NASB)

Their numbers, we are told, was as the sands of the seashore, and yet.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
(Hebrews 11:13 NASB)

Although it is hard to understand how they knew it, they were looking forward to the same hope we have, a life with the Father in a world filled with peace. I would like to tell you that their lives here on earth all had happy endings, but they did not.

In speaking of Moses we learn that he chose to endure ill-treatment along with his people.

choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (Hebrews 11:25 NASB)

Some conquered kingdoms, shut the mouths of lions, quenched fire, put foreign armies to flight, while others were tortured, not accepting their release.

“who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;”
(Hebrews 11:33-35 NASB)

No, it does not always work out the way we had hoped while we are here on earth. Ah, but then there is Jesus, and all of His promises are true.

Page two.

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
(Revelation 12:11 NASB)

We have already addressed who this is most likely talking about, so we won't go into that any further; and, we also touched on this idea of a testimony, but I want to dive into what a testimony looks like.

Religion tries to tell you that salvation and hence your testimony have to go through the “Roman Road.” That means that you would have been led down a scriptural path for the purpose of bringing you to salvation based primarily upon Paul's letter to the church in Rome. This is a generalization of course, but the process and thinking is deeply inset.

Since I started this study, we have witnessed the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban; and despite anything that our puppet president may have said, these people have declared that they will control Afghanistan under Sharia law. Depending upon how much free time they have, they torture people of any other sect of Islam or Christians, and frequently behead them. I have heard that the Taliban has been checking phones and shooting those who have Bible apps on their phones. There may be moments during this time of God's wrath that is coming, in which you may not have the opportunity to say much before they kill you. If comes to the point where they are shouting at you, deny Christ and Worship Allah, you may only have a few seconds to shout out a NO!

The Greek word for testimony is marturia and it means evidence given judicially or generally.

Apply this word testimony to the person sitting next to the judge, trying to explain themselves against words spoken about them. If that was not dramatic enough, apply it to the people who are dragged out of their houses at gunpoint and told to worship Allah or we rape your wife in front of you. There is very little about this scenario that is clean or well organized. They don't care about your Roman road speech, because as soon as you say no they are going to get busy, which will include shooting you.

Try to picture this.

The seven years of God's wrath has come; almost immediately there will be a staggering increase in violence and death, all this comes with the arrival of the antichrist. The antichrist is the rider on the white horse.

“I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come." And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.”
(Revelation 6:2-4 NASB)

We cannot tell from scriptures how much time after the rapture of the church until there is a wholesale killing of Christ-followers. Funny that I should say it that way, seeing as the church has been caught away.

Why during this time of chaos, when allegedly there is no Christ followers to lead you, would you have anyone following after Christ?

Scripture tells us that the veil that covers people's eyes will be lifted and all will be able to see the truth - this does not mean that all will respond to the truth, but those who choose to follow after Christ during this time of horror will not cease to shut their mouths about the Lord.

If you have read your bible then you know the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25.) We can assume that the virgins have lived in a manner that made them welcome at the banquet. (You might equate them to believers.) Five of them filled their lamps with oil and took extra oil, just in case. The others did not check the oil level in the lamps, nor did they bring extra and when it got dark their lamps went out quickly. When those unprepared virgins ran out of oil we see them rudely demanding that the others give to them their oil. That did not happen, and they now had to go out into the neighborhood, knocking on doors, as they hunted for more. When they returned it was too late. The announcement was made, the bridegroom had come, and those who were prepared followed him to the chamber, entered, and the bridegroom closed the door too late entries.

Page three.

Jesus is coming back for those who are looking for Him.

Galatians 5:5 NASB For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.

Assuming that these unprepared virgins were Christ-followers something is missing from the equation, like a good explanation for what the oil represents. I have wondered why faced with the absurdity of going through a dark neighborhood late at night, they did not just follow those who still had light.

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the church at Corinth that we were to be awaiting the coming Jesus Christ for His church.

1 Corinthians 1:7 NASB so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Everything was impacted by Adam's actions and Paul reveals this in his letter to the church in Rome.

Romans 8:19 NASB For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

James, the half-brother of Jesus tells us to be patient as we wait.

James 5:7-8 NASB Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it until it gets the early and late rains. (8) You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord, is near.

One last aspect of Romans 12:11.

• “they did not love their life even when faced with death.”

  Having been thrown into the fiery furnace, that took the lives of the guards that threw them in, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego now walked back out of that same furnace. The Complete Jewish Bible tells us this.

  Daniel 3:28b. CJB ...They defied the royal order to the point of being willing to give up their bodies, in order not to serve or worship any god but their own God.

  The book of Hebrews, in talking about the fathers of faith, says this.

  "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (14) For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own."
  Hebrews 11:13-14 NASB

  Everything within these two verses above cry out with wisdom and understanding.

  • All these died in faith,

  • “without receiving the promises,”

  • They welcomed those same promises that we have, knowing that someday they will be a reality. Since they had no multi-translation bibles to help them understand, how did they know of these promises?

  • Confessed, and testified, that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Why?

  • Because it was clear to them that they were seeking a country or “home” of their own.

    What does that mean to us?

    It means that we are just passing through as we head for our promised land, heaven. I despise the emphasis we make on having mansions in heaven. You know full well that many picture servants and house keepers polishing the fine things that make them feel important here on this broken earth. I have struggled with insecurities my entire life. Do you think I need to hide in some big palace, nursing those same anxiety-driven emotions? I long to be free.

Page four.

Keep this in mind as you ponder what this country promised us. God has told us that heaven is beyond our wildest imaginations. Having seen movies like Avatar, where the plants spin, emit music, and light up as you touch them, I could go on, but you should be getting the idea. My mind is reaching out there as I think about colorful nebula's in ever-expanding galaxies, and I am NOT spending eternity sitting in a hot tub, although right now, with this body, that might feel really good.

Hebrews 11:16. NASB But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Some, it tells us, did NOT receive the promises.

What do we believe God has promised us?

In reality it is life with the Father in Heaven, to define that if I could, would require another six-page diatribe and we are not going to do that, aside from life with the Father in Heaven, it is your daily bread – sustenance. To prove my point Jesus asked

The Faith movement tries to tell you, you deserve a Rolls Royce. Dr. Fred Price got his, and then he died. I wonder who has it now. With the Father, your things won't matter.

One last comment and I call it quits.

Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, addressed the crowd recently, when he asked, how many of you long for normal to return?

You could hear a number of people say yes, I shouted out NO! The reason I said no is that I no longer wish to play, and I want Jesus to return for His bride, the church.

Pastor Jack said, if you answered yes, then perhaps your heart is still far too attached to the things of this earth, and all of them are in opposition to God's plan and purposes.

If I was willing to simply go back to normal, in my mind, I feel as though I would be saying that I am comfortable with this lousy world, the bullies, and the poison the world has to offer. There is no peace here on earth, in fact, the level of violence is already on the increase. No, I am done here.

Do I sound like I am defeated?

First off, you need to know that I don't care what you think. I am getting older and the things I used to laugh at, like arthritis are now my constant companions. The problem with arthritis is that it has tempered that warrior spirit in me. In other words, I am not so willing to swing the broad ax anymore, and that is a good thing but I am finally learning that I am not in control.

I am not asking for prayer, although prayer is always welcome, but it is a change of focus. My heart yearns for the return of Jesus and I long to hear His voice constantly. Remember what we saw in Hebrews how faith should be the center of focus.