God knows-Rev 11
Rev 11
God Knows!
Intro:
It is very confronting to find someone and somebody who has all the answers. Somebody who knows it all or who knows a better way. If we look at the political process, all the candidates declare that they have a better way. They appear to know the answer and know the way to solve the problem that has eluded the nation for decades. People need health care- they know the answer. How to get out of Iraq- they state they know the way. How to solve the economy- they confidently blurt out- I know how to do this.
Even within human history, there have been those such as Nostrodomus who claim he knows the future. Some has even attached themselves to Astrology where their horoscope is an indication of the stars knows what is ahead of them. We can even look at the palm reader who discerns the lines in the palms of your hands in which God made, to know your future.
Everybody appears to "Know" and everybody wants to be around someone in the "know". Some just like being a Know it all! It is comfortable to find someone who seems to be in the Know and know what is best.
There was a show on years ago called Father knows Best" I never personally viewed this program since I am only 24 years old but I am sure some of you here have viewed this program. It was during a period of great optimism and wholeness in America and this program appeared to broadcast good wholesome values. The father in this program appeared to have all the answers. He appeared to know how to handle difficult situations.
He was corny to today's standards but he appeared to know how, what, and when to deal with the issues that surrounded him and the family. I am sure the kids within this context were confronted that they could go to their father who seems to know what is best.
As Christians we can also have this confront. We also have a Father, a Heavenly Father, who has all power in His hand, who knows what is best. Their is no limit to His understanding and knowledge. There is no limit to His wisdom. There is nothing our God does not know! He knows the when, He knows the what, and He knows the Who!
I can use assure that what the politicians, what the worshippers of the ungod, and what the ideal T.V. father does not know, Our God knows!
Trans: And in our study today of Rev 11, we will discuss
· God knows who is His
· God knows who to send
· God knows when it is time
Background
We are still in the period between the blowing of the six trumpet and the blowing of the seventh trumpet. We are also in the period of the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation called the great tribulation in where even all that befell the inhabitants of the earth, the plaques, the wars, famine, natural disasters, and demonic attack, the people refused to repent or cease from their worship of dead things:
Rev 9:20-12
The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Rev 10 was God's pronouncement that the time has come, there is no more delay: the beginning of the End has come- the earth is in the last stages of divine judgment before the 2nd advent of Christ. It also important to not that throughout our study of Rev. up until this point- God has given the people time to repent
· Witness of the 144,000
· innumerable martyrs- how long
· Limit to five months the infliction of the locust(Rev 9)
Trans: And in Rev. chapter 11, we will still see God is not without witnesses who still proclaim that their is still time- He extends His hand to even the very last minute- He desires not one to perish but the last sand of the hour glass is running out and now God marks out those who is His for
God knows who is His (v 1-2)
(somebody say- God knows)
John is told to measure the temple of God and the Altar, and count the worshippers there.
This measurement was more than just taking an account of the dimensions of the temple, the dimensions of the altar- God is not so much concerned with the measurements of our Cathedral or church structures that gain praise from men but he is interested in what dwells within that structure that is ordained as a place of worship.
John is told to measure- to number, judge according to any rule or standard.
God is specific in who he is judging. He could have ordered John to measure, judge, and number those who attend
· Special services on the holidays
· Those who visit God be don't rest in Him
· Those who serve in Church but the Spirit on the Church is not within them
· Those who can declare that let everything that have breath praise the Lord but don’t know Him!
No, God is specific- He is searching for Worshippers!
· Those He knows and those who know Him!
· Those who recognize His hand and well as His face
· Those who Know His voice and another they will not hear
· Those who declare if you slay me, I will still praise you
Yes, God Knows those who are His, for they are those who worship Him in Spirit and truth!
How can you judge a worshipper?
Worship- προσκυνέω [proskuneo /pros·koo·neh·o/] -meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand)
Scripture bears witness of a worshipper who was not afraid to lick the hand of her Master
Matt 15:21-28
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
How do you judge a worshipper?
· They are not afraid of what they look like
· They not afraid to cry out for help
· Another they will not bow the knee to
· They understand that worship moves God
They understand the meaning of worship
origin OE weorthscipe ‘worthiness, acknowledgement of worth’ (see worth, -ship).
[1]
OE Old English
Worth- the value or merit of someone or something
Ship- (when I think of SHIP, I think of _____ for-)
denoting a quality or condition: companionship. - He is always with me
2 denoting status, office, or honour: citizenship.- Citizen of the Kingdom
† denoting a tenure of office: chairmanship. - He is the Head of the Body
3 denoting a skill in a certain capacity: workmanship. - I am His workmanship
4 denoting the collective individuals of a group: membership. - I am in the Family of God
God knows who is His!
Be careful of who and what you worship- not all worship leads to God, just as not all paths lead to God- Jesus is the only one worthy of worship and the only way unto God.
You Become Like What You Worship
James Michener, writing in his book, The Source, tells the story of a man named Urbaal, who was a farmer living about 2200 B.C. He worshiped two gods, one a god of death, the other a goddess of fertility. One day, the temple priests tell Urbaal to bring his young son to the temple for sacrifice—if he wants good crops. Urbaal obeys, and on the appointed day drags his wife and boy to the scene of the boy’s “religious execution” by fire to the god of death. After the sacrifice of Urbaal’s boy the several others, the priests announce that one of the fathers will spend next week in the temple, with a new temple prostitute. Urbaal’s wife is stunned as she notices a desire written more intensely across his face than she had seen before, and she is overwhelmed to see him eagerly lunge forward when his name is called. The ceremony over, she walks out of the temple with her head swimming, concluding that “if he had different gods, he would have been a different man.”
Those in the outer court have no access to the inner court- don't measure them for they are not mine. Unto them is given 3 1/2 years to trample the city- Jerusalem
The anti -christ has broken his covenant with Israel and is now revealed he was always their enemy who desired the worship of God's chosen people.
How many know you can't make a deal with the enemy. He desires your worship even unto death- your death!
Luke 21:24
They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. [2]
[3]The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Trans: Again God leaves not excuse for people not to turn from wickedness and rebellion; He is not left without witnesses for:
God knows who to send (v 3-12)
(somebody say- God Knows)
God will give Power to His two witness- They will proclaim the truth of the Lord for 42 months or 3 1/2 years wearing sackcloth
Sackcloth- άκκος, ου, ὁ haircloth, a dark coarse fabric made from hair; by metonymy sackcloth, a sacklike garment made from haircloth and worn by mourners, penitents, and prophets; goat-hair was predominately used to make this rough cloth
These two witnesses are symbolic of two olive trees and two lamp stands
Zech 4:11-14
11 Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?”
12 Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?”
13 He replied, “Do you not know what these are?”
“No, my lord,” I said.
14 So he said, “These are the two who are anointed tob serve the Lord of all the earth.”
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
They will devour and kill their enemies who try to harm them by fire that comes out of their mouth-(literally or figuratively could be the Word of God and the Spirit of God)
Jer 5:14
Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty says:
“Because the people have spoken these words,
I will make my words in your mouth a fire
and these people the wood it consumes.
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
One witness is considered to be Elijah
1 Kgs 18:38- called fire from heaven on Mt. Carmel
2 Kgs 1:10
Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men.
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Shut up the sky
James 5:17(1 Kgs 17:1)
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
The other witness is thought to be Moses
Waters into Blood and plaques
Ex 7:17
This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood.
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
The two witnesses can also represent the Law and Prophesy of the announcement of the Lamb of God
Matt 17:3(Transfiguration)
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
They will testify and convict the world of sin
McConkey says:
They will warn the people who crowd the temple of the Man of Sin whom they come to worship. They will admonish them of the shortness of his time of triumph; of the coming of Jesus to destroy him; of the perils which the tribulation will bring; of the need of counting not their lives dear unto themselves when the test of life and death shall come; of their need to fear not him who can kill the body only but to fear Him who can cast both body and soul into hell; of the splendor and nearness of the King and His kingdom after they have suffered awhile; of the sureness that if they suffer with Him they shall reign with Him; and of the eternal peace, righteousness and glory that shall be theirs who endure unto the end, even though it may mean martyrdom in the great hour of trial through which they are passing. Mighty indeed will be their testimony from the Book. 22
22 (11:6) McConkey, The Book of Revelation, pp. 68, 69.
[4]MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Re 11:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
After their testimony is over- the anti-christ will overcome them and display their death bodies in Jerusalem for all the world to see.
A worldwide holiday will be declared for the inhabitants of the earth are foolish enough to believe they have overthrown the judgment, wrath, and accountability of the Lord.
Their joy is short lived- 3 1/2 days later- God raises them up through His Spirit and the world is again terrified.
A call from heaven is issued-again a witness against the earth that they witnesses were from God and after the earthquake they gave glory to God of heaven:
The phrase signifies not conversion, nor repentance, nor thanksgiving, but recognition.
trans (v 14) The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon. V 15-19 is the account of the blowing of the seventh trumpet which is an indication that:
God knows it is time (v15-19)
(somebody say God knows)
The voices in heaven in unision ring out
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he will reign for ever and ever.”
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
God is announcing that it looked like
· the day would never come
· It look like the harvest season would never come
· It look like God did no know
But no matter how it comes, when it comes, God always know when it is time!
The 24 elders chime in worship:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign.
The nations were angry;
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your saints and those who reverence your name,
both small and great—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
The Holy Bible: New International Version.
They understand that Christ return is on the horizon and He may not come when you want Him but rest assure- He will be their right on time
Somebody is worried that God has forgotten and misplaced you and that what concerns you- But God knows!
- He knows what
- He knows How
- He knows its time
You just worship Him!
For God has opened the temple to reveal He is about to show up and Show out
The presence of the Lord always follows worship and a worshipper has the privilege to be in the Holies of Holies, amongst the Ark of the Covenant which symbolizes the presence of the Lord and the veil is rent and the temple is open for God has declared to the Earth - He is here and He knows it is time!
Conclusion:
God is a Father who knows best. He knows who is His, He knows who to send, and He knows it is time. You never have to doubt that your situation is one that has gotten out of reach of the hand of God. He is sovereign and majestic in all His ways. Even the inhabitants of the earth during the Great tribulation thought they have hidden their iniquity and overcome the reign of God.
Ps 2 declares why did the nations rage- they thought they have outlasted God and could fight against. How foolish it is to fight God and those who worship Him. People don't know who they are messing with.
- He is a God who knows who is His and He will defend His children and answer their cry.
- He is a God knows who to send- he will send anointed help to deliver, convict, and empower.
- He is a God who knows it is time- He is a right now God and a present help in trouble.
I will never be forsaken, never beg bread , and never be conquered for I am more than a conqueror and I am a worshipper who praises the King of Glory who knows all about my problems and knows my sitting down and my getting up for - He knows!
And I must, no matter how it looks, to worship Him and be thankful unto Him
Thank God for what we cannot lose
When we express our gratitude to God, it’s easy to emphasize material prosperity and the qualities of life that are wonderful to have but easy to lose. Good health is a great blessing, but it could be gone tomorrow. Into the most loving families and friendships, death intrudes when we least expect it. Our tables may be loaded with food today, but we could be out of work tomorrow and wondering about our next meal.
How about taking a new approach to giving thanks today? Instead of focusing on the traditional areas of food, family, and friends, let’s thank God for what we cannot lose.
Romans 8:35–39 is a great place to begin. After considering the difficulties and calamities that can strip away the externals from our lives, Paul concluded that none of them “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39). God’s love is unfailing, unceasing, unchanging, and unconquerable.
Heavenly Father, if we have to be away from home and family today, if we are frail in body or spirit, if there is an empty place in our heart, if we have nothing to eat; we still give thanks for Your love in Christ, because no person or problem can take Your love away. – DCM
What believers can not lose:
• Eternal life (Jn. 10:28)
• Forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9)
• God’s presence (Heb. 13:5)
• Access to the Lord through prayer (Heb. 4:15–16).
Galaxie Software. (2002; 2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press.
Don't focus on what you do not have- focus on Who you do have- for He knows!
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