Swooning on the Sea - Rumor notes 151

 

Revelation 15

1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. 2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations. 4 Who wouldn't fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."

standing on the sea of glass

Here are some things we might learn regarding what it means to stand on this sea. Consider these passages connected to standing.

They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!" I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: (Revelation 6:16 - 7:4)

They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. (Exodus 24:10)

While this may not state that Yahweh was standing, it does inform us about His orientation to this pavement of glass and fire – He is above it. Interestingly there are other descriptions of standing or walking on a sea that contribute to our appreciation of the deeper meaning of this passage.

After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid." Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God!" (Matthew 14:23-33)

What is the central issue in this story? Jesus mentions his lack of faith. This story is key for understanding the meaning of this sea of glass mixed with fire, and it can inform us about why some fall into it while others are standing on it. The difference involves their disposition towards the One who alone provides power to remain standing on top of it. I believe this story of Peter resonates closely to those who stand on this sea of glass mixed with fire.

Here are some key words in this story:

distressed, fear, troubled, contrary, beginning to sink, doubt.

In sharp contrast we also see

came to them, walking on the sea, I AM, don't be afraid, come, save me, took hold of him, worshiped him, truly the Son of God.

This alerts us to something extremely important about how we may stand on a sea mingled with fire, beginning even now. First we are not to imagine we have to do this alone. Second, we must disabuse ourselves of the idea that those standing on this sea are somehow good enough or righteous enough to deserve being honored by God for achieving this status. Neither do they have to conjure up enough faith. These overcomers standing on this sea are the same as what we have witnessed in previous passages describing the 144,000, for they are standing with the Lamb. That was the only way Peter was able to walk on top of the stormy waters that were threatening to sink the boat he just left. The storm had not yet been calmed by Christ, yet both Jesus and Peter were walking on the troubled waters still surging violently and threating imminent disaster. Yet they remained untouched, apparently defying principles of physics. So long as Peter focused on the One who had invited him to join Him, he could walk easily in spite of the appearances of the violent wind and waves.

The key to living above the storms of our fears and to overcome all odds is this element of faith. But faith is not a commodity or asset used to purchase favors from God. Faith is fixating our imagination on the truth as it is in Jesus, the truth that His words over us have more power in our experience than all our past experiences or present circumstances or perceptions of danger that affects how we have perceived reality or our life to this point. Other than an ax head caused to float on top of water in a miracle by Elisha, no one in history has ever been known to walk on top of water. At times water has been pushed aside to provide access for God's people to pass through, but this was a new dimension never known until this moment. Peter was so intrigued that he was eager to participate in this amazing experience, so he asked Jesus to give the power of His word to join Him.

"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." He said, "Come!"

The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:3-4)

When Peter asked Jesus to command him to come to Him, he was believing that if Jesus said something then it was possible, regardless of all previous experience or opinions. This is not only a radical elevation of understanding about faith, but it taps into the true kind of power all of us may experience, the radical faith of trusting the heart of the One who gives His word that becomes the very means that empowers us to do the previously impossible. Thus we come to see that it really is the Word of God that is the power needed for us to escape the dark identity of our past or our current reputation. God's word provides the boldness to step into a radical new life of joy in complete dependence on the One whose heart and love for us elevates us to do the impossible.

This also is closely connected to receiving the faith of Jesus, for our faith is ever dependent on His faith. This is the key element to living the life of faith. We choose to believe that the word of God has authority above all previous ideas, beliefs and experiences. We choose to believe Jesus beyond what we can explain or imagine. Thus we open access (give authority to God) to live in us as we step into a whole new dimension of possibility. This is climbing outside the boat, separating from those who remain in fear and unbelief. As we do so our perception of reality is dramatically stretched as we discover that our true identity in Christ can displace old definitions of who we are from our past experience. This story resonates strongly with the core issue of believing our identity in Christ and how we can choose to believe what Jesus says about us over any other voice in or outside of our head.

They didn't prevail, neither was a place found for him any more in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now is come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. They overcame him because of the Lamb's blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life, even to death. (Revelation 12:8-11)

The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony. (Revelation 12:17)

You shall diligently keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he has commanded you. You shall do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh; that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to thrust out all your enemies from before you, as Yahweh has spoken. (Deuteronomy 6:17-19)

The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.

Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:11-12)

These passages become the basis of our faith, the Word of God that releases new life and power in us.

I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free. (Psalms 119:32)

Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually. (Psalms 119:115-117)

He said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. He who doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word which you hear isn't mine, but the Father's who sent me. (John 14:21-24)

If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in his love. (John 15:10)

You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:14)

I want to review a an important declaration Jesus made when tempted by the devil, the same devil who continues to tempt each one of us with similar temptations as He experienced.

"If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Contrast this to the story involving Peter calling out to Christ to command him to come to him on the water. There is far more relevance between these two than appears on the surface.

"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. (Matthew 14:28-29)

Satan challenged Jesus with the insinuating word if, tempting Him to entertain a doubt about what God had expressed 40 days previous. Peter articulates similar words, yet receives a different response from what was given to Satan. What is the difference? We need to understand how we may relate to God and how to deal with our doubts. Our response to this question reveals much about how we perceive God's disposition and how free we can feel to approach Him rather than to pull back in fear.

This also taps deeply into how we imagine God feels about our negative feelings, especially towards Him. Can we trust God to not become offended if we dare unleash our anger and frustration on Him, or do we feel unsafe to be raw and transparent in our feelings and emotions before God?

The context of this story of the storm involved not only fear, but resentment, frustration and anger in the disciples. The storm that threatened to swallow them up in the sea was actually allowed because the disciples were nursing a spirit of offense against Jesus. He had just frustrated their attempts to exalt Him to be their king and assume the position as a military conqueror the Jews eagerly expected to come. Their excitement to realize their life-long dreams of deliverance from Rome through a violent, overpowering might brought by the Messiah, was not only rebuffed by Jesus, but He had sternly dispersed the crowds and ordered His disciples to get in the boat and leave Him alone on the shore without any satisfactory explanation. This was their condition when the storm hit.

The real problem was not just the storm that came, but it was their hearts being hardened with anger, resentment and bitterness towards the One who had called them to a new way of living and thinking. The darkness and discontent in their hearts fueled by their negative conversations was being reflected by the storm externally. Yet the storm also served to shift their attention making them aware of their real need for the very One they were complaining about, preparing the way for repentance and reconciliation. Satan had challenged Christ to doubt His identity; Peter was wrestling with his own identity and all needed affirmation of Christ's true disposition towards them.

The disciple's frustrated attempts to save themselves made them more aware of their desperate need for a Savior beyond just their physical distress. Their heart condition could not be remedied by command, for Jesus came to restore trust in God's heart, not demand compliance to dictates. The new commandment of selfless love Jesus spoke was not really new but had been so lost sight of that it felt new because it was so different from how men perceived God in their darkened imaginations.

This is where we see God's ways are not our ways, for in order for hearts of stone to be replaced with hearts of flesh, something different is needed than commands. Love – what the Law of God actually describes – cannot be commanded. It does not work to command love to come from hearts hardened by resentment and bitterness over frustrated hopes, plans and dreams for our lives. We may feel God has forsaken us, but the truth is just the opposite. Only unconditional love can awaken responsive love in the heart. Jesus came to His disciples when they were more aware of their real need for His presence and were more willing to reconcile their relationship with Him.

For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances, and do them. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. (Ezekiel 36:24-28)

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."

They said therefore to him, "Lord, always give us this bread." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don't believe. All those who the Father gives me will come to me. Him who comes to me I will in no way throw out." (John 6:32-37)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:47-51)

In the context of the story of Peter and this passage here in Revelation, these words of Jesus are in sharp contrast to the demands of the beast and its image, that we define reality as they define it according to science, physics, social expectations and conformity to artificial laws for maintaining order dictated by the powers of this world. From a flesh perspective, the disciples had no reason to imagine they could get out of a boat and walk on top of water without fatal consequences. Yet this mindset is what is involved in the mark of the beast, the number of his name and how the dragon defines truth. They assert having authority to define our beliefs about who we are, and how to be saved based on laws of science and dictates of religion rather than trust in the One who created us.

Religion usually denies that God is only love. Evolution science insists truth must be reproducibly provable by scientific methods or it cannot be seen as authentic or reliable. The mark of the beast restricts people to the uniform code of balancing good and evil, and that only this reality is to be trusted. Science restricts belief in what is possible; religion demands compliance under duress in the name of God. But all of this only leads to a further hardening of the heart.

Overcoming is not merely resisting compulsive demands for the 'common good' of society, it involves living beyond narrow views of reality as defined by earthly authorities. Walking on liquid water defies gravity and physics as we presently perceive them. Loving our siblings in Christ, and also as our enemies defies the gravity pull of sin by the law of sin and death. The only way to defeat sin and death – the law of selfishness – and stand on top of the sea of glass, is by living faith in the Word of God and denying ourself, especially feelings manipulated by fear. This is how we may live according to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that sets us free from the Law of Sin and Death.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh; that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4)

This is all about a matter of choosing perspective. We have been conditioned all our lives to think according to the law of sin and death, the so-called scientific method. But that is incomplete and darkened in comparison to living in the light of heaven.

For now we see things in a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now my knowledge is in part; then it will be complete, even as God's knowledge of me. But now we still have faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:12-13 BBE)

This sea of glass mirror reflects the image of God. Those standing on this sea are composite reflectors of God's passionate love ravishing their hearts in His fire. They are a multi-dimensional image of God who overcome by resting His word, living in the power of His word above any other including their emotions. They stand by faith in the word of God, obeying His directive to join the Lamb on Mt. Zion that has replaced Sinai as the support under this sea of glass. God's commandments are in their heart rather than on stone. These are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus because they are transformed by the gold they have purchased in exchange for their old false identity. This gold has been tried in the fire, and now they are filled with faith, hope and love.

If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)

This last passage may also prove crucial to perceiving the deeper meanings of this sea of glass. For one, those described here are cast into this lake rather than standing on top of it like those in chapter 15. Secondly, the lake of fire represents the second death which is the wages paid by sin that results in unbelief, distrust and fear. Fear is a sure symptom of distrust and unbelief in the love and care God has for every one of us. So long as we believe the lie that God is less than pure love and light with no darkness at all, we rob ourselves of the faith needed to stand with joy on top of the fiery sea. Our perceptions of God's disposition are darkened making us afraid and even allergic to love. Fear is always the result of resistance to the truth of God's love for us, and resistance itself is what fuels the reactive torment to encountering His presence of passionate love. Yet we remain free to choose who defines our identity which determines our destiny – the lies that in the end consume us, or the love of heaven that produces eternal joy and pleasures forever.

Peter's practice run of learning how to walk on troubled waters with Jesus helps us appreciate this metaphor of a sea of glass versus a lake of fire. In defiance of all past experience and awareness of physics and science, Peter observed Jesus doing it right in front of him, Peter's was inspired to believe it might be possible for him to also walk on water. The faith of Jesus awakened his faith. Yet the key for staying on top of the water without sinking and drowning, was to cling tenaciously to the faith inspired by beholding Jesus doing the impossible and riveting his attention on Jesus more than the fearful evidence all around him screaming it was impossible. I believe this story demonstrates the secret of power for overcoming the fears that threaten to sink us and inhibit our capacity to live what seems to be an impossible life of overcoming evil and even death. The faith of Jesus is our key for overcoming and is what empowers us to stand with Him in the storm.

having harps of God

Evidence seems to suggest that beginning here and through the next verse is where we see described the contents and purpose of the bowls of incense, the ammunition used by those who follow the Lamb. These are the special ops forces of the Lamb who effectively expose and cause the beginning of the collapse of the whole empire of evil played out over the next few chapters.

Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 5:8)

Introduction of key elements in this passages begin in the backstory found in chapters 4 and 5. That backdrop plays a critical part in discerning the true meaning and import of this passage as we will see more clearly later in this chapter.

I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. (Revelation 14:1-3)

Harps are a key element in connective passages that provide clues to help appreciate God's strategy to defeat the forces of darkness. Here are a few more.

When you are departed from me today, then you shall find two men by Rachel's tomb, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will tell you, The donkeys which you went to seek are found; and behold, your father has left off caring for the donkeys, and is anxious for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

Then shall you go on forward from there, and you shall come to the oak of Tabor; and there shall meet you there three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: and they will greet you, and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive of their hand.

After that you shall come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall happen, when you are come there to the city, that you shall meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tambourine, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they will be prophesying: and the Spirit of Yahweh will come mightily on you, and you shall prophesy with them, and shall be turned into another man. (1 Samuel 10:2-6)

David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. (1 Chronicles 13:8)

It happened, when the priests were come out of the holy place, (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, and did not keep their divisions; also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets;) it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever; that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of Yahweh, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:11-14)

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with giving thanks, and with singing, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and with harps. (Nehemiah 12:27)

Oh, send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy hill, To your tents. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God. (Psalms 43:3-4)

I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will open my riddle on the harp. (Psalms 49:4)

Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp! I will wake up the dawn. (Psalms 57:8)

My heart is steadfast, God. I will sing and I will make music with my soul. Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. (Psalms 108:1-2)

I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. (Psalms 71:22)

Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp! (Psalms 149:3)

who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent for themselves instruments of music, like David; (Amos 6:5)

David is likely the most famous harpist in history. Based on these words of God through Amos, it appears that David was not only a talented musician but also a craftsman who enjoyed inventing new instruments. David is like a poster child God used to highlight characteristics that mark those who pursue an intimate relationship with God like he did. We see many references in David's songs to use of the harp along with other instruments to enhance and amplify praise to God. The harp seems to symbolize the joy that can be experienced in God's presence. Yet for every genuine there is a counterfeit, yet we can even there learn important insights we might not notice otherwise.

Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them! The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don't regard the work of Yahweh, neither have they considered the operation of his hands. Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honorable men are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst. (Isaiah 5:11-13)

God seems to be saying here that the problem is not in their music or with the instruments, but rather failure to use them for what they should accomplish – helping us know and praise God and to enhance the attractiveness of His wisdom and how He cares for us.

It will come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. After the end of seventy years it will be to Tyre like in the song of the prostitute. Take a harp; go about the city, you prostitute that has been forgotten. Make sweet melody. Sing many songs, that you may be remembered. It will happen after the end of seventy years that Yahweh will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her wages, and will play the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth. Her merchandise and her wages will be holiness to Yahweh. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before Yahweh, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. (Isaiah 23:15-18)

Application

How do my beliefs about faith affect my ability to connect more closely with my Savior?

What might be preventing me from being bold enough to ask God to invite me to do what is seemingly impossible and that others are afraid to try?

What might I learn from this story of Peter and Jesus that could help me avoid sinking in the water?

I am not bound to repeat mistakes others have made or even my own. How does this relate to how I view my value in God's eyes and how I can rise above my past?

Whose faith is it that actually can keep me safely above the water and the fire and sustains my life?

What is my part in this cooperative relationship with Jesus?

What will prompt me to leave the boat where all my friends and loved ones choose to remain?

What choices can I make and what might I do to replace my unbelief with trust in God's heart for me?

How does this inform me about the danger of giving expression to complaints and negative thoughts?

Complaining to others can be a symptom of failure of being honest with Jesus about my frustrations with Him.

Will I choose to believe the faith Jesus has in me over my doubts, fears and shame?

How might standing on top of the sea correlate to living according to the Spirit of life?

What purpose does music have in my life?

Do I use music to make me feel better, or is it designed to make God's love more attractive to me?

Can I get distracted by music that resonates with my feelings but makes my feelings more important than knowing God better?

How can music provide an uplifting, heavenly influence in my spirit?