1901
The Rebellion of Man
Then, as the panorama continued to unfold itself, "seals" were broken, "trumpets" were sounded, and there were poured out "vials of the wrath of God upon the earth." Under these expressive symbols it was seen that while in heaven angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, united in adoring the grace of God, on earth it met with most bitter and determined opposition. The very ones for whom its graciousness was designed were at war with each other, and with Him who sat upon the throne, and with all who belonged to Him or desired to serve Him. They were defeated in their expectations time and again, and were brought under great trials, but neither defeat nor suffering quelled rebellion.
The leaders in this opposition were designated by the expressive names of "The Beast" and "The False Prophet" (16:13.) Their one purpose was to overthrow the authority of God and to destroy all who served Him. At last, however, they were themselves overthrown, and "both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (19:20.)
But even this did not give peace, for "The Beast" and "The False Prophet" were simply the tools of Satan, the arch enemy of man, and as long as he was free there could be nothing like rest for the children of God. But as the panorama again moved forward, John saw "an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon — that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan — and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years should be fulfilled, (20:1-3.)
Then in the glorious scene which passed before John's view, all war, and tumult, and strife fled away. A millennium of righteousness and joy was ushered in, and he "saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished" (20:4-5.) Only the most holy, those who had been faithful witnesses for Jesus and His word even unto death, were partakers of the joy of this millennium. It was for them a grand training in righteousness.
Whether the length of this millennium is intended to be literally a thousand years, as we measure time, or whether the term is simply the expression for an indefinitely long period, or whether it is a prophetic measure, wherein every day is a year, and the whole the immense term of three hundred and sixty-five thousand years, is not clear, and it is not important. On either supposition it is long enough to test whether man, if kept by God's grace and daily schooled in ways of righteousness for a sufficient length of time, can acquire in himself strength to "stand against the wiles of the devil," and maintain his integrity before God. For the time is evidently a time of spiritual satisfaction and privilege rather than one of physical enjoyment. The time when Adam walked with God and was without sin may have been a similar millennium of gracious experiences. But at the end he fell. Now, however, the test is made with redeemed man, and the holiest among the redeemed are tested.
So again the panorama moves on, and even the millennium passed beyond John's view, and a new scene came before him. Again he saw "Satan loosed out of his prison," and going out again "to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth" (20:7-8.) At once war and tumult everywhere prevailed. Man had no strength to resist sin, and even the "saints" were deceived again, "and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them" (20:9.) — John R. Whitney.
Showing posts with label visions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label visions. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A New Heaven and A New Earth – Part 2 of 6
1901
The Vision of St. John
The scene, therefore, which passed before John's rapt vision was a panoramic view of the whole history of God's dealings with man from the creation, to the full consummation of His plans in "a new Heaven and a new earth." Last week we looked upon the first scene of this panorama. This week we look upon the last. Then, with John, we saw Jesus of Nazareth in His ascended glory moving among His people and directing all things for them. Now we see Him in the "new Heaven" receiving His people to Himself with the assurance that "they shall reign for ever and ever" with Him (22:6.) John, however, saw many things pass before him that had taken place, and that were yet to take place, in order to bring about this blessed consummation. and it will help us to understand and appreciate the final result, if we glance for a moment at these intermediate scenes as the panorama moves rapidly forward.
The vision of Jesus as "The Son of Man," in the midst of the golden candlesticks, which we considered last week, was simply preparatory; a summoning of the aged apostle to attend to what was about to be made known to him, and directing him concerning its use. Being thus summoned and instructed, he says: "After this, I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven" (4:1.) As he looked through this open door he saw the throne of God, surrounded by the heavenly host, and he heard them with one voice singing: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (4:11.) It was — The Song of Creation — the song which "the morning stars sang together," when God "laid the foundations of the earth" (Job 38:4-7.) For then they could only adore His wisdom, and power, as seen in His creative work.
But then, as the panorama moved on, John saw another attribute of God revealed to the heavenly host. For the mystery of creation was locked up in a "book," which He "that sat upon the throne" held in His right hand, and which was "sealed with seven seals." "No man in heaven, nor earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (5:1-4.) But "the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David," came forward and "took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne (5:7,) saying: "Lo, I come; I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." (Psalms 40:7,8.) By Him the mystery of creation was solved, for now before the heavenly host there "stood a lamb, as it had been slain" (5:6), and it was seen that "the lion of the tribe of Juda" was none other than "the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Then "a new song" was heard in heaven (5:9.) It was "The Song of Redemption," for now the heavenly host could adore not only the wisdom and power, but the grace of God as well. — John R. Whitney.
The Vision of St. John
The scene, therefore, which passed before John's rapt vision was a panoramic view of the whole history of God's dealings with man from the creation, to the full consummation of His plans in "a new Heaven and a new earth." Last week we looked upon the first scene of this panorama. This week we look upon the last. Then, with John, we saw Jesus of Nazareth in His ascended glory moving among His people and directing all things for them. Now we see Him in the "new Heaven" receiving His people to Himself with the assurance that "they shall reign for ever and ever" with Him (22:6.) John, however, saw many things pass before him that had taken place, and that were yet to take place, in order to bring about this blessed consummation. and it will help us to understand and appreciate the final result, if we glance for a moment at these intermediate scenes as the panorama moves rapidly forward.
The vision of Jesus as "The Son of Man," in the midst of the golden candlesticks, which we considered last week, was simply preparatory; a summoning of the aged apostle to attend to what was about to be made known to him, and directing him concerning its use. Being thus summoned and instructed, he says: "After this, I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven" (4:1.) As he looked through this open door he saw the throne of God, surrounded by the heavenly host, and he heard them with one voice singing: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (4:11.) It was — The Song of Creation — the song which "the morning stars sang together," when God "laid the foundations of the earth" (Job 38:4-7.) For then they could only adore His wisdom, and power, as seen in His creative work.
But then, as the panorama moved on, John saw another attribute of God revealed to the heavenly host. For the mystery of creation was locked up in a "book," which He "that sat upon the throne" held in His right hand, and which was "sealed with seven seals." "No man in heaven, nor earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (5:1-4.) But "the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David," came forward and "took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne (5:7,) saying: "Lo, I come; I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." (Psalms 40:7,8.) By Him the mystery of creation was solved, for now before the heavenly host there "stood a lamb, as it had been slain" (5:6), and it was seen that "the lion of the tribe of Juda" was none other than "the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Then "a new song" was heard in heaven (5:9.) It was "The Song of Redemption," for now the heavenly host could adore not only the wisdom and power, but the grace of God as well. — John R. Whitney.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Revelation: A Message to Persecuted Churches
1941
Highlights on the Sunday School lesson
By NEWMAN CAMPBELL
(The International Uniform Lesson on the above topic for Sept. 7 is Revelation 1-3, the Golden Text being Rev. 2:10, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.")
At the time of the writing of the book of Revelation by John, the beloved disciple, the Christians were being ruthlessly persecuted. They had had a period of comparative calm, but when the Roman emperor, Domitian, proclaimed emperor worship, the persecutions which had been confined to such prominent leaders as Paul and Peter were extended to everyone who would not buy his liberty by conforming to the Roman religion.
It was a dark time for the Christians, and John, the only disciple who had known Christ personally now left at the close of the first century, had been condemned to work in the "mines of Patmos," which are thought to have been marble quarries, as no mines were known on this island in the Aegean sea.
It was the Lord's Day, and John was, as he says, "in the Spirit," when he heard a great voice, like a trumpet, behind him. He turned to see who was speaking, and saw "seven golden candlesticks;
"And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Hair White Like Snow
"His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;
"And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters.
"And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
The golden girdle symbolized righteousness; the white hair and head like snow or wool, were symbols of purity; brass is a symbol of judgment, and His feet being of that metal would indicate authority and victory over all His enemies.
John tells us that he "fell at His feet as dead," but that the apparition "laid His right hand on me, saying unto me Fear not; I am the first and the last;
"I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Then John was told to write to the seven churches in Asia, for the seven golden candlesticks and the seven golden stars were the angels of these seven churches. We are not sure what is meant by the "angels" of the churches, but presume they were the elders or leaders.
Each church in turn was praised for the good it held and the work of its members, and each was told of their faults. The church at Ephesus was commended for its work, labor and patience, as well as other things, but told that they had "left their first love," the love of simplicity and purity.
Church at Smyrna Poor
The church at Smyrna was very poor — probably the members had been fined so that all their money and property had been taken away — reminding us of the present position of the Jews in the countries controlled by Germany. They were to fear none of the terrible things that were to befall them, but were to "be faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life."
The church in Pergamos was praised for holding fast the name of Christ even "where Satan's seat is," but among them were men of pagan tendencies. They were told to repent.
Unto the angel of the church of Thyatira John was to write that the Lord "knew its works, charity, service and faith, and thy patience and thy works." But they harbored among them a bad woman named Jezebel, who should be cast out, or punishment would surely follow.
The church at Sardis was told to "be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found thy works perfect before God."
"I know thy works," was written to the church of Philadelphia, "because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world."
The church of the Laodiceans was "neither hot nor cold," which is probably true of many today. They were lukewarm, so were not doing the work for which they were founded. This church thought it was rich, He said, but was, in reality, "wretched, and miserable, and poor, blind and naked." "Buy of Me gold tried in fire," they were told. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."
(Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.)
—The Lethbridge Herald, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Sept. 6, 1941, p. 9.
Highlights on the Sunday School lesson
By NEWMAN CAMPBELL
(The International Uniform Lesson on the above topic for Sept. 7 is Revelation 1-3, the Golden Text being Rev. 2:10, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.")
At the time of the writing of the book of Revelation by John, the beloved disciple, the Christians were being ruthlessly persecuted. They had had a period of comparative calm, but when the Roman emperor, Domitian, proclaimed emperor worship, the persecutions which had been confined to such prominent leaders as Paul and Peter were extended to everyone who would not buy his liberty by conforming to the Roman religion.
It was a dark time for the Christians, and John, the only disciple who had known Christ personally now left at the close of the first century, had been condemned to work in the "mines of Patmos," which are thought to have been marble quarries, as no mines were known on this island in the Aegean sea.
It was the Lord's Day, and John was, as he says, "in the Spirit," when he heard a great voice, like a trumpet, behind him. He turned to see who was speaking, and saw "seven golden candlesticks;
"And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Hair White Like Snow
"His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;
"And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters.
"And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
The golden girdle symbolized righteousness; the white hair and head like snow or wool, were symbols of purity; brass is a symbol of judgment, and His feet being of that metal would indicate authority and victory over all His enemies.
John tells us that he "fell at His feet as dead," but that the apparition "laid His right hand on me, saying unto me Fear not; I am the first and the last;
"I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Then John was told to write to the seven churches in Asia, for the seven golden candlesticks and the seven golden stars were the angels of these seven churches. We are not sure what is meant by the "angels" of the churches, but presume they were the elders or leaders.
Each church in turn was praised for the good it held and the work of its members, and each was told of their faults. The church at Ephesus was commended for its work, labor and patience, as well as other things, but told that they had "left their first love," the love of simplicity and purity.
Church at Smyrna Poor
The church at Smyrna was very poor — probably the members had been fined so that all their money and property had been taken away — reminding us of the present position of the Jews in the countries controlled by Germany. They were to fear none of the terrible things that were to befall them, but were to "be faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life."
The church in Pergamos was praised for holding fast the name of Christ even "where Satan's seat is," but among them were men of pagan tendencies. They were told to repent.
Unto the angel of the church of Thyatira John was to write that the Lord "knew its works, charity, service and faith, and thy patience and thy works." But they harbored among them a bad woman named Jezebel, who should be cast out, or punishment would surely follow.
The church at Sardis was told to "be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found thy works perfect before God."
"I know thy works," was written to the church of Philadelphia, "because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world."
The church of the Laodiceans was "neither hot nor cold," which is probably true of many today. They were lukewarm, so were not doing the work for which they were founded. This church thought it was rich, He said, but was, in reality, "wretched, and miserable, and poor, blind and naked." "Buy of Me gold tried in fire," they were told. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."
(Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.)
—The Lethbridge Herald, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Sept. 6, 1941, p. 9.
Weekly Sermonette
1946
A meditation for today prepared by a Bradford minister under the auspices of the Bradford Ministerial association
April 6, 1946
By REV. A. SEON HENRI, D. D. Minister of the Copeland AME Church, Bradford
THEME — "CHRIST in the MIDST of HIS CHURCH."
THE TEXT: And I turned to see the voice that spake to me, And being turned, I saw seven candlesticks; one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. — Book of Revelation 1:12, 13.
John, our brother, and companion in tribulation, was on the Isle of Patmos, because of his stand for Christianity. While in a state of ecstasy, he saw the victorious, triumphant Christ, the hair of whose head was like wool, and as white as snow. His eyes were as a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. He held in His right hand the seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. When John saw Him, he fell at His feet as dead, but the glorious figure said to him, as He laid his right hand upon him, Fear not; I am the First and the Last; I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I Am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Visions are usually associated with lofty altitudes and wide perspectives; but this particular vision came out of strain and stress. The church was being sorely persecuted by the Roman Emperor, Domitian. Many sealed their faith with their life blood. John himself, the author of our text, was placed upon the lonely island of Patmos because he bore witness that Jesus is God's SON. The vision reassured John, as he stood face to face with torture and persecution, that the Jesus whom he worshipped was not dead and helpless, but alive and all powerful forever more. This was the consciousness of the early church; this was the secret of the early Christian fathers. The Son of Man walked among the seven golden candlesticks as the church spread beyond the limits of Palestine into the Mediterranean world, thence throughout the Roman Empire. The church suffered under Nero, Caligula, Aurelius, Diocletian and many others, but Jesus was in the midst of her. He continued to walk until one day at the Milvian Bridge, the cross conquered. Finally, the last Pagan order of Rome said when he came to the end of the trail: "Alas, O Galilean, Thou hast conquered!"
Through the long night of the so-called Dark Ages, Jesus was in the midst of His church. He was the friend of John Huss of Bohemia. When Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the Wittenberg church door, Jesus stood by his side. He went with him into the Wartburg, and down to Worms. To Luther, he was a "mighty fortress." Jesus is in the church today; that is the Christian faith, and the secret of his dynamics. As the church inveighs against economic imperialism, exploitation of minority groups, peonage, and wage slavery, Jesus takes the lead. When the church generates wholesome moral influences, which cause municipalities to cast aside officials who league with vice, crime and racketeers, and disregard for law, Jesus feels that He did not die in vain. But it pains His soul when His church pussyfoots and sidesteps social questions and race issues. Jesus is just as much and just as truly in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks today, as when John saw him nearly two thousand years ago. He is just the same today. In the midst of the years, Jesus retains his magnetic power. He is yet the Savior of the race of men. He is the panacea for the ills of society, all social maladjustments. The church is powerful, glorious. Men need a helper, a redeemer, a savior, GOD. So long as there are disappointments, disillusionments, broken hopes, false friends, unrealized ideals, sin, sorrow and death in the world, there will be a place for the Seamless Robed One who walks among the seven golden candlesticks.
"Ride on Jesus;
Ride on conquering King —
Jesus Christ, the first and the last
No man works like Him!"
—The Bradford Era, Bradford, PA, April 6, 1946, p. 4.
A meditation for today prepared by a Bradford minister under the auspices of the Bradford Ministerial association
April 6, 1946
By REV. A. SEON HENRI, D. D. Minister of the Copeland AME Church, Bradford
THEME — "CHRIST in the MIDST of HIS CHURCH."
THE TEXT: And I turned to see the voice that spake to me, And being turned, I saw seven candlesticks; one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. — Book of Revelation 1:12, 13.
John, our brother, and companion in tribulation, was on the Isle of Patmos, because of his stand for Christianity. While in a state of ecstasy, he saw the victorious, triumphant Christ, the hair of whose head was like wool, and as white as snow. His eyes were as a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, and his voice was like the sound of many waters. He held in His right hand the seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. When John saw Him, he fell at His feet as dead, but the glorious figure said to him, as He laid his right hand upon him, Fear not; I am the First and the Last; I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I Am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Visions are usually associated with lofty altitudes and wide perspectives; but this particular vision came out of strain and stress. The church was being sorely persecuted by the Roman Emperor, Domitian. Many sealed their faith with their life blood. John himself, the author of our text, was placed upon the lonely island of Patmos because he bore witness that Jesus is God's SON. The vision reassured John, as he stood face to face with torture and persecution, that the Jesus whom he worshipped was not dead and helpless, but alive and all powerful forever more. This was the consciousness of the early church; this was the secret of the early Christian fathers. The Son of Man walked among the seven golden candlesticks as the church spread beyond the limits of Palestine into the Mediterranean world, thence throughout the Roman Empire. The church suffered under Nero, Caligula, Aurelius, Diocletian and many others, but Jesus was in the midst of her. He continued to walk until one day at the Milvian Bridge, the cross conquered. Finally, the last Pagan order of Rome said when he came to the end of the trail: "Alas, O Galilean, Thou hast conquered!"
Through the long night of the so-called Dark Ages, Jesus was in the midst of His church. He was the friend of John Huss of Bohemia. When Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the Wittenberg church door, Jesus stood by his side. He went with him into the Wartburg, and down to Worms. To Luther, he was a "mighty fortress." Jesus is in the church today; that is the Christian faith, and the secret of his dynamics. As the church inveighs against economic imperialism, exploitation of minority groups, peonage, and wage slavery, Jesus takes the lead. When the church generates wholesome moral influences, which cause municipalities to cast aside officials who league with vice, crime and racketeers, and disregard for law, Jesus feels that He did not die in vain. But it pains His soul when His church pussyfoots and sidesteps social questions and race issues. Jesus is just as much and just as truly in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks today, as when John saw him nearly two thousand years ago. He is just the same today. In the midst of the years, Jesus retains his magnetic power. He is yet the Savior of the race of men. He is the panacea for the ills of society, all social maladjustments. The church is powerful, glorious. Men need a helper, a redeemer, a savior, GOD. So long as there are disappointments, disillusionments, broken hopes, false friends, unrealized ideals, sin, sorrow and death in the world, there will be a place for the Seamless Robed One who walks among the seven golden candlesticks.
"Ride on Jesus;
Ride on conquering King —
Jesus Christ, the first and the last
No man works like Him!"
—The Bradford Era, Bradford, PA, April 6, 1946, p. 4.
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