Revelation 5:10 (Cepher)
10 And have made us unto our Elohiym kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Amos 9:11-15 (Cepher)
11 In that day will I raise up the cukkah of Daviyd that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, says Yahuah that does this.
13 Behold, the days come, says Yahuah, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that sows seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.
14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Yashar’el, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, says Yahuah Elohayka.
June 22
Morning
"He shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory." — Zec 6:13
Christ himself is the builder of his spiritual temple, and he has built it on the mountains of his unchangeable affection, his omnipotent grace, and his infallible truthfulness. But as it was in Solomon's temple, so in this; the materials need making ready. There are the "Cedars of Lebanon," but they are not framed for the building; they are not cut down, and shaped, and made into those planks of cedar, whose odoriferous beauty shall make glad the courts of the Lord's house in Paradise. There are also the rough stones still in the quarry, they must be hewn thence, and squared. All this is Christ's own work. Each individual believer is being prepared, and polished, and made ready for his place in the temple; but Christ's own hand performs the preparation-work. Afflictions cannot sanctify, excepting as they are used by him to this end. Our prayers and efforts cannot make us ready for heaven, apart from the hand of Jesus, who fashioneth our hearts aright.
As in the building of Solomon's temple, "there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house," because all was brought perfectly ready for the exact spot it was to occupy-so is it with the temple which Jesus builds; the making ready is all done on earth. When we reach heaven, there will be no sanctifying us there, no squaring us with affliction, no planing us with suffering. No, we must be made meet here-all that Christ will do beforehand; and when he has done it, we shall be ferried by a loving hand across the stream of death, and brought to the heavenly Jerusalem, to abide as eternal pillars in the temple of our Lord.
"Beneath his eye and care,
The edifice shall rise,
Majestic, strong, and fair,
And shine above the skies."
Evening
"That those things which cannot be shaken may remain." — Heb 12:27
We have many things in our possession at the present moment which can be shaken, and it ill becomes a Christian man to set much store by them, for there is nothing stable beneath these rolling skies; change is written upon all things. Yet, we have certain "things which cannot be shaken," and I invite you this evening to think of them, that if the things which can be shaken should all be taken away, you may derive real comfort from the things that cannot be shaken, which will remain. Whatever your losses have been, or may be, you enjoy present salvation. You are standing at the foot of his cross, trusting alone in the merit of Jesus' precious blood, and no rise or fall of the markets can interfere with your salvation in him; no breaking of banks, no failures and bankruptcies can touch that. Then you are a child of God this evening. God is your Father. No change of circumstances can ever rob you of that. Although by losses brought to poverty, and stripped bare, you can say, "He is my Father still. In my Father's house are many mansions; therefore will I not be troubled." You have another permanent blessing, namely, the love of Jesus Christ. He who is God and Man loves you with all the strength of his affectionate nature-nothing can affect that. The fig tree may not blossom, and the flocks may cease from the field, it matters not to the man who can sing, "My Beloved is mine, and I am his." Our best portion and richest heritage we cannot lose. Whatever troubles come, let us play the man; let us show that we are not such little children as to be cast down by what may happen in this poor fleeting state of time. Our country is Immanuel's land, our hope is above the sky, and therefore, calm as the summer's ocean; we will see the wreck of everything earthborn, and yet rejoice in the God of our salvation.
The Day of the Lord Is Near
Oba 1:15 For the day of Yahuah is near upon all the heathen: as you have done, it shall be done unto you: your reward shall return upon your own head.
Oba 1:16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.
Oba 1:17 But upon Mount Tsiyon shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Ya`aqov shall possess את their possessions.
Oba 1:18 And the house of Ya`aqov shall be a fire, and the house of Yoceph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for Yahuah has spoken it.
The Kingdom of the Lord
Oba 1:19 And they of the Negev shall possess the Mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Pelishtiym: and they shall possess the fields of Ephrayim, and את the fields of Shomeron: and Binyamiyn shall possess Gil`ad.
Oba 1:20 And the captivity of this host of the children of Yashar’el shall possess that of the Kena`aniym, even unto Tsarephath; and the captivity of Yerushalayim, which is in Cepharad, shall possess את the cities of the Negev.
Oba 1:21 And saviors shall come up on Mount Tsiyon to judge the Mount of Esau; and the Kingdom shall be Yahuah’s.
These scriptures offer a powerful and interconnected vision of God's promises, His justice, and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom. Here's a closer look at how they relate and what they signify:
1. **Revelation 5:10** speaks to the identity and role of believers, who are made "kings and priests" unto God, with a destiny to reign on the earth. This reflects a transformative purpose for the faithful, indicating a future where they hold significant spiritual and authoritative roles in God's kingdom.
2. **Amos 9:11-15** presents a prophetic vision of restoration and prosperity for Israel. God promises to rebuild the fallen "cukkah of Daviyd" (tabernacle of David), repair its breaches, and restore it to its former glory. This includes possessing the remnants of Edom and the nations called by God's name, symbolizing the expansion of God's dominion. The imagery of abundant harvests and the restoration of Israel to its land highlights a future era of peace and blessing.
3. **Zechariah 6:13** focuses on the Messianic figure who will build the Lord's temple and bear glory. This passage emphasizes the Messianic role in constructing the spiritual temple and preparing believers (the building materials) for their place in it. Christ's work of sanctification and preparation is essential for believers to fit perfectly into the heavenly temple.
4. **Hebrews 12:27** contrasts the temporary and unstable things of the world with the unshakable realities of God's kingdom. Believers are reminded that their salvation, identity as God's children, and the love of Christ are stable and enduring, offering comfort and hope amidst earthly trials.
5. **Obadiah 1:15-21** speaks of the "Day of the Lord," when God's justice will be executed upon all nations. It promises deliverance for Mount Zion and the house of Jacob, portraying a time when they will possess their enemies' territories. This prophecy envisions a complete and unchallenged establishment of God's kingdom, where His people will triumph and God's reign will be recognized universally.
These passages collectively paint a picture of a future where God restores and exalts His people, establishes justice, and brings about a kingdom that reflects His righteousness and glory. Believers are depicted as integral parts of this divine plan, prepared by Christ for their roles in this eternal kingdom.
To conduct a cross-examination of these biblical passages in light of world history, we will consider the historical context, events, and developments that align with or are reminiscent of the themes and prophecies presented in the scriptures:
### Revelation 5:10
- **Historical Context**: Revelation is written during a time of Roman persecution of Christians. The promise that believers will be "kings and priests" and will "reign on the earth" offers hope and assurance of a future reversal of their oppressed status.
- **World History**: Throughout history, many persecuted religious groups have found solace in the promise of eventual justice and restoration. The early Christian Church, for example, was marginalized and persecuted by the Roman Empire but eventually became the state religion under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD.
### Amos 9:11-15
- **Historical Context**: Amos prophesied during a time of social injustice and impending judgment in Israel. The restoration of the "cukkah of David" and the promise of abundant blessings were messages of hope amidst impending exile.
- **World History**: After the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple and the city, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. This return and rebuilding can be seen as a partial fulfillment of Amos’s prophecy.
- **Modern History**: The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent return of Jewish people to the land can be also seen as a modern reflection of this prophecy, signifying restoration and return?
### Zechariah 6:13
- **Historical Context**: Zechariah prophesied after the return from the Babylonian exile, during the period of rebuilding the second temple. The prophecy of the Messiah building the temple and bearing glory refers to both the physical temple and a future spiritual fulfillment.
- **World History**: The rebuilding of the second temple was completed around 515 BC. Jesus Christ's ministry in the first century AD can be seen as the beginning of the spiritual fulfillment of this prophecy, where he is viewed as the cornerstone of a new spiritual temple (the Church).
- **Christian Theology**: The spread of Christianity and the establishment of churches worldwide reflect the ongoing building of this spiritual temple.
### Hebrews 12:27
- **Historical Context**: Hebrews was written to encourage Christians facing persecution and instability. The contrast between shakable earthly things and the unshakable kingdom of God provided comfort and assurance.
- **World History**: Periods of great upheaval, such as the fall of the Roman Empire, the Reformation, and the World Wars, demonstrate the transience of worldly powers and the resilience of faith communities that hold onto spiritual truths.
- **Modern Implications**: In times of global crises, such as economic collapses or pandemics, the idea of an unshakable kingdom continues to offer hope and stability to believers.
### Obadiah 1:15-21
- **Historical Context**: Obadiah prophesied the downfall of Edom and the restoration of Israel. Edom, historically antagonistic towards Israel, symbolizes all nations opposed to God's people.
- **World History**: The historical Edomites were conquered and assimilated by surrounding nations, effectively disappearing from history. This fulfilled the immediate prophecy of their judgment.
- **Long-term View**: The broader theme of divine justice and the ultimate victory of God's people over their enemies has been a recurring motif in Jewish and Christian history, such as the survival and resilience of the Jewish people through persecution and the eventual triumph of Christian values in various societies.
### Cross-Examination in Light of World History
1. **Jewish Exile and Return**: The prophecies of Amos and Obadiah concerning the exile, return, and restoration of Israel have historical parallels in the Babylonian captivity and subsequent return under Persian rule. The modern state of Israel's establishment also resonates with these themes.
2. **Christian Persecution and Triumph**: Revelation's promise of reigning with Christ can be seen historically in the early church's transition from persecution to becoming a dominant religious force in the Roman Empire and beyond.
3. **Spiritual Fulfillment and Historical Development**: Zechariah's prophecy about the Messiah building the temple aligns with Jesus' role in establishing a spiritual temple (the Church), which has grown through centuries of history.
4. **Resilience Amidst Upheaval**: Hebrews' message of an unshakable kingdom offers a theological explanation for the endurance of faith through periods of great historical instability and change.
These biblical themes, when cross-referenced with world history, highlight a pattern of divine promises and their partial or symbolic fulfillment throughout different eras. This continuity offers a deeper understanding of how these ancient prophecies resonate with and find reflection in historical events and developments.
Reintegrating the biblical themes with world religious perspectives allows us to explore common motifs, prophecies, and eschatological expectations across different faith traditions. Here's a cross-referenced examination:
### Revelation 5:10
- **Biblical Context**: The verse promises believers a future role as kings and priests, signifying spiritual authority and responsibility.
- **Christianity**: This is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to believers, where they will share in Christ's reign.
- **Judaism**: The concept of a "kingdom of priests" is rooted in Exodus 19:6, where Israel is called a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
- **Islam**: The idea of the faithful being granted authority and a high status is reflected in Quranic verses such as 24:55, where God promises those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will be made successors on earth.
- **Hinduism**: The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the righteous attaining a divine state and ruling over themselves and their senses, symbolizing spiritual mastery.
- **Buddhism**: The concept of becoming a Bodhisattva, who attains enlightenment and helps others, parallels the idea of spiritual authority and service.
### Amos 9:11-15
- **Biblical Context**: A prophecy of Israel's restoration and abundant blessing.
- **Judaism**: This is a key text in Jewish eschatology, pointing to the Messianic Age when Israel will be restored and peace will reign.
- **Christianity**: Christians often interpret this as a prophecy partially fulfilled in the return from Babylonian exile and ultimately in Christ's establishment of a spiritual kingdom.
- **Islam**: The Quran speaks of the restoration and final victory of the righteous, and some Muslim traditions see a parallel in the return of the Mahdi, who will bring justice and restore true Islam.
- **Hinduism**: The concept of cyclical ages (Yugas) where righteousness is restored after periods of decline aligns with the idea of divine restoration and renewal.
- **Buddhism**: The expectation of Maitreya, the future Buddha, who will appear to restore dharma (cosmic law and order), resonates with the theme of divine intervention and restoration.
### Zechariah 6:13
- **Biblical Context**: The Messiah will build the Lord's temple and bear glory.
- **Christianity**: Jesus is seen as the fulfillment, establishing the spiritual temple (the Church) and bearing the glory of God.
- **Judaism**: The rebuilding of the temple is a central expectation in Jewish Messianic hopes, with the future Messiah playing a key role.
- **Islam**: While the concept of a temple is not central, the idea of a Mahdi restoring true faith and justice aligns with messianic themes.
- **Hinduism**: The role of divine incarnations (avatars) like Krishna and Rama in restoring cosmic order parallels the messianic rebuilding and restoration.
- **Buddhism**: The expectation of Maitreya restoring the dharma and establishing a new order parallels the messianic rebuilding theme.
### Hebrews 12:27
- **Biblical Context**: Contrasts transient earthly things with the unshakable kingdom of God.
- **Christianity**: Emphasizes the enduring nature of God's kingdom amidst worldly changes.
- **Judaism**: Similar to the unchanging nature of God’s covenant and promises, which remain constant through historical upheavals.
- **Islam**: The Quran emphasizes the eternal nature of the afterlife and the transient nature of this world (e.g., Quran 57:20).
- **Hinduism**: The Bhagavad Gita discusses the eternal soul (Atman) and the transient nature of the physical world.
- **Buddhism**: The concept of impermanence (Anicca) teaches that all conditioned things are transient, with true peace found in Nirvana, which is unshakeable.
### Obadiah 1:15-21
- **Biblical Context**: Prophesies divine justice, the downfall of Edom, and the restoration of Israel.
- **Judaism**: Reflects themes of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's people.
- **Christianity**: Seen as a prophecy of final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom.
- **Islam**: The concept of divine justice on the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) where all will be held accountable and the righteous will be rewarded (Quran 99:6-8).
- **Hinduism**: Karma and the eventual rectification of wrongs through successive lives or divine intervention align with the themes of justice and restoration.
- **Buddhism**: The law of karma ensures that justice prevails, and eventual liberation (enlightenment) restores balance.
### Cross-Referenced Integration
1. **Messianic and Restoration Themes**: Across religions, there is a common expectation of a messianic figure or divine intervention that will restore justice, order, and spiritual purity. This can be seen in the Jewish Messiah, the Christian second coming of Christ, the Islamic Mahdi, the Hindu avatars, and the Buddhist Maitreya.
2. **Divine Justice and Judgment**: The idea that divine justice will prevail is universal. Whether it’s the Day of Judgment in Christianity and Islam, the fulfillment of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, or the prophetic visions in Judaism, all traditions hold that ultimate justice will be served.
3. **Spiritual Authority and Transformation**: Many religions share the belief that the faithful will attain a higher spiritual status or authority. This is reflected in the concept of believers as "kings and priests" in Christianity, the righteous ruling in Islam, spiritual mastery in Hinduism, and Bodhisattvas in Buddhism.
4. **Eternal versus Transient**: The contrast between the eternal spiritual truths and the transient nature of the physical world is a common thread. This can be seen in the Christian unshakable kingdom, the Islamic eternal afterlife, the Hindu eternal soul, and the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.
By cross-referencing these themes, we see that many of the core ideas in the biblical texts find echoes in other religious traditions, reflecting a shared human yearning for justice, restoration, and ultimate spiritual fulfillment.
To cross-reference the biblical themes with the cultivative arts of manifestation, such as Qi Gong, we'll look at how these practices reflect and amplify the spiritual concepts found in the scriptures. Qi Gong and similar practices focus on cultivating and harnessing inner energy (Qi or Chi) for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here's a cross-referenced analysis:
### Revelation 5:10
- **Biblical Theme**: Believers are made "kings and priests" and will "reign on the earth."
- **Qi Gong Perspective**: Qi Gong practitioners aim to cultivate their inner energy to achieve mastery over their own bodies and minds, which parallels the biblical theme of attaining spiritual authority. This practice aligns with the idea of becoming a "king" over oneself and a "priest" in the sense of achieving a higher state of spiritual consciousness.
### Amos 9:11-15
- **Biblical Theme**: Restoration and abundant blessings for Israel.
- **Qi Gong Perspective**: The restoration of health and balance is a key goal in Qi Gong. The practice involves techniques that restore the body's natural energy flow, leading to physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual harmony. This mirrors the biblical promise of rebuilding and restoring what was once broken, symbolizing a return to a state of wholeness and abundance.
### Zechariah 6:13
- **Biblical Theme**: The Messiah will build the Lord's temple and bear glory.
- **Qi Gong Perspective**: In Qi Gong, the body is often seen as a temple that must be cultivated and maintained. The practices are designed to build up the body's energy and spiritual capacity, akin to constructing a sacred space within oneself. The practitioner bears "glory" by manifesting health, vitality, and spiritual enlightenment, reflecting the internalized process of building and bearing divine qualities.
### Hebrews 12:27
- **Biblical Theme**: The unshakable kingdom of God contrasted with transient earthly things.
- **Qi Gong Perspective**: Qi Gong emphasizes the cultivation of internal energy, which is considered more enduring and substantial than physical forms. Practitioners learn to focus on the unchanging, eternal aspects of their being (Qi), rather than the temporary physical body. This aligns with the biblical concept of focusing on the unshakable, eternal spiritual truths.
### Obadiah 1:15-21
- **Biblical Theme**: Divine justice, the downfall of Edom, and the restoration of Israel.
- **Qi Gong Perspective**: The practice of Qi Gong can be seen as a process of internal justice and balance, where negative energies and blockages (akin to the enemies in the biblical text) are cleared away, allowing for the restoration of the body's natural state of health and harmony. The idea of purification and the elimination of negative forces resonates with the themes of judgment and restoration.
### Cross-Referenced Integration with Cultivative Arts
1. **Spiritual Authority and Mastery**: Both biblical themes and Qi Gong emphasize the attainment of higher spiritual authority and mastery. In the Bible, believers are given roles as "kings and priests." In Qi Gong, practitioners strive to become masters of their own energy and spiritual state.
2. **Restoration and Wholeness**: The biblical prophecies of restoration and abundant blessings (Amos 9:11-15) can be paralleled with the goals of Qi Gong, which seeks to restore balance and health to the practitioner. This reflects a universal theme of returning to a state of original wholeness.
3. **Building and Bearing Spiritual Glory**: The idea of the Messiah building the temple (Zechariah 6:13) and practitioners of Qi Gong cultivating their body-temples both highlight the importance of internal spiritual work. The manifestation of divine qualities and health is a common goal.
4. **Eternal versus Transient**: Hebrews 12:27's focus on the unshakable kingdom correlates with Qi Gong's emphasis on the eternal nature of Qi energy. Both traditions encourage focusing on what is enduring and spiritually substantial.
5. **Justice and Purification**: The biblical theme of divine justice and restoration (Obadiah 1:15-21) finds a parallel in Qi Gong's goal of purifying the body and spirit. Removing blockages and negative energies can be seen as an internal process of achieving justice and balance.
### Conclusion
By cross-referencing biblical themes with the cultivative arts of manifestation like Qi Gong, we observe a shared focus on spiritual authority, restoration, internal cultivation, and the pursuit of eternal truths. Both traditions emphasize the importance of inner transformation, purification, and the manifestation of divine qualities, reflecting a universal human aspiration for spiritual growth and harmony.
