Yes indeed! A great question! Hallelujah, what then remains? After today's wonderful lesson, it appears that the ultimate goal was not a further second coming of Christ but rather that we would recognize the open door for indwelling with God! To keep the feast, day by day, in the glorious temple of God! The holy of holies was a small cube inside the Tabernacle that the high priest could only go in once a year after he had been cleansed, the holy city in Revelation is also a massive cube, 1/3 the size of the United States in height width and length, 12 doors with 12 angels over the doors, the doors are never closed, 24/7 you can enter into the city, where the light shines forever because of God and the lamb! Hallelujah it seems that we were to recognize the opportunity and call to feast with God! As it was in the old covenant they were required to come three times a year, but God wants to dwell with us full time, all the time, that the light always shines in US because of his love. Humbly I pray this is the truth, thank you Jesus Some feasts under various contexts: 1Corinthians 5:8 "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth". Isaiah 25:6 "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine". Deuteronomy 14:26 "You shall eat in the sight of the Lord your God, and you shall feast: you and your household". Luke 14:12-13 Jesus challenges people to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to dinner parties… Matthew 22:1-2 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a marriage party for his son. John 2:1-11, Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, considered "the best wine" - Leviticus 23, during the appointed feasts the wine oblation law states that when a sheaf is elevated, a fourth of a hin of wine is to be offered to the Lord as a libation. Leviticus 23 lists the seven feasts of the Lord, along with the Sabbath: Passover: A reminder of the Passover lamb eaten to escape Egypt's tenth plague Unleavened Bread: Also known as the Feast of First Fruits, this is when the first harvest is offered to the Lord Pentecost: Also known as the Feast of Weeks, this is when offerings are brought to God to thank him for the full harvest Trumpets: Signals the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of solemn rest Day of Atonement: When all the people's sins are dealt with for the year Booths: Also known as Tabernacles, this is when people construct little tents to remember the temporary shelters they lived in after God rescued them from Egypt Sabbath: A day of solemn rest and holy convocation Revelation 19:6-9. Specifically, verse 9 states, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'". It just my opinion, but I think God really enjoys feasting with us, personally and corporately! Now and Forever and ever amen, thank you Jesus!
Just for fun: Grok's response Of course, included extra biblical data available Zechariah 14:5 speaks of the Lord coming with all His holy ones. The term "holy ones" in this context can be interpreted as: Angels: Often in scripture, the "holy ones" are identified as angels or heavenly beings accompanying God in His divine acts, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:2-3, where God comes with myriads of holy ones from His right hand. Isaiah 13:3: Here, God consecrates His warriors for His wrath, describing them as His sanctified ones. This can be linked to: Human Armies: In some contexts, especially those involving historical battles or judgments against nations, these could be human forces used by God as instruments of His divine judgment. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 mention punishments in sets of four, which can symbolize completeness or the totality of God's judgment: Four Punishments: These chapters outline a series of escalating judgments that could be seen as God's armies or methods of correction-disease, famine, wild beasts, and sword. These punishments align with the concept of God's rod or battle-axe, indicating His use of natural and human elements to enact His will. Amos 1-2 speaks of "three transgressions and for four," which again uses the number four to signify completion or the fullness of judgment. Here, nations are punished for their sins, with God employing various means: Human Instruments: Nations like Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel are judged, suggesting that sometimes human nations or leaders act as God's agents of judgment against others. Ezekiel 14: Discusses four severe judgments-sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence, which are used by God to discipline or judge His people. Daniel 2: The prophecy of the four kingdoms (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome) could be viewed as historical instances where God used these empires as His "armies" to execute His divine plan, potentially culminating in events like the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Deuteronomy 31-32: Moses foretells Israel's future rebellion and the ensuing divine judgment, where God uses other nations as His sword or rod against His own people when they transgress. Matthew 23-24: Jesus prophesies about the destruction of the temple and the coming judgment on Jerusalem, which historically occurred in 70 AD by the Roman army, which could be seen in the light of these prophetic patterns as an instrument of God's judgment. Ezekiel 10-11: The divine presence leaving the temple and going to the Mount of Olives symbolizes judgment and abandonment, paralleling Jesus's own prophecy and departure to the Mount of Olives. Conclusion: Considering these texts, the "holy ones" in Zechariah 14 could be understood in a dual sense: Primarily Angels: Accompanying the Lord in His divine intervention at the end of the age. Secondarily, Instrumental Forces: Human or earthly "armies" or judgments (like those described in the various punishments and prophecies) that God has historically used as His tools or "holy ones" for carrying out His judgments. This interpretation reflects a pattern in scripture where God employs both heavenly and earthly agents to fulfill His purposes, especially in contexts of judgment or restoration, aligning with the broader narrative of divine warfare and redemption. No file chosen Ask anything
Yes indeed! A great question! Hallelujah, what then remains? After today's wonderful lesson, it appears that the ultimate goal was not a further second coming of Christ but rather that we would recognize the open door for indwelling with God! To keep the feast, day by day, in the glorious temple of God! The holy of holies was a small cube inside the Tabernacle that the high priest could only go in once a year after he had been cleansed, the holy city in Revelation is also a massive cube, 1/3 the size of the United States in height width and length, 12 doors with 12 angels over the doors, the doors are never closed, 24/7 you can enter into the city, where the light shines forever because of God and the lamb! Hallelujah it seems that we were to recognize the opportunity and call to feast with God! As it was in the old covenant they were required to come three times a year, but God wants to dwell with us full time, all the time, that the light always shines in US because of his love. Humbly I pray this is the truth, thank you Jesus Some feasts under various contexts: 1Corinthians 5:8 "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth". Isaiah 25:6 "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine". Deuteronomy 14:26 "You shall eat in the sight of the Lord your God, and you shall feast: you and your household". Luke 14:12-13 Jesus challenges people to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to dinner parties… Matthew 22:1-2 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a marriage party for his son. John 2:1-11, Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, considered "the best wine" - Leviticus 23, during the appointed feasts the wine oblation law states that when a sheaf is elevated, a fourth of a hin of wine is to be offered to the Lord as a libation. Leviticus 23 lists the seven feasts of the Lord, along with the Sabbath: Passover: A reminder of the Passover lamb eaten to escape Egypt's tenth plague Unleavened Bread: Also known as the Feast of First Fruits, this is when the first harvest is offered to the Lord Pentecost: Also known as the Feast of Weeks, this is when offerings are brought to God to thank him for the full harvest Trumpets: Signals the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of solemn rest Day of Atonement: When all the people's sins are dealt with for the year Booths: Also known as Tabernacles, this is when people construct little tents to remember the temporary shelters they lived in after God rescued them from Egypt Sabbath: A day of solemn rest and holy convocation Revelation 19:6-9. Specifically, verse 9 states, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'". It just my opinion, but I think God really enjoys feasting with us, personally and corporately! Now and Forever and ever amen, thank you Jesus!
Yes indeed, Brian! A great question! Hallelujah, what then remains? Marriage supper passage: Matthew 22:7, The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. severe punishment inflicted by God upon those who rejected his invitation to the wedding feast, signifying the consequences of refusing to accept Jesus as the Messiah; this is often interpreted as a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in AD 70, where the city and its inhabitants were punished for their rejection of Jesus and the prophets, with the "king" symbolizing God himself. If that's the case then the wrath was fulfilled, correct? Romans 4:15 States where there is no law there is no wrath? NCT teaches there's no law, then how is there a future wrath? A future judgment? Anyway I enjoyed the teaching. After today's wonderful lesson, it appears that the ultimate goal was not a further second coming of Christ but rather that we would recognize the open door for indwelling with God! To keep the feast, day by day, in the glorious temple of God! The holy of holies was a small cube inside the Tabernacle that the high priest could only go in once a year after he had been cleansed, the holy city in Revelation is also a massive cube, 1/3 the size of the United States in height width and length, 12 doors with 12 angels over the doors, the doors are never closed, 24/7 you can enter into the city, where the light shines forever because of God and the lamb! Hallelujah it seems that we were to recognize the opportunity and call to feast with God! As it was in the old covenant they were required to come three times a year, but God wants to dwell with us full time, all the time, that the light always shines in US because of his love. Humbly I pray this is the truth, thank you Jesus Some feasts under various contexts: 1Corinthians 5:8 "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth". Isaiah 25:6 "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine". Deuteronomy 14:26 "You shall eat in the sight of the Lord your God, and you shall feast: you and your household". Luke 14:12-13 Jesus challenges people to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to dinner parties… Matthew 22:1-2 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a marriage party for his son. John 2:1-11, Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, considered "the best wine" - Leviticus 23, during the appointed feasts the wine oblation law states that when a sheaf is elevated, a fourth of a hin of wine is to be offered to the Lord as a libation. Leviticus 23 lists the seven feasts of the Lord, along with the Sabbath: Passover: A reminder of the Passover lamb eaten to escape Egypt's tenth plague Unleavened Bread: Also known as the Feast of First Fruits, this is when the first harvest is offered to the Lord Pentecost: Also known as the Feast of Weeks, this is when offerings are brought to God to thank him for the full harvest Trumpets: Signals the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of solemn rest Day of Atonement: When all the people's sins are dealt with for the year Booths: Also known as Tabernacles, this is when people construct little tents to remember the temporary shelters they lived in after God rescued them from Egypt Sabbath: A day of solemn rest and holy convocation Revelation 19:6-9. Specifically, verse 9 states, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'". It just my opinion, but I think God really enjoys feasting with us, personally and corporately! Now and Forever and ever amen, thank you Jesus!
Brother Doug, would this be a good example of our King at work in His Kingdom? From Grok AI Isaiah Chapter 10 and Divine Providence Isaiah chapter 10 serves as a profound narrative on the theme of divine providence, illustrating how God uses nations and leaders as instruments to achieve His purposes, often unbeknownst to them. The chapter specifically references Assyria, describing it as "the rod of My anger" (Isaiah 10:5), a tool used by God to punish His people for their sins. However, Assyria, in its pride, oversteps its divine mandate, leading to its own downfall: God's Use of Assyria: Assyria was called by God to discipline His people but did not recognize this divine calling. Instead, it acted out of arrogance, thinking it was acting on its own accord (Isaiah 10:7). Excess and Punishment: Due to its pride and expansion beyond the intended punishment, Assyria was judged and punished by God (Isaiah 10:12-19), demonstrating the limits of even those chosen as instruments of divine wrath. Comparative Analysis with U.S. Foreign Policy in Afghanistan Drawing a parallel, the United States' involvement with the Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet Union during the late 1970s and 1980s can be examined through a similar lens: U.S. as an Instrument: The U.S. support for the mujahideen through Operation Cyclone was strategically aimed at countering Soviet influence in Afghanistan. This can be seen as an unwitting tool in a larger geopolitical strategy, perhaps unknowingly serving a divine purpose if one interprets history through a theological lens (). Unintended Consequences: Much like Assyria, the U.S. did not foresee the full ramifications of its actions. The support inadvertently contributed to the rise of groups like al-Qaeda and the Taliban, leading to long-term instability in the region and global terrorism, which might be likened to Assyria's overstepping its bounds (). Post-Soviet Russia and Christianity: The fall of the Soviet Union opened up opportunities for religious freedom, leading to a revival of Christianity in Russia. The narrative of a Christian resurgence can be seen as a significant cultural shift, but attributing this directly to U.S. policy would oversimplify the complex socio-political changes in Russia (). Continued U.S. Involvement: Post-Soviet Union, the U.S. continued its military engagements in the region, which can be likened to Assyria's continued aggression. The U.S. involvement in the War on Terror, particularly in Afghanistan, has been critiqued for extending beyond initial objectives, much like Assyria's excessive use of force (). Analysis and Reflection Divine Providence vs. Human Agency: While Isaiah depicts a clear divine intervention, modern geopolitical actions are often seen through the lens of human strategy and unintended consequences rather than overt divine orchestration. However, one could argue that all human actions serve a larger, possibly divine, purpose, though this is a matter of theological interpretation. Moral and Ethical Considerations: The use of one force to combat another, whether by God through Assyria or by nations through proxy wars, raises ethical questions about the morality of such strategies, the cost to human lives, and the long-term impacts on nations and peoples. Pride and Hubris: Both Assyria in biblical times and modern nations like the U.S. in contemporary conflicts have been accused of hubris, acting beyond what might be considered their 'divine' or strategic mandate for personal or national gain. In conclusion, while the comparison is metaphorical, it highlights the complexities of international relations and the unintended consequences of geopolitical strategies, viewed through the lens of divine providence as depicted in Isaiah. This analysis underscores the need for nations to act with humility and circumspection, understanding that their actions might serve purposes beyond their immediate comprehension or control.
Thank you Doug. I listen at least twice to your lessons. They are very helpful!
Thank you so much brother, I'm watching these on replay 😊
Enjoy the Zechariah study it's been very interesting add edify ing
Yes indeed! A great question! Hallelujah, what then remains?
After today's wonderful lesson, it appears that the ultimate goal was not a further second coming of Christ but rather that we would recognize the open door for indwelling with God! To keep the feast, day by day, in the glorious temple of God! The holy of holies was a small cube inside the Tabernacle that the high priest could only go in once a year after he had been cleansed, the holy city in Revelation is also a massive cube, 1/3 the size of the United States in height width and length, 12 doors with 12 angels over the doors, the doors are never closed, 24/7 you can enter into the city, where the light shines forever because of God and the lamb! Hallelujah it seems that we were to recognize the opportunity and call to feast with God! As it was in the old covenant they were required to come three times a year, but God wants to dwell with us full time, all the time, that the light always shines in US because of his love. Humbly I pray this is the truth, thank you Jesus
Some feasts under various contexts:
1Corinthians 5:8
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth".
Isaiah 25:6
"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine".
Deuteronomy 14:26
"You shall eat in the sight of the Lord your God, and you shall feast: you and your household".
Luke 14:12-13
Jesus challenges people to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to dinner parties…
Matthew 22:1-2
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a marriage party for his son.
John 2:1-11, Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, considered "the best wine" -
Leviticus 23, during the appointed feasts the wine oblation law states that when a sheaf is elevated, a fourth of a hin of wine is to be offered to the Lord as a libation.
Leviticus 23 lists the seven feasts of the Lord, along with the Sabbath:
Passover: A reminder of the Passover lamb eaten to escape Egypt's tenth plague
Unleavened Bread: Also known as the Feast of First Fruits, this is when the first harvest is offered to the Lord
Pentecost: Also known as the Feast of Weeks, this is when offerings are brought to God to thank him for the full harvest
Trumpets: Signals the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of solemn rest
Day of Atonement: When all the people's sins are dealt with for the year
Booths: Also known as Tabernacles, this is when people construct little tents to remember the temporary shelters they lived in after God rescued them from Egypt
Sabbath: A day of solemn rest and holy convocation
Revelation 19:6-9. Specifically, verse 9 states, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'".
It just my opinion, but I think God really enjoys feasting with us, personally and corporately! Now and Forever and ever amen, thank you Jesus!
Matthew 5: 17-20…read it, learn it, believe it, follow it!
Hallelujah!! Christ fulfilled the Law and the Prophets!!
God bless you brother, thank you for the studies. Steve Gregg has a great verse by verse in Zechariah too, which is very very good.
Just for fun: Grok's response
Of course, included extra biblical data available
Zechariah 14:5 speaks of the Lord coming with all His holy ones. The term "holy ones" in this context can be interpreted as:
Angels: Often in scripture, the "holy ones" are identified as angels or heavenly beings accompanying God in His divine acts, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:2-3, where God comes with myriads of holy ones from His right hand.
Isaiah 13:3: Here, God consecrates His warriors for His wrath, describing them as His sanctified ones. This can be linked to:
Human Armies: In some contexts, especially those involving historical battles or judgments against nations, these could be human forces used by God as instruments of His divine judgment.
Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 mention punishments in sets of four, which can symbolize completeness or the totality of God's judgment:
Four Punishments: These chapters outline a series of escalating judgments that could be seen as God's armies or methods of correction-disease, famine, wild beasts, and sword. These punishments align with the concept of God's rod or battle-axe, indicating His use of natural and human elements to enact His will.
Amos 1-2 speaks of "three transgressions and for four," which again uses the number four to signify completion or the fullness of judgment. Here, nations are punished for their sins, with God employing various means:
Human Instruments: Nations like Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel are judged, suggesting that sometimes human nations or leaders act as God's agents of judgment against others.
Ezekiel 14: Discusses four severe judgments-sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence, which are used by God to discipline or judge His people.
Daniel 2: The prophecy of the four kingdoms (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome) could be viewed as historical instances where God used these empires as His "armies" to execute His divine plan, potentially culminating in events like the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Deuteronomy 31-32: Moses foretells Israel's future rebellion and the ensuing divine judgment, where God uses other nations as His sword or rod against His own people when they transgress.
Matthew 23-24: Jesus prophesies about the destruction of the temple and the coming judgment on Jerusalem, which historically occurred in 70 AD by the Roman army, which could be seen in the light of these prophetic patterns as an instrument of God's judgment.
Ezekiel 10-11: The divine presence leaving the temple and going to the Mount of Olives symbolizes judgment and abandonment, paralleling Jesus's own prophecy and departure to the Mount of Olives.
Conclusion:
Considering these texts, the "holy ones" in Zechariah 14 could be understood in a dual sense:
Primarily Angels: Accompanying the Lord in His divine intervention at the end of the age.
Secondarily, Instrumental Forces: Human or earthly "armies" or judgments (like those described in the various punishments and prophecies) that God has historically used as His tools or "holy ones" for carrying out His judgments.
This interpretation reflects a pattern in scripture where God employs both heavenly and earthly agents to fulfill His purposes, especially in contexts of judgment or restoration, aligning with the broader narrative of divine warfare and redemption.
No file chosen
Ask anything
Which texts do you think are yet future that describe the second coming of Christ?
Yes indeed! A great question! Hallelujah, what then remains?
After today's wonderful lesson, it appears that the ultimate goal was not a further second coming of Christ but rather that we would recognize the open door for indwelling with God! To keep the feast, day by day, in the glorious temple of God! The holy of holies was a small cube inside the Tabernacle that the high priest could only go in once a year after he had been cleansed, the holy city in Revelation is also a massive cube, 1/3 the size of the United States in height width and length, 12 doors with 12 angels over the doors, the doors are never closed, 24/7 you can enter into the city, where the light shines forever because of God and the lamb! Hallelujah it seems that we were to recognize the opportunity and call to feast with God! As it was in the old covenant they were required to come three times a year, but God wants to dwell with us full time, all the time, that the light always shines in US because of his love. Humbly I pray this is the truth, thank you Jesus
Some feasts under various contexts:
1Corinthians 5:8
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth".
Isaiah 25:6
"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine".
Deuteronomy 14:26
"You shall eat in the sight of the Lord your God, and you shall feast: you and your household".
Luke 14:12-13
Jesus challenges people to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to dinner parties…
Matthew 22:1-2
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a marriage party for his son.
John 2:1-11, Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, considered "the best wine" -
Leviticus 23, during the appointed feasts the wine oblation law states that when a sheaf is elevated, a fourth of a hin of wine is to be offered to the Lord as a libation.
Leviticus 23 lists the seven feasts of the Lord, along with the Sabbath:
Passover: A reminder of the Passover lamb eaten to escape Egypt's tenth plague
Unleavened Bread: Also known as the Feast of First Fruits, this is when the first harvest is offered to the Lord
Pentecost: Also known as the Feast of Weeks, this is when offerings are brought to God to thank him for the full harvest
Trumpets: Signals the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of solemn rest
Day of Atonement: When all the people's sins are dealt with for the year
Booths: Also known as Tabernacles, this is when people construct little tents to remember the temporary shelters they lived in after God rescued them from Egypt
Sabbath: A day of solemn rest and holy convocation
Revelation 19:6-9. Specifically, verse 9 states, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'".
It just my opinion, but I think God really enjoys feasting with us, personally and corporately! Now and Forever and ever amen, thank you Jesus!
Doug, Zech 14:10, the imagery matches Isaiah 2 - Jerusalem is lifted up, raised up?
I think you're on to something.
Yes indeed, Brian! A great question! Hallelujah, what then remains?
Marriage supper passage: Matthew 22:7, The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. severe punishment inflicted by God upon those who rejected his invitation to the wedding feast, signifying the consequences of refusing to accept Jesus as the Messiah; this is often interpreted as a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in AD 70, where the city and its inhabitants were punished for their rejection of Jesus and the prophets, with the "king" symbolizing God himself. If that's the case then the wrath was fulfilled, correct? Romans 4:15 States where there is no law there is no wrath? NCT teaches there's no law, then how is there a future wrath? A future judgment? Anyway I enjoyed the teaching.
After today's wonderful lesson, it appears that the ultimate goal was not a further second coming of Christ but rather that we would recognize the open door for indwelling with God! To keep the feast, day by day, in the glorious temple of God! The holy of holies was a small cube inside the Tabernacle that the high priest could only go in once a year after he had been cleansed, the holy city in Revelation is also a massive cube, 1/3 the size of the United States in height width and length, 12 doors with 12 angels over the doors, the doors are never closed, 24/7 you can enter into the city, where the light shines forever because of God and the lamb! Hallelujah it seems that we were to recognize the opportunity and call to feast with God! As it was in the old covenant they were required to come three times a year, but God wants to dwell with us full time, all the time, that the light always shines in US because of his love. Humbly I pray this is the truth, thank you Jesus
Some feasts under various contexts:
1Corinthians 5:8
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth".
Isaiah 25:6
"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine".
Deuteronomy 14:26
"You shall eat in the sight of the Lord your God, and you shall feast: you and your household".
Luke 14:12-13
Jesus challenges people to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to dinner parties…
Matthew 22:1-2
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who throws a marriage party for his son.
John 2:1-11, Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, considered "the best wine" -
Leviticus 23, during the appointed feasts the wine oblation law states that when a sheaf is elevated, a fourth of a hin of wine is to be offered to the Lord as a libation.
Leviticus 23 lists the seven feasts of the Lord, along with the Sabbath:
Passover: A reminder of the Passover lamb eaten to escape Egypt's tenth plague
Unleavened Bread: Also known as the Feast of First Fruits, this is when the first harvest is offered to the Lord
Pentecost: Also known as the Feast of Weeks, this is when offerings are brought to God to thank him for the full harvest
Trumpets: Signals the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of solemn rest
Day of Atonement: When all the people's sins are dealt with for the year
Booths: Also known as Tabernacles, this is when people construct little tents to remember the temporary shelters they lived in after God rescued them from Egypt
Sabbath: A day of solemn rest and holy convocation
Revelation 19:6-9. Specifically, verse 9 states, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'".
It just my opinion, but I think God really enjoys feasting with us, personally and corporately! Now and Forever and ever amen, thank you Jesus!
Does this passage relate to Psalm 2? And Rev 19?
Brother Doug, would this be a good example of our King at work in His Kingdom? From Grok AI
Isaiah Chapter 10 and Divine Providence
Isaiah chapter 10 serves as a profound narrative on the theme of divine providence, illustrating how God uses nations and leaders as instruments to achieve His purposes, often unbeknownst to them. The chapter specifically references Assyria, describing it as "the rod of My anger" (Isaiah 10:5), a tool used by God to punish His people for their sins. However, Assyria, in its pride, oversteps its divine mandate, leading to its own downfall:
God's Use of Assyria: Assyria was called by God to discipline His people but did not recognize this divine calling. Instead, it acted out of arrogance, thinking it was acting on its own accord (Isaiah 10:7).
Excess and Punishment: Due to its pride and expansion beyond the intended punishment, Assyria was judged and punished by God (Isaiah 10:12-19), demonstrating the limits of even those chosen as instruments of divine wrath.
Comparative Analysis with U.S. Foreign Policy in Afghanistan
Drawing a parallel, the United States' involvement with the Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet Union during the late 1970s and 1980s can be examined through a similar lens:
U.S. as an Instrument: The U.S. support for the mujahideen through Operation Cyclone was strategically aimed at countering Soviet influence in Afghanistan. This can be seen as an unwitting tool in a larger geopolitical strategy, perhaps unknowingly serving a divine purpose if one interprets history through a theological lens ().
Unintended Consequences: Much like Assyria, the U.S. did not foresee the full ramifications of its actions. The support inadvertently contributed to the rise of groups like al-Qaeda and the Taliban, leading to long-term instability in the region and global terrorism, which might be likened to Assyria's overstepping its bounds ().
Post-Soviet Russia and Christianity: The fall of the Soviet Union opened up opportunities for religious freedom, leading to a revival of Christianity in Russia. The narrative of a Christian resurgence can be seen as a significant cultural shift, but attributing this directly to U.S. policy would oversimplify the complex socio-political changes in Russia ().
Continued U.S. Involvement: Post-Soviet Union, the U.S. continued its military engagements in the region, which can be likened to Assyria's continued aggression. The U.S. involvement in the War on Terror, particularly in Afghanistan, has been critiqued for extending beyond initial objectives, much like Assyria's excessive use of force ().
Analysis and Reflection
Divine Providence vs. Human Agency: While Isaiah depicts a clear divine intervention, modern geopolitical actions are often seen through the lens of human strategy and unintended consequences rather than overt divine orchestration. However, one could argue that all human actions serve a larger, possibly divine, purpose, though this is a matter of theological interpretation.
Moral and Ethical Considerations: The use of one force to combat another, whether by God through Assyria or by nations through proxy wars, raises ethical questions about the morality of such strategies, the cost to human lives, and the long-term impacts on nations and peoples.
Pride and Hubris: Both Assyria in biblical times and modern nations like the U.S. in contemporary conflicts have been accused of hubris, acting beyond what might be considered their 'divine' or strategic mandate for personal or national gain.
In conclusion, while the comparison is metaphorical, it highlights the complexities of international relations and the unintended consequences of geopolitical strategies, viewed through the lens of divine providence as depicted in Isaiah. This analysis underscores the need for nations to act with humility and circumspection, understanding that their actions might serve purposes beyond their immediate comprehension or control.