...more on Joseph & Rapture

More on Joseph:

Reference this letter: http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/aug2007/tonye828-7.htm

I got this from Brit Am today. It has some significant insights (though Brit Am is not Christian, but Jewish and I doubt they have any belief such as we do in the Rapture, yet this shows why it is so important to know both aspects and integrate them):

You’ll see below that it is at Rosh Hashanah that the Israelites had their “actual” servitude to Egypt end. This would be representative of Jesus being our blood of the lamb (Passover) which frees us from sin, the law & physically and then it is at Rosh Hashanah when we come free in spirit and also body like Moses in Exodus 33:

21 And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22 So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
Notice the similarities to the other verse you know such as Song of Songs where they will hide in the cleft of the rock or Isaiah 26:20 “hide yourselves for a little while..”
Psalms 81
TO THE CHIEF MUSICIAN, UPON GITHITH, A PSALM OF ASAPH.
S.R. Hirsch translates the Hebrew heading as meaning, TO HIM WHO GRANTS VICTORY OVER THE WINE PRESSING: BY ASAPH The Mairi says that it was traditional to say this Psalm on the Hebrew New Year (Rosh HaShana) which is approaching us soon
(30-Sept-07 and 1-Oct-07). Even though the Israelites were delivered from Egypt in the month of Nisan at the time of Passover which is about seven months later, on Rosh HaShanah their actual physical servitude in Egypt itself came to an end. In principle, we can make a new beginning any moment we decide to do so but some seasons are more propitious than others. This is another chance we all have now to start over again. Let us do our best. Let us pray to the Almighty to enable us to do our best and better ourselves for our own sake and for the sake of all they who are in contact with us and whom we have some inlfuence over.

[Psalms 81:1] SING ALOUD UNTO GOD OUR STRENGTH: MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE GOD OF JACOB.
Our God is the God of Jacob.
The Creator of the world is the God of Israel.
HE chose Israel as HIS people to fulfil a special task in this world.
God gives us strength.
We need to be happy in the Almighty who is our source of strength and re-invigoration.

[Psalms 81:2] TAKE A PSALM, AND BRING HITHER THE TIMBREL, THE PLEASANT HARP WITH THE PSALTERY.
As we have mentioned several times the word "Nevel" (or "NaBaL") translated as PSALTERY actually probably means "bagpipe".

[Psalms 81:3] BLOW UP THE TRUMPET IN THE NEW MOON, IN THE TIME
APPOINTED, ON OUR SOLEMN FEAST DAY.
<>: In Hebrew "shofar" meaning the horn of a ram such as is blown on Rosh HaShanah.

[Psalms 81:4] FOR THIS WAS A STATUTE FOR ISRAEL, AND A LAW OF THE GOD OF JACOB.

[Psalms 81:5] THIS HE ORDAINED IN JOSEPH FOR A TESTIMONY, WHEN HE WENT OUT THROUGH THE LAND OF EGYPT: WHERE I HEARD A LANGUAGE THAT I UNDERSTOOD NOT.

Blessings,

Tony

A Thief in the Night & The Bride

A Thief in the Night
&

The Bride

Jesus has said that he is coming as a thief in the night. This is a statement well known for those looking to the Rapture. As always there is much more here than meets the eye for those willing to look:

First let’s take a look at the “thief in the night Rapture” verses:

Matthew 24:42-44 (King James Version)
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
The house is this world and Jesus is the “thief” coming to take His elect out of this world. This is not a writing to convince anyone of such, but simply to go deeper for those who know…
Matthew 26:55 (King James Version)
55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
First of all 55 is the bride number.
At the first level Jesus is simply telling them that they didn’t need to come out to him like this in the night to capture him since he preached in the daylight in front of them. In the deeper, prophetic meaning Jesus is referencing his second coming as “a thief in the night”.
He basically is saying that they don’t need the swords to take him or capture him in the night (Judas and the men who are submissive to Satan in their roles here). At His second coming Satan and whoever he influences would love to catch Jesus “in the act of a thief”, but as we will see further looking at this, he will not succeed.

Luke 12:33 (King James Version)
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
This verse is 33 the age Jesus was when he died for our sins. With this sacrifice we are able to have a heavenly hope to which Jesus is referring to here in this passage. Notice he is clear to mention that in heaven no “thief” can come to steal.
1 Thessalonians 5
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
9-11 and ominous waring!!!!!!
2 Peter 3:9-11 (King James Version)
9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Revelation 3:3 (King James Version)
3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Revelation 16:15 (King James Version)
15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
So, we have a multitude of witnesses with these verses. Jesus is coming for His Bride/elect as a “thief in the night”.
There are three things that highlight the following passage:
It makes sense then that God knowing the beginning from the end would make his set of laws appropriately in light of thieves.
The book is called Exodus, that’s what we’ll be doing when we leave this earth!!!
22 is the Separation number. If you want more information on this a good book to look at is Lamentations. I have a writing on Lamentations and 22 being the separation number at my website (www.tony4yhwh.com)
Here is a quick addition to this: When the separation occurs there will be a weeping and gnashing of teeth. Weeping will be because many knew and “did not”. Gnashing of the teeth occurs because rebellion is still deep in the heart. The weeping is as those who sow in tears will reap joy (Psalms 126:5). This is one reason I believe in multiple raptures, subsequent harvests, etc. I do believe God is merciful and during the tribulation I believe there will be not only an outpouring of His spirit those left behind, but also hope of subsequent raptures. Anyway, even if you don’t agree with this you’ll get something from the passage below:
Exodus 22
1If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
This is taken care of because Jesus will reward those going with him several times over.
2If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Jesus won’t be caught, but at His first coming this is what he was referring to when the men came out to capture him with swords. He basically was telling them that if He doesn’t want to be caught, he won’t be…
3If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
It will be in the middle of the night, the sun won’t be risen on Him…
4If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
It won’t be found in His hand, he’ll be long gone in Heaven…
5If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
Jesus is taking His own out of the field, he is not feeding on another man’s (Satan’s) field.
6If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
Jesus will make the fire and it will burn up the thorns, but not the “corn”.
7If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
This may be a reference to false church teachers as Jesus gave to them to “keep” but they have stolen from them.
8If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.
This matter will come before the Judges and as is his nature Satan will be an accuser.
9For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
10If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
11Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
12And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
13If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.
14And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
15But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
All these verses basically come to that this matter will come before the Heavenly Judge – YHWH and he will render a just judgment. Satan will be accusing Jesus of taking that which is rightfully his. What will make Satan wrong is if those that are taken are covered by the blood of the lamb.
16And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
Jesus will endow the Bride to be his wife, in fact, I believe he will further prove that this is his Betrothed and therefore not Satan’s property at all. This helps to clear up the matter of the “thief” since Jesus truly is not a thief at all but instead a Kinsman Redeemer and a great Protector.
17If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
The below verses cover those that should not belong to Jesus. I don’t believe that he’ll be grabbing anyone by mistake, but it covers those left behind.
18Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
19Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
20He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
The next verses in many ways refer to those that Jesus has chosen, the fatherless, the widow, the stranger…
21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
22Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
24And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
25If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
26If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
28Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
The last verses are awesome in that they refer to the firstfruits and the firstborn which are taken in the Rapture
29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
30Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
31And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
Blessings,

Tony

The young men of Abraham & Rapture

The young men of Abraham
&
The Rapture

August 29, 2007

I believe that YHWH is preparing husbandmen in the model of Jesus for the Bride. On Rosh Hashanah it is Genesis 22 that is the scripture that is read. This account is about Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac where Jesus as the Lamb of God is foreshadowed. Clearly Isaac represents Jesus as YHWH’s son. Yet who are these young men?

Here is a passage to show it is possible to become adopted sons of God.

Galatians 4

5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of[b] God through Christ.

Genesis 22 (King James Version)
5And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

19So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.

Beersheba means: Well of the Oath



There are several etymologies for the origin of the name "Beersheba":
The oath of Abraham and Abimelech (well of the oath)
The seven wells dug by Isaac (seven wells), though only three or four have been identified
The oath of Isaac and Abimelech (well of the oath)
The seven ewes that sealed Abraham and Abimelech's oath (well of the seven).
All of the models of Christ and the Bride are centered around a well:

Rebecca for Isaac in being chosen by Abraham’s servant
Moses and Zipporah who was one of seven women who the “shepherds” kept from the well
Jesus and the woman at the well, who would learn about “Living Water”.

Therefore, I believe it is possible that YHWH as the Father is arranging marriages, husbandmen and brides.

There are other models within the Feast of Tabernacles which are beautiful and I believe foreshadow this soon to come marriage.

The Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated for 7 days. As the 2nd evening approached, the people crowded into the vast outer court of the Temple known as the court of women. On this occasion a barrier was raised to divide the men from the women. All night long the temple elders would perform impressive torch dances.

Soon after the celebration was underway, a group of Levites gathered in the Inner Court in what was known as the Court of the Israelites. Once formed, the group of Levites moved through the Nicanor Gate to stand at the top of the fifteen steps leading down to the Court of Women. The sound of temple flutes, trumpets, harps, and other stringed instruments swelled as the Levites sang the fifteen Psalms of Degrees (Psalms 120-134). With each new Psalm they descended to the next step. This celebration was repeated every night from the 2nd night to the final night as a prelude to the water drawing the next morning.

Blessings,

Tony

Rosh Hashanah, the mikvey bath & Joseph

Rosh Hashanah, the mikveh bath and Joseph

Joseph is one of the great models of the rapture in Genesis

In the Old Testament visions, dreams and interpretations are representative of watching for the rapture, end times and interpreting the seasons Jesus told us to watch for.

Another great example is Daniel. Daniel interpreted the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, and then was in the king’s gate (firstfruits rapture) while Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were saved by Jesus through the trials of tribulation in the face of the image of antichrist.

Joseph interprets the cupbearer, the breadmaker and has to wait and be patient for another two years (2,000 years the church has been waiting). Then the day comes and Joseph is called to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.

Genesis 40 (link below)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=40&version=9


Here is where I believe the story and rapture archetype of Joseph ties in with Rosh Hashanah…On the day before Rosh Hashanah the men would prepare by taking a mikveh bath & change their clothing (white)…

Genesis 41:14

14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh

http://bible.cc/genesis/41-14.htm

Joseph’s mikveh bath??? I think so.


Then Pharoah says to Joseph:

38Then Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find a man like this, (AB)in whom is a divine spirit?"
39So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so (AC)discerning and wise as you are.
Prophecy & Rapture/end times watching relating to the interpretation of vision in the old testament

40"(AD)You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you."
41Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you (AE)over all the land of Egypt."
42Then Pharaoh (AF)took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and (AG)put the gold necklace around his neck.
43He had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, "Bow the knee!" And he set him over all the land of Egypt.
44Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Though I am Pharaoh, yet (AH)without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt."
45Then Pharaoh named Joseph [a]Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of (AI)On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt

The marriage (rapture) and see below the verse in Psalms regarding Joseph, this happening and the timing which I am speculating by the clues given in God’s word that this was an early enactment of Rosh Hashanah

Psalm 81:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)
3Blow the trumpet at the (A)new moon, At the full moon, on our (B)feast day. 4For it is a statute for Israel, An ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5He established it for a testimony in Joseph When he (C)went throughout the land of Egypt I heard a (D)language that I did not know:

It has these elements:

Mikveh
The trumpet
the marriage
gentile bride
new moon
feast day

Now I can’t completely answer why the verse in Psalms says new moon along with full moon. Rosh Hashanah is the only feast on the new moon except that each month is Rosh Chodesh, head of the month. My explanation as to why it mentions the new moon and the full moon is that there are multiple raptures. I’m open to anyone else with further insight into this aspect. But with the mention of the new moon and all the other clues listed above I feel it’s a powerful model – too good to ignore and joyful to look at this close to a coming Rosh Hashanah that holds a lot of promise.

Blessings,

Tony

Tony & Kellie's Prophetic wedding ring!!!

Kellie & Tony’s Prophetic wedding ring

August 17, 2007

Like all the other “watchers” out there I am anxiously watching for Jesus return and our soon Rapture. I study scripture, watch major news headlines and many other things that I feel God has lead me to do in seeking him with all my heart.

I feel that in a personal way, God will be confirming his coming in many different ways to many different persons. At times, I have been reminded (in retrospect of events) that everything significant that God does is not always directly relating to the Rapture. Even so, I cast aside this world and all my hope in it for the promise that someday soon he will come for me.

Kellie (my wife) and I have had an experience that I feel like merits sharing in its prophetic value. Paul had said to comfort and encourage each other with words concerning our promise that Jesus would come for us. I will give my best to do that hoping our testimony encourages you not only in and of itself, but that you may find and share your own.

~

This doesn’t do our testimony justice, but in the interest of time here is a very quick timeline:

Before I ever met Kellie, God gave me a promise in Proverbs 18:22 which says: “he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

Kellie and I had both been through divorce and with the burden of physical and spiritual care of our children of which I have three and she has five.

Then a few months after God had given me the promise, on May 3rd 2004 I saw her for the first time. I was praising God singing Newsboys (Adoration) in my truck. I had gotten in the practice of either praying, listening or praising God in my truck as I had been through so many difficult times and drew near YHWH. Little did I know that at times in the “child pick up line” at school she had seen my “Got Jesus?” stickers on my vehicle and wondered about my family.

I followed her into the school and I began talking to her. We found out quickly that we had daughters the same age that were friends and that most of all we had a lot in common in regards to our hearts for God.

Fast forwarding a bit we began dating (much of which was getting our children together at the park) and had a “blanket talk” at the park where Kellie began to interview me to see how serious I was. It didn’t take long and Kellie and I began talking about getting married.

Little did we know how difficult second marriages and blended families would be. God knew this and we both happened to be familiar with a Christian Counseling office (we both happened to be going there already before we met but didn’t know it). At one time I had mentioned to Kellie about getting married in 3 months, little did I know it would be a little over 3 years.

~

On February 10th of this year while I was in my room I felt a call by God that I would put everything aside and ask Kellie to marry me. In making this decision, I knew that I would ask her father’s permission first. I could not reach him by phone. I decided to go to his home and he was not there. I did find out that he was at Saturday Church at a Messianic Christian Church with his wife. I knew where it was so I went driving. I drove past 153rd street (fishes) and I saw a church with a sign that said “Get out of the boat”, well I certainly was doing my best at this. Then I drove past 144th street (heavenly government) and found the building. I went to the front door and the timing was perfect as service was just getting out. I went in and asked Kellies dad in private. He was happy and gave me not only his permission, but his blessing! I could never have planned it better and was so thrilled to ask him at the Messianic Tabernacle and to get his permission and blessing!!!

Now I could go get her ring. I set out to do this the same day. I had a date set with Kellie this Saturday night and was preparing it all rather quickly (I already had dinner reservations). I have no idea about rings, however around Christmas time I had taken her to a jewelry store to see what she might like. Kellie’s mom had died when she was 9 years old and she had been given her mom’s wedding band. When we looked for rings she found a wedding set that looked nearly identical. It was a princess cut. I earmarked this ring taking notes and tucking them away for a later day in my wallet. That day was today. I drove to Oakview (Isaiah 61) Mall on 144th St (heavenly government).

I picked Kellie up and drove to the school where we had met. The ground was snow covered and I took her to a grove of trees. I had bought a crimson red blanket and I set it on the ground as I got on one knee and proposed to her. Joyfully she said “yes”!

~

This year, May 12th 2007 we were married. We used Revelation 21 about the Bride and New Jerusalem coming from Heaven as our main scripture. We had a small simple wedding with only immediate family and our father’s and our Pastor were the ones who signed the legal paperwork for our marriage. Being aware of dates and such I noticed that our paperwork and marriage was made legal this year on May 22nd 2007 which happened to be the Jewish feast of Shavuot. I was very excited about that!

~

Sometime this summer Kellie told me that her ring band was beginning to tarnish. We were both bothered about this. This was a very expensive ring from a well known and reputable jeweler in town – it shouldn’t be tarnished! Knowing God’s Sovereignty and always trying to see what he has for me I prayed and wondered what might be His message.

We began by talking multiple times to the manager who had sold us the ring. He explained that the band was made of white gold. white gold has to be sent in at least once (and many times twice) a year to have a new coating put on it to give it the “white” or “silver” look to it. Kellie was not very happy about this (I was only mildly upset – hey I’m just a guy). He began to explain all the benefits of white gold. He had failed to mention to us anytime during the sales process about all the maintenance that would go into an expensive ring in keeping it looking good. It certainly looked tarnished and bringing it in twice a year seemed a bit much.

It was at this time that we began looking at their website. They talked very much about quality, satisfaction and customer service. The manager had mentioned something about platinum, so Kellie and I looked it up on the website. I will list some of our findings below. It was as I was looking at this that I felt God was giving me a deeper meaning and some of my initial spiritual insights in regard to the differences between white gold and platinum are below from an email I sent to Kellie:

Here are some things about Platinum vs. White Gold:

Color

White gold is yellow gold alloyed (mixed) with nickel and zinc, which impart its white appearance. By contrast, platinum is pure white in its naturally occurring form.

White is the color that shows righteousness. White Gold is like a white washed tomb similar to the Pharisees. It is not true and becomes tarnished and in your own words is like “taking care of a sickness”.


Durability

Platinum is the most enduring of all precious metals. It is harder and more dense than gold, and its heavier feel speaks to its strength. Even after years of daily wear, it shows little or no sign of age – whereas white gold, because it is softer, may wear more quickly.

Platinum is pure white naturally and lasts forever.

Purity

In the United States, most platinum used in jewelry is 90 to 95 percent pure. The remaining 5 to 10 percent is also a precious metal - usually iridium or ruthenium - making platinum jewelry 100 percent precious metal. Fourteen-carat white gold jewelry is approximately 60 percent pure.

White gold is neither completely durable or pure while platinum is pure and durable. A great symbol for Eternal vs. Temporary.

Value

The value of precious metals varies, but generally you can expect platinum jewelry to cost significantly more than a comparable piece in white gold. This is partly because platinum is more rare than gold

In terms of God in this prophetic look at your ring, we can expect the Platinum to be much more costly – not in money but in trials of life. Platinum is rare, pure, durable and has the white color.

~

The differences, especially the spiritual insights, compelled Kellie and I to do something about this. God had given us a promise of marriage and so many other things. The tarnishing did feel like this life and it is so bittersweet. We truly are looking as Abraham is in Hebrews 11 to another country and a heavenly city. There was so much deep truth here in the difference between white gold and platinum. Like Kellie said, it was like your ring having a disease. This world seemed to be represented by the white gold and our Heavenly hope like the platinum.


After taking all of this in, I felt highly compelled to write the CEO a letter (an appeal to the king and in prayer over all of this the King of Kings!). I wrote the letter and described our experience and our dissatisfaction with the white gold, the tarnishing, the sales process without the full disclosure of the maintenance, etc. I told him the differences we found out about between white gold and platinum. In short, I asked for them to remedy our situation by putting Kellie’s diamonds in the same setting except made out of platinum vs. white gold at no cost to us. From a practical perspective I really didn’t expect much. But Kellie and I both waited and prayed about it.

Today August 17, 2007 we received a reply back from our letter. It was a rather lengthy reply so it took a while to read through it. In short, they agreed to custom make the wedding set in platinum at no cost to us (though it’s worth & sells for significantly more). Both of us were shocked and then very excited!!! It is so, so fun and exciting to have YHWH do these things. Even if I were a millionaire and could buy these things it wouldn’t be the same. I am so happy for my bride!!!

Most important of all though, I am deeply moved by the spiritual significance. Some of the deeper things I found I’ll share here. The case number which was detailed on the letter was: 515

I knew this would likely be significant and would tell us something. I looked it up at the Biblewheel website (http://www.biblewheel.com/GR/GR_515.asp ) and here is what it said:

The Number 515 - Prayer and Song

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5.15

The fundamental Hebrew word for prayer is Tiphlah, from the root Niphal, meaning To Fall before the Lord. Note the phonetic resemblance between the Hebrew and the English. We have the identity:
Prayer
Tiphlah
= 515
This is particularly intringuing in light of the theme of James 5.15.
The word Tiphlah relates to a Greek word for intercessory prayer, entuxis [1 Tim 2.1]. We have the identity:
Intercessory Prayer
Entuxis
= 1030 = 2 x 515 = 2 x Tiphlah
Stated in English, the numeric value of Intercessory Prayer - one praying for another so there are two people involved in the prayer - is exactly twice the value fundamental Hebrew word for Prayer!
The Number 515
Prayer
Tiphlah
Song (fem)
Shirah
The Time Appointed [Gal 4.2]
A Just Man [Gen 6.9]
Aish Tsaddik
Uprightness [1 Ki 3.5]
Yishrah
Virgin [Mat 1.23]
Parthenos
Waterpot [Jn 2.6]
Midst, Among
Mesos
Factors: 5 x 103
Related Numbers: 1013, 1463


My insights to the scriptures above:

You’ll notice first that James 5:15 says that “the Lord will raise him up” and his sins forgiven.

Prayer and song are always so important and were present the day I met Kellie!

The Time Appointed. This is exciting when thinking about the Rapture! Galatians 4:2 says this:

Galatians 4:2 (New American Standard Bible)

2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father.

Later on in this chapter of Galatians it says this:

5so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as (F)sons.

6Because you are sons, (G)God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "(H)Abba! Father!"

7Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and (I)if a son, then an heir through God.

Genesis 6:9 (New American Standard Bible)

9These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a (A)righteous man, (B)blameless in his time; Noah (C)walked with God.

We all know how much Noah relates to the Rapture!!!! (as Jesus says many times, “as in the days of Noah…”)

1 Kings 3:5 (New American Standard Bible)

5(A)In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon (B)in a dream at night; and God said, "(C)Ask what you wish me to give you."

God fulfilled this for Kellie and I in giving us the Platinum vs. the tarnished white gold. But more important than an earthly possessions (I’m not saying wedding rings aren’t important) are the spiritual meanings behind Platinum vs. tarnished white gold. Satan appears like an angel of white…

Matthew 1:23 (New American Standard Bible)

23"(A)BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH (B)CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "(C)GOD WITH US."
It goes without saying how much the terms “virgin” and “God with us” would relate to rapture, heavenly & eternal things (Platinum).

John 2:6 (New American Standard Bible)

6Now there were six stone waterpots set there (A)for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.

This is the passage with the wedding in Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. His first miracle and certainly relating to a wedding and therefore our blessed hope. Also, personally this directly relates to Kellie and I as all of this had to do with her wedding ring.

The last words from the Bible Wheel above – midst and among us remind me of these scriptures (even though they are not listed above):

Zephaniah 3:17 (New American Standard Bible)

17"The LORD your God is (A)in your midst, A (B)victorious warrior He will (C)exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

Revelation 21:3 (New American Standard Bible)

3And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, (A)the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will (B)dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them[a],

I am in awe and humbled in every way how our Heavenly Father can speak so tenderly to his servants in a personal way. I trust he has done similar things in your life as well. We all eagerly wait and hope together as we watch for his return and His calling us up with the Great Trump!!!

Blessings,

Tony

A shot in the dark!

I always am looking for God in the news to see what he may be saying. There are certainly the “Big News Stories” such as war, the middle east and other very relevant and important things to keep note of. I do this as well.

At the same time I’m always looking for a parable and a “hidden message”. It was after all Daniel who YHWH gave insight into Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. It was then Daniel who sat in the king’s gate while Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego endured the golden image and then the fiery furnace. What a great model for us to see the Rapture in and a hiding away of a remnant of God’s people. It is also great to see Jesus directly saving his own out of the fire.

I have been following the “miner story”. Why? Well there are 6 men, and 6 happens to be the number of man. A mine is a deep, deep dark place. It is accessed by the surface and drilling down a hole. I think of this as a “worm hole”. If we were ever to be “saved” and caught up in the air with Jesus it may be by something like this.

It has been 10 days. It was today that a glimmer of hope has come up. A noise or vibration was heard and they will drill a 4th hole (the number for earth) to see if they can find the miner. They believe that a “curtain” may have been there where the miners may have been saved and found a pocket of air.

Certainly at this point it would be considered a “miracle” if they were found alive and brought out of this “dark place” where they would die if not saved.

"There's always a chance. You have to hang on to that chance. But realistically it is small, quite small," said J. Davitt McAteer, former head of the Mine Health and Safety Administration. "You would have to have every single break and divine intervention to successfully extract these guys."

Here is the story:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,293444,00.html

Blessings,

Tony

Firstfruits Rapture DVD: Awesome!

I have studied prophecy and the rapture for years. This is some of the best teaching I’ve heard on the subject. It confirms a lot that I have learned and I was also able to learn even more. I am watching it with great interest several times over.

There is a free video (Mannafest show 20 minutes) and there is also a DVD offered that you can buy at the end.


https://www.voiceofevangelism.org/video.cfm

Blessings,

Tony

Elul: Prepare for Rosh Hashanah

Elul 1 (August 15th this year) is the start of the preparation leading up to Rosh Hashanah.

Here are some things to note about Elul:

the word “Elul” means “search.”

It is customary to blow the shofar every morning (except on Shabbat) from Rosh Hodesh Elul (the first day of the month) until the day before Rosh Hashanah.

It is the 12th month (12 being the number for government) (or the 6th if you use Nissan as the first, six which stands for man, either way it’s a multiple)

Divine mercy & forgiveness, a return, spiritual introspection, dedication to God as Judge and King and Repentance are themes…

Jewish tradition believes YHWH is more accessible during this period of time and the high Holy days.

What does the name Elul mean? It is take from Song of Songs 6:3 “I am my beloved’s am my beloved is mine”

· According to the Mishna, the first of Elul, was to be considered a Rosh Hashanah (beginning of a new year) in respect to the tithing of animals (Rosh Hashanah 1:1). In ancient times, this designation gave a clear date from which to determine your yearly donation of animals for the priestly class. However, in post-Temple times this custom fell out of practice, and no symbolic replacement was made.

· One of the sections that is repeated many times both in this service and then later in the high holiday liturgy is the passage enumerating the thirteen attributes of mercy. In the original text from Exodus, Moses asks God for permission to "see" God face to face:

Ex. 33:18-23: He [Moses] said [to God], "Oh, let me behold Your Presence!" And He answered,

"I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim before you the name LORD,

and the grace that I grant and the compassion that I show. But," He said, "you cannot see My

face, for man may not see Me and live." And the LORD said, "See, there is a place near Me.

Station yourself on the rock and, as My Presence passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock

and shield you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you

will see My back; but My face must not be seen."

The Baal ShemTov called the days of Elul the days when the King is in the field. He explained with a parable. Normally, in order to gain an audience with the King, one must go through a lengthy procedure. He must travel to the capitol city, arrange an appointment, and then get permission to enter the palace. Even when permission is granted is may be days or weeks before he is finally allowed to enter. When he does finally get to see the King, the audience is likely to be short and very formal. The citizen, not used to the royal surroundings doubtlessly feels out of place, and maybe even regrets his decision to see the King. From his great fear and uneasiness, he may forget to put his request before the King.

Once a year, the King leaves his capitol to visit the various regions of his Kingdom. Now a King can't just enter a city unannounced. When he reaches the outskirts of the city he is to visit, his entourage sets up a camp while a special delegation goes ahead to the city to make preparations. for the King's visit.

In the meantime, the King is in the field; relaxed and enjoying the early fall weather. He doesn't stand on the same formality that he does when in the palace. The common folk are allowed to come out to greet the King and receive his blessing.
Psalm 27 is read each day. There are several significant lines from the 27th Psalm:

Psalm 27

1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Blessings,

Tony

Rapture: two-step wedding process

I got the below information from a devotional. I have been thinking regarding Pentecost and that this feast was a type of marriage arrangement between Jesus and the Church (the upper room where Jesus shared the Passover meal and later where the Holy Spirit was poured out).

This being accepted it’s natural for persons to look to Pentecost as a Rapture date as the Bride of Christ would certainly go on her wedding date. But, if the marriage were a multi-step process then maybe one of the other feasts would fulfill the second half of the marriage.

Here we see how Jewish betrothal was not the same as our modern notion of engagement. Betrothal was the first step in a two-stage marriage process. At their betrothal, Mary and Joseph would have exchanged their consent to marry each other before witnesses, and this would have made them legally married. However, as a betrothed wife, Mary would have remained living with her own family apart from her husband for up to one year until the second step of marriage took place.

In this second step, the husband would take his wife to his own home for normal married life to begin. Therefore, when the angel Gabriel appeared to her, Mary would have been living between these two stages of marriage: She would have been Joseph’s wife, but not yet dwelling with him.

Third, according to Jewish marriage customs, sexual relations would not take place until the second stage of marriage. Thus, since Mary is a betrothed woman and not yet living with her husband, it would come as no surprise that she was a "virgin".

Here is a great site on relating Jesus and what he did in relation to the Jewish Marriage custom. You’ll notice that the next step is the Husband to come in the night with the sound of a Shofar to come for his Bride:

http://www.returntogod.com/hebrew/Wedding.htm

John 14:2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Blessings,

Tony

West Bank & 40 yrs: May be key to Rapture

I have posted the below Archetype several times. I am re-posting as it becomes more and more relevant for those looking to the Rapture. I’ll give you some highlights and you can study on if you’d like.

There is a significant mention of 40 years below in verse 7. One thing that highlights it is that this mention of 40 years in no longer in translations such as the NIV. The NIV and some other current translations use 4 years. Why? Because it wouldn’t normally fit the text. The 40 years is the amount of time Absalom had not spoken to King David. To me, its obvious that Absalom stands for the Anti-Christ here (and I have other evidence in further passages) and that King David stands for God or Jesus.

Absalom mentions a vow regarding Hebron and that the King would call him to Jerusalem. Hebron is the West Bank. Here is the description in Wikipedia:

Hebron is a city at the center of the Biblical Judea region in the West Bank, along the eponymous Mount Hebron. It is home to some 166,000 Palestinians and 700-800 Israeli settlers. Hebron lies 930 metres (3,050 ft) above sea level. It is the second holiest city in Judaism, after Jerusalem.[1]

Look at all the recent discussions regarding Israel giving over the West Bank and also potentially making Jerusalem a joint capital or some other similar or worse solution.

In the Archetype below it is after David does this that Absalom causes an uprising and unseats David from Jerusalem. David then when he leaves Jerusalem goes up to the Mount of Olives and gives us this great Rapture model:

30And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

The great separation. David went up! At mount Olivet! Weeping…


It is even more powerful when you read it all in context and the prophetic meaning within the Archetype.

For Watchers it shows us that indeed our redemption draws near as the West Bank is near to being given away and Jerusalem 40 years later as a solution for peace may be given back. And Jesus, like King David may leave.

Notice King David leaves behind his 10 concubines (I believe this relates to the 10 Virgins).

Blessings, Tony

__________________________________________________________________
2 Samuel 15

1And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

3And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

Deception, anti-christ “see thy matters are good and right”…
The king is absent “no man deputed of the king to hear thee…”

4Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
Deception & promises to rule the land – a politician tickling ears…

5And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

6And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Clearly these are the tactics of Satan, utilizing anti-christ

7And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

Notice this 40 years. You won’t find it in the NIV. It has been changed to 4 years. Why? It doesn’t make practical, historical sense (David only ruled a total of 40 years). It shouldn’t have been changed. It was written this way on purpose by the Author because it is also prophetic. In the New American Standard and also the King James you will find 40 – very, very important.

40 years. 1967 to 2007 = 40 years

Hebron = West Bank of Israel

Hebron is in the West Bank where all the discussion has been regarding the Palestinians and Israel. If Absalom indeed stands for Satan, then the vow to the king may be anti-christ and the giving away of the west bank for a middle east peace agreement.

After the Six Day War, in June 1967, Hebron and the rest of the West Bank came under Israeli control.

Since early 1997 the city has been divided into two sectors: H1 and H2. The H1 sector, home to around 120,000 Palestinians, came under the control of the Palestinian Authority, in accordance with Hebron Protocol.

8For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.
Geshur is where Absalom’s mother was from and where he fled when he murdered Amnon. In the text it seems Satan may be asking for Jerusalem again as well. Of course it is modern day Syria and Iran that are against Israel.

9And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

10But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
Capturing of the West bank. Absalom (anti-christ/Satan) now has control of Hebron/West bank.

11And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

A following of people after Absalom – deceived…”they knew not anything.”

12And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

12 is the number for government and the people. Ahithophel is a betrayer. Once with David, he now has become a counselor for Absalom. Maybe one or some of the angels/spirit forces that fell with Satan.

13And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

Israel’s heart has fallen to the anti-christ

14And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
Those still faithful at Jerusalem, David tells them they must flee.

15And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.

16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.

David leaves 10 women. These are the 10 bride’s maids that are left to keep the house.

17And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
The departure has taken place. The king goes forth and his people with him to a far off place.

18And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
A mixed group goes forth with the king.

19Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

20Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

A latecomer – the king gives permission to go back…this may even be “us” we are the late generation

21And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

The late coming servant makes a full commitment to go with the king.

22And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.

22 the departure number and David lets Ittai pass over, his men and all his little ones it says.
son of Ribai of Gibeah of Benjamin; one of David's elitea Gittite man who joined David just before Absalom's rebellionson of Ribai of Gibeah in Benjamin; one of David's elite
possibly means “with me” or God is with me.

1) a Gittite commander from Gath in David's army2) one of David's 30 mighty warriors, a Benjamite

23And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

Kidron Valley is where the brook is and means “where God will judge”

24And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

25And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:

26But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

27The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
Zadok an angelic protector returning the Ark of the Covenant and also the 2 witnesses?

28See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
The plain of the wilderness – “the sky” until it is time to attack.

29Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

30And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

The great separation. David went up! At mount Olivet! Weeping…

31And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

Despite conspiracy and plots, YHWH & Jesus’ plan will succeed. The only true wisdom is God’s.

32And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

33Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:

34But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

Hushai means friend of the king and it is his counsel that delays Absalom and undoes the counsel of Ahithophel. He is an Archite. Is this an Arc Angel?

35And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

36Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.
The two witnesses.

37So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 16

1And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
Past the hill, sky and Ziba is an angel brining much needed nourishment.

2And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

3And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, Today shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

4Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.
Ziba asks for grace.

5And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

This is a demon hurling insults at David and his men.

6And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

7And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

An insult to Jesus calling him a bloody man.

8The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.
Absalom thy son. The anti-christ who will use a one world religion to capture the world. This man or group of people are cursing Jesus and those that have left on earth. They say there are gone because they are forsaken and that the true Jesus is a “bloody man”.

9Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
“let me go over”, another realm, this gives indication that this is a curse and taunt coming from earth.

10And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
Jesus as David here is telling them not to take action (later his son Solomon takes care of this man). It is not time. God has ordained that these people from earth should curse him for a time.

11And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

12It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
Jesus knows that God will bless him in due time. No need to act out of fear or anger. Righteous vengeance at the proper time.

13And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.
Cast dust. Again, a reference to earth. He could do nothing but curse.

14And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

15And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

The anti-christ now has Jerusalem.

16And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

17And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

18And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

19And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.
Hushai’s words are clever and he says he will serve in his presence. Of course this was the will of David.

20Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

21And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

22So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Ahithophel’s first council is for Absalom to lay with David’s 10 concubines. He wants to destroy and corrupt. He takes control of Jerusalem, the kingship and also the 10 wives.

2 Samuel 17

1Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

3And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

4And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
Ahithophel wishes to kill only the king – Jesus and bring the people back.

5Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

6And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.

7And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.

8For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

9Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

10And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

11Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

12So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

13Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
Hushai convinces Absalom of the mighty strength of Jesus and the mighty men with him and to wait until later when he gathers all his armies – Armageddon.

14And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

15Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

16Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.

Lodge not in the plains of the wilderness, but pass over. Crossing the waters.

17Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

18Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

19And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

20And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

21And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

22Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
Going over the Jordan. A very, very important crossing.

23And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

24Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.

25And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

26So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

27And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

28Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

29And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
Some of this should be reminding you of the Exodus and the travels in the desert.

2 Samuel 18

1And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.

2And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
Notice Ittai, who was last to make the trip is now in charge of 1/3rd of the armies going into battle.

3But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

4And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

5And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

6So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
7Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.

8For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

9And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

Notice that Absalom rode upon a mule signifying kingship and his head was caught in a great oak (Isaiah 61 – planting of mighty oaks). Also, “and he was taken up between heaven and earth”. This is a battle in the sky. It says in the wood of Ephraim. I have understood Ephraim to be the United States and the woods may be the wilderness above. Possibly a battle over the United States.

10And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.

11And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.

12And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.

13Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

14Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.

15And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

16And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

17And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

Notice that Absalom is cast into a great pit in the wood (wilderness or sky) and a great heap of stones is laid blocking the way.

18Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

19Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

20And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

21Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

22Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

23But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

24And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.
Notice this is verse 24 and “David” – Jesus sits between the two gates.

25And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

26And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
The two watchmen come to the gates. These may represent the two witnesses returning to Jesus.

27And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

28And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

29And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.

30And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.

31And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

32And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.

33And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

2 Samuel 19

1And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

2And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.

3And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

4But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

5And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

6In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

7Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

8Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

The King sat in the gate and now it is time for him to speak. You might think, how could he love Absalom, who stands for Satan so much? God is love. It was said of David by Joab that he loves his enemies more than his friends. Was it not Jesus who said “love thy enemies?” He follows his own words. Yet he is just and he sits in the gates.

9And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

10And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

11And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.

12Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

13And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

14And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.

15So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

The King is crossing back over Jordan. The return of the King.

16And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

17And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

Loyal servants of Israel.

18And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

19And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.

20For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

21But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?

22And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

23Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
The great mercy of Jesus. Forgiving even those who cursed him as he left.

24And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

25And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

28For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

29And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

31And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

33And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

34And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

35I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

36Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

37Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

38And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

39And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

40Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

41And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

42And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?

43And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

The war is over but there is still fighting – over possessions and the King.

2 Samuel 20

1And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

Shocking. Jesus conquers the anti-christ and still there are naysayers.

2So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.

3And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.
Here are the 10 concubines.

4Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.

5So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.

6And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

7And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

8When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.

9And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

10But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

11And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

12And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.

13When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

14And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

15And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

16Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

17And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

18Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.

19I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?

20And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

21The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

22Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

23Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

24And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
25And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
26And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

Using Fiction to Sell Coming Reality

Using Fiction to Sell Coming Reality

Have you read the Left Behind series? If not, I’m sure you are familiar with it. Tim LaHaye utilizes biblical prophetic understanding and progression while Jerry B. Jenkins lays fictional characters and a storyline over the top.

Have you read or heard of Joel Rosenberg? He does the same thing. Biblical prophetic infrastructure covered with a fictional storyline to bring it to life.

Why not the conventional way of just writing the prophetic study book?

Fiction adds excitement…

And most importantly, these theories, though based on scripture would not be easily believed.

Let me give you an example.

Let’s say the above named Authors did not write fiction, but instead wrote and spoke like Isaiah and Jeremiah about terrorists and the rapture.

They would be written off as lunatics. No publication, no interviews, etc.

I’m not sure who started this. I do remember C.S. Lewis coining the word “supposal”. It is a fantastic way to open up someone’s mind who would normally be closed minded to a subject. I believe that C.S. Lewis utilized this strategy with many of his writings.

Think of the strategy. Fiction is more exciting and it conveys your idea or “supposal”. Then if you are right, you are a genius. If you are wrong, or not exactly right then its fiction – Brilliant!

To be clear, I am behind each of these Authors. I have some varying thoughts and ideas, but I think they are doing some good things to get awareness about prophetic ideology.

Okay, now let me switch gears…

If this works for the “good guys”, guess what? It works for the “dark side” as well.

Satan and secular humanism are no fools. What works of fiction are coming out so that minds can be “sold” on what is coming up?

Here are some examples:

Fictional family lifestyles that Satan/Secular humanism would like to have society take on

New Age ideologies

Putting Aliens in a good light (which are really demons and also I believe that these storylines will be used to cover up the Rapture)

Various political agendas

I’ll leave the rest for you to ponder on.

It really leaves us at the same place. There is still only two sides, God and Satan, Truth and deception.

Pray for discernment!

Blessings,

Tony