Heavenhigh

The Horsemen!

# 43 2021 Dev. Revelation 6:2. The Horsemen! Read all of chapter six first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelation 6:2 “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

Intro. This vision that John sees is put into the words of men so that those who believe will understand by the power of the Holy Spirit. What is being described here is from eternity to eternity. God, who is outside of time, operates in the eternal present, represents to us what is about to happen in time, as long as time lasts.

Rev. 6 is a description of the first six seals of the scroll. What is being described here is from the beginning of time up to today and into the end of time. These events are not at a particular time but a culmination of all time, past, present and future. While Revelation is often seen as Christian tribulation in terms of events occurring at three different times; pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation, as well as pre-rapture or post rapture. The fact is that tribulation has been part of human history from the beginning but increases in the last days. While on earth, Jesus said: “we are in the last days.”

The lamb opens the first seal and one of the four living creatures calls forth a white horse. The rider held a bow and was given a crown, “he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” While the functions of rider two, three and four are obvious there is much controversy over the first rider. Who is he? In my tradition he is the Christ, while many passages point to Him Psalm 45:3-5 is convincing: “3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.” It is also obvious that horsemen two, three and four are subject to Him (Zac. 1:8-11).

The second seal is opened and a red horse is called forth, he removes peace from the earth resulting in much killing.

The third seal is opened and a black horse is called forth, the rider is holding scales and he causes mush economic hardship. Horses two and three are the metaphors causing persecution to believers and the church. Persecution starting with Cain has always been part of the sinful world but has been increasing to the point where we have two hundred million people living under persecution today.

The fourth seal is opened and a pale horse is called forth the “rider was named Death and Hades was following close behind him.” Not specific, general, war, illness, famine, poverty, injustice. This will affect a quarter of the population.

The fifth seal reveals the souls under the alter, slain because of the Word of God and their witness to the Word. They cried out: how long Lord before you avenge our blood. What is symbolized in seals 1-5 has been going on in varying intensity, slowly increasing leading up to the last day. Jesus gives us a summary of the last days in Matt. 24. What is important to remember is that Our God reigns, He is in control!

The sixth seal reveals the great day of the Lord, Judgment Day. We here are given a symbolic picture of the terrors of the day of the Lord. The judgment is still to come but followers of Jesus will not be judged, Jesus has taken our punishment to the cross. Jesus says: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Amen and Amen!

Our Eyes!

# 42 2021 Dev. Psalm 123:2. Our Eyes! Read all of Psalm 123 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 123:2b “Our eyes look to the Lord God”

Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascent.” Songs of ascent were sung at the temple by the Priests walking up the 15 steps entering the sanctuary, also sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the three feasts required, Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles, as well as during the return from Babylon back to Jerusalem.

Psalm 123 is a song of ascent of two stanzas that is a prayer as well. This Psalm appears to be a prayer song about the journey through life as opposed to a journey to Jerusalem.

V.1. “I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.” We are blessed to know what “enthroned in heaven” means and what that looks like (Rev. 4). The Psalmist is entreating for the community to the God of Heaven and Earth, the only legitimate God among the myriads of gods at the time. He is speaking from a place of weakness as we all are today as followers of Jesus.

V.2. “As the eyes of slaves,” both male and female, slaves in that day and still today have no aspirations, no freedom, no recourse, no way out, death being the only way the bondage is broken. It is used here as a simile highlighting complete bondage and hopelessness. Unfortunately, this is looking and feeling more and more real today. Mandates: no exemptions, careers lost, firings from every kind of job no-matter its importance, no freedom of movement, arrests on college campuses for non compliance. Is that what we are facing, arrest and incarceration while the real criminals run free? Ask yourself? See for yourself!

V.2 b. “so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till He shows us His mercy.” Our fist defense is prayer and the second is responsible action.

V.3. The Psalmist continues with his petition: “Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us,” there is “no end of contempt” on Christianity, on followers of Jesus and on conservative values.

V.4. “We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, the proud.” The humility of the followers of Jesus, the wisdom of the Word of God, the restraint of the Holy Spirit on the world, is ridiculed and held in contempt. “So our eyes look to the Lord our God, my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 121). But it does not end there because, today in America, there is a debilitating hopelessness among all races who are true Christians and true conservatives. Since our help comes from the Lord, what will be your thinking and action? I pray that we will live our faith, promote our values at every opportunity, stand our ground, and vote for wise and sensible people no matter what party or creed. Our help comes from God, amen!

The Scroll!

# 41 2021 Dev. Revelation 5:1. The Scroll! Read all of chapter five first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelation 5:1 “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.”

Chapter 5 is a continuation of the vision of ch.4 and describes the scroll held in the right hand of the one who sits on the throne. This vision that John sees is put into the words of men so that those who believe will understand by the power of the Holy Spirit. What is being described here is from eternity to eternity. God who is outside of time, operates in the eternal present, represents to us what is about to happen in time, as long as time lasts.

The scroll was sealed with seven seals in other words completely sealed with no possibility of access. “A mighty angel proclaimed in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’” No one was found worthy, not in heaven or an earth or under the earth. John weeps, in response it is not the mighty angel but an elder speaks, one who has experienced redemption: “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, The Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. Then I saw a Lamb”

A Lamb? Not a lion? From a mighty angel to an elder, a man and from a Lion to a Lamb. From the strong to the weak. The impression is that from the highest to the lowest are included into God’s Kingdom but the weakness of God (Jesus’ self sacrifice) is the strongest and highest in God’s creation and in the whole universe.

“The Lamb looked as if it has been slain” The Lamb of God, Jesus. He Is surrounded by the four living creatures and the elders. “The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes,” complete power and complete knowledge, see Eph.1; 21,23. The seven eyes “is the sevenfold” Spirit of God. He upholds God’s creation, the whole universe. When Christ takes the scroll the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped.

The elders are holding harps; they were the instruments used to accompany singing of the Psalms. And “holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” It is amazing and comforting that not only do the elders represent us, we are involved in the worship in heaven by our prayers.

“And they sang a new song:” A song of praise to the Lamb, “with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation, see: Rev.7:9,10. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,” as a Holy Nation.

That was God’s intention Ex.19: 5,6 from the beginning. He chose Israel to influence the world, she is the Old Testament Church that ushered in the New Testament Church in Christ Jesus, “the New is in the Old contained and the Old is in the New explained.” The scroll is of the highest importance; It contains the complete plan of God’s Salvation in Christ and His plan of predestination for all people and the universe. His plan is from everlasting to everlasting.

After Jesus takes the scroll John saw and heard “thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” of angels gathered around the scene: singing ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” And John heard “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them,” joining in praising God. They are us, joining them, in our services and our daily service for God, Amen!

Rejoice in the Lord!

# 40 2021 Dev. Psalm 122:1. Rejoice in the Lord! Read all of Psalm 122 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 122:1 “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Psalm 122 is a psalm of ascent with a two verse introduction and two stanzas framed with “the house of the Lord.”

Vs.1-2 A fellow pilgrim or a group of pilgrims said at the beginning of their journey, “let us go up the the house of the Lord.” They rejoiced at the prospect to worship at the temple at a time of one of the required feasts. They have arrived after a long uphill journey and “our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.”

This Introduction reflect our present lives, we are on a pilgrimage, heading for our heavenly home, along the way do we rejoice at every worship opportunity? Do we worship daily? All of life is worship! What is important, the trip or the destination? Some have only just started, some are half way, some are standing at the gate. What is important to you? As for me it is the pilgrimage itself: the opportunity to influence the world around me, the people around us, the execution of and the fulfillment of God’s calling on our lives no matter our occupation. The goal is assured; like the early travelers we only have to cross the threshold.

Vs. 3-5 “Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together”, a place where there is contact with everyone, no escaping those unlike you, those who have a different orientation or those you want to avoid. Grace is required, forgiveness is required, compassion and tolerance. This is the place of ultimate worship, a place to praise, a place of Judgment by our God the King.

The above is the goal of our pilgrimage, our heavenly home, where we arrive by God’s leading and by His timing, and we will all arrive. What are the works that follow us? Only works done in the name of Jesus follow us because we are saved by the works of Jesus, not anything done on our own.

Vs. 6-9 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure”. May there be be peace, security, prosperity, “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘peace be within you”

Like those pilgrims before us the goal begins to be reached at the beginning of the journey. New Life in Christ begins the day one is converted and puts their trust in Jesus. It is therefore that the pilgrimage, our life’s journey, is important.

We may legitimately say: “for the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.” And for the sake of the church, and followers of Jesus (the house of the Lord’) “I will seek your prosperity.” We pray for a blessing on all churches, on all followers of Jesus, on all works of promoting the Gospel, on all works of mercy done in the name of Jesus and on all those who are in search of the truth. Amen!

God’s Throne!

# 39 2021 Dev. Revelation 4.2. God’s Throne! Read all of chapter four first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelation 4:2 “At once I was in the Spirit, and before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”

Revelation chapter 4 describes the throne room in heaven; what is being described here is the whole universe from the perspective of heaven (Hendriksen). “And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” John is caught up in the Spirit and describes what he sees. Chapters 1-3 are not in code but speak straight forward of what John heard and saw. But the vision of Ch. 4, the Throne room, will need some interpretation.

Him who sits on the throne is described in human terms and language: he had the “appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.” Terms to describe God, who is a Spirit, in human terms are called anthropomorphisms.

God’s Throne is encircled by “twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders.” These represent the whole of the church both in the Old Testament and in the New, corresponding in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles (Rev.21:12-14). They are dressed in the righteousness of Christ with white robes and wear golden crowns of victory, i.e. the redeemed reign with Christ. Seven lamp stands are in front of the throne, “the sevenfold Spirit of God” and “what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal”, symbolizing the sanctifying power of God (Hendriksen).

The four living beings are angels of the highest order; they are like the cherubim symbolized by the cherubim on the ark in the Holy of Holies of the earthly temple. In Ezekiel Ch. 1 and 10, the same beings are described. The first being has a face like a lion indicating strength, the second creature has a face like an ox indicating the ability to serve, the third creature has a face like a man indicating intelligence, the fourth creature has a face like an eagle indicating speed, and the many eyes indicate deep perception. “They never stop saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, is, and is to come.”

Whenever the creatures give glory and honor, the 24 elders fall down in worship and lay down their crowns.

This wonderful vision of heavenly worship is overwhelming and brings to our attention our worship in the church. It also brings attention to our lives because all of our life is worship to God. The complete harmony and selflessness of the worshipers in heaven should open our hearts every Sunday and every day to God’s grace and to His compassion. His desire to reconcile all people back to Himself is one tenets of the Kingdom of God which the church is to reflect. The 24 elders are us, forgiven, sanctified, victorious in life and death.

And along with them we say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Amen, praise the Lord!

We Are On A Pilgrimage!

# 38 2021 Dev. Psalm 121:1,2. We Are On a Pilgrimage! Read all of Psalm 121 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 121:1,2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 121 is a four stanza praise song introduced by two verses, 1 and 2, that capture for us the universal question of all time and the eternal answer to all our earthly and heavenly needs. Each stanza has an introductory statement

Vs.1,2 Comes from a pilgrim, a traverller, looking up to the mountains in the distance that he may have to cross. Also, and perhaps more so, this comes from people traveling through life, facing mountain after mountain, opposition after opposition in our culture. People today ask; “where does my help come from?” Who or what, will or can help me through this life? It is a question that faces every human being and there are as many answers as cultures in the world

The Psalmist gives us the right answer and the only true answer; “My help comes from the Lord.” That should be enough for us but the Psalmist does not leave it there, he adds “the Maker of heaven and earth.” He has created us, provided a temporary home for us here, cares for us, and calls us to our eternal home at the appointed time but only if we have faith and believe in the Lord Jesus.

Vs. 3,4 “He will not let your foot slip_” God is in control 24/7 always He watches over those He Loves, Sometimes, like the time we are in, we wonder, we question, God where are you? In our human limitations we do not always understand but God is here with us!

Vs. 5,6 “The Lord watches over you-” the Lord is at our right hand shading us from every trouble, not that we will not have illness or opposition but that we will be victorious in His Name. There is protection day and night!

Vs. 7,8 “The Lord will keep you from all harm-” the Lord protects our lives, we will not have a minute more or a minute less in this life than what God has ordained for us, and that goes for everyone. But for the followers of Jesus, “the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Praise Him!

We Are On a Pilgrimage!

Psalm 121:1,2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Vs.1,2 Comes from a pilgrim, a traverller, looking up to the mountains in the distance that he may have to cross. Also, and perhaps more so, this comes from people traveling through life, facing mountain after mountain, opposition after opposition in our culture. People today ask; “where does my help come from?” or what, will or can help me through this life? It is a question that faces every human being and there are as many answers as cultures in the world.

Vs. 5,6 “The Lord watches over you-” the Lord is at our right hand shading us from every trouble, not that we will not have illness or opposition but that we will be victorious in His Name. There is protection day and night!

Refined Gold!

# 37 2021 Dev. Revelation 3:20. Refined Gold! Read Chapter 3:14-22 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelations 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Chapter 3 continues with Jesus’ exhortation to the Seven Churches. Again, seven is a complete number that means that each type of church is addressed throughout all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.

Laodicea was a wealthy city in Roman times, it was a banking center, it had a medical school, a large textile industry and produced the material for a well known eye-salve. Further, it was located on a major trade route. It does not appear that the church was persecuted.

Jesus address Laodicea: “These are the words of the Amen, the one true God, the faithful and the true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” (The Alpha and the Omega) “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot” Be one or the other as it is “I am about to spit (vomit) you out of my mouth.” “I am about to” means there is still opportunity to repent. They were complacent, rich, self sufficient, not in need of anything by their way of thinking. This is starting to sound familiar, like many churches today in varying degrees.

But no, you are blind, poor and naked. “I council you to buy from me gold refined in the fire.” Come and buy without money or cost as Scriptures metaphorically described the gift of Salvation. Receive white clothes (righteousness) compared to the black cloth they produced and anoint your eyes with spiritual salve, so you may see. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. After this, Jesus makes a personal appeal: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This is not an eschatological statement, referring to the great feast of the lamb. No, this is an intimate appeal to re-establish Jesus’ relationship with the church. Eating together was the ultimate fellowship then and still is in many cultures today. There is also a promise: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.” Yes, as fantastic as that may sound, we will reign together with Christ in the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Jesus is still knocking on our doors and on the door of the church, inviting us to re-evaluate how we do church and how we prioritize our lives. I think that in this passage Jesus is speaking directly to us and to the church today. There is still time, thanks be to God!

God Answers!

# 36 2021 Dev. Psalm 120:1. God Answers! Read all of Psalm 120 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 120:1“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”

Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascent” it is called the “Great Hallel” meaning rejoicing to praise God for His enduring presence, as compared to the series we just finished “Egyptian Hallel” meaning rejoicing to praise God for His salvation. Songs of ascent were sung at the temple by the Priests walking up the 15 steps entering the sanctuary, also sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the three feasts required, Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles, as well as during the return from Babylon.

Psalm 120 calls on God for help: “I call on the Lord…” It has 3 stanzas.

Vs. 1-2 He makes a specific request: “Save me Lord from lying lips…” Who do you call when in distress?

Vs. 3-4 The Psalmist anticipates God’s answer and he imagines the liars fate. He will cut you and burn you “deceitful tongue”. Do you anticipate God’s answer?

Vs. 5-7 The Psalmist despairs the place he lives: “Woe is me that I dwell in Meshek that I live among the tents of Kedar!” The Psalmist makes a moral connection with Meshek one of the sons of Japheth and with Kedar one of the sons of Ismael; warring and wandering tribes that never have sought peace. How do you feel about the culture you live in?

For followers of Jesus; we call on God and anticipate a positive answer. Further, like the Psalmist, we desire to hear truth and live in peace, we want to trust all those around us but we know we cannot. The Psalmist is anxious to go to the feast in Jerusalem, to be among his own people. This speaks to us: “come out of your dwelling place”, your culture, spiritually, desire peace, seek refreshment in Jesus. How, you ask? Make your home a place of peace, a place of laughter and forgiveness. Attend your church, meditate on the Word of God and pray for your family, for churches, for your friends and for those who do not follow Jesus. Intercede for the people around you, Christ is interceding for you. Praise be to God!

Jesus Holds the Key!

# 35 2021 Dev. Revelation 3:2. Jesus Holds the Key! Read all of Chapter 3:1-13 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelations 3:2 “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”

Introduction: This book is perhaps the most misunderstood and the most misinterpreted book of Scripture. Scripture must interpret the Scriptures of which this book is a primary example. The language is apocalyptic, symbolic and understood in the Eastern Culture of the time.

Chapter 3 continues with Jesus’ exhortation to the seven churches. Again, seven is a complete number that means that each type of church is addressed through out all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.

To the church in Sardis. Sardis was the main city of the Kingdom of Lydia, known for it’s arts and crafts, a city of wealth. It was the first center for minting silver and gold coins and hosted the great temple of Artemis. However, all that ended with the earthquake of A.D.17 which ruined the city physically and financially. (Zondervan. Pictorial Bible dictionary)

Jesus says: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up!” Go back to what you heard in the beginning. I will come when you least expect it if you do not repent. Twice in the city’s history their fortress was subdued by stealth. Jesus here turns His critique around, condemning the church but pointing out a few people who have not contaminated themselves. Apparently, there was a serious issue in this church that negated the true gospel. Yet, no mention of Jewish opposition or Roman persecution. It seems to have been spiritual apathy; going through the motions, doing all the right things by all appearances but the church people were facing to be blotted out of the book of life. It seems that this situation in Sardis is what many churches are going through today; there is compromising with worldly values, and an obsession for political correctness, both contradicting spiritual values. The answer is to get back to the Word of God as it has been interpreted over the centuries.

To the church in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was close to Sardis and on the main road from the East. The city’s name comes from the founder, Attalus II Philadelphus (brotherly love) due to his respect for his brother. The city was situated on the vault of the earthquake of A.D. 17 and they suffered many recurring earthquakes. They were faithful followers of Jesus and have maintained a Christian witness to this day. (Zondervan pic. Bible Dictionary)

Jesus says to them: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” Jesus will stop the opposition of the “synagogue of Satan” (false Jews). Jesus will also protect them from the trials to come. After all the destruction of the city and of their lives, “to one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it” The structures of God are permanent, like the name of God and the name of the city of God, Jesus gives his own from everlasting to everlasting. Praise be to God!

We live in a temporary place, and we live in a broken place just as the Philadelphians, a place with increasing opposition to maintaining a Christian witness. But as we see, faithfulness is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. May every church today tap into that power. It may not be politically correct, it is nonsense to most people, but It is up to us to allow the Spirit of God free reign in our lives. That is the answer!