The First King of Israel

Tonight's episode is another combination of multiple episodes! It includes The Twins--Jacob and Esau, The Story of Jacob and Rachel, and Jacob Returns Home. One of the things that stands out to me about Jacob is thathe lied to and betrayed his own brother and father, and then later is betrayed by his uncle. I've always wondered why God allowed someone involved in so much deception to become the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Adding to my list of questions for Him in heaven!

Tonight we finish up the book of Revelation! In the last three chapters of Revelation, John sees the final defeat of evil, the judgment of all things, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth! The darkness is gone, death is no more, and God dwells with His people. I got very emotional during this episode, mostly because of being sick for so long. And you will hear it. I did not correct it this time. I long for the day when God will wipe every tear from our eyes! There will be no more mourning or crying or pain! None of our friends or family will suffer anymore. We won't suffer. We will have new glorious bodies. Thank God! I cannot wait for that day.

As we continue in Revelation chapters 17 through 19, John is shown the fall of Babylon, the triumph of heaven, and the best part... the victorious return of Jesus Christ! Here we see God's perfect justice and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Hallelujah! How I long for that day, as I know you all do as well. I still find myself struggling with the fear of the end of time and the fear of death itself. But I remind myself that as a Christian, we do not have to be afraid. Even so, God understands that we are human. He is ready to give us His perfect peace that passes all human understanding. I pray for this.

Well, according to the polls the majority of you felt ready to continue with Revelation! In Part 3, the focus shifts to the spiritual battle taking place behind the events of history. John sees visions of the woman, the dragon, the beasts, and the seven angels with their bowls. This is where the mark of the beast is mentioned. We don't need to be afraid--we just need to make sure we follow the commands of God and have the faith of Jesus. Then we will have the seal of God. These chapters remind us that God's victory is certain.

Reading Revelation again has definitely shifted my focus. In part 2, we encounter the opening of the seals and the sounding of the seven trumpets by seven angels. Do you see how much God loves the number seven? As you listen, if you find yourself becoming fearful, remind yourself that God does not give us a spirit of fear... but of power and love and self-discipline. The devil wants us to be afraid when we read Revelation. God wants us to be prepared. He is laying it out for us. Once again, I pray that we are ready. **I know these are heavy episodes. Please complete the survey to let me know if you want an "intermission" of sorts before we move on to part 3 and 4.** We are reading Revelation 6 through 11.