Angels Action, Rebels Reaction - Rumor notes 158

 

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.

The first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth

Targeting the earth may resonate with the second beast that came out of the earth versus the one coming from the sea from chapter 13. It is the earth beast that urges the creation of an image to the previous beast and that leads to a corresponding identifying mark, name and number.

Another potential application involves how the earth is one part of the cycle of life-giving water on our planet. The next two bowl targets relate to other parts of the cycle of water on this planet, the 4^th target being the sun which is the source of heat providing power for circulation. The earth is where water is most needed to produce growth of vegetation to sustain life and health, so this might be why it is the first focus of attention by this group of heralds.

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. (Revelation 7:1)

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. The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. (Revelation 8:5-7)

His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. (Revelation 12:4)

Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I have cast you to the ground; I have laid you before kings, that they may see you. By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your traffic, you have profaned your sanctuaries; therefore have I brought forth a fire from the midst of you; it has devoured you, and I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who see you. (Ezekiel 28:17-18)

For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; so that the fish of the sea, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the field, and all creeping things who creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the surface of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. I will call for a sword against him to all my mountains, says the Lord Yahweh: every man's sword shall be against his brother. With pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him, and on his hordes, and on the many peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and sulfur. I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. (Ezekiel 38:19-23)

This sequence of 7 parallels what happened to Jesus during His final hours leading to His violent death on the cross. This was while He was taking on our false identities most intensely, allowing them to be experienced in His physical body and emotional psyche that led to His agonizing death. This is the most important truth about the meaning of the blood of Christ and how it redeems us.

He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch." He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. (Mark 14:34-35)

An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. (Luke 22:43-44)

it became a harmful and evil sore

This word became in the Greek is ginomai. In this chapter it reveals an interesting pattern that may be significant. It is used to describe how the first three plagues come to be. Then it is used 6 times in 3 verses describing the reactions to the 7th outpouring. This supports the idea that these plagues occur reflexively rather than than being imposed on the world. This correlates perfectly with a correct understanding of the positive nature of the contents of the bowls that are being poured out. This also affirms the true nature of judgment as defined by Jesus in John 3:19-21 describing how people react to the light that inevitably exposes what is inside them.

The two adjectives for sore provide useful insights into the nature of this symbol. Keep in mind that everything we look at in this book is approached primarily as symbolic rather than literal. This does not exclude the possibility of it having a literal parallel, but if we fail to examine closely what its deeper meaning may be as interpreted from Scripture, we may often miss the most important purpose for why these symbols are used.

These adjectives reference the word sore. As I poured over every instance found in the NT for each of these words I began to realize much better what this may be pointing out. Importantly, when we keep in mind that our Savior experienced that same things that these angels are now repeating only on a global scale, it becomes even more real what this symbol may be trying to convey to our understanding.

This first adjective, harmful, literally means worthless, depraved, injurious, bad, ill, evil, loathsome. Following is a list of passages that may help provide a sense of the meaning and nature of these sores.

I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can't tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. (Revelation 2:2)

He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, (Mark 7:20-21)

A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

"But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. (Luke 16:20-21, 25)

Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said." When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priest like that?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?" (John 18:21-23)

Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let him be crucified!" But the governor said, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they cried out exceedingly, saying, "Let him be crucified!" (Matthew 27:22-23)

He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4)

But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. (Acts 9:13)

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live." However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed. (Acts 28:3-5)

Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33)

For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; (Colossians 3:5)

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works, (2 Timothy 4:14)

But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8)

not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. For, "He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:9-12)

Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God. (3 John 1:11)

The next adjective, evil, adds more clues to the meaning of these sores. While it is almost always translated as the word evil, there are also other words used to translate it. The context of some of the verses where it is found also provide insights to assist in learning what this symbol may represent. Here are selections from passages where this word is used that may help induce more insights.

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon. (Matthew 6:22-24)

Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. (Matthew 7:17-18)

You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. (Matthew 12:34-35)

But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet." (Matthew 12:39)

Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation." (Matthew 12:45)

So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, (Matthew 13:49)

For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19)

An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed. (Matthew 16:4)

Then his lord called him in, and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?' His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds." (Matthew 18:32-35)

When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, saying, 'These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!' "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn't you agree with me for a denarius? Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. Isn't it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?' (Matthew 20:11-15)

Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23)

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. (Luke 6:35)

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)

The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness. (Luke 11:34)

"He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow. Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?' (Luke 19:22-23)

This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. (John 3:19)

I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)

Sore

A physical sore involves deterioration of the health of skin. Symbolically it could represent the breakdown of family social structures or other healthy emotional bonds designed by God. Current media fuels this breakdown in society, for much of it is about social comparison and relative worth encouraging pride and/or causing depression. This perspective resonates with the first adjective of this word 'sore' that means worthless, depraved, injurious. It involves a loss of connection with the only true Origin of real worth Who is intended to be our sole Source of identity.

Without a healthy heart connection and reliance on God, our sense of worth and identity will begin to crumble resulting in emotional and societal sores as an inevitable outcome. At the same time, this does not preclude a literal parallel of physical sores as well, for the condition of our physical bodies are sensitive to the mental and emotional condition of our spirit.

The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They didn't repent of their works. (Revelation 16:10-11)

Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, "Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt." They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal. The magicians couldn't stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians, and on all the Egyptians. (Exodus 9:8-11)

Yahweh will strike you with the boil of Egypt, and with the tumors, and with the scurvy, and with the itch, of which you can not be healed. (Deuteronomy 28:27)

Yahweh will strike you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore boil, of which you can not be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head. (Deuteronomy 28:35)

Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any who come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod, to this day. But the hand of Yahweh was heavy on them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and the borders of it. (1 Samuel 5:5-6)

It was so, that after they had carried it about, the hand of Yahweh was against the city with a very great confusion: and he struck the men of the city, both small and great; and tumors broke out on them. (1 Samuel 5:9)

Sores can to be an allergic reaction caused by something toxic to our system. Yet in Isaiah 6:5-7 Isaiah is touched with a live coal from the altar, hot with the glory of God. If we experienced our mouth being touched with a burning hot coal, it would likely result in sores from the burn. Yet because of Isaiah’s humility, this encounter actually resulted in healing that empowered him rather than causing pain.

In this context there is another aspect we have not yet explored. In chapter 13 we saw how fire brought down from heaven was manipulated to ‘prove’ that God was on the side of the beast powers and the image. This precedent was sadly originated with Elijah and is used to support the assertion that God is like the dragon asserts, willing to resort to violence and killing when necessary to enforce His will (2 Kings 1:10-14). Likely these sores also might be viewed as justification for wrong conclusions about who is righteous, just as Job’s friends, lacking the backstory, believed about Job’s situation. People who cling to harsh views of God that reject the revelation of the Lamb, might claim that these sores are punishments from God like Job’s friends asserted, unaware that Satan is also involved.

So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. (Job 2:7)

This next passage emphasizes how these sores have more to do with spiritual condition than physical.

Why should you be beaten more, that you revolt more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it: wounds, welts, and open sores. They haven't been closed, neither bandaged, neither soothed with oil. (Isaiah 1:5-6)

Therefore thus says Yahweh: you have not listened to me, to proclaim liberty, every man to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim to you a liberty, says Yahweh, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth. (Jeremiah 34:17)

There is a close parallel to this passage in a parable told by Jesus where a man forgiven a massive debt failed to pass along the liberty he had been given unconditionally. His unwillingness to forgive despite the fact he was living in freedom himself because of forgiveness extended to him, caused his master to proclaim ‘liberty’ to him similar to how it is described here in Jeremiah.

Then his lord called him in, and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?' His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds. (Matthew 18:32-35)

on the people who had the mark of the beast, and who worshiped his image

Though we have studied these symbols extensively in past studies, I would remind us that this idea of things happening to people identified in this way is repeated significantly throughout this book ever since they were introduced in chapter 13. What this indicates is the extreme significance heaven puts on being aware of the danger of being sucked into involvement in any aspect of identifying with the beast who works in close concert with the great dragon.

For what its worth, in this instance only the mark is mentioned – not the name or the number. I'm not sure how important that may be, but at least it is worth noting.

One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" (Revelation 13:3-4)

I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people. He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived. It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:11-15)

Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

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. 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 14:9-11)

The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. (Revelation 19:20)

I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn't worship the beast nor his image, and didn't receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived, and reigned with Christ for the thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

Because this involves the completion of the wrath of God as mentioned at the beginning of the previous chapter, these plagues may well indicate that the wicked are now released from His shielding mercy so that the natural consequences of disease, suffering and death intercepted by Jesus on their behalf, is allowed to come directly on them because they have rejected their true identity in Christ. Rejectors of mercy open themselves to the natural as well as satanic consequences of sin, refusing to embrace the healing power offered them by the Lamb. Simultaneously that saving power is vividly on display in the lives of those pouring out their souls now overflowing with God's glory and goodness. This sharp contrast results in the chaos that is described throughout this chapter.

Perspectives and Parallels

Here are listed a number of significant parallels from Revelation and from historical events that may contribute to our appreciation and understanding of these final events. This is the last set of major sevens in this book, and it is also identified as the last seven plagues. This does not mean that is directly parallels the last seven of the ten plagues that fell on Egypt that led to the liberation of God's chosen people from slavery, but rather it reminds us that in that instance it was the last seven plagues that the people of God were protected from experiencing directly.

What I have noticed so far in my studies or from others who have shared with me, is that these last seven events have interesting correspondence with the following list found elsewhere. Some of them have close correlations and some may seem more fuzzy. But in either case there can be clues and connections that may help to contribute to a clearer understanding of what we are seeking to find.

The destruction of Sodom and the other wicked cities of the plain

The plagues that happened in Egypt described in the book of Exodus

The curses Moses described in Deuteronomy 28

The experience of Jesus Christ during the last hours of His life leading up to His death

The 7 messages to the assemblies in Revelation chapters 2-3

The 7 seals broken open by the Lamb in chapter 6 and 8:1

The 7 trumpets sounded in chapters 8-10

Sodom connection

But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. They called to Lot, and said to him, "Where are the men who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may have sex with them." (Genesis 19:4-5)

This Sodom connection may be the least synchronized to these plagues, but we can still compare them as we go along to see how at least some of them may have potential parallels.

6^th plague in Egypt – the 3^rd of the last 7 plagues

Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, "Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt." They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal. The magicians couldn't stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians, and on all the Egyptians. (Exodus 9:8-11)

Curses in Deuteronomy

Yahweh will strike you with the boil of Egypt, and with the tumors, and with the scurvy, and with the itch, of which you can not be healed.

Yahweh will strike you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore boil, of which you can not be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head. (Deuteronomy 28:27, 35)

Experience of Jesus

In addition to the literal bleeding through the pores of His skin in the garden of Gethsemane, the physical abuse of the body of Jesus during His trial and execution involved wounds that would naturally result in open sores.

Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.

They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:26, 29)

1^st Message to the Assemblies

Message to Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7. But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent. (Revelation 2:4-5)

This message resonates with another passage we studied recently that present important perspective about how God has to relate to us sometimes.

For thus says Yahweh, Your hurt is incurable, and your wound grievous. There is none to plead your cause, that you may be bound up: you have no healing medicines. All your lovers have forgotten you; they don't seek you: for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased. Why cry you for your hurt? your pain is incurable: for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased, I have done these things to you. (Jeremiah 30:12-15)

1^st Seal

I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, "Come and see!" And behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. (Revelation 6:1-2)

1^st Trumpet

The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. (Revelation 8:7)

Thoughts to Ponder

What could we learn from this first outpouring from the bowls filled with praise and prayers and the effects described in the reactions it has on those who cling to the beast’s version of God?

Because we are to first of all approach this book as full of symbols to be translated, from these passages what might we conclude these painful sores could represent, and how might we already be experiencing them but to a lesser degree?

How could we apply these revelations to our own heart right now in ways that would make a difference as to which side we will be on when this actually transpires?

Pouring Out - Rumor notes 157

 

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.

Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth

In the previous study we looked at the instructions given to all of these angels that involved pouring out their bowls. But we didn't have time to really look into what it means to pour out. I want to unpack this much more and consider the implications of what this might mean and consider how this interacts with understanding the true essence of the contents of the bowls.

Then another angel, a third, followed them, crying with a loud voice, "Those who worship the beast and its image, and receive a mark on their foreheads or on their hands, they will also drink the wine of God's wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and they 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 NRSV)

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)

It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in Mount Sinai for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to Yahweh. The drink offering of it shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shall you pour out a drink offering of strong drink to Yahweh. (Numbers 28:6-7)

Eli said to her, How long will you be drunken? put away your wine from you. Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh. (1 Samuel 1:14-15)

Go you, inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of Yahweh that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of Yahweh, to do according to all that is written in this book. Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore is my wrath poured out on this place, and it shall not be quenched. (2 Chronicles 34:21,25)

There are many more references to pouring out, and the experience of Job also provides insight.

For my sighing comes before I eat. My groanings are poured out like water. For the thing which I fear comes on me, That which I am afraid of comes to me. I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; but trouble comes." (Job 3:24-26)

At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1)

These are the words that Yahweh spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. For thus says Yahweh: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see whether a man does travail with child: why do I see every man with his hands on his waist, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

It shall come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondservant; but they shall serve Yahweh their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up to them.

Therefore don't you be afraid, O Jacob my servant, says Yahweh; neither be dismayed, Israel: for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. For I am with you, says Yahweh, to save you: for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not make a full end of you; but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.

For thus says Yahweh, Your hurt is incurable, and your wound grievous. There is none to plead your cause, that you may be bound up: you have no healing medicines. All your lovers have forgotten you; they don't seek you: for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased. Why cry you for your hurt? your pain is incurable: for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased, I have done these things to you.

Therefore all those who devour you shall be devoured; and all your adversaries, everyone of them, shall go into captivity; and those who despoil you shall be a spoil, and all who prey on you will I give for a prey. For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says Yahweh; because they have called you an outcast, saying, It is Zion, whom no man seeks after. Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have compassion on his dwelling places; and the city shall be built on its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner.

Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of those who make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Their children also shall be as before, and their congregation shall be established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them. Their prince shall be of themselves, and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach to me: for who is he who has had boldness to approach to me? says Yahweh.

You shall be my people, and I will be your God. Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, is gone forth, a sweeping storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall understand it. (Jeremiah 30:4-24)

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high. My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God, that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor! (Job 16:19-21)

I am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evil-doers have enclosed me. They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me. They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.

But don't be far off, Yahweh. You are my help: hurry to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth! Yes, from the horns of the wild oxen, you have answered me. I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the assembly, I will praise you. You who fear Yahweh, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him! Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard. Of you comes my praise in the great assembly. I will pay my vows before those who fear him. The humble shall eat and be satisfied. They shall praise Yahweh who seek after him. Let your hearts live forever. (Psalms 22:14-26)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?" These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day. Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence. (Psalms 42:2-5)

Now my soul is poured out within me. Days of affliction have taken hold on me. In the night season my bones are pierced in me, and the pains that gnaw me take no rest. By great force is my garment disfigured. It binds me about as the collar of my coat. He has cast me into the mire. I have become like dust and ashes. I cry to you, and you do not answer me. I stand up, and you gaze at me. You have turned to be cruel to me. With the might of your hand you persecute me. You lift me up to the wind, and drive me with it. You dissolve me in the storm. For I know that you will bring me to death, To the house appointed for all living. "However doesn't one stretch out a hand in his fall? Or in his calamity therefore cry for help? Didn't I weep for him who was in trouble? Wasn't my soul grieved for the needy? When I looked for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, there came darkness. My heart is troubled, and doesn't rest. Days of affliction have come on me. (Job 30:16-27)

Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind, "Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me. Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified? Or do you have an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him? "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty. Pour out the fury of your anger. Look at everyone who is proud, and bring him low. Look at everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place. Then I will also admit to you that your own right hand can save you. (Job 40:6-14)

I find this passage a challenge to typical views on the effectiveness of pouring out wrath to make positive changes. Here God challenges even our definition of judgment, directing us to rethink how we have assessed God as being altogether like us in order to justify our way of judging and wrath.

God here refers to judgment, to use of power to intimidate, and the presumption that putting on displays of anger and crushing people who act wickedly will somehow bring about resolution of problems. What God seems to be addressing here are the methods we imagine He must use to gain the upper hand over His enemies. God is challenging Job to prove that the methods we presume God should use to rescue us from abusers would actually work. God says that if indeed it could be proven that subjugation and humiliation of those who are proud and do wickedly would actually accomplish a good outcome, He would be willing to admit He is wrong.

When we compare this to what Job sometimes insisted he wanted God to do to side with him against those who were challenging his integrity, it makes more sense why God would say things such as this. But the lesson was not merely for Job but for everyone who struggles to believe God's ways actually are more effective than our ways.

The sobering message emerging for me out of these passages is intense, overwhelming and can even feel terrifying. Yet now I am beginning to see how it is necessary, for it is only through such intense emotional experiences that the residue of sin, selfishness, pride, unbelief and every other emotional distortion caused by sin in our hearts, may be completely eradicated. What we can see in these passages is that our dark perceptions of how God relates to us must be challenged, exposed, brought to the light and judged. This is the method God uses to break the yoke of bondage to liberate us entirely from the tenacious grip of sin and our dark ways of thinking that so permeate our psyche.

I am coming to see that the experience we are finding in these two chapters of Revelation is what Jesus felt and wrestled against during the last hours of His life before the crucifixion. It also correlates to the experience of Jacob who likewise wrestled against his double-minded feelings about God's disposition towards him that needed to be exterminated in his desperate embrace of the angel who had being trying to give him a hug of affirmation of God's love all night long. This is an experience similar to what all must have who will be involved in these pouring out activities by the Lamb's special agents.

Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalms 62:8)

God, don't be far from me. My God, hurry to help me. Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me. But I will always hope, and will add to all of your praise. My mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don't know its full measure. I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will, even of yours alone. (Psalms 71:12-16)

I see this as one of David's more lucid insights as he realizes that despite living under disappointing circumstances, the best remedy is for him to rehearse the New Song regardless of everything that is going on around him.

<<A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.>> I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path. In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me. Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul. I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than me. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me. (Psalms 142:1-7)

This next passage can be confusing, but when read in the light of a better appreciation of how God defines judgment, it resonates with the truth of His graciousness and kindness and how He only uses His power to serve and give life, leaving everyone free to relate to Him as they choose.

The way of the just is uprightness. You who are upright make the path of the righteous level. Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, have we waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul. With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh's majesty. Yahweh, your hand is lifted up, yet they don't see; but they will see your zeal for the people, and be disappointed. Yes, fire will consume your adversaries.

Yahweh, you will ordain peace for us, for you have also worked all our works for us. Yahweh our God, other lords besides you have had dominion over us, but by you only will we make mention of your name.

The dead shall not live. The deceased shall not rise. Therefore have you visited and destroyed them, and caused all memory of them to perish. You have increased the nation, O Yahweh. You have increased the nation! You are glorified! You have enlarged all the borders of the land.

Yahweh, in trouble they have visited you. They poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them. Like as a woman with child, who draws near the time of her delivery, is in pain and cries out in her pangs; so we have been before you, Yahweh. We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

Your dead shall live. My dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth will cast forth the dead.

Come, my people, enter into your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a little moment, until the indignation is past. For, behold, Yahweh comes forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth also will disclose her blood, and will no longer cover her slain. (Isaiah 26:7-21)

This is a classic example of a chapter break located in the wrong place. This thought needs to be extended to a more logical transition point to include the next few verses.

In that day, Yahweh with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan, the fleeing serpent, and leviathan the twisted serpent; and he will kill the dragon that is in the sea. In that day, sing to her, "A pleasant vineyard! I, Yahweh, am its keeper. I will water it every moment. Lest anyone damage it, I will keep it night and day. Wrath is not in me, but if I should find briers and thorns, I would do battle! I would march on them and I would burn them together. Or else let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me. Let him make peace with me." (Isaiah 27:1-5)

What I find here is a description of the separation process that may well be brought to completion during the time of the outpouring of the contents of the bowls carried by these angels in Revelation 15-16. What I see here are descriptions of both classes of people and how they relate to and perceive God's passionate activity of love on the earth.

We are designed to live as reflectors of the light of God's glory. God's judgments are described by Jesus as light coming, and those who receive and do not resist the light are transformed into His likeness, allowing Him to freely live in them and accomplish His works through them.

Those who refuse the light, who hate the light, who reject His mercy, despise kindness and truth are left with characters formed in the likeness of God's enemy that leaves them in darkness. Their perceptions of truth are distorted so that even when they pray in reaction to His judgments, their prayers do not accomplish the purpose of His will because they reject a love of the truth to cling to error in their heart. Even though they may see the truth about God's righteousness, they fail to embrace it with their heart and thus imagine God to be more like Satan represents Him to be.

What about God pouring out His Spirit on people? Does that always accomplish positive results?

How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge? Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you.

Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you; when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come on you. (Proverbs 1:22-27)

But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly. She will be visited by Yahweh of Armies with thunder, with earthquake, with great noise, with whirlwind and storm, and with the flame of a devouring fire.

The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night. It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that.

Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and he has covered your heads, the seers.

All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't, for it is sealed:" and the book is delivered to one who is not educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't read."

The Lord said, "Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught; therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their prudent men will be hidden."

Woe to those who deeply hide their counsel from Yahweh, and whose works are in the dark, and who say, "Who sees us?" and "Who knows us?" You turn things upside down! Should the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say about him who made it, "He didn't make me;" or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding?" (Isaiah 29:5-16)

The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?" He answered them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things." He said to them, "Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. (Mark 7:5-9)

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:7-14 NKJV)

Notice the parallels in this passage.

The coming of [Christ] in contrast to

The coming of the lawless one...

Satan works with unrighteous deception

because they did not receive the love of the truth

[God] sends a strong delusion

they did not believe the truth

While God wants to restrain the mysterious power of rebellion at work in our world, yet He can be taken out of the way, allowing the lawless one to be revealed and given an advantage. Taking God out of the way happens through the will of people who choose to align with Satan's agenda in their lives and in broader society. This gives Satan authority that should have been given to God. When God is taken out of the way, Satan asserts his authority to openly take more control over the earth, for this is the principle of how true authority actually operates.

Note also that sanctification requires two elements: the Spirit of God and belief in the truth.

Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn't open his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he didn't open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the disobedience of my people to whom the stroke was due? They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him; he has put him to grief: when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:4-12)

What must not be overlooked in this famous passage are the motives of God revealed by this Lamb. Though we imagined that it was God doing all this evil against His Son, it was really the Lamb's choosing to identify with our sins and iniquities that caused all His pain, suffering and death. God assisted and strengthened Him to carry out this plan, yet God was not the direct cause of His suffering. Rather it was His willing identification with us to absorb all the effects that our sins cause in us that was the root cause of His suffering. Yet He did this so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

By the knowledge of Himself many may be justified; that is that we can be set right with God, recalibrated through His stunning revelation of God's graciousness and kindness that alone leads us to repentance. This is all encapsulated in the metaphor of His pouring out His soul to death. This is key to gaining a proper perspective of what really transpired at the cross.

Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Why are you red in your clothing, and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yes, I trod them in my anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my wrath, it upheld me. I trod down the peoples in my anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth. [brought down their strength to the earth." (NKJV)]

I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he has bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses. For he said, Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely: so he was their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. (Isaiah 63:1-9)

The word translated here as marching literally means to tip over for the purpose of spilling or pouring out. It also means to conquer, to lie down, to travel, to wander. The way this Hero overcomes His enemies and conquers evil is radically different from how His enemies fight. We have discovered this repeatedly in our study of this book. Jesus came to tip over our sordid views of God's disposition towards sinners and to reset our perceptions of reality so that we might be recovered back into the original relationship of intimate trust and love for which we were created.

Because this is a messianic prophecy, we can see how this predicts that the Son of man would so identify with humanity that in spite of all the lies that have infected us, His introduction of the light of love and truth would challenge all the darkness that the lies have caused. He disarms the strength of our false identities by putting them to death in His body on the cross. This is quite different from what is implied by translating this as pouring out their lifeblood. Rather, it was the pouring out His own blood by which He restored our true identity and implant it back into us, giving us a second chance to embrace it and to turn away from our past delusions about our worth and God's disposition towards us.

Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God. Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

One more thing that must not be overlooked in this passage is the key that has unlocked much of what we have been learning in Revelation. That is a focused reliance on engaging the New Song as the primary weapon by which overcomers overcome the darkness of misapprehensions about God's loving character. This is the secret weapon of this Lamb, and it is the same secret of success for all who learn to overcome in the same way as He overcame the world.

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 12:11)

The New Song is the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy, for it foretells the final victory of God in His trial on the great judgment day in which He will be exonerated fully and found true though every other man be found otherwise.

For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God? May it never be! Yes, 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 3:3-4)

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they didn't walk in my statutes, and they rejected my ordinances, which if a man keep, he shall live in them; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them in the wilderness, to consume them. (Ezekiel 20:13)

Its not coincidental that this pouring out of wrath is linked to the Sabbath issue. We see similar connections in the three angel's message we examined in chapter 14. The Sabbath is a sign of complete trust, dependence and resting in God's love, truthfulness and that there is no reason to think we must change God's mind towards us. It is those who cling to the notion that God must be appeased, that something has to be done to adjust God's disposition towards sinners or that His justice demands some sort of payment in order to be satiated, that brings on the tragic state of affairs described as a pouring out of God's wrath. When we adhere to God's definition of His wrath alone, this begins to make more sense. Otherwise it leads us to become double-minded and susceptible to every sort of deception and distortion of truth.

Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear his voice, don't harden your hearts, as in the provocation, like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested me by proving me, and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, 'They always err in their heart, but they didn't know my ways;' as I swore in my wrath, 'They will not enter into my rest.'"

Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God; but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today;" lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:5-13)

Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn't profit them, because it wasn't mixed with faith by those who heard. For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, "As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, "God rested on the seventh day from all his works;" and in this place again, "They will not enter into my rest."

Seeing therefore it remains that some should enter therein, and they to whom the good news was before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience, he again defines a certain day, today, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said), "Today if you will hear his voice, don't harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day.

There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:1-13)

Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Do you pollute yourselves after the manner of your fathers? and play you the prostitute after their abominations? and when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, do you pollute yourselves with all your idols to this day? and shall I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I will not be inquired of by you; and that which comes into your mind shall not be at all, in that you say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.

As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, will I be king over you: and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face. Like as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I enter into judgment with you, says the Lord Yahweh. I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and those who disobey against me; I will bring them forth out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. (Ezekiel 20:30-38)

Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear his voice, don't harden your hearts, as in the provocation, like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested me by proving me, and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, 'They always err in their heart, but they didn't know my ways;' as I swore in my wrath, 'They will not enter into my rest.'" Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God; but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today;" lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:7-13)

Therefore I poured out my wrath on them for the blood which they had poured out on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols; (Ezekiel 36:18)

Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law, even turning aside, that they should not obey your voice: therefore has the curse been poured out on us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God; for we have sinned against him. (Daniel 9:11)

He shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out on the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)

These passages raise serious questions relating to the metaphor of pouring out. God says that with wrath poured out I will be king over you. How we perceive this is directly affected by what we imagine about how God's disposition towards us, particularly those who continue to choose rebellion against His design principles and who withdraw their authority from Him.

In Ezekiel 20 God says He will bring these people into the wilderness of the peoples and bring them into judgment. We must keep in mind God's definition of judgment in order to appreciate what God is trying to say here.

This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. (John 3:19)

This light that results in judgment is the light of truth about God's disposition, motives and desires for a relationship of trust and love with His children as revealed through His only authentic Son. Hebrews 1 lifts the veil to reveal that there is a competing angel who claims to represent God (the actual meaning of son), but that Jesus Christ is the only valid authenticated, verified Son who anyone should listen to and trust. We live in a world where the prince of darkness saturates the atmosphere with distorted assertions about what God is like and His disposition, and we are inundated with constant lies designed to keep us in fear and allergic to true love. Who we choose to believe regarding God determines how we interpret His actions, words and attitudes towards us. In turn our beliefs about His methods and why God does things, directly influences our teachings, our doctrines, our opinions and our perceptions of reality. It is impossible to separate the two, for by design we cannot help but reflect our perceptions of God in how we relate to others.

This cuts to the very heart of how the war in heaven was fought that led to the ousting of the dragon with all the angels who allowed his spirit of rebellion to develop hate in them against love. We struggle to imagine that Michael and His angels fought differently from how Satan fought, but that is because we have been so deeply affected by this spirit of selfishness that our perceptions have been darkened to view love is weak and that vulnerability invites exploitation. Yet those who remain in rebellion hate the light of love, they hate the ways of love and they react violently and angrily whenever love is shown them because it makes them feel weak, and weakness is the last thing they want to embrace. Their definition of power is the opposite of weakness, so as a result anyone treating them with kindness, love and humility makes them feel threatened because their logic can only conclude it is a trap to exploit them, for they live only for self-survival, not for others.

This was what caused Jacob to fight against receiving a hug of intimacy from God all night long, despite the fact that it was just what his heart had longed to experience his entire life. This was how Michael and His angels fought the war in heaven. Those who hate the light of truth from God's heart of love, refuse a love of the truth and go into outer darkness rather than to remain where they feel threatened by exposure in the light of God's willing vulnerability and willing weakness.

The words of Jesus to Paul when he too wrestled with this same issue, begging to be liberated from a 'thorn in the flesh' that made him feel weak, applies equally to all of us. Thus we can perceive that what these 7 angels pour out in this chapter is not various means of punishment on the part of God, but rather it is an outpouring of the very essence of who God is. Yet it is so reprehensible to those in stubborn rebellion who hate this light, that they react violently and bitterly in resistance to it because such exhibitions of love exposes the emptiness of every identity apart from Christ.

He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

This describes the essence of how these agents of the Lamb fight against the kingdom of darkness. They glory in their weakness which they realize is the true power of God, and this global display of the true heart of God causes violent reactions falsely attributed to be coming from God.

In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love Him, because he first loved us. If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn't love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother. (1 John 4:17-21)

We already read previously, the lawless one will be revealed. To what law does this refer? It is this commandment we have from Him – that we should love those around us. John tells us that those controlled by the lawless one hate the light, while those who cherish the Spirit of love reflect God's love received as they pour it out on others. These special ops forces of the Lamb have become powerful and efficient conduits of God's passionate love for sinners, showering the planet with light and love. I believe this is how we are to understand what transpires in this chapter that results such disastrous plagues over the world. Yet this is not because it this God's determined will to punish, but because love resisted turns into a curse in the lives of those who hate it. As John declares, fear is what has punishment, not God who is love. Thus we need to see that the real danger we must ever guard against is allowing the spirit of fear to remain in us.

We have an excellent example of a blessing from God being transformed into a curse with the how people related to the manna sent from heaven.

This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded: "Gather of it everyone according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, shall you take it, every man for those who are in his tent." The children of Israel did so, and gathered some more, some less. When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They gathered every man according to his eating. Moses said to them, "Let no one leave of it until the morning." Notwithstanding they didn't listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and became foul: and Moses was angry with them. They gathered it morning by morning, everyone according to his eating. When the sun grew hot, it melted. (Exodus 16:16-21)

We have seen that just because we pray to God does not mean we are allowing the truth as revealed in His Son Jesus Christ to restore us to reflecting His glory. The kind of judgment that takes place in the wilderness of the peoples (interesting how this can seem like an oxymoron) is the same kind that happened to the Israelites after God brought them out of slavery from Egypt. In that judgment, most of the people refused to rest in God's love and care for them, choosing instead to view God with suspicion at best, refusing to trust His heart towards them despite astounding evidence on every hand.

This judgment that took place in the wilderness in ancient times is symbolic of what culminates in the time of the 7^th angel. It is a time of polarization, of the harvesting of souls, final decisions being made on the part of every human being in existence. And because judgment is a determination made by people themselves rather than God making decisions for them, what determines the outcome of this judgment is what we choose to do with the evidence provided us of God's compassionate love and care for us, and how we choose to relate to what He says about Himself as well as what we allow Him to do in and through us.

What is central to understanding this judgment is the principle of cause and effect as opposed to imposed punishments and rewards. While the language of the Old Testament in particular is saturated with ideas of imposed punishment, Jesus lifts the veil to reveal that something very different was going on. As we apply the principles revealed by Jesus to the record of God's dealings with people in ancient times, we can have a greater appreciation and trust in the One who alone is true despite every man being a liar. This principle of cause and effect can be traced through every story of God's interaction with people and nations, though it may be expressed in various ways that sometimes can seem confusing. This principle is very potent, and the sooner we come to respect it the easier it is to be reconciled with God's design that governs all creation. This is highlighted in the passage we saw in Ezekiel, Therefore I poured out my wrath on them for the blood which they had poured out on the land.

It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit. (Joel 2:28-29)

"Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great."

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. 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 3:12-16)

'It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)

What happens when the Spirit of God is poured on all flesh? Is the poured out Spirit proof that one is more deserving or specially honored by God? Or is it possible that the Spirit outpouring might be like the wrath outpouring, and rather than God picking and choosing who gets what, it may be the condition of our characters that determines how it is perceived and experienced? When Jesus dialoged with His Father while the Greeks who were looking for Him observed, some people heard a voice from heaven while others said it had thundered. What made the difference? I believe it is the condition of our own spirit, our heart, our disposition that determines what we can or cannot discern.

It may well be that these angels pouring out the contents of their bowls, are freely pouring out what they have freely received – the infilling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. That power magnifies the passionate essence of God's relentless love, kindness, compassion and gentleness. Yet as this Spirit of love and power is received by God's faithful children, it is rejected by those who have completely hardened their hearts against a love of the truth it is no longer possible for them to be brought to repentance. The reaction is torment caused by resistance to love and truth, and they experience this intense passion as wrath and anger when in reality it is passionate love.

Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things. We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 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 2:1-5)

He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, "All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:27-28)

Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. (Philippians 2:17)

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-- and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:17-18 NRSV)

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

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)

Summary

Let's review the various things we have observed about what pouring out can mean in Scripture.

There is the metaphor of God's wrath being poured out. This requires and clear appreciation of what wrath means as it pertains to God. In chapter 14 it is seen as being undiluted or unmixed. Significantly, in God's intense discussion with Job in chapter 40, He challenges Job about paradigms relating to pouring out wrath. I believe God is here challenging all of us in regards to our opinion and perceptions relating to this issue, leading to a strong inference that God wants us to realize that true change cannot be effected by means of putting people in their place using wrath to intimidate or manipulate their behavior.

In Ezekiel 20 it says God will be king over them with wrath poured out, bringing them into the wilderness for face to face judgment with Him just as what He did with ancient Israel in the wilderness. In Hebrews we get more clarity as to what that actually means, for God's kind of judgment is not like what most imagine it to be. True judgment involves people's reaction to being exposed by the light of truth, producing the unavoidable effects that their choices have had on their characters. Keep in mind that wrath refers to intense passion not exclusive to anger. God's wrath is His intense passion, yet because God is love, exposure to such intensity always arouses intense reactions differing greatly depending on how our character interprets the motives we imagine are behind His intensity.

The sanctuary services of ancient Israel included drink offerings called libation offerings. These involved various kinds of containers designed to hold liquids. At least one mention of this includes pouring out strong drink, something that may be very relevant to what we are studying here.

Individuals are described as pouring out their souls. Job said his groanings were poured out like water, his eyes poured out tears and he was poured out like water. David instructs those who trust in God to pour out their heart before Him. The Psalms are filled with David showing what it looks like for us to pour out prayers, praises, complaints and feelings to God. This is more important for us to learn than many may believe. Pouring out prayers seems to be part of how we process and relate to God's work in our hearts as He seeks to transform us back into His image. But it does not prove we are cooperating, only that we are reacting.

When it comes to God pouring out His Spirit on people, there are interesting insights we can observe from these passages.

Just because God pours out His Spirit on people does not necessarily mean they are repentant or that they will even respond positively as we learn in Proverbs 1.

Just because people pour out their prayers to God when they feel chastened by Him does not mean they are actually receiving the chastening for positive transformation.

When Isaiah says that God pours out on people a spirit of deep sleep and has closed their eyes, we need to keep in mind the perspective of Biblical writers that often could not see the spirit of Satan at work behind the scenes, competing against the Spirit of truth and light.

Finally, keep in mind is that what these agents are doing in each pouring out described in this chapter, aligns with how Jesus treated people when He revealed the Father on this earth.

Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice. (Psalms 141:2)

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Contemplate:

How convinced am I about the positive nature of God in relation to pouring out His wrath?

What affect does the pouring out of the symbolic blood of Jesus have on my psyche?

What relation do I see between God respecting people's choices and releasing them, and what the Lamb of Revelation epitomizes?

Does the passion of God's love affect me so deeply I feel compelled to be poured out completely in order that others may come to an intimate, transformative knowledge of God's passionate love for them?