Archive | October, 2021

White Horse

23 Oct

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. (Revelation 6:2)

When the present events compounded and it became clear that the entire world was affected, I began praying in earnest for a revelation. I prayed, “Lord, what is happening? Can you show me in the Bible?” I prayed often and waited.

Before praying, I had read an article about a past president who won a prestigious prize before accomplishing anything. The article states that he won because of what he WOULD do and not because of what he did before.

The article states that his speeches “have captured the public imagination…”, and that the founder of the coveted prize outlined in his Will that it was to be given to the person who “shall have done the best or most work for fraternity amongst nations…”. I found the article very enlightening, especially the part about “fraternity amongst nations “. It seemed to me that this was very significant, even prophetic.

Months later, as I was searching for a chapter on my Bible app, the screen began to switch from book to book and I assumed the app was just ‘acting up’, so I closed it until the next day.

When I eventually opened the Bible app again, Revelation 6 was on the screen. I thought this strange since I hadn’t been looking for that particular chapter, but nevertheless I felt compelled to read it.

As I read verse two, the article came strongly back to my mind. I had since forgotten about it, so it was uncanny that I had recalled it then. Right away I prayed, Lord, am I to connect these two?” Then my understanding opened up: That first horseman isn’t the Word of God, as I had been taught, it was deception.

The rider carried a bow, not a sword. I began thinking, “Where else in the Bible did Jesus carry a Bow? Was the Word of God ever depicted as such?” Upon researching the significance of a bow and arrow, I learned that one of its many meanings is the ability to “reach out” or to “communicate”, just as the article said about the awarded president. It also can mean “to travel at great speed”. In addition, we are well familiar with Cupid the cherubim who uses his bow to shoot an arrow towards the heart of his victims.

Before he became the devil, Lucifer was a holy cherub who was highly privileged to be in God’s presence. But now, he is known as the Deceiver and the Father of lies. (See John 8:44 and Revelation 12:9)

One could argue that the Bible does support God using a bow. But if we study its use, it is evident that God used it to afflict not to bring peace. This horseman went out to conquer the hearts of the nations. (See Job 30:11 and Habakkuk 3:9)

In Revelation 13:7 it says this of the first beast:
“It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.” Could this be the same conquerer of Revelation 6?

The father of lies uses deception, coercion and force to conquer his enemies. He appeals to our emotions rather to our intellect, but God appeals to us through reason. (Isaiah 1:17-19)

I have personally concluded that the first horseman represents a system of deception. And isn’t it fitting that he is dressed the part? Doesn’t his white horse give the impression of peace? Doesn’t his crown give the appearance of a king?

Is it possible that many scholars have misinterpreted the meaning of the first horseman of Revelation 6? Could it be that we have accepted their interpretation to our own demise? We are living in a time where we are told to let others think for us. Our very sovereignty is in peril.

Let’s be like the noble Bereans of Acts 17 who “searched the scriptures daily” before we accept the interpretation of others. Finally, let’s remember that when someone is deceived they do not know that they are. Are we deceived?

“‘Sign of the Times’ came from ‘This isn’t the first time we’ve been in a hard time, and it’s not going to be the last time’. The song is written from a point of view as if a mother was giving birth to a child and there’s a complication. The mother is told, ‘The child is fine, but you’re not going to make it.’ The mother has five minutes to tell the child, ‘Go forth and conquer.’”

Harry Styles, https://www.nme.com/news/music/harry-styles-reveals-surprising-dark-meaning-behind-sign-times-lyrics-2055489

******************************************https://www.lucistrust.org/world_goodwill/world_view_archive/world_view_on_president_obama_receiving_the_nobel_peace_prize

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The Collective

15 Oct

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (Acts 4:32)

What selflessness to willingly sell all you have for the sake of others! Walking away from wealth and material things just to assist the poor is admirable. But there’s an adverb in this paragraph that should be emphasized: willingly.

Let me get to the point. If a community is forced to give up their possessions, operations will not run smoothly. Force or coercion will never produce the love that is needed for harmony. All involved must have one mind and one purpose in order for this system to succeed.

There must also be a need. In the above verse, there was widespread persecution which prompted them to unite in prayer. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore God was the tie that bound them together.

When individuals are forced against their will to participate in a system, it is a sure sign that this system is godless. The true God does not operate by force, rather, reasoning and choice are employed. Neither will the true God force you to follow him or ask you to threaten others to do so. For God wants everyone to willingly choose repentance and live.

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Clueless of the Times

5 Oct

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:35-37)

If Jesus said, “…you don’t know when…”, do we really think that we will know when to wake up? Are we expecting certain events to be in place before we do? And like the 5 foolish virgins, will it be too late when we finally open our eyes? Jesus said to watch and pray.

I’ve heard many say they’re not into politics and give little thought to what’s happening around the world. They are very busy meeting the demands of life and there’s little time to pay attention.

In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus said the people who were invited were also busy and began to make excuses. He gave three examples: one had just bought land, another had just bought animals for work, and the last had just gotten married.

Again, those that were called were too caught up in the affairs of this temporary world. They were not mindful of the times in which they lived. For them it was business as usual. These were “church members”, not “worldly folk”.

To prepare, we need to pray and ask for guidance. God will inspire his people to move according to his will. Just being mindful of the times we’re living in can help raise our awareness and prepare us to listen to our Creator.

There is something happening right now and many are continuing to live their lives as if the world is set to continue forever. They seem to not be too excited about the appearing of Jesus, rather, their blinders are on to what’s happening around them.

When Jesus came the first time many people were oppressed and harassed. Their land was occupied by rulers who controlled them and they had little freedom of expression.

Could it be that He will come during similar circumstances? Remember, although many were oppressed, still, there were those who conformed. This latter will continue to live comfortable lives and so the rules of the world will not pose a threat to them. But when they finally wake up, it will be too late.

Preparation is key whether it’s for an exam or a marathon; how much more important for the coming of our Saviour? When he comes will we be waiting expectantly, or surprised and disappointed? As a friend of mine always used to say: “We should always be in a state of readiness”. I pray that we all will be.

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