I've also heard this phrase, "Revelation is the gospel from heaven's perspective."
Revelation 11 is like a "witnessasim" Phonetically - wit-nay-zee-um.
Revelation 11 is like a "witnessasim" Phonetically - wit-nay-zee-um.
Through the numbers and other metaphors you see Moses, Elijah, Law, Prophets, Christ death (with everyone running for their lives - honestly Jesus, how did you pick these guys?), Christ's resurrection, Angels in heaven telling the disciples "STOP LOOKING INTO THE SKY" (honestly Jesus, how did you pick these guys?) Old Testament Law - "two witnesses please!," Lampstands/churches. Again - "wit-naze-ee-um."
I'm left saying, "seriously God? You would allow me to be a part of your body. Your message. Your witness? Your legacy? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!"
I'm sure Isaiah is wrapped in this thing somewhere. Actually, He has to be because every witness/prophet (thanks 1 Peter) is inspired by the spirit of Christ in them. I mention Isaiah because as I read chapter 11 I communed with Isaiah's confession - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips." When I read Revelation 11 I cry "woe. I am ruined. For I am a man of unclean lips."
In response to my confession God speaks through His word,
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
And freakier than any of the puzzling imagery of Revelation is this crazy proclamation!
(This is from Ephesians 1) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
I'm left saying, "seriously God? You would allow me to be a part of your body. Your message. Your witness? Your legacy? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!"
I'm sure Isaiah is wrapped in this thing somewhere. Actually, He has to be because every witness/prophet (thanks 1 Peter) is inspired by the spirit of Christ in them. I mention Isaiah because as I read chapter 11 I communed with Isaiah's confession - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips." When I read Revelation 11 I cry "woe. I am ruined. For I am a man of unclean lips."
In response to my confession God speaks through His word,
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
And freakier than any of the puzzling imagery of Revelation is this crazy proclamation!
(This is from Ephesians 1) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
My problem is I struggle again and again believing that such a great God would entrust such awesome power and authority to this flawed, fumbling, goof ball. The fact that God would put me on His team and entrust Himself to me is very, very freaky and difficult to believe. I find that way more intense and crazy than weird demon locusts from hell that afflict the hearts of men.
So, Daniel seals the scroll until the end of time. Jesus, who is the end of time, blows up space and time and the scroll is open. God tells this meat head (Steve Mann) to eat it and participate in the great unveiling of His majesty and mystery -Christ crucified.
(Pathetically wimpering) - Lord, I barely, barely, barely believe. Overcome through Pentecost, through your power and authority, my unbelief.
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