Banquet With The King

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

What Will Priests Do?

Prayer – Lord. please give us wisdom and understanding as we study your words. Give us insight as to what Your priests in the Kingdom will do.

He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:6

Meditate. Consider what it means to be a priest for God.

What does it mean to be a priest for God? What did priests do in the Old Testament…or in the New Testament times? During the time of the Exodus, when God gave the instructions for the Tabernacle, the priests were assigned to offer sacrifices and to carry the Ark of the Covenant from place to place. The priests were all descendants of the tribe of Levi. Their duties within the community centered on offering sacrifices for their sins and the sins of the others. Later in the Temple, the priests offered the annual sacrifice to God in the Holy of Holies, as well as daily on the altar. They were also responsible to keep the Menorah lit continually (Exodus 27:20-22), putting fresh loaves of bread on the table (Leviticus 24:5-9), and burning incense (Exodus 30:7-9.) At times, the priests also had to act as judges.

In New Testament times, priests were only active in the Temple doing the daily and annual sacrifices, and continuing the rituals of their ancestors until the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. According to David H. Stern, author of “Jewish New Testament Commentary,” since the Temple was demolished the non-Messianic Jews teach that neither sacrifice nor priesthood is necessary for God to forgive sins. The Jews currently seek forgiveness of sin annually during their observance of Yom Kippur. No animal sacrifices have been made for over 2,000 years, which has resulted in the priesthood vanishing. Of course, in our Christian viewpoint Jesus who was without sin was the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. He is our priest, as well obediently giving up His own life to redeem those who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. Without Him as the payment for our sins, we would all be doomed to eternity in Hell. He has saved us from that and provided us with an infinite time to spend with Him in Heaven.

How will we serve…what will we do…as a Kingdom of priests for God? There is no doubt that it will be an honor to serve as a priest for God—whether in Heaven or on earth. John mentions that the priests will reign on earth.

Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people. And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:6-10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

As we study Revelation, we can see that Kingdom of priests will serve Christ during His Millennial Reign.

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

Will you be serving Christ as a priest someday? The choice is yours. Choose today whom you will serve…Christ or if not then, Satan. We can only have one master. Personally, I choose Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Lamb of God--and worthy of our praise. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Verse of Salvation ~ After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" Revelation 7:9-10

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, June 5, 2023

Who are these Kingdom Priests?

Prayer – Lord, open our eyes to comprehend Your word and promises.

He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:6

Meditate. Consider how special you are to God.

Who are these priests of the Kingdom?

All the earth belongs to God.

Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' This is the message you must give to the people of Israel." Exodus 19:1-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The chosen people of God—His treasures are the Kingdom of priests. Are you a “chosen” person?

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say, "I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." And, "He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. "Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God's mercy." 1 Peter 2:4-10

In the Strong’s Lexicon, #1588, this “chosen by God” includes those who obtain salvation through belief in Christ, thus the Christians are called the “chosen or elect” of God. They are included in the royal priesthood that Moses, Peter, and John write about. If you are a believer…you are or will be a royal priest for God, a kingdom priest.

Verse of Salvation ~ While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. Hebrews 5:7-9

Happy Birthday Blessings, Harriett!

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, June 4, 2023

Where Are the Seven Churches?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, please give me wisdom and understanding concerning the book of Revelation.

Red Poppies
Garden of Gethsame - Israel
Symbolic of fallen warrior
Jesus shed His blood for us.

This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. Revelation 1:4-5

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Seven churches. Seven is known to be the number of perfection—but I recently learned that the original Greek word “hepta“ means complete or fully mature. The Seven churches are located in Asia, what is now Turkey. These are ancient cities protected by the Culture and Tourism Ministry of the Republic of Turkey. The churches are listed here in the first chapter of Revelation. Within this book, a specific letter was addressed to each of the Christian churches in those cities. The messages deal with issues or problems that each particular church was experiencing. The angel directed John to write these messages.

It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” Revelation 1:11

Now we know where the seven churches are, but you’ll have to consult your own Biblical maps to view just where those cities are located in central Turkey/Asia. If your Bible doesn’t have diagrams of the Asia region, Google “Map of Biblical Asia now Turkey” and you will be provided with wonderful maps of that region of central Asia.

Sevenfold Spirit of God. The sevenfold Spirit of God, or the Spirit of the Lord, represents the Holy Spirit—with several attributes, although not seven specific ones. Those qualities, in the Spirit’s perfect fulness, are listed in Isaiah 11:2-4, in a prophesy about the Messiah.

And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. Isaiah 11:2-4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

One of the seven churches is portrayed as having the sevenfold Spirit of God.

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1

The best part of these two focus verses is the descriptions of God and of Jesus:

God:

one who is,

who always was, and

who is still to come…

Jesus:

faithful witness to these things,

the first to rise from the dead, and

the ruler of all the kings of the world.

who loves us and

has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.

We are blessed to have this book of Revelation and an opportunity to glorify the Lord. God is, He was, and He is to come…someday. I praise God from whom all blessing flow, because He is eternal—forever.

Verse of Salvation ~ Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:4-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, June 3, 2023

Check Your Watch…or Your Calendar. Time is Near.

Prayer – Lord, please give me, as well as my family and friends, insight and wisdom as we study Revelation.

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:1-3

Meditate. Consider God’s revelation.

Looking again at the first three verses in Revelation. Remember that God gave this message to Jesus, who gave it to an angel, who presented it in the to the disciple John who happened to be living, actually as a Roman prisoner, on the island of Patmos. It was written to provide prophesy for the end times. According to the “Jewish New Testament Commentary” by David H. Stern and the commentary in my Ryrie Study Bible, there were four viewpoints of this prophesy. The first is referred to as the preterist, which indicates that the prophesy was fulfilled in early Church history. The second interpretation is historical indicating that the prophesies are being lived out from the time of Jesus’ resurrection to His second coming. The third view is the idealist, an interesting idea that considers the prophesies as a timeless conflict in allegory between good and evil. The fourth idea is that of a futurist, depicting a future yet to be fulfilled. Some other commentaries combine the types of interpretations. At this point, you can research some other versions of analyses for yourself.

Note that John wrote that this will happen soon. Did you notice that these events…“the events that must soon take place” and “for the time is near” are both stated in this passage today? This indicated that time is short. Many Christian followers throughout history have been sure that Jesus would return during their lifetime—me, too. There have even been a multitude of people who have set dates of the Rapture, or the Second Coming—only to look like a fool when it hasn’t happened. I will admit that even though I am very familiar with the “only God, the Father, knows the hour or the day” of Christ’s return, I have followed a couple of Bible teachers and was convinced that we would be raptured on a particular holy day. It didn’t happen! Made a fool of myself. Now, I’m waiting patiently…and am thinking that it may not even happen in my lifetime. Look at prophesies for yourself…and compare it with the things that are happening in the world today. Are we getting any closer? Yes. For sure, but there are still many things that need to occur, for instance, a war in Israel. We just have to trust in the Lord God for He has a plan.

Jesus told His disciples to be prepared…and to not be deceived.

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:44

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. Matthew 24:3-5

Know God’s word. Study the scriptures for yourself—be prepared and not deceived.

Verse of Salvation ~ Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12-15

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Friday, June 2, 2023

Where Do You Begin with Revelation?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes to understanding Your word and prophesy of the end times…of the coming days. What do you expect of us…and what can we expect to happen in the future? You have a plan and You are willing to show us the mystery if we just dig into Your word. I’m willing and ready to be like a Berean and study.

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Is the Book of Revelation scary for you? Does it confuse or mystify you? Are you avoiding reading it…and have no desire to study it?

Well, take a deep breath and reread those first three verses of Revelation above. Do you see that it says:

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

Sunset Boulevard Bridge - Latah Bridge
Built in 1913 - Spokane, Washington

Will the relationship you build with the Lord
last 110 years...or longer? Hopefully forever!

God will bless you if you read it or listen to it. Do you want to listen to a recorded version? There are plenty of options out there. For example, the Blue Letter Bible and YouVersion have choices for audio selection. Another alternative is to just read it out loud to yourself, with family, friends, or to someone in a nursing home. Now is the time to just begin—don’t be intimidated or deceived. Just pray about it and read it. Please note that it is not a book that has to be studied in order, chapter by chapter. The events that are described and recorded in Revelation may not occur in the order that is written. God’s schedule is not necessarily the same as a timeline that anyone may project—so we have to be careful and remember that we don’t know the “hour or the day” of any of God’s prophesy to be fulfilled. God wants us to unravel the mysteries of Revelation. This could be a very intriguing study. Get ready to be blessed as we build bridges of our relationship with God—learning about His plans for the future.

Note that obeying is mentioned in these introductory verses. God wants His followers to be obedient. Listen and obey. He has spoken to His people throughout history about desiring their obedience.

"If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit. ... "I will give you peace in the land, and you will be able to sleep with no cause for fear. I will rid the land of wild animals and keep your enemies out of your land. ... "I will look favorably upon you, making you fertile and multiplying your people. And I will fulfill my covenant with you. ... I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:3-4, 6, 9, 11-12

There is a promise repeated throughout the Bible for those who refuse to obey.

"However, if you do not listen to me or obey all these commands, and if you break my covenant by rejecting my decrees, treating my regulations with contempt, and refusing to obey my commands, I will punish you. I will bring sudden terrors upon you--wasting diseases and burning fevers that will cause your eyes to fail and your life to ebb away. You will plant your crops in vain because your enemies will eat them. I will turn against you, and you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will run even when no one is chasing you! And if, in spite of all this, you still disobey me, I will punish you seven times over for your sins.” Leviticus 26:14-18

God emphatically makes it clear what He expects of His followers. Obedience. This leads us back to Revelation 1:1-3. God’s desire is for His servants to listen and obey. Start at the beginning…and seek His truth, His way, and life everlasting. This wasn’t presented just to John. God, the Father, gave this message of Revelation to Jesus Christ. Then it was given to an angel who presented it to John in several visions. John wrote about his revelation—that was from Jesus to all those who worship and serve Him.

I hope that you are one of those. I am. Maybe that is why I desire to read and study the book of Revelation.

Scootney Reservoir, Washington State

Verse of Salvation ~ Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Surprise. The Feast we’re all looking forward to is not guaranteed or promised to be at the beginning of our time in heaven. Where do we see the marriage feast?

"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. ... "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Matthew 25:1, 10

"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! ... And he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren't worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.' ... "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "For many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:2-3, 8-9, 11-14

Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear." For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God." Revelation 19:7-9

Prepare yourself for a great feast. You might not even have to do the cooking! Just enjoy the presence of the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Thursday, June 1, 2023

Blasphemy – What is it?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes to understand Your word.

"I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences." He told them this because they were saying, "He's possessed by an evil spirit." Mark 3:28-30

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Jesus was telling His disciples and the Jewish leaders with whom He was speaking that blasphemy can be forgiven—except when someone is speaking against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy in Strong’s lexicon #G987, means to speak reproachfully, with vile or evil intent, or to defame. It really is offensive to me when people take the Lord’s name in vain—I consider that blasphemy.

Eternal consequences to this sin. That is severe. Eternal damnation. That should be motivating for people not to blaspheme—especially against the Holy Spirit. Proverbs gives us some useful advice:

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3

The Fruit of the Spirit...
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control. Gal 5:22-23

Self-control is a virtue that is desirable for everyone. It is actually even a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) so those who believe in Jesus as their Savior are filled with the Holy Spirit and will have self-control. Restraining one’s tongue is truly displaying self-control—and if it is not your gift, then pray about it. Is the Holy Spirit part of your life? Would you ever blaspheme?

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories