Ready, Aim, Fire - Rumor notes 156

 Revelation 16

1 I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!" 2 The first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth, and it became a harmful and evil sore on the people who had the mark of the beast, and who worshiped his image.

I would assert that verse one of this chapter would better be located at the end of the previous chapter. It fits tighter with that context and completes the flow of thought that is key to appreciating the intense activities coming in this chapter. Or it can be viewed as a transition passage between them.

a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels

Because this verse resonates strongly with the previous chapter describing the preparation and outfitting of those who are commissioned to carry out God's instructions according to His methods and motives alone, this phrase reminds us of everything we have been learning about this group and whom they rely on to get all their directions.

These 'angels' are standing on the sea of glass mixed with fire, equipped with instruments of praise with which they offer praises to God continually. Praising the goodness, faithfulness and the truth about God's character of love and light with no hint of darkness is like incense, which is what describes the contents of the bowls they receive. These are they who have overcome, meaning they have allowed the Spirit of truth, love and freedom to dislodge every lie and purify them from every distortion in their thinking about how God relates to His enemies. They reflect and imitate the Hero of this war who laid down His own life to His enemies, proving that God's love is relentless and nothing but nothing can inhibit or diminish the passion of God's love and forgiveness for anyone.

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. (Revelation 15:2)

This temple that originates this voice is the same temple that was just opened from which these angels just emerged. They are outfitted to look and act just like the same Jesus introduced at the very beginning of this book, meaning they have allowed the Spirit of God to transform them from glory to glory, from faith to faith until they are fashioned to exhibit the same reflection of God's will as did the Lamb introduced in chapter 5.

After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. (Revelation 15:5-6)

The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished. (Revelation 15:8)

The temple in heaven from which this instruction originates is the resting place of the glory of God wherein is true power. These agents of the Lamb have come to believe and trust alone in His methods and share His motives; they rely completely on the kind of power that the Lamb relied on when He lived among us here on earth, the power of the pure, undiluted reflected love of the Father for every person in every situation. This is the secret of their success, for true power is found only in love alone. All who share in the victory over evil, darkness and death learn by experience that the power of life is most effectively unleashed through living and giving expression to the New Song saturating their imagination and shaping all communications with those around them.

Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!" (Revelation 14:15)

Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" (Revelation 14:18)

As we discussed in the 2 harvests in chapter 14, chapter 16 may in fact be an expansion on how the second harvest transpires. As we suggested there, the first harvest is expanded on in chapter 15 while the second one carried out is described here in chapter 16.

At the beginning of this chapter this voice from the temple signals these agents, now fully equipped and trained to 'fight' like the Lamb, to commence this most important and delicate operation against the darkness for which they are trained. Then upon the last outpouring near the end of this chapter, we hear this same voice again confirming the success of this operation paralleling what Jesus said just before He died on the cross – It is done!

The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" (Revelation 16:17)

Here we find this voice from the temple is linked with the voice from the throne. This is highly significant as it alerts us again that the ammunition and method of fighting to overcome forces of evil and darkness, is complete reliance on the New Song. That voice is found right between two versions of the Song that have been used to fight for God throughout history, and it alerts us of our need to correct the way we praise God from the old version of Moses to the Song of the Lamb.

A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!" (Revelation 19:5)

Therefore prophesy you against them all these words, and tell them, Yahweh will roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he will mightily roar against his fold; he will give a shout, as those who tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. (Jeremiah 25:30)

Following are similar voices from other locations with messages that also resonate closely with the New Song lyrics.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-10)

The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)

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 12:10-11)

He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!" (Revelation 14:7)

I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

This last passage describes the final outcome after the end of the war. It also resonates closely with how these advance forces cooperate with the Lamb to win the war in this strategic assault in chapter 16 against the darkness and evil that has taken full possession of the planet. They overcome by allowing God to dwell in them. They reveal what it looks like to live as His people, and they pour out their praises for Him as their God, resting in His love for them and their enemies, despite intense and violent reactions directed at them while they do this.

This battle involving praise for God against violent reactions of blasphemy and intense opposition, is a pinnacle point of how this war has progressed since the very beginning. These agents choose to trust their lives entirely into God's hands, refusing to allow fear of death to sway their allegiance to the Lamb and His revelation of God's heart. They are advance agents of the Lamb who are paving the way in the wilderness of abject evil on the earth for the Son of Man to have access to overthrow the tyrannical kingdom of darkness without any complicity with it.

The voice of one who calls out, "Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)

The voice of one saying, "Cry!" One said, "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like the flower of the field. (Isaiah 40:6)

Again, this reminds us of our need to transition from the inferior glory of the Song of Moses to embracing the far greater glory revealed in the revelation of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. The glory of this world can appear appealing temporarily, but only so long as we remain blinded to the true glory of pure love eclipsing the glory of the old way of living, just as the brilliant light of the sun eclipses the light of a small candle.

You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength. Lift it up. Don't be afraid. Say to the cities of Judah, "Behold, your God!" (Isaiah 40:9)

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns! The voice of your watchmen! they lift up the voice, together do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns to Zion. (Isaiah 52:7-8)

This is an excellent description of how these 7 angels carry out their commission from this first verse. Like the assembled choir who led the people of Judah in joyful expectation and celebration expressing faith and gratitude for God's deliverance from certain annihilation by their enemies ahead of time, these agents of the Lamb sing together and see eye to eye in praise for their God. Their hearts are synchronized by full sympathy with the disposition of the Lamb who also reflected the glory from the heart of the Father under similar circumstances and Who overcame the world.

Then on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of Yahweh in the midst of the assembly; and he said, Listen you, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat: Thus says Yahweh to you, Don't be afraid you, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go you down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and you shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; don't be afraid, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Yahweh is with you.

Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Yahweh. The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice. They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Yahweh your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper. When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who should sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks to Yahweh; for his loving kindness endures forever.

When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to kill and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. (2 Chronicles 20:14-23)

Yahweh will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but Yahweh will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16)

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)

Go and pour out the seven bowls

In the story we just reviewed about the people of Judah choosing to trust God completely while facing hopeless despair for their very lives, we saw a similar instruction that resonates closely to how these agents are to carry out this final assault on the kingdom of darkness.

Thus says Yahweh to you, Don't be afraid you, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; don't be afraid, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Yahweh is with you.

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves. (Psalms 126:5-6)

For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go forth, and survivors will escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.' (Isaiah 37:32)

Thus says Yahweh, In an acceptable time have I answered you, and in a day of salvation have I helped you; and I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritage: saying to those who are bound, Go forth; to those who are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture. (Isaiah 49:8-9)

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12)

For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. (Isaiah 62:1)

In those days, and in that time, says Yahweh, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall go on their way weeping, and shall seek Yahweh their God. (Jeremiah 50:4)

Then said Yahweh to me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. It shall happen, when they tell you, Where shall we go forth? then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. (Jeremiah 15:1-2)

You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)

He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15)

Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (John 20:21)

Just as a reminder, we have already examined what composes the contents of these bowls/censers. What is being poured out in this chapter are the prayers, intercession and praises to God by the saints as we have discovered previously.

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)

the wrath of God on the earth

At this strategic point in the war, this final onslaught against darkness by the special agents of the Lamb unleashes such pure and intense revelations of light, truth, glory and love, that everyone on the planet must choose whether they will respond positively or reject for eternity the gracious love and kindness displayed so explicitly by this group. God's wrath is about respecting the final choice of everyone as to whether or not they will be willing to be brought back into harmony with their original design as reflectors of God's glory of love. Wrath is the word translators chose to describe God's reluctant letting go of all who spurn and despise His kindness. Without this freedom to choose to defy and deny access to love, true mutual love cannot exist.

"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused. I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of you; and I will not come in wrath. (Hosea 11:8-9)

Then said Yahweh to me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. It shall happen, when they tell you, Where shall we go forth? then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. (Jeremiah 15:1-2)

Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." (Revelation 14:9-10)

For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (Romans 1:16-18)

Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, (Romans 1:21-24)

For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. (Romans 1:26)

Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (Romans 1:28)

Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; (Romans 2:4-5)

Of Censers and Smoke - Rumor notes 155

 

Revelation 15

5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. 7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.

One of the four living creatures

Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!" (Revelation 4:6-8)

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. They sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth." (Revelation 5:8-10)

The question here is, which of the 4 creatures this might be. It could be the Lion that represents intense emotion. It might be the Eagle representing group identity and the highest perspective possible. It might be the Man signaling that this group is like the only normal Man who ever lived, and who have learned how to act like themselves through emulating Him. Or it could be intentionally vague so that it can mean whatever it needs to from whatever perspective it is viewed.

gave to the seven angels

If these 7 angels represent the group known as the 144,000 who are just like the Lamb, there are some verses that may contribute to this that can be helpful to understanding what this is all about.

To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; (Ephesians 3:8-11)

For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men. (1 Corinthians 4:9)

Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish; to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

There is a passage in Isaiah that resonates strongly with what is being described here in this chapter. It involved an important empowering experience needed in order to carry out a very difficult work not unlike what this group of messengers need to equip them for what they must do.

In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. One called to another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!" The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

Then I said, "Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of Armies!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. He touched my mouth with it, and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven." (Isaiah 6:1-7)

The first half of chapter 6 in Isaiah resonates strongly with this chapter 15 of dedication, and it also resonates with the first harvest we examined in chapter 14. The following verses resonate with what is about to happen as these messengers begin to carry out their mission in chapter 16. See how these descriptions in Isaiah fit well with the reactions to the outpouring of the bowls coming up.

I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!" He said, "Go, and tell this people, 'You hear indeed, but don't understand; and you see indeed, but don't perceive.' Make the heart of this people fat. Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed."

Then I said, "Lord, how long?" He answered, "Until cities are waste without inhabitant, and houses without man, and the land becomes utterly waste, And Yahweh has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land." (Isaiah 6:8-12)

golden bowls full of the wrath of God

Bowls are here translated from the Greek word phiale which means a broad shallow cup. It is vital that we appreciate just what this is referring to in order to understand properly what transpires in the following chapter. Let's trace the origins of this from Scripture so we have a solid understand of just what is happening here. Far too long these passages have been filtered through the dark opinions and superstitions of men and religion that obscures the glorious truth waiting to envelope us here.

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)

Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake. (Revelation 8:3-5)

While the word translated censer in these passages is not identical to the one translated bowls, the link between the incense and the prayers of the saints indicates they are closely connected if not one and the same in function. This last passage also contributes a great deal to understanding what really happens when these angels pour out the contents of their containers on all the strategic arenas defining the world. Without this background firmly in view, it is all too easy to misinterpret what this and the next chapter are all about from heaven's perspective.

I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!" (Revelation 16:1)

Here are other angles from which to view the meaning of these bowls filled with aromatic scents. In the sanctuary services, there were bowls designed for libations or drink offerings to be poured out as gifts or sacrifices.

You shall make its dishes, its spoons, its ladles, and its bowls to pour out offerings with. Of pure gold shall you make them. (Exodus 25:29)

Even more interesting we find the same word in the Septuagint used to describe the object of greatest adoration in the Song of Solomon.

His jaws are as bowls of the aromatic, germinating scents. His lips are as lilies dripping full-bodied myrrh. (Song 5:13)

My beloved man went down to his garden, to bowls of the aromatics, to tend in gardens, and to collect lilies. (Song 6:2)

Compare this to how Paul spoke of his own ministry and pending demise. This disposition of pouring out one's life for others reflects the disposition of the true Lamb of God who poured out His life as the ultimate offering to redeem His children from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.

But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you-- (Philippians 2:17 NRSV)

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NRSV)

the wrath of God

We have studied this metaphor repeatedly enough that I think it should be settled by now in our reasoning. If anyone has questions about this, review the previous passages where we have explored this concept. There is hardly any other place where it is so important to strictly adhere to God's definition of this phrase than in what we are about to explore in the upcoming chapter.

who lives forever and ever

When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last, and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. (Revelation 1:17-18)

When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, (Revelation 4:9-10)

I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!" The four living creatures said, "Amen!" The elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:13-14)

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen." (Revelation 7:11-12)

The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets. (Revelation 10:5-7)

The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)

he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. 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. (Revelation 14:10-11)

There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:5)

(Here are further references for those who want to explore this more.

Ex. 15:18; Deut. 32:40; Ps. 10:16; 48:14; 145:1; Dan. 4:34; 12:7; Rom. 6:9; Heb. 1:8; 7:8,16,25)

The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God

Keep in mind that the temple in heaven is a mirror image of what happens in a far greater and more real dimension, yet closely reflects what is going on here on earth inside of God's people who are what the temple actually represents.

Mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because Yahweh descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. (Exodus 19:18)

Smoke went out of his nostrils. Consuming fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his hiding place, his pavilion around him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire. Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered his voice: hailstones and coals of fire. He sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them. (Psalms 18:8-14)

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of Yahweh filled the tent. (Exodus 40:34)

Yahweh spoke to Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before Yahweh, and died; and Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:1-2)

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)

The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. (Isaiah 6:4)

Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. The glory of Yahweh mounted up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of Yahweh's glory. (Ezekiel 10:3-4)

Then he brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh: and I fell on my face. (Ezekiel 44:4)

Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. (John 12:3)

He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it was a jasper stone, clear as crystal; (Revelation 21:10-11)

The temple represents God's dwelling place which in its purist form involves the hearts of His human children who have given Him access to dwell in them. These are they who follow fully the instructions of the 1st angel (Rev. 14:6-7) and now their own lives become filled to capacity with the glorious experience of love they have testified to as originating with God. This fullness of glory the preparation necessary for them to pour it out in the next chapter on the whole world, resulting in such a violent allergic reaction that it will culminate in the splitting of the very foundations of Satan's evil empire, initiating the beginning its complete collapse into ruin.

No one was able to enter into the temple

Appreciating why no one can enter the temple is very important. There may be more than one reason.

There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27)

Moses wasn't able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh's glory filled the tent. (Exodus 40:35)

It came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled 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 Yahweh. (1 Kings 8:10-11)

Then he brought me back by the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary, which looks toward the east; and it was shut. Yahweh said to me, This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any man enter in by it; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut. (Ezekiel 44:1-2)

So you will know that I am Yahweh, your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain. Then Jerusalem will be holy, and no strangers will pass through her any more. (Joel 3:17)

The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:8-10)

Forty long years I was grieved with that generation, and said, "It is a people that errs in their heart. They have not known my ways." Therefore I swore in my wrath, "They won't enter into my rest." (Psalms 95:10-11)

To whom did he swear that they wouldn't enter into his rest, but to those who were disobedient? We see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18-19)

For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. (Hebrews 12:17)

Parallel to smoke filling Solomon's temple upon its dedication so that no one was able to enter, in final events the true temple of God – the hearts of His loyal followers – become filled with His glory so that nothing or no one can access the affections of their hearts that might defile His temple to entice them to loosen their tight relationship with God. This time of great intensity is represented by the seven bowls that clarifies for all the world, the true nature of God's release of the rejectors of His mercy [wrath] to what they have chosen as their identity in place of His. This is symbolic of the close of probation, not arbitrarily on the part of God but rather bringing closure and and permanent sealing of every mind concerning whom they have chosen to trust, follow and define their character.

Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things. By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them. (Acts 5:11-13)

until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished

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. (Revelation 15:1)

but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets. (Revelation 10:7)

For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, and to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished. (Revelation 17:17)

Now all the work of Solomon was prepared to the day of the foundation of the house of Yahweh, and until it was finished. So the house of Yahweh was completed. (2 Chronicles 8:16)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, (Romans 1:18-24)

This process relating to God's wrath is what becomes finished here at the end of chapter 15. People have come to be fully immersed in the disposition of whichever side they have chosen to worship, and God is compelled to finally release them fully to the results of their determined choices.

What follows in the next chapter is one last final testing of all who have settled into determined resistance to any and every attempt of God to win their hearts and loyalty to Himself. It must be proven openly that there are simply none left that retain any willingness, desire or even capacity to be won over to living in His kingdom of love and freedom and vulnerability. What we will see in the next chapter are the horrific reactions caused by determined resistance to truth, faith and love among those who dwell on the earth.

What we have learned here in chapter 15 is vital for moving into chapter 16 without losing perspective. We must keep in mind what we have learned about this group of messengers as we examine the extreme events coming up that happen as a result of these agents pouring out the contents of their censers. Their praises and intercessions act as a catalyst causing what is termed the 7 last plagues.

Coming Out for God - Rumor notes 154

 Revelation 15

5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. 7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.

After these things

Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. (Revelation 1:19 NAS95)

After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this." (Revelation 4:1)

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)

After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory. (Revelation 18:1)

After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God: (Revelation 19:1)

This phrase, after these things, could easily be mistaken to merely apply to consecutive sequence. However, I think it may be more helpful to view this as referencing context in order to supply perspective to better appreciate and understand deeper meaning. What this may be instructing us is to keep in mind the things we just read previous to this as key to interpreting what is about to be revealed from this point on.

I looked and behold

This combination of the words looked or saw with behold, seems to be something to alert us to discover important threads, particularly through this book. This shows up a couple places in Acts.

I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name. (Revelation 3:8)

This is an interesting translation of the word as know that is usually rendered as see or look.

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6 NKJV)

I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Revelation 6:2 NAS95)

When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. (Revelation 6:5 NAS95)

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. (Revelation 6:12 NKJV)

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. (Revelation 14:1)

I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. (Revelation 14:14)

I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)

Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate, (Acts 10:17)

Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom of God, will see my face no more. (Acts 20:25)

the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened

The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God's throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned. The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth."

God's temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord's covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed. (Revelation 11:16-19)

I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)

Notice how the idea of judgment is closely linked to opening of the temple. This is because judging, according to Jesus' definition of judgment, is exactly that – light exposing what is hidden in darkness.

Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. One called to another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!" The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. (Isaiah 6:1-4)

Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:50-53)

But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:15-18)

The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out

Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!" (Revelation 14:15)

Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. (Revelation 14:17)

The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" (Revelation 16:17)

A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!" (Revelation 19:5)

Moses said to Aaron, Take your censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from Yahweh; the plague is begun.

Aaron took as Moses spoke, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on the incense, and made atonement for the people. He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. (Numbers 16:46-48)

The voice from the throne of God gives instruction for us to give praise to our God. This praise is directly linked with the New Song lyrics which in turn is the secret power that alone can defeat the empire of darkness and fear the enemy depends on to remain in power.

When the context of this passage in Numbers is examined, what can be seen is an old song way of dealing with rebellion in contrast to what we are discovering here in the transition from the Song of Moses over to complete reliance on the Song of the Lamb. After examining Numbers 16 for nearly 2 weeks now, I am coming to see the way Moses reacted to a critical challenge of his leadership and authority given him and his brother Aaron by God, became distorted because his anger. His response was influenced in how he used his access to God's power to quell one uprising after another. Rather than simply assuming that everything Moses did or wrote as being God's direct instructions to him, we would do well to keep in mind that the Lamb of the gospels is a far superior revelation of God's ways and disposition over the inferior ways practiced by Moses and other prophets.

What is coalescing from my study of comparing these two songs is that the Song of Moses is formatted on the world's system of reward and punishment, a dualistic view of God originating in the serpent's assertion that God knows both good and evil and we should do the same. This immature view of God permeates every religion of the world including Christianity. However, what we are learning in this book is that the only way evil can be effectively defeated is not by resorting to violent repression or punishment, but rather by the very opposite. The symbol of the willingly humble, violently slaughtered Lamb who alone is discovered to be qualified to be God's Christ and accept the job of addressing the rebellion and accusations involved in the sealed scroll, is the most significant truth in the entire book. Thus the New Song is a complete rewrite of the whole way we think, the way we perceive God and His motives, and the way we communicate with others.

I believe this chapter is pivotal to understanding the nature of how the empire of evil is brought down in the next chapter, and what we have just studied in the first 4 verses is key to unlocking proper perspective for the following verses. It includes transitioning from the old Song of Moses into embracing the New Song of the Lamb. This empowers these 'angels' to rely entirely on incense released through their prayers and praises of God. This potency of the New Song power is increasingly highlighted as we progress through this prophecy, and this chapter is key in that transition. While the previous old song is rooted in a binary view of God, the New Song is rooted in a 1 John 1:5 view of God, as purely light with no hint of darkness at all in Him. This singular view of God is best described in John 17 where Jesus describes the kind of intimate unity of heart, mind, soul and spirit with the mind and heart of God that is the ultimate goal of the whole plan of salvation. This is what is involved in the opening of the temple of the tabernacle that most explicitly describes the hearts and lives of God's people who respond to His passionate love in them most willingly.

The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me. In my distress I called on Yahweh, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.

Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the mountains quaked and were shaken, because he was angry. Smoke went out of his nostrils. Consuming fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his hiding place, his pavilion around him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.

At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire. Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered his voice: hailstones and coals of fire. He sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them.

Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He sent from on high. He took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support. He brought me forth also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (Psalms 18:5-19)

David lived under the old song paradigm, viewing God through a lens of reward/punishment as the way to explain how things were perceived from that perspective. We all have similar limited perspective so that when we report what we perceive as God's work in our lives, it is always tainted by our presuppositions as to what we imagine are God's motives. This is why Paul says ...let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, "That you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment." (Romans 3:4) This is not an accusation but simply an acknowledgment that only the true Lamb of God understands and gives expression to the real truth that is beyond our capacity to fully appreciate. Consider how David here describes what he believes to be God's response to his cry for deliverance from his enemies, yet when we compare it to a similar description given by God to Job, we discover that it is actually describing a mythical creature representing Satan, the king over all the sons of pride.

His [Leviathan's] sneezing flashes out light. His eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. Out of his mouth go burning torches. Sparks of fire leap forth. Out of his nostrils a smoke goes, as of a boiling pot over a fire of reeds. His breath kindles coals. A flame goes forth from his mouth. There is strength in his neck. Terror dances before him. (Job 41:18-22)

Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, "Don't you see all of these things? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down." (Matthew 24:1-2)

The earthly temple more than once became an idol, a stone of stumbling for God's chosen people of Israel. It was this temple Jesus went out from even while His disciples were trying to distract Him by pointing out the inferior glory they imagined was so important in the physical structures. We remain in the same danger ourselves because we too so often fall into the trap of putting so much emphasis on literal, physical things rather than viewing them as greatly inferior symbols pointing us towards far greater and grander realities in the spiritual realm. Many make the Bible an idol that they worship (even specific translations of the Bible) more than trusting the revelation of God in His Son sent to correct our perceptions through His life, example and teachings. Jesus went out from the temple for the last time, leaving it desolate and abandoned by God as it had become a pointless symbol because of the stubborn resistance to love by the religious leaders bent on rigidly enforcing the Song of Moses as the only right way to serve God.

The Lamb was sent to teach us the New Song, and He illustrated the far superior power of the New Song in His teachings and through His earthly ministry. Yet few choose to believe and embrace His version of God and reality, because they choose to cling to the binary version of reality that has dictated human reasoning ever since the fall of Adam. But we are now invited to move beyond that.

clothed with pure, bright linen

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. (Revelation 3:18)

It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:8)

Do not be distracted and miss the key phrase in this verse. It is all too easy to imagine it is our job to array ourselves with righteous acts, forgetting that everything must be first freely received before we can produce fruit. Everything needed for living out the righteous acts of God's goodness is provided for all who are willing to accept them. Without first receiving the goodness, kindness, graciousness and even the faith of Jesus, it will be impossible to display those attributes and fruit of the Spirit evidenced in our interactions with others. The bride of the Lamb arrays herself in this pure, bright, fine linen because she first receives what is given to her generously by her Bridegroom in love.

The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen. (Revelation 19:14)

I believe what we glimpse here is a reminder that we humans here on earth are not the only ones who are in need of dramatic revisions of what God is like. While the hosts of heaven are ahead of us on this learning curve, and their allegiance to the Lamb's version of God was only solidified when they witnessed the horrific treatment of their beloved divine leader at the instigation of Satan at the cross. They had to also learn that God's ways are not our ways and that the wrath of man/Satan does not accomplish the righteousness of God. It is the Lamb, the Son of God/Son of Man who alone is both God's Christ and our Christ.

It is the Son of God, Jesus Christ who is the unifying magnet drawing all who are willing to Himself. He is the liberating truth about our Father's heart and character. God's passionate love flows through Jesus without any inhibiting resistance. The angels of heaven were deeply affected by the exposure of their previously beloved leader Lucifer who turned traitor, yet this was not fully sealed until the death of Christ. Upon witnessing the the Lamb's testimony that transforms sinners into saints by means of kindness bringing them to repentance, the armies of heaven fall in line behind the true Champion here seen as riding a white horse, who judges and wages war only in righteousness.

Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?" Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Because God has shown you all of this, there is none so discreet and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you."

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck, and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, "Bow the knee!" He set him over all the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:38-43)

Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. (Exodus 28:1-4)

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)

wearing golden sashes around their breasts

And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. (Revelation 1:13)

I can't emphasize enough that these are the only two places in all of Scripture that describe this unique accessory specifically as a golden sash. I find this highly significant as it tells me that whoever is represented here as being 7 angels commissioned to carry out this last assault against the kingdom of darkness, they sport an identical outfit that is only seen being worn by the Hero of this book who introduced Himself to John at the very outset of this book.

You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash, the work of the embroiderer. (Exodus 28:39)

I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. (Daniel 10:5-6)

Here we find more similarities linking together clues indicating that it is the Son of God who originates this unique lifestyle outfit reflective of God's pure character of love and truth. His thighs are girded with pure gold. In Revelation his chest is adorned with a golden sash as are those here in chapter 15. The message of Jesus to Laodicea is to buy from Him white garment and gold along with eye salve so they can see and dress and act just like the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Now we find agents who have done just that. This is part of why I am convinced these angels represent the special agents of the Lamb labeled the 144,000.

This golden sash may represent all who cling to Jesus' version of God. They reflect God's heart just as Jesus did while on earth and in this way add their testimony to that of Jesus and accomplish bringing glory to His reputation. This has been God's passionate desire for us from the very beginning, yet His will has repeatedly been thwarted and spurned throughout history until finally this last generation accepts His offer to dwell in them and completely transform them into beautiful examples of His glorious love and kindness.

For as the belt cleaves to the waist of a man, so have I caused to cleave to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, says Yahweh; that they may be to me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear. (Jeremiah 13:11)

So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputes, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding up the word of life... (Philippians 2:12-16)

the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; (Colossians 1:26-27)

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

We learned when studying the message to Laodicea that gold represents faith and love. Here we find this gold is wrapped entirely around their hearts motivating them with the faith of Jesus and the fire of God's passionate love consuming out of them anything dissonant with God's heart of agape love. This is the ultimate ring of fire.

These angel/humans parallel Abraham's interceding with God in the story of Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33) with bold confidence in His faithfulness, compassion and love. This is the disposition of these agents who exhaust every last possible effort, seeking for any residue of hope to rescue even one last soul out of a wicked world totally immersed in iniquity and rebellion. Throughout the next chapter they are found interceding along with God just as Jesus intercedes, in a final attempt to discover if might be any left willing to repent.

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)