A Call to Glorious Victory!

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In the previous study we read of the great blessings of God and his Anointed One, our Wonderful Counselor.  As we close this study series with the next two lessons, let’s keep in mind those encouragements and that the things above should be the Christians’ focus (Colossians 3:2), which should include the great abundance of blessings and promises that we read of. That’s the focus for what’s straight ahead on that Christian path. But these final two studies are more, once again figuratively speaking, considered as the guard rails along that narrow path. There are many side trails, slippery slopes, and distractions along that path, and we’ve already read of some of those drifting from the path and the impact that it had for them.

So, let’s shift our focus from the great promises of God to the authority of the “Lord of Host”, and “King of kings”. Why?! The Wonderful Counselor (who assist us in our time of need with His rest, peace, and joy) and this King of kings (who will assert authority over the nations, individuals, churches, ministers, and ministries) are one in the same. Let’s also keep in mind through this study that we are saved by grace alone and not of our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8,9), and Christ is our rightlessness unto God for those that believe (Romans 3:21-26), and we have, joy, and rest in Christ, who is truly meek in Spirit (John15:11, Matthew 11:28-30). Yet with authority, Christ has also expressed both words of encouragement and stern warnings about His words and their “great” impact.

Matthew 7:24-28

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Let’s note that in the original language, this house isn’t just a small/ordinary structure, and it didn’t just fall. in the original language translated to Greek, Jesus emphasized the idea that this is a stout structure that’s crashing down, leaving only ruin.  We get a glimpse into some reactions to this fall due to the neglect to His words.  Jesus gives multiple circumstances that end with the same result. 

Jesus is speaking of the faith and outcome for a gentile centurion compared to “the children of the kingdom”.

Matthew 8:5-13 

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Jesus warns that even his own countrymen and companions who refused His words will know the impact of this great fall.

Luke 13:22-30

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.  Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselvesthrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Jesus speaking of a delayed return mentality that’s met with complacency. Complacency can easily become a slippery slope as we’ve read, and the state of this “evil servant” referenced below is a warning. 

Matthew 24:45-51

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Weeping and gnashing of teeth; The original language translated gives the visual of someone being forcibly thrust into a place where there is wailing with sorrow, and/or grinding the teeth in a fit of rage. God has been striving with humanity to avoid this place. 

So, with the blessings offered that was mentioned previously within this study series still in mind, let’s also study and understand the warnings in this lesson for a more balanced understanding of God’s word. Without this balanced understanding, we are embracing only part of God and the words sent forth for life and neglecting the other attributes that may be just as impactful. Choosing to neglect one part or the other won’t change the greater reality. Let’s embrace both the encouragements and the warnings to make wise decisions!

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Challenged by our God given free will from Genesis – Revelation, but promised a choice to “the tree of Life” we know that Adam and Eve both chose this “tree of knowledge of good and evil” that can “make on wise”. They listened, yielded to, and acted on this knowledge which started the conversation between God and Adam, “where are you”, and “who told you”? (Read Genesis 3 for the full conversation) Acting on self-will regardless of the forewarned consequences started very early within human history. Humanity quickly chose that yoke of three we learned about. But in spite of that, eternal life with God for the human soul was already on God’s mind!

Genesis 3:22-24

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

John 3:16-21

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 12:44-50

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Reflecting on these passages, let’s consider that like Adam and Eve, one thing we can’t choose is that either choice we make concerning God’s salvation invitation, and commitment to Christ words, WILL at some point have their impact. However, we will make choices that will affect that impact. As life and death have been set before humanity, the previous passages make it clear what God has desired for humanity. Life everlasting! 

Now let’s shift this study to the prophetic passages. The King of kings, with an assertive authority, will be evident throughout the remainder of the study. We’ll need to understand these attributes (Wonderful Counselor AND King of kings) in balance for a fuller understanding of Christ and what can be expected, and what is yet to be accomplished.  As we’ve learned, God’s love for humanity is active and it runs very deep. Now we’ll read that there can also be an indignation within God for persistent, unrepentant contempt and rebellion. We’ll visit this previous thought once more; choosing to embrace one attribute and neglect the other won’t change the greater reality. It’s best to be fully informed and make wise decisions considering that greater reality. 

At the time of the close of the “age of grace” (as some have called this era today) the close of this dispensation is a time of a global rebellion against God and His words. Regardless of angelic beings proclaiming a warning, and two witnesses bearing signs and testimony, it’s still a time of a global rebellion and a massacre of the saints (those who would choose God’s words over a global system requiring reverence and service). This global power is a substantial contrast to God’s plan for humanity, and a false prophetic system that is initiating signs and wonders to encourage the global population to submit to this global power. It’s a complete and total global rebellion. 

o  Revelation 11: God’s anointed two witnesses/prophets are killed as they are irritating the global system and humanity with their words and miraculous signs.

o  Revelation 12,13: Satan and “the beast” initiate a war with “the women and her offspring”.

o  Revelation 13: The earth is forced into worshipping this global power(beast) that is making war with the saints and conquering them. 

o  Rev 13:10/Rev 14:12: The saints are called to endure and remain faithful, even though the threat of death against them is global.

o  Revelation: 6:9-11: The saints that have been executed are in Gods’ kingdom and they are encouraged to rest a little longer, as more will be slain on the earth.

o  Revelation 14:6-13: A global warming is initiated as angels are proclaiming an “eternal gospel’ and warning against worshipping this global system. 

o  Revelation 19:20, Mat 24:24: False prophets are helping to deceive the world to give reverence and submission to this global system.

It may be at this point that leads up to the tribes of the earth will wail and mourn, as mentioned in Matthew 24:28-31, and Revelation 1:7. Jesus returns, not as a helpless babe again, but as King of kings and Lord of lords with a rod of iron. This rod, as similarly mentioned in other passages, is understood as a rod of authority in the ancient world and potentially intended for scourging or chastisement (Psalm 110:2, Proverbs 10:13, Revelation 2:27, Psalm 2:9). This is truly a King of kings with a heavy hand of persuasion coming to the world to initiate a drastic change. 

Revelation 19:11-16

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

As some commentaries and scholars reference, the book of Isaiah may teach us whose blood stained this garment the King of kings and Lord of lords is wearing at His return. No nation or any people on earth were part of this assertion of authority over the nations in Revelation 19, just the armies in heaven followed Him. And we understand from 1 Corinthians 15:50 that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven so it’s reasonable to believe that it didn’t come from there. So where did this blood come from? The similarities within Revelation 19 and Isaiah 63 can’t be overlooked. The indignation provoked within God for contempt toward Him and His words will now start to manifest itself as Christ returns to assert God’s judgement and authority over all nations and put down this this global rebellion. As we’ll read below, this will not come without a fight from the “kings of the earth and their armies”.

Isaiah 63:1-5

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

A few verses down in this Isaiah 63 homes in on the people that were encouraged to be God’s children in the Old Testament, and that is the sons of Jacob, the Israelite nation. They were called from the world to be God’s own possession. Yet they refused, and God would stand against them to try to correct and encourage them. This continued throughout Israel and Judah’s history until their national fall and captivity into other nations. It’s an example from the Old Testament on why there is a shift in the global scene soon to come, ushering in another era.  

Isaiah 63:7-10

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

And so it will be for the world at the end of this era. For God truly does love the world, (John 3:16) but the global rebellion will turn God’s Spirit against the world, and the King of kings will return to end this now violent rebellion from the global system, and He will subdue and judge the nations. 

Revelation 11:15-18

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,  Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Revelation 14:6,7

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Revelation 14:17-20

And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Revelation 19:19-21

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Matthew 25:31-46 

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

In the next study we'll turn from the world and focus in on Christ body, the church and its individuals for words of encouragement and correction. Let’s keep in mind that this study is intended to present the following: 

1) A balanced understanding of the bible on the topic of choices and their impact. Both encouragements and warnings are presented so the readers of this study can continue their growth in knowledge to be better equipped with God's words to make wise choices. 

2) Present God’s redemptive plan; a message for those within His family, and a message to those outside His family. The impact of our response to God’s grace, love, and words will be unavoidable and evident someday.

3) Present a deeper understanding of who Christ is within the bible, and what is still yet to be accomplished through Him.  Peter addresses why growing in a knowledge of Jesus Christ is essential for the Christian. Even in Peter's day there were many turning from this knowledge and choosing very different paths, even within the church. And according to Jesus on that topic, the mark of true love is active, not passive or superficial. We'll dig into that topic within the final study. 

John 14:23,24

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.