Author: jdwvaw2

I’m sure that many of you, if you’ve had any exposure to basic physics, have heard of entropy. It’s a scientific principle contained in the 2nd law of thermodynamics. But did you know that this law is contained in the bible ? After an “aha” moment, I realized this was true, and decided to write an article about it. This link will take you to the article.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_50eM5Uh_WXnP-i-4X886ElwGTFq0WV2rSjLpTm0QmA/edit?usp=sharing

I’m also adding a permanent link below, so you can easily refer to it if necessary.

The following article by John MacArthur points out one of the main reasons our current world is in such a chaotic state.

John MacArthur: Right in Their Own Eyes (decisionmagazine.com)

Anti-Zionism, or antisemitism is raising its ugly head world-wide. This is prophetic. During the rise of the antichrist Israel will find itself without significant support from any world ally. This will facilitate the antichrist’s ability to successfully attack Israel and set up the abomination of desolation on the temple mount. Erick Stakelbeck does a good job describing what is happening in the following newscast video: UN Hypocrisy EXPOSED as it Singles Out Israel for Gaza Casualties | Watchman Newscast – YouTube

My last post presented a biblical riddle that, hopefully, we could solve together. I solicited your comments and opinions, but, sadly, only received one comment. I was hoping for a lively discussion. So, let me demonstrate how sound hermeneutics can shed light on difficult passages. (See the article “Hermeneutics” linked to below). Lets focus on Luke’s account, as it is more detailed. After Jesus famously stated that at His coming one would be taken and one would be left in a variety of situations (field, workplace, in bed), the Pharisees asked Him; “Where Lord ? So He said to them ‘wherever the body is, there the eagles will gather’ ” (Luke 17:37)

Jesus’ answer is given to the question “where?”. Using free bible software such as ESword (which you all should be accustomed to) reveals in a couple clicks that the Greek word “pou” translated “where” simply means what place or what locality. Next we need to determine who is taken to this locality. It is obviously not the ones left, as they remain in a broad variety of areas, but the ones taken. So Jesus indicated he will take individuals from a wide range of places and situations to a specific location. Where is that location ? Jesus answered; “where ever the body(corpses) is” – a gathering place for carrion eaters like eagles. Now, lets check end time scripture that describe where corpses might be found. Ezekiel says this when detailing the final battle before Messiah’s return; “Speak to every sort of bird and to every beast of the field….Gather together from all sides to My sacrificial meal….A great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.” (Ezekiel 39:17) Revelation says this; “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, ‘come and gather together for the supper of the great God that you may eat the flesh of kings, captains, mighty men…and the flesh of all men, free, slave, small and great…..And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19: 17-18, 21) Isaiah says this; “Then they shall bring all your brethren…. to My holy mountain, Jerusalem, says the Lord….And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against me….” (Isaiah 66:20, 24). From these scriptures it becomes apparent that the end time locality where the corpses are and the carrion eating birds (eagles) gather together is Jerusalem and its surrounding mountains. It seems clear to me that Jesus is simply saying that he is going to gather His elect to himself in Jerusalem where He will alight on the Mount of Olives. This will happen immediately after He crushes the armies of the world gathered together against Him leaving the area littered with corpses. His “riddle” fits perfectly with other end-time scriptures. This also should clear up any wonderment about who are taken and who are left. This is usually a point of controversy. What’s clear to me is that there are three groups of people indicated by Jesus in His response to the Pharisees. First, the enemies of Christ (wicked) – corpses, second, those taken -Christians (those who are His elect), and third, those in the world who remain.

As we come closer to Jesus’ return, all of the scriptures that deal with end-times will come into sharp focus. But we all need to set apart significant study time so the Holy Spirit can lead and guide us into all truth.

I am hoping to get comments from those who read this blog concerning a statement by Jesus. It appears to be a riddle that is not readily solved. I’m interested in your opinions. When describing His coming in the Olivet discourse, Jesus said this; “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together “ (Matthew 24 : 28). Luke’s Gospel records a similar comment from Jesus when talking to the Pharisees who had asked Him when the kingdom of God would come. (Luke 17:20). “I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding together; the one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; the one taken and the other left. And they answered and said to Him, ‘where Lord?’ So He said to them, ‘wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together’.” (Luke 17:33-37). It’s the underlined scripture above that I’m interested in. Obvious is the fact that Jesus is using the metaphor of eagles (carrion eaters) being drawn to corpses (dead flesh) to illustrate a connection to the day of His coming. He said this to both His apostles on the Mount of Olives, and earlier to curious Pharisees. The question is, how is this metaphor related to the events surrounding His coming ? What was Jesus trying to tell them them at that time, and now, us ?

A couple of Scriptures related to eagles that may help; Exodus 19:4, Revelation 12:14. If your link or notification doesn’t provide for comments, go to the main blog site and use the “comment” link following this post. Jim’s Eschatological Info – “What I say to you I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37) (eschatontrails.com) All of us together with the help of the Holy Spirit should be able to solve this. Keep studying. Maranatha!

Paul’s 2nd letter to the Thessalonians presents us with a bit of a mystery. When writing about the revealing of the antichrist mid-tribulation, he says why this couldn’t have happened earlier. There is something or someone “restraining” or holding back the Satan empowered man of sin from operating freely. This restrainer is currently still on the job. “And now you know what is restraining, that he (antichrist) may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed….” (2nd Thessalonians 2: 6-8). Apparently, Paul had directly told the Thessalonians who this restrainer was, but it’s not made clear for us. We need to do a little detective work to figure out who he means.

First, we must acknowledge that God Himself is orchestrating all end-time events, and so is responsible for everything that happens and when. Notice that stated in the above passage it is he who restrains until he is taken out of the way. God will remove an individual who has been holding back the antichrist. In Daniel’s book, the prophet reveals a spiritual battle taking place to keep Gods messenger from answering Daniels prayer. When the angel finally gets to Daniel, he says this; “….I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me….” (Daniel 10: 12-13). Later in the chapter he concludes when talking about these satanic princes in the spirit realm; “….No one upholds me against these except Michael, your prince.” (Daniel 10: 21). In chapter 12, when talking about the start of the great tribulation, when the antichrist reveals himself, the angel tells Daniel this; “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation….” (Daniel 12:1). These scriptures clearly indicate that there is a mighty archangel named Michael whose responsibility is to watch over and protect Gods people from evil powers in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Because we Christians are “grafted in” to Gods chosen, Michael is our protector as well. But that protection will come to an abrupt end at the middle of the 70th week. Just before the final 1260 days, Revelation tells us this; “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the devil and Satan who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12: 7-9). This is the precise time when Paul talks about removal of the restrainer. Michael “stands up”, and kicks Satan out of the Heavenly realm to earth where he is given a short time, “his time”, 3.5 years, to do his dirty work. Michael will have completed his mission for that time and will no longer protect Gods people from Satan’s wiles. His job of restraining is temporarily over. If you’ve read the seven recent posts on the two witnesses, you can see how their demise fits well with the timing of the restrainers removal. The two witnesses are killed mid-trib. when Satan, kicked out of heaven by Michael, opens the abyss, and looses the destroyer to posses the antichrist. Only then can the two witnesses be killed. If Michael were not taken out of the way, he would have prevented these things from happening.

This will usher in a time of testing for the church such as never before. We must be prepared. Though God will remove the restrainer, He will not abandon us. We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. He has given us his Spirit, which is greater than anything the world can throw at us. However, we are going to need the full armor as listed in Ephesians chapter six to take our stand. Always remember what David said before facing Goliath ; “The battle is the Lords”.

I think, taken together, these scriptures make a good case for identifying the Archangel Michael as the restrainer. I’m glad he’s on the job right now fighting for us in the spirit realm, but I’m not necessarily looking forward to when God takes him out of the way. It’s going to be a troubling time indeed. Jesus said about those days; “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:22)

The following opinion piece by Jan Markell is, unfortunately, spot on. She speaks of the purge of Christians here in America. She calls on us to “delay the decay” as long as possible.

Jan Markell: The Purge | Harbingers Daily

Only when the two witnesses have completed their mission and finish prophesying do they allow their enemies to prevail. And prevail they do, by killing them together in the streets of Jerusalem. This is done by the “destroyer” ascending from the abyss unlocked by satan himself. The destroyer kills the two witnesses by possessing the antichrist who will rejoice with the world that these trouble makers are finally reigned in. The shear pain these two inflicted on the world through plague, drought, and death while defending themselves will finally be over. In fact, they don’t even bury their bodies, but gloat over them by leaving them lie in the street for three and one half days. Like Christmas time, they’re so happy, they celebrate by giving gifts to one another. Their rejoicing is short lived, however, as shock and fear come on the world when the breath of God reanimates the two prophets and they stand to their feet! Even more amazing, they are caught up into a cloud in full view of the world, just as their Lord had experienced 2000 years ago. Adding to the great fear and shock is a great earthquake destroying a tenth of Jerusalem killing 7000 people. The rest of Jerusalem (the other 90%), out of fear, gives glory to God. Like others in scripture that God transported or relocated, we don’t know where God will take them. Heaven, of course just means sky. There may be a hint, however in the next chapter. Chapter 12 depicts a woman fleeing to a place prepared by God where she will be safe during the rest of the tribulation. “Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” (Rev. 12:6). The word “they” in this verse has no antecedent. To find one, you have to go all the way back to the two witnesses. Is it possible they are taken to this place of safety to continue their ministry?

In this series of blogs, I’ve tried to unpack the mystery surrounding the two witnesses, with the goal of preparing you so that you will recognize and follow their instruction when their time comes. It will be immensely rewarding for you if you’re ready for them. Keep watching. Stay informed. Maranatha!

The witness I’ve described as coming in the spirit and power of John can be further identified by what he is destined to prophesy. The angel said this to John; “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” (Rev. 10:11) The word “about” here is better translated as against or toward. In other words, John will be compelled to confront many with God’s message for that time. In scripture, the prophets of old were primarily tasked with preaching the coming judgment of God on the nations who chose wickedness over following God. I don’t think John’s message will be any different as he will be powerfully warning peoples, nations, tongues, and kings about the day of the Lord when all will be judged for their actions. Notice that he will primarily be addressing nations other than Israel. He will be telling the people of the world and their leaders not to follow wickedness and deceptive teaching, but to follow Christ and His teaching. I think that we here in the US will receive quite a tongue lashing from John about our downward spiral from the Christian foundation of our country. I think we’ll hear the word repent a lot! John will also be free to reveal the contents of the “little scroll” which he was instructed to eat, and also the words spoken by the “seven thunders”. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to learn what they contain, as I’m sure the message will be of huge significance for us at that time. John will truly be a prophet to the world.

Elijah, on the other hand, will have a ministry that is more focused or Israel. Jesus said this about Elijah’s future coming; “Indeed, Elijah is coming first, and will restore all things“(Matthew 17:11). It’s obvious that John the Baptist did not “restore all things”, so this statement refers to the future. Just what did Jesus mean by restore all things? In order for something to be restored, it must first have functionally existed, then disappeared or lapsed into disuse. In my opinion, the best fit to explain what is likely meant here is the abrupt end to the Jewish priesthood, and temple worship in Jerusalem in 70 AD. It is quite clear from other prophecy, that these two items must be restored in the near future. Evidently, the great influence Elijah will have with orthodox Judaism, will permit him to oversee this restoration. At this point, you may be wondering why would one of Jesus’ special witnesses be concerned about restoring temple worship complete with animal sacrifices? Didn’t Jesus fulfill all of that ? I believe It’s because of God’s promise to Israel. You can read about it in Deuteronomy 30:1-6. Then, God says this in Malachi; “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” (Malachi 4:4-5) Certainly, Mosaic law in all it’s fulness will be restored and practiced during, at least, the 1st three and one half years of the 70th week. Then the antichrist (who had confirmed the Mosaic covenant for one week) will cause the sacrifice and offering to cease following the completion of the ministry of the two witnesses. (Daniel 11:31, 12:11). I’m certain that all the while this is going on, Elijah will be telling the Jews how Jesus their Messiah fulfilled all these things they are practicing. Eventually, at Jesus’ return, the entire Jewish remnant will be saved, and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah.

All this public ministry of the two witnesses will not go unnoticed by the church, but will be helpful to us both in identifying them and heeding what they preach. In the next blog, I’ll wrap up this series on the two witnesses.

The two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 have a precedent described in Zechariah chapter 4. Revelation says this of the two witnesses; “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth” (Rev. 11:4). Zechariah says this about two Jewish prophets during the return to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity; “What are these two olive trees-at the right of the lampstand and at its left?….These are the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth” (Zechariah 4:11, 14). During Zechariah’s time, the Jews were attempting to rebuild the burned out temple of the Lord and encountering many difficulties. An angel showed Zechariah a vision of two olive trees providing a continuous stream of oil to a lampstand. The lampstand represents Israel, oil, God’s Spirit, and the olive trees, two of God’s prophets. Israel’s governor Zerubbabel was encouraged by these two prophets that he would surely complete the temple, not through his human effort, but by the power of the Spirit. These two prophets were Zechariah and Haggai; “Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them” (Ezra 5:1-2). Revelation’s two “olive trees” are Elijah and John. Notice there are two lampstands in Revelation, whereas there was one in Zechariah. In my opinion these two lampstands represent Judaism and the Christian Church. Because Revelation links directly back to these prophets, we have a huge clue to a major part of the ministry of these two prophets. In order to fulfill prophecy, there needs to be a temple rebuilt in Jerusalem on the temple mount. It is evident that the two witnesses will have a large role to play in its construction early in the 70th week by direction and encouragement to those involved. And, as they will be operating under the power of the Holy Spirit, enemies interfering will be quickly dispatched. If you’ve been wondering how a temple could be rebuilt on the temple mount in spite of the seemingly insurmountable religious and political pressure, this may be the answer. As in the time of Zechariah, this temple won’t be built solely by human power, but by the power of God’s Spirit. In Ezekiel chapter 40 the prophet was given the task in a vision of measuring a future temple. Ezekiel was captive in Babylon at the time and Solomon’s temple was already destroyed. He was measuring a future temple. Revelation chapter 11 on the two witnesses begins with John also measuring a future temple; “Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angels stood saying ‘rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.”(Revelation 11:1) This was after 70 AD when the 2nd temple had already been destroyed. The reason John was instructed to do this was the same as for Ezekiel; to provide hope for the faithful remnant who will survive the tribulation of those days.

I conclude that from the above scriptures one of the major acts of the two witnesses that will serve to identify them will be their involvement and direct assistance in the building of a new temple in Jerusalem, just like their predecessors, the first two “olive trees”, Zechariah and Haggai. This should be clearly recognizable to all. In the next blog, I’ll continue to elaborate on the specific ministry of the two witnesses.