THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE 1

    SIGNS AND SYMBOLS USE BY THE LORD. 
Of all that the Lord uses in the Word, there is none more significant to the Church of today than these used in Revelation Chapter twelve. All three significant symbols are objects of beauty and wonder, as is the woman herself. She is not only clothed with the beauty of the Lord, she is the most beautiful of all of His creation. This woman is the Bride of Christ. Rev. 12:1 

The bride belongs to the bridegroom. She is totally His. Their love is full and complete. A love that cannot exist outside of the Lord. John 3:29 

The church teaches that there will be a marriage in the end of the age between Christ and His church. It is time that we begin to identify her and prepare ourselves to be a part of that glorious organism. Some will not understand this statement, but, far more important than the Second Coming of Christ is the Marriage of the Lamb. 

The marriage is the next great event on the calendar of the Lord. Are you ready? The Bride will have made herself ready. Too many have only an indifferent understanding of the plan of the Lord for His church. Rev. 19:7


    ESPOUSED TO ONE HUSBAND. 
The vision of the Apostle Paul went beyond the churches of that time and embraced that which was to come in the end of the age. A chaste virgin. 2 Cor. 11:2 

A woman sanctified and purified by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. A body of believers in whom the Lord has completed His work of perfection. A people made like unto Himself in every aspect of all things Spiritual. A husband and wife of perfect love, perfect accord, identical in their holiness and purity. This event is not timed to take place after the coming of Christ but is to precede His glorious coming. The Lord will accomplish that which pertains to His purpose for His church. Ps. 138:8 

The greatest of all love was manifest in the sacrifice of Himself, by the Lord Jesus, for His church. Eph. 5:25 He laid down His life for those who were dear and precious to Him, his friends. Those who are identified by their willingness to be obedient to Him and His Word. There never has been nor will there ever be a love such as this, it is eternal and absolute. John 15:13-14 

So close an attachment exist between the Lord and His friends that there are no hidden secrets. The complete revelation of the Lord exists in the Bride. She knows very well His actions for the end of the age. John 15:15 

The greatest, the most outstanding mystery relates to Christ and His church. It is found in the scripture in type, symbol, parable and revelation. It is the most open secret in existence. The fruit of the consummation of the marriage of Christ and His church is the most precious event to be found in the Word. From the ages of eternity the wonder, the great portent made visible in Revelation twelve has been the predetermined plan and purpose of the Lord. 

There never has been a woman which compares to the Bride of Christ. She will satisfy the heart of the Son of the Most High. She will be the perfect, eternal companion for Him. She will be brought into being and will be most fruitful in producing a race which is eternal. Rev. 12:5




          THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.    2

    WHO THE WOMAN COULD NOT BE. 
The negative involves both Israel and Mary, neither of whom could be this gorgeous woman. The opening statement negates the possibility of either of them being the precious woman of Revelation twelve. Note the time related statements, "the time is at hand." The statement has a future tense to it, something which was not to be associated to the past. At his period of time, both Israel and Mary were history. Rev. 1:1 

Secondly, the book states that the "time is at hand." Thus placing it in the future, something which had not yet been accomplished. Rev. 1:3 

Thirdly, current events relating to the time of the giving of the revelation are admissible, plus once again the future. "The things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." Rev. 1:19 

Fourthly, the things of the future are greatly emphasized. "Things which must be hereafter." Rev. 4:1 

Fifthly, The events of the book are related to be things "which must shortly be done." Then in the conclusion, the declaration is, "for the time is at hand." Rev. 22:10 

None of these time involving declarations in any way refer or hint of things that connect to the past. The angel of the revelation came with the message that was directed to the churches which only came into existence after the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:16 

Neither Israel or Mary begin to compare to the glory and majesty that is manifest in this woman, who is the perfected church in the end of the age. Eph. 5:26 

Certainly this volume of witness and testimony would preclude the sun clad woman from being either Israel or Mary.


    HE WILL CREATE A CHURCH OF HIS GLORY. 
Not a forced situation but developed by love, the Word and the Spirit. A company of people who possess the same glory that is frequently revealed as being the mighty presence of the Lord. Eph. 5:27 

She is known as the heavenly Jerusalem, in contrast to that which is earthly. The heavenly is acknowledged as the CITY of the living God. This is the city which Abraham desired in all of his travels. It is acknowledged to be the city of the firstborn. 

First of all the city of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Secondly the city of the redeemed whose names are recorded in the book of eternal life. It is an enigma that men would seek after that which is natural and earthly when that which is eternal and Spiritual is proffered. Heb. 12:22-23 

She, and she alone is termed the Holy City. Only one city suitable to receive such a title and that is the New Jerusalem. we need to stress and place great emphases on the fact that it is the NEW JERUSALEM which is the eternal abode of the Lord. She is a prepared Bride with a standard that is exceedingly high and holy. 

Dressed in the most gorgeous wedding garb that ever existed. Adorned to please her husband. Her clothing, her demeanor, her spirit and dedication are all extremely pleasing to the one who so greatly loves her. 

The one who purchased her with the supreme sacrifice of laying aside His Godhood to become a man. Then to offer Himself as the supreme sacrifice and offering in order to purchase her. The manifestation of supreme love. Acts 20:28




          THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  3

    THE REVELATION OF THE LAST DAY CHURCH. 
This the consummation of two thousand years of the Gospel or church dispensation. The climax of the work of the Spirit. The ultimate handiwork of the Lord. As Eve, the mother of all living was taken from the side of the First Adam, so this true mother of all who possess eternal life is taken from the side of the last Adam. 

That Adam, the Lord Jesus, who is the beginning of a new race, a spiritual culture of beings who have life everlasting. They have been made alive by the quickening Spirit of the true Adam. The first Adam being a prototype of that which is authentic. 1 Cor. 15:45 

As the first, was fruitful and multiplied so it is with the last. The new heavens and the new earth will be occupied.


    FROM HIS SIDE. God performed the very first surgery by causing Adam to fall into a deep sleep (under the power of the Spirit). He then removed a rib as a foundation for his help meet, Eve. She was indeed flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones. She was formed or made by the Lord Himself, no doubt building into her those qualities which pleased Him and which would be desired for the bride of Christ, for the Bride is likewise of Him. Eph. 5:30 

We too are born of blood, water and Spirit, that which flowed from His pierced side. John 19:34 Jesus came with a full witness of that which produces true life in men, eternal life. These three elements are the heart of salvation, lacking the workings of any of them in our lives we come short of pleasing the Lord. 1 John 5:6 They perform the salvation of the Lord in perfect accord. 1 John 5:8 


    BEGOTTEN OF GOD. 
Born of water, blood and Spirit. Uniquely born and created into the being and image of the Almighty. Amazing, the power of the Lord in taking a piece of trash, the sinner, and making of it the most beautiful of creatures. The church as she will see in the looking glass, the Word of the Lord, the beauty which is prepared for her will possess a strong desire to be made like Him. 

The Lord has promised that there will be a work of transformation into the very same image, the same likeness, the express nature and character. 2 Cor. 3:18 

A Spirit filled church will always be in the process of change, from glory to glory. Progressing and growing in the knowledge and wisdom of the Word. As in the natural, knowledge properly applied produces growth and maturity, so in the Spiritual, increased understanding and enlightenment will lead to perfection in Christ. 

This woman is most important to the Lord Jesus. He loves her with the love of very God Himself and gave of Himself for her. Eph. 5:25 

He saw in her the diamond of eternity, the pearl of the ages and so greatly desired her that He was willing to give His very lives blood in order to purchase her and bring her unto Himself. Acts 20:28 

Of a certainty there is no greater love than this. He has made her to be absolutely the most valuable item that has ever been purchased on earth. There has never been a greater price paid for any commodity. That is real love.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  4

    THE SCRIPTURES EXTENSIVELY USE TYPE AND SYMBOL. 
Many of the precious things of the Word are couched in this manner. Purposely the Lord has hidden these precious truths that He might reveal them to His own. Prov. 25:2 

The great mystery of Revelation twelve is the woman. Yet, the Word abounds with choice examples of the Bride of Christ who is this extraordinary woman. From the very beginning, With Eve, the mother, the life giver. To the gorgeous Queen of Psalms forty-five. The woman of perfect virtue and works of Proverbs thirty-one. The wives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

For that matter almost every woman mentioned in the Bible in one way or another exemplifies the woman who will be the Bride of the Lord Jesus. She is amply portrayed and foreshadowed to those who look for her. She is that glorious church of Ephesians five-twenty seven. She is that majestically illuminated city, filled with all the light of the glory of the Lord. Shining, scintillating, glowing like one colossal diamond with the eternal glory of the Lord God Almighty, He who is the very essence of light. Rev. 21:11


    THE ARCHITECT AND BUILDER OF THE CHURCH IS THE LORD.    
The creator and artist who created Eve was the Lord Himself. She was not spoken into existence but carefully and wondrously shaped and formed by the very loving hands of the Everlasting Father. Taken from Adam, a relationship and a kinship of the closes kind. In a very beautiful way, she was born of the man, so the church of the Lord. Born of the Word, born of the Spirit. 

Taken from Jesus ever and indelibly to be a part of Him. Effectively, deliberately the Lord Jesus is shaping and forming His Bride. She is constructed on "this rock," not Peter (the pebble), but upon Christ the rock of the Lord. The spiritual Rock which accompanied the children of Israel in their wilderness journey. The Rock identified as being Christ. 1 Cor. 10:4 

To Israel He was the source of life sustaining waters. To the Bride He is the occupant of the true temple of the Lord. Eph. 2:22 

He will dwell in His fullness and completeness in the Bride in these last days. This is the Divine reason for the existence of the church. He is desirous of her being His and His alone. He longs for her absolute attention and love. The woman was created from the man, for the man, therefore is of the man, so likewise the Bride. 1 Cor. 11:8-9 

The woman is to be the glory of the man, whatever that may be taken to mean in the natural its spiritual implications are tremendous. 1 Cor. 11:7 

The destiny of the Bride is to be the crown jewel of the whole of the plan of salvation. The grand and glorious plan of the Lord was to find a redeemed people who would dedicate themselves whole heartedly to the Lord. From the vision which He gave to John on Patmos it is very evident that He will find those, however many or few, who will measure up to the requirements for purity and holiness, to be members of the Bride of Christ. 

Whether we like it or not, absolute conformity to the Word of the Lord is necessary to be a part of that Bride.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   5

    STANDING ON THE MOON. 
Her foundation steadfast and strong. There is no footing which is as assuring and certain. There is no other foundation but the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11 

He is the stone, the basis of truth and righteousness. Rejected indeed, of men but chosen and precious of God. Jesus is the only foundation, the only headstone. Acts 4:11 

The moon is a most interesting satellite of our earth. In its natural order there is much about it which mirrors the Lord Jesus. 

FOR INSTANCE, scientists have a theory that it originated from the earth, having been cast off and spun into space. That would certainly speak to us of Christ the rejected one. 

IT IS A DEAD BODY. 
Having  the same basic composition as the earth. Jesus became like us that He might save us from our sins. Reminding us of the death of our Lord Jesus. Basically, every month it waxs and wans, or passes through phases where it is full and then dark. Dying and then coming to life, like the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 

No wonder David said, that, the heavens declare the glory of God. Every day and every night the works of the Lord are proclaimed in the heavens. Ps. 19:1-4.

PROPHETICALLY, THE MOON IS TO BECOME BLOOD, BEFORE THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS. 
Please note carefully that the WORD SAYS, that BEFORE the great and notable day of the Lord the moon will be turned into blood. Joel 2:31 

Peter repeated this statement in Acts 2:20 

This is an event which will take place under the opening of the sixth seal. Rev. 6:12 

Wherever one places the Second Coming of Christ, this is an event which must precede it. It is one of the last witnesses and testimonies, of which there are many, that will be as warnings to the world that cataclysmic events are in order and it is high time to repent. 

Jesus when asked about the signs of His coming, gave a darkened moon as one of the signs and placed the event as immediately after the tribulation. Mt. 24:29 

In the following verse He stated that, THEN would appear the sign of His coming. Also that all the peoples of the earth would see the Son of man COMING IN THE CLOUDS. v.30 The trumpet will sound, and His angels will then gather His elect from the face of the whole earth. v. 31 It is so obvious that He is speaking of the moment of His glorious coming. 

GRAVITY MAINTAINS THE MOON IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE EARTH.
Amazingly, while there is a pull from the earth on the moon, the moon likewise exerts a gravitational pull on the earth creating the tides that ebb and flow. Which in turn affect the weather of the earth. 

THE MOON IS SCARED AND POCKMARKED. 
Isaiah said that His visage was marred more than any man. Isa. 52:14 

With the smiting of His face and the plucking of His beard that went on at the time of His crucifixion there is no question but what He was horribly beaten and marked. He suffered more than any other has ever suffered. It was not only physical but deeply spiritual. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   6
    
    HEAVENLY SIGNS AND WITNESSES. 
The sun, moon and stars were created for light, for signs, for seasons, for days and for years, In other words for the establishment and measurement of time. Gen. 1:14 

Prophetically we have noted that they will be very prominent in announcing and warning concerning the end of the age. It may be well to insert here another event which is momentous in relation to the light bearing bodies and their signaling of catastrophes to come. 


    THE WORK OF THE DRAGON (SATAN). 
There is seen, standing before the woman of Revelation twelve an enormous beast, called a dragon, which is one of the names applied to the devil. He has purposed to destroy the offspring of the woman at its birth, but the Lord will deliver the child. What we want to see here is the effect that the dragon has on the stars of heaven. 

He will sweep one-third of them from their position and cast them to the earth, and in this manner destroy them. These stars represent Christians who become enamored with the antichrist. People who follow the cult of man, following signs and wonders, and worship man rather than the Lord.  Rev. 12:4 

This is the beginning of the tribulation. The other bad omen which will signal the beginning of the tribulation is the partial darkness that will strike the universe at this same time. Along with one-third of the stars being effected, one-third of the sun and one-third of the moon will be darkened. Also one-third of the day and one-third of the night will be in total darkness. This darkness will be like that of Egypt, awe striking and fearful. Rev. 8:12 

These are signs of impending catastrophes that beggar description, though they are recorded here in the book of Revelation. The tribulation period will not be the casual time which some make it out to be. It will be a time of extreme judgments and sorrows, described as a time of trouble such as never has been nor ever will be. 

    THE LESSER LIGHT WAS TO RULE THE NIGHT. 
The moon to reflect the light of the greater light and lighten the earth. The sun never ceases to shine on the moon, only the shining side is not always visible to us. Gen. 1:19 

Jesus is that light which shines in the darkness, illuminating all who will receive His light. John 1:5 

Jesus came acknowledging the Father and declaring the Father to be greater than He. The lesser light, confessing the greater light. John 14:28 

Light dispels darkness, the two cannot occupy the same area at one and the same time. Light always wins. Jesus came, as light in order to dispel darkness. Men refuse light because they love darkness and light exposes their evil deeds. John 3:19 

Jesus is indeed the light of the world. He is the light of life. All natural life is sustained by light. Nothing can live where there is no light. How much the natural every day things teach us spiritual lessons, would we but open our eyes and see the witness and testimony with which the Lord has so abundantly surrounded us.  




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  7

    THE RELIGIOUS YEAR WAS BASED ON THE LUNAR YEAR. 
The New Moon was the beginning of the Sabbatical month. It was a day for rejoicing, festivity and thanksgiving. The trumpets were to be sounded proclaiming a New Month. Num.10:10  

A new beginning, a new life, like in Christ, who makes all things NEW. Rev. 21:5 


THE TIME OF THE FEAST OF PASSOVER AND UNLEAVENED BREAD WERE DETERMINED BY THE PHASE OF THE MOON.
The full moon in particular. Leviticus 23:16-18. 

This is greatly significant inasmuch as Christ is our Passover. 1 Cor. 5:7 

The moon was at the peak of its brilliancy at the Time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. 


THE TIME OF THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES WAS ACCORDING TO THE STAGE OF THE MOON. 
Starting with the new moon on the first day of the seventh month to the fifteenth day, the full moon, and the commencement of the Feast of Tabernacles it was a time of great festivity. It was harvest time, the gathering of the general harvest of the land. Lev. 23:24-33 

This is the one feast that as yet is unfulfilled in a Spiritual sense in the church. It represents the great outpouring of the Spirit and the perfection of the church in the end of the age. Passover, foreshadowed or redemption by the blood of Jesus. 

Pentecost, the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Tabernacles, the time when the promises of the Lord to dwell in His people, in His fullness will be accomplished. The moon was and certainly is not to be worshipped in any way but it was directly connected to their time and order of worship. The moon, indeed was for times, signs and seasons.

REFERENCES MADE TO THE MOON PORTRAYING CHRIST. 
How beautifully true, in His days the righteous will flourish, or break forth as a bud or bloom. Wherever Christ is exalted there is to be found great fruitfulness and spiritual growth. Peace to be in great abundance in the heart and life of those who are His. He is enduring and everlasting and so the moon is depicted as having the same attribute. (Margin, until there be no moon.) While the type will cease, Christ will continue eternally, He will outlast that which is created. Ps. 72:7 

He is established, permanent, immoveable, eternal and everlasting and the moon represents that faithfulness. It is the sure, the faithful witness established in the sky. Ps. 89:37 

His testimony of truth and faithfulness is from everlasting to everlasting. It is stipulated that He is the faithful and true witness. The very beginning of the creation of the Lord. Rev. 3:14 

The Lord uses types, shadows and parables to illustrate Bible truths. These were a shadow of the things to come, the reality, however, is found in Christ. Col. 2:17 NIV. 

The Book of Revelation is filled with just that sort of pictorial language and is best explained by searching the Scriptures and noting that which is recorded in the volume of the Book. The Bride will be built on a foundation of truth and righteousness. It is rock solid, unchanging and as steadfast as the Lord Himself. 




                 THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  8

    THE SUN CLAD WOMAN. 
There never has been nor will there ever be a Bride more beautifully clothed than this woman. Our sun is our source of natural life. It is just as simple as no sun, no life. All life exists and is sustained by the sun. While our sun is not the largest in the universe by any means, it is to us "the great light," and as such is a type of the Father. 

The scripture goes so far as to say that the LORD, Jehovah, is a sun. Just as certainly as God is a Spirit, John 4:24, and God is light, 1 John 1:5, and God is love, 1 John 4:16 all of which help explain His being and nature, for He is literally, positively, precisely what the Word says He is. He is light, He is the light and blazing glory of our sun. Light exists because He who is light, created, the light which is in our sun as light for this earth. Gen. 1:3 

He used His light to dispel the darkness which ruled this earth. The very first act of light was to disperse darkness, what a beautiful type of salvation. The light bearing bodies were not created until the fourth day, four being the number of the earth. The light which He had created as a symbol and type of Himself He then placed in all the suns in the universe. Yes, He is a sun. Shining forth the greatest of all lights. Ps. 84:11


    WERE WE TO SEE THE LORD, WHAT WOULD WE SEE? 
We would see a being of light. The greatest light which can be seen in the whole of the universe. The Lord, Himself is our everlasting light. A light that cannot go out nor can it be extinguished. A sun which will never set, for He is eternal light. Isa. 60:19-20 

He lives and dwells in unapproachable light, light so strong and brilliant that man in his sinful state could not stand to be in His glorious presence. 1 Tim. 6:16 

The robe of the Lord is light, He is thoroughly wrapped and surrounded with that brilliant light. Laser light cannot begin to compare to the Lord of light. Ps. 104:2 

If the Lord is so beautifully arrayed, then most certainly the garment of the Bride will be of the same magnificent cloth. What a beauty she will be. Ezekiel, under the inspiration of the Spirit saw the "brightness of the Lords glory" as it filled the court of the temple. Eze. 10:4 

Baptism into Christ means that we have put on Christ. Gal. 3:27 

If we have put on Christ, we than have become what He is, for we are clothed with Him. He is the brightness, the effulgence, the shining forth of the glory of the Lord. He is what His Father is. Bearing the identical image and likeness, the attributes and the character of His Father. Heb. 1:3 

The precise representative of His Father. So much so, that He was able to say that if any man had seen Him, Jesus, He had seen the Father. Did that make Him the Father, no of course not, but He did bear the complete and identical presence of His Father. John 14:9 

Clothed completely with the eternal glory of the Living Lord. The promise of the Word is "that as He is, so are we in this world." 1 John 4:17 

The woman is so involved and intertwined with Christ that she has lost her own identity has become completely what He is. What an amazing, marvelous transformation the true church will experience in these last day. Thrilling beyond words. 





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  9

    SUN CLAD BECAUSE SHE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. 
When addressing His disciples Jesus proclaimed that they would receive the responsibility of being the true light of the Lord, to the world. Mt. 5:14 

The redeemed, having been born of He who is the light, are made to be children of light, therefore shine as the light in the midst of darkness. 1 Thes. 5:5 

In revealing the language of the symbol in the book of Revelation, the Lord Jesus determined the Pastors of the seven churches to be stars. Every star blazing brilliantly in the heavens is a sun. The seven churches themselves were the flames of the seven branched candlestick. The light of the glory of the Lord glowed in those who followed Him. The prophet Malachi foretold of the coming of the Lord Jesus by calling Him the SUN of righteousness, not only is He the SON of God but He is His own rights a SUN. A shinning, blazing, glowing orb of heavenly light showing forth in the darkness. He is the Son of His Father therefore it is no wonder if we find the same attributes manifest in Him as seen in the Father. Mal. 4:2 

In Jesus is found the glow of the righteousness of the living God. The path which He prepared for those who are His, is similar to the rising of the sun, and the rays proceeding from between mountain tops
announcing its rising. Then the full bursting forth of the glories of the dawn and the new day. Prov. 4:18


    THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE WOMAN IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION.
The woman is not suddenly clothed with the sun and then carried away. She will be clothed and filled with the fullness of the glory of the Lord for approximately a year. The perfection of every spiritual benefit and exercise will be known in her during that period of time. 

She will be in the midst of a move of the Spirit such as never has been seen in the earth. The call of the Spirit is heard calling her to arise, to be stirred and enter into the blessings of the Lord for the Bride. Isa. 60:1 

Again the call is issued in Isa. 52:1 

To awake, spoken twice to emphasize the importance of the command. They are to put on the garment of beauty and shine with the eternal glory of the Lord. The moment for the glory of the Lord to be manifest in them has arrived. A time of gross spiritual darkness enshrouding the earth when suddenly this woman of beauty and splendor will break forth on the scene. His glory has come and is now to be made manifest in His very own. 

The multitudes of the unsaved will flock to the Lord under the tremendous double, later rain of the Spirit of the Lord. She will be radiant, her heart thrilled and rejoicing in seeing the multitudes coming to the Lord. Isa. 60:2-5 

The full strength of the Lord will be hers. The unrighteous, the unholy will no more be seen in her. She is now the city of purity. This is the true Holy City. The Zion of the Lord. The Spiritual, eternal city which is the everlasting Temple of the Lord Almighty. She is the New Jerusalem, the city which will glow like the Sun and have all the attributes of the Lord Himself. 
    
    



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  10

    TO SHINE BRIGHT, LIVE RIGHT. 
Jesus warned of a season when there would be a time of division in His kingdom. Once again it is a situation of the chaff with the wheat, and the tares remaining with the wheat until the moment of weeding out. This moment is aptly portrayed in the Word. After the cleansing, then the righteous Bride will shine as the sun. Mt. 13:41-43 

Judgment must first begin at the house of the Lord. Those who know the right way bear more responsibility than those who do not. 1 Pet. 4:17 

The wise, in knowledge and obedience to the Word of the Lord, living and manifesting the righteousness of the Lord, will shine as the heavens and the stars. Dan. 12:3 

In the resurrection and the life to come there are differences of the shining forth of the glories of the resurrection. Some will be clothed with the outstanding glory of the sun. Others the moon glory. Still others with the glory of the stars and with the great variety of splendor that is seen among the stars. 1 Cor. 15:41 

Not all will have the same glory or position in eternity. Just as there will be some who occupy the throne with the Lord, some are seated on thrones around His throne, and there are others who stand before the throne. The Bride of the Lord Jesus seated with Him on His thrones will glow with the shekinah glory of the Lord.


    EZEKIEL SPOKE OF HIS VISION OF THE LORD OF GLORY. 
He saw a throne which appeared to be occupied by a man. The throne itself was beautiful and glorious and was like unto a sapphire stone, the azure blue of the sky. Which incidentally is the color of the Holy Spirit. The LORD, Himself look as if He was a burning, blazing fire, and why not? For our God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29 

He is not the fire which we use for heating and cooking, but is a spiritual, eternal flame of glory. Destructive, devouring and yet not all consuming. Doing no harm, but destroying the chaff of ones life. He is the one who baptizes with Spirit and with fire. Mt. 3:11 

Who will dwell eternally with such flame and fire? The answer is, the righteous. As the sun is an orb of intense heat and flame so the eternal kingdom of God will be a sphere of the might and flaming power of the Spirit. Isa. 33:14-16 

Ezekiel saw the brilliancy of the God of fire and light. Eze. 1:27 

The eyes of the Lord Jesus are described by John as being like blazing fire and His feet like glowing brass heated in a furnace. Rev. 1:14-15 

We are not considering an element which is to be harmful in any way to those who walk with the Lord, but rather an exciting use of the language of the symbol describing the exceeding great glory which will be manifest in the Lord Jesus and that which clothes His Bride. There is another manifestation of His glory and fire which is not at all comforting and that is the time of His visitation to this earth, a second time. 

He is coming in great fire executing vengeance on all who do not know the Lord and who are not willing to acknowledge Him as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. The second coming of Christ is not a casual event but the greatest catastrophe ever to strike his earth. It is total and complete judgment. 2 Thes. 1:7-10




           THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  11

          WHO IS THIS? YES, WHO IS THIS? 
It behooves every Christian to know and understand just exactly who she is. She is coming from the wilderness or the desert place. Prophetically, according to the schedule of the Lord this woman who was delivered by the Lord and concealed in the wilderness, Rev. 12:6, is now returning from the wilderness. Song 6:10 

What majesty, what beauty is upon her. She is glorious and shining like the dawn of a new and bright sunlit day. She is as beautiful as the moon reflecting the light of the sun. As Christ who is the distinct radiance of His Fathers glory. She is as pure, as choice as the sun. One to be desired and longed after for she is completely emptied of self, and filled with Christ, her beloved. She is as awesome as a mighty army with banners. Because of the radiance that is upon her she strikes fear into the heart of her enemies. She is a great and mighty army, in absolute unity as they march. Her foes are to be pitied. She is the army of the Lord. Joel 2, Rev. 19:11-16 


           COMING FROM THE WILDERNESS. 
Coming like pillars of smoke. Smoke accompanies and is the result of fire. The mighty presence of the Lord on Sinai had the appearance of fire and smoke, concealing the glory of the presence of the Lord. Ex. 19:18 The same manifestation is evidenced in judgment. The visitation of the Lord in sentencing Sodom and Gomorra was after the same manner. Gen. 19:28 

The presence of the Lord can be a complete blessing unto life eternal or an absolute condemnation to eternal damnation, depending on the spiritual condition of those whom the Lord is visiting. In this instance the smoke is caused by the incense of myrrh and frankincense as well as various other spices, all of which are representative of the prayer and worship of the Bride for her Bridegroom. Note Rev. 8:4                            


           LO, THERE ARE TWO COMING FROM THE DESERT. 
The Bridegroom and His beloved Bride. Like a couple returning from a honeymoon, she is, in love and adoration, leaning on His arm. Both in affection and for strength. Song 8:5 

His right hand, the hand of power, strength and authority sustaining her. Ps. 63:8 

There is a love story between Christ and His church, that exceeds all others. The emotion and love expressed between them are pure and untainted by the lusts of this world. Her words may be found in scriptures like Psalm 63:8 "My soul followeth hard after thee, thy right hand upholdeth me." She clings to or stays close to Him. 

On His part, it may be said, the king shall greatly desire thy beauty. The Word is filled with their expressions of love, one to another. Theirs is perfect love. During the time of trouble upon the earth, such as has never been nor ever shall be, she has been kept in absolute, perfect peace. Her trust and confidence has been in the LORD JEHOVAH for He IS everlasting strength. Isa. 26:3-4 

The story of her deliverance and protection is marvelous and wonderful and amply foretold in the Word. Rev. 12:6, 14 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  12

    A WOMAN WEARING A CROWN. 
That would certainly make her to be royalty, a reigning monarch. Rev. 12:1 

The Lord, who is the creator of all things beautiful and of value, has made her to be a crown of glory and a royal diadem, in His hands. Isa. 62:3 

Not only is she crowned but through His workmanship she is the crown jewel of heaven and eternity. The woman crowned with the brilliant glory of the living Lord. Were it not for the Lord, she would not be able to occupy such a high and holy position. He has promised that He, Himself will be a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to her. The fullness of His glory and majesty will rest upon her. She will be what she is, because of Him and His presence, which will dwell in His Bride. Isa. 28:5


    THE CROWN OF TWELVE STARS. 
The stars are the third in the light bearing bodies created by the Lord. In the poetical language of the scriptures, stars are made to represent individuals. In particular those who are filled with the Spirit. In the symbology of the Godhead they represent the Holy Spirit. 

The Lord, in making His promise to Abraham concerning his progeny used them as a sign of the number of His offspring. That number is astonishing. Our galaxy, the Milky Way galaxy, where our earth is found, is composed of hundreds of billions of stars. It is about 100,000 light years broad. A light year is the distance light would travel in one year, or about 5,88 trillion miles, and that is just our galaxy. It is estimated that there are some 100 billion galaxies spread through the visible universe. 

These numbers are beyond comprehension, particularly in the light of the promise given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The promise of a seed to equal the number of the stars. A number, of which the sum total is not yet known. The farther man can look in the universe, the farther he finds it to be spread out. The edge or the end has not yet been discovered. 


    THE THREEFOLD PROMISE. 
All of which present a real problem when it comes to numbering their totality. The first instance was the stars. His descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens. Gen. 15:5 

The second time, after the offering of Isaac, the Lord made this promise He added another impossible subject to be numbered and that was, as the sand of the sea. Gen. 22:17 

The third measurement, though first in sequence, is such a common element as dust. Gen. 13:16 

Dust, could well be the greatest in volume. It would represent all those who would have some trace of having descended from Abraham, of which There are many. 

The second, sand, representing the natural seed. 

The last, the stars, that which is glorified. The redeemed, those who have accepted the Spiritual life which is found in the Lord Jesus. The wise, the righteous are they who are destined to shine with the glory of the Lord throughout the eternity to come. Dan. 12:3




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   13

    THE TWELVE STARS IN HER CROWN. 
Both the symbol and the number used, speak to us of divinely appointed leadership. The number twelve is the figure that is used from the twelve sons of Jacob to these twelve gems in the crown of the Bride to indicate God appointed and ordained authority. 

Perfect order and guidance is an attribute of the Lord. As with the early church He established twelve Apostles, so with the church in the end of the age there will be an Apostolic administration which will lead and guide the church into perfection. Rev. 12:1 

That stars are emblematic of church leaders is illustrated to us by the reference of the stars being the pastors of the seven churches in Asia. Rev. 1:20 

The mystery is openly revealed, which of course, is the object of the book of Revelation.


    TO RIGHTLY ESTABLISH THE FULFILLMENT OF THE REVELATION.
Some, place the events of which we have written as having been fulfilled in the days of Christ. The book of Revelation itself, will give us the proper answer to that question. The book was introduced with the comment originating from the Lord that these statements are faithful, trustworthy and true, this is said in relationship to the whole of the book. Also that the events recorded here were for the future and were to take place in the time to come. Rev. 1:1 

As if to seal the message of the end times found in the volume of the Revelation, in the concluding chapter the statement is reiterated, "things which must shortly be done." Rev. 22:6 

The communication of the entire book is projected into the future from the time when John was in exile on Patmos. The year being approximately 94 AD. The year of the introduction of the Revelation would preclude the woman of chapter twelve from having any reference whatsoever to the virgin Mary. The whole history of the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ was past. Nothing in chapter twelve relates to Mary or His birth.  


    THE BOOK OF BLESSINGS FOR THE READER. 
The book of Revelation is the only book which contains this message of blessing for those who read and hear its message. In the midst of all its judgments there is a beautiful message of deliverance and love of Christ for His Bride. Rev. 1:3 

Please note, once again the futuristic message of the book. Here in Rev. 1:3 the time is stated as being "at hand." It is used again in Rev. 22:10 

It could be said that the reference to those things "at hand" related to the messages sent by the Lord Jesus to the seven churches in Asia. The conditions related concerning them were the particular circumstances which existed in them at that time. The word "hereafter" or in the future is used in Rev. 1:19, 4:1 

There is most certainly ample evidence in the statements made in the book that it is to be fulfilled in the end of the age. The establishment of the woman in chapter twelve is the key to the rapid completion of the events recorded in the book of Revelation.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   14

    A WOMAN. 
The woman, a Bride. The one receiving a Bride is the Bridegroom. She belongs to Him. She is His and His alone. So, the Bride of Christ. John 3:29 

The aim of the Apostle Paul was to present the church as a Bride to the Lord Jesus. Therefore, as a Father in the faith, his  means was to promise (an engagement) them to Christ, as a pure virgin. A body of believers who were wholly sanctified and dedicated to the Lord. A people who have been thoroughly cleansed for all the works of the flesh and have been sanctified by the power and mighty cleansing effect of the Word of the Lord. Eph. 5:26 

Paul stated it was a profound mystery, which it is indeed. Nevertheless it is the ultimate object of the Father to find a wife for His Son. Eph. 5:32 

It is His divine purpose and good pleasure to create a woman, a church, a bride who is to be the very essence of holiness and righteousness. A glorious church, clothed with the sun like glory of the Lord. She is the crowning work of the Lord and possesses His very character and nature of absolute holiness. The very epitome of everything that the Lord Himself is, or ever could be. The bride will be, "members of His body" one, completely unified with Him. "Of His flesh and of His bones." Eph. 5:30 

Those who are joined to Him, of necessity, must be like Him in every aspect which is demonstrated in the coordination of a healthy, strong body. The unity, the harmony of such a combination staggers the imagination, but it is true. There will be the marriage of the ages in these last days which is the completion of the grand and glorious plan of salvation. These two shall be one, so is the decree of the Word of the Lord. Gal. 5:31 

She is the woman of Revelation twelve, to the exclusion of all others. None other can fill her place in the economy of the Lord.


    THIS WOMAN IS DIFFERENT, SHE IS BORN OF THE MAN. The man is the man, Christ Jesus. New birth, birth in the Spirit is found only in the Lord Jesus. At His crucifixion, His side was pierced by a spear in the hand of one of the Roman soldiers. This allowed a flow of blood and water to break forth. It is here that the woman, the church, is born of the man, the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 11:8 

We are brought into fellowship with Him by the water and the blood, administered by the Spirit. As with the natural, so with the Spiritual. John 19:34 

Paul taught that the woman is the glory of the man. Never is this more true than in this beautiful relationship between Christ and His church. We see her in the fullness of glory, which is His glory. 1 Cor. 11:7 

She has been brought into existence for Him. She is the workmanship of the Lord just as Eve was. The Bride is created in Christ Jesus and is to bear His likeness and character. Eph. 2:10 

She is the apex of the new creation. Renewed because of the revelation of the knowledge of who and what Jesus is to the church. She will bear His likeness and image in every aspect of her being. Col. 3:10 

The only possibility of a marriage in this case is for both individuals to meet the requirements recorded in the Word of the Lord. They must be identical in every Spiritual aspect. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   15

    THE WOMAN AS PROPHESIED BY ISAIAH. 
She is presented as a married woman. She is the one who is married to Him who created her. Isa. 54:5 

As a matter of fact, she is brought into existence for the very purpose of marriage. It is well that we establish at his time the fact that this woman is not from any one race of people. She is composed of the redeemed and consecrated from every tongue tribe and nation. 

For the Lord is the God of all people who will believe on Him. Rom. 3:29-30 

Her husband is identified as LORD, Jehovah of hosts. His bride will know Him by his name and will serve Him faithfully.  


    THE MAKER, THE BUILDER. 
Christ Jesus is the builder of is own house. As the architect and builder He is able to build it with the material and into the form and shape which He desires. We are that house as long as we maintain our spiritual life, in Him. Heb. 3:6 

The house which He is building will have the following chararistics without failure. There will be absolute unity of the faith or doctrine. Paul appealed to the Corinthians to come to an arrangement where they were absolutely in agreement in mind and thought. Most assuredly, if we have the mind of Christ there will be unity. 1 Cor. 1:10 

What changes that will require for those who would desire to be a part of that divine building. It would be a miracle if all were to conform to this constructional requirement. Not to comply would result in elimination from the bride. A sweeping and complete knowledge of the Son of God will also be required. 

That means to know Him in the fullest sense, literally to have the mind of Christ. The house will be built of perfect materials, of the very highest quality and value. That which the Lord Himself has perfected. The bride must measure up to all the divine qualifications which are found in Christ, until she attains the status of a perfect individual. Eph. 4:13 

The measuring rod is the Lord Jesus, Himself. Measuring ourselves by ourselves, which we are so prone to do, is not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12 

The goal, the stature unto which the bride must attain is likewise the Lord Jesus. None will be in the bride who do not reach the fullness that is found in Christ. It is His goal and design that His bride, His body, be completely, a perfect replica of Himself. 

Furthermore that she be thoroughly furnished, in the Spirit, with the totality of Himself. Eph. 1:23  
     
He is our example. He is the measurement which will be used for the whole building. There will not be any inferior materials found in the building, nor will it come short, or be off, in any of its dimensions. In other words it is the perfect structure. Beautiful and precise. 

Not only is He the architect, the builder but He is also the inspector. He has established the requirements for the structure and they must pass His inspection. In this manner all non conforming materials will be rejected. 

The man who refused to wear the proper garb at the wedding, though designated as a Friend was summarily removed from even being a guest, let alone being a member of the wedding party. Be sure to have the wedding garment on. It is an essential. Mt. 22:12 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  16

    THE WOMAN RESCUED AND DELIVERED. 
The woman is led by the Lord to escape into a place designated as a wilderness, a desert, a solitary place. Separated and set apart from all that will occur in the world at this period of time. Rev. 12:1 

Consider the glorious manner in which she is transported. She is given two wings, of a great eagle. Rev. 12:14 

It is beautiful to see how the Lord repeats so many of His actions, in the church, as He first wrought them in Old Testament times. He spoke to Israel and declared that He brought them up, out of Egypt on eagles' wings, or by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ex. 19:4 

How many times have we quoted Isa. 40:31 in reference to some spiritual experience which has taken place in our lives? Most assuredly, this will be part of that which the Bride will undergoing as she is taken into her prepared place. 

This woman, at this moment of time, will fulfill one of the great prophecies proclaimed by the Lord Jesus when He said, "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world," then the end shall come. Mt. 24:14 


    THIS WOMAN IS THE MESSENGER OF THE GOOD NEWS. 
The ministry of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ has not been delegated to angels. It is the responsibility of the church to proclaim the Gospel to the entire world. Besides that, the word angel is very ambiguous in its interpretation, for it can mean a created angel, a messenger or a pastor, any one who brings spiritual tidings. 

Certainly, this angel flying in the heavens is the Bride being transported into her place and as she passes through the sky she is declaring the everlasting Gospel of Christ. Her message will be heard by, every nation, all kindred, every person alive on the earth and in every language spoken on the earth. In this manner we may be assured that the work of the preaching of the Gospel will be finished prior to the Second coming of the Lord Jesus. Rev. 14:7 

The voice of the Bride will be with exceeding great force and volume. Very likely a fearsome sound. The voice of the Lord sounded like a trumpet to John on Patmos. Rev. 1:10 once again he heard that trumpet like voice calling to him. Rev. 4:1 

If the deafening sound of the voice does not create fear in the hearts of the unsaved, the message delivered certainly will. The hour of His judgment has come. This will develop into a period of great trouble on the earth such as never had been nor ever shall be. Therefore they are urged to glorify the Lord and to worship Him. 

The inhabitants of the world are given a last moment opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord. It is significant that the mystery of iniquity is mentioned in conjunction with the removal of the Holy Sprit. For the wings of the great eagle are symbolic of the Holy Spirit, who will transport the Bride into her place. 

He will no longer be manifest anywhere in the world, but is with the Bride and will be found with the Bride alone. 2 Thess. 2:7 

All restraint exercised by the presence of the Holy Spirit will then be removed, sin and the extremity of unrighteousness will prevail in the earth.   




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   17

    THE WILDERNESS. 
First we note that this place termed wilderness is a place prepared by the Lord. Rev. 12:6 

Not only is she taken to a prepared place which is for her alone, but she is to be cared for, by the Lord for a specified period of time, and that away from the presence of everything that is of the serpent. Rev. 12:14 as the Lord removed Israel from Egypt, so also will He remove His Bride from the Egypt of this world. 

The scriptures make the wilderness to be rather an intriguing place. Certainly, when contrasted with the condition of the world at that time, an excellent place of repose and security. His promise pertaining to the wilderness is that it will be like the garden of Eden, which means delight of pleasure. 

What Adam and Eve lost because of sin. The last Adam, Christ, and His Bride will gain, because of righteousness. Also the Lord led Israel through the wilderness for forty years and amply displayed His ability to protect and feed them. So the Bride will dwell in His prepared garden of Eden and be wonderfully cared for and protected. Isa. 51:3 

The desert of the Bride will be like the garden of the Lord. There will be absolutely nothing lacking there. Only in this garden will there be found joy and gladness. Volumes of praise and thanksgiving will be heard accompanied by the song of the Lord. 


    CAN GOD FURNISH A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS? Ps. 78:19
So was the word of the unbeliever. The logistics of caring for and feeding Israel in the wilderness journey must have been terrific. Yet, the Lord never failed them in supplying their every need. 


DIVINE GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION WAS UPON THEM FOR FORTY YEARS. 
The LORD, Jehovah was their personal guide by day. Every move was according to His plan. His presence was concealed by a pillar of a cloud by day and by a pillar of fire by night. Thus they had shade and the very best of a free lighting system. Ex.13:21 

In duplicating what was a type of that which was to come, the Lord will once again reveal His divine capabilities for care and protection. The Bride in the wilderness will be cared for in the same fashion. The cloud by day and the fire by night. Literally the very light and glory of the Lord which will rest upon here will be her defense. Isa. 4:5-6 

There is no way in our modern world that a large company such as the Bride could be hidden. Modern surveillance methods preclude that for certain. The place of her camp will be well known, but there will be no way for any attack of any kind to be used against her. The protection of the Lord is impregnable. Because she is the tabernacle of the Lord she will be unperturbed or disturbed by any of the judgments and violence which is scheduled for the earth during this period of time. 

The weather also will not be a problem for her. The Bride will live in absolute tranquillity and peace, while the world around her is in complete upheaval and turmoil. To be in the Bride of Christ in this end of the age should be the highest goal for every child of the Lord. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  18

    THE BEAUTY OF THE WILDERNESS. 
Prior to the arrival of the Bride the area is dry barren ground. Empty of vegetation and waters to promote growth. What had been void and dry was about to spring forth into life and a great change. Therefore the desert place will rejoice and be glad for them and will bring forth beauty as the rose. Spirituality influences all that surround it and brings forth life. Isa. 35:1 

The lush growth resulting in the presence of the Bride will be in great abundance. Joy, rejoicing and abundant song will be heard there. Songs of adoration and praise unto the Lord. The beauty, the glory of Lebanon shall be seen there. Lebanon, so named because of its white snowy peaks. Which are symbolical of the purity and righteousness of the Lord. Also noted for its beautiful cedars. The Lord has promised to make His footstool a place of beauty and glory. Isa. 60:13 

The magnificence of both Carmel (fruitful, plentiful) and Sharon (pleasant, prosperous) to be in great evidenced in the wilderness. Likewise the splendor, the glory, the comeliness of the LORD, Jehovah to be fully manifest. Isa 35:2

    AS WITH ISRAEL, SO WITH THE BRIDE. 
When Israel left Egypt there was not a sick or maimed person among them. They had just partaken of the Passover and discovered the healing virtue of the blood and the flesh of the Lamb. Ps. 105:37 

So with the Bride, there will be no ambulance cases among them. They are all in complete physical health. Isa. 35:3-6

    WATERS FROM A GREAT VARIETY OF SOURCES. 
There is no lack of an assurance that water will be in great abundance in the wilderness. Water is that which is typical of the Holy Spirit. Once again, as it was with Israel, so it will be with the Bride in the wilderness. In Horeb (dry, desolate, drought) the Lord stood before the people on the rock. When Moses smote it an exceeding abundant supply of water gushed forth from it. Ex. 17:6 

Consider the tremendous flow of water that was necessary to take care of three million people plus all their animals. Surely our Lord is amazing. And that rock was Christ. 1 Cor. 10:4 

As He was with the children of Israel, most definitely He will be with His Bride in the wilderness. Bursting forth in the desert will be tremendous flow of water, or more importantly the moving of the Spirit. Note that there will be streams, plural, flowing in the wilderness. Isa. 35:6 

Where there was but parched ground there will be a pool of fresh pure water, and in all of the thirsty land there are to be springs of water. Isa. 35:7 

The Lord calls it a new thing. Something which springs up, suddenly appears on the scene. Streams of living water in the waste land all as a blessing for His people, those who are His chosen. The very elect
of the Lord. Isa. 43:19-20 

His choice ones, the people whom He formed for His own good pleasure. The crowning work of His redemption. A church, a Bride who is fully dedicated and sold out to all of His plans and purposes. Isa. 43:21 
    





    THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE. 19

    A MAN TO BE A HIDING PLACE. 
A secure refuge provided for the protection of the Bride. Who else but the Lord Jesus could be the defense which will be so vital to those in the wilderness. Security from the angry blasts of the powers of darkness ruling the earth during that period of time. Isa. 32:2 

Her deliverance from the tempest or flood of water which is sent to destroy her. Rev. 12:15-16 

The amalgamated nations, the one world government will deploy their forces like "the rushing of many waters" seeking to destroy her but the Lord will intervene. Her deliverance from all attempts to destroy her is certain. Isa. 17:13 

Her man, the Lord Jesus will be to her as rivers of water and as the shadow of a great rock in a land of weariness. That rock is like a stronghold, a fortress to her. He will be to her a strong rock and a house of defense and a fortress. For His own names sake He will lead and guide her during all this time. Ps. 31:2-3.


    A HIGHWAY PREPARED OF THE LORD. 
It will bear the title of the Highway of Holiness. No impurities of any sort will be able to find their way along this road. It is a Way reserved for those who classify to be in the Bride. Isa. 35:8 

Holiness is a divine requirement for those who would seek to be in the presence of the Lord. Heb. 12:14 

No vicious animals to be found there. It is a way created for the redeemed of the Lord. ISA. 35:9  


    THE TRUE ZION OF THE LORD. 
Our interest should be centered on the Spiritual city. The Sion of the Lord. The heavenly Jerusalem. The city which will be occupied by the living Lord. The future blessings and mercies of the Lord are to be found in that which is Spiritual. Heb. 12:22 

This is that church or Bride which is to be sheltered in the wilderness while unrighteousness runs rampant in this world. The rock, Christ Jesus is to be found as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to the non-spiritual Zion. However if they believe on Him they will be blest and not be ashamed. Rom. 9:33 

To the true Sion, Jesus is the chief corner stone. Those who come to faith in Him will not be confounded or be put to shame. 1 Pet. 2:6 

The same stone who is to one Sion, an offense. While to the other, He is the only foundation, the stone upon which the whole of the building depends. The capstone of the whole city. 


    THE WINGS AS A DOVE. 
Again a type of the Holy Spirit. Picture the Bride seeking a place of rest and tranquility. Desiring to escape to a place of peace. Wanting to fly into a wilderness area. In this manner escaping the winds and storms of great turmoil. 

Determined to flee from the wickedness and violence that even in our day is increasing, how much more intense it will be in the days to come. The woman of Revelation twelve will not have to face all the mischief and sorrow which mark the end of the age. The tribulation period. Ps. 55:6-10 

The process of peace will be in full force in the midst of the church in the wilderness. While the storms rage all over the world there will be nothing but peace and assurance for the Bride who has entered into the place, the wilderness. Isa. 32:17-18 

Though it is termed a wilderness it will be anything but a wilderness. 





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  20

    THE TIME OF HER SOJOURN IN THE WILDERNESS. 
The time of her stay in the wilderness is first listed as one thousand two hundred and sixty days (1260). Rev. 12:6 

The same interval of time is given, in a different manner and is listed as being a time (1), a times (2) and half a time (1/2) which is three and one half years (3 1/2). Rev. 12:14 

Given in prophetic terminology, following the pattern stated in Daniel 7:25 which is "a time, times and half a time." The two measurements are identical and cover the same time of duration, which is the length of the great tribulation period, and the time of her dwelling in the wilderness.


    THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME WITH DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
For this occasion the time is measured in months. The prevailing situation will take place while the Bride is in her secret place. During the identical time, the world, the outside world, will sustain the following religious conditions. 

The first that is mentioned is the circumstance which will prevail in the city of Jerusalem. 

The place, the city is, exemplified by the outer court of the temple which is symbolic of Israel. Its measurements and furnishings are indicative of the time of the Law. 

The court is to be left out, actually "cast out."  The scripture is telling us that the city is to be trodden down of the Gentiles for the period of forty-two months, or three and one-half years. Rev. 11:2 

This plainly shows that the time of the Gentiles does not come to a conclusion until the close of the tribulation period, for the Gentiles will be in control for these forty-two months and will trample under foot the city. Jesus was very specific in His statement pertaining to the city of Jerusalem and the treading under foot of Jerusalem. Luke 21:24 

The holy city, over and above all other so called holy cities, is the city of Jerusalem. Note Mt. 4:5 Since the Revelation pronounced such a word of prophecy pertaining to Jerusalem, one is made to wonder about peace in the mid east, and in particular for Jerusalem. 

Under any circumstances the antichrist will have His capitol in and completely control the city of Jerusalem for the entire length of the tribulation. Daniel foresaw those days and wrote of them. He spoke of a ruler, one of great authority, who would come. Gaining his throne by war or revolution. A man who would blaspheme the living Lord. Altering times and changing laws. He will institute persecution against all who would show any evidence of Christianity. The nations of the entire world will be in complete subjection to him. He is to be the dictator of all dictators. Note that he will seek to afflict mentally or to wear out the saints. Also, they will be given into his hands. He will reign for three and one-half years. Dan. 7:25 

These against whom he will institute great persecution are called the "remnant of the woman's seed." Those who did not meet the measurements required to be in the Bride of Christ and consequently were not delivered from the great tribulation. They are a portion of the tribulation martyrs who are seen before the throne of the Lord and are identified as being those who came out of the great tribulation. Rev. 7:14




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  21

    THE TWO WITNESSES OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD. 
The length of time in which they give their testimony covers the same period of time as the preservation of the Bride in the wilderness. One thousand two hundred and sixty days, or three and one-half years. They are men of extreme, supernatural power. They are individuals who are in mourning for Israel, for they are clothed in sackcloth. They are true prophets of the Lord. Rev. 11:3 

Their witness is directed, in particular, to the Israelites who are living at that moment of time. Their witness and testimony will replace the witness of the Bride. They will declare that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. As Jesus came to minister to the "lost sheep of Israel" so, these will make up the completeness of that call to salvation which was given to Israel. 

Jesus fulfilled the first half of Daniel's seventieth week having ministered three and one-half years prior to His death. Now these two come to finish the seventieth week by ministering for three and one-half years in Jerusalem.


    THE HEAVENLY POSITION OF THE TWO WITNESSES. 
The high and holy position of these two men is indeed unique for they are located before the throne of the LORD, Jehovah. They are proclaimed to be the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before the Lord of the whole earth. Rev. 11:4 

That they are fully involved with the workings of the Holy Spirit is very obvious. They are symbolized by olive trees, the source of the natural anointing oil and two lampstands, which illuminated the tabernacle, the temple, the church and very heaven itself. In the vision of Zacheriah, and in the houses of worship, under the Law, there was but one candlestick. In the vision given to John, there were two candlesticks. Rev. 11:4 

The seven candlesticks of the book of Revelation are identified as being the seven churches in Asia. They were birthed by and retain the anointing and light of the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, they are acknowledged as being light bearers to a dark and sinful world. Rev. 1:20 

The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Law and the Prophets as the Old. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as the New. These two men are from the Old order and represent the Law and the Prophets. They come to complement the New. They are the two anointed ones or sons of oil. Zech. 4:14 


    THE CITY WHEREIN THEY GIVE THEIR WITNESS. 
It is the city where the Lord Jesus was crucified. This city will be a center of great religious activity during the tribulation. It will also be the capitol city of the antichrist as well as it being the city where these two witness minister. 

It is called a great city and will be the city where the carcasses of the two witnesses will be on display for three and one-half days, a day for a year. The Lord calls it both Sodom and Egypt. This gives us an insight as to the feelings of the Lord toward this place. Rev. 11:8 

When the Lord Himself refers to a city in such a manner and with such terms it could hardly be a place which is meaningful to Him.  




                 THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  22

    THE LAST WEEK OF DANIEL'S SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY. 
The seventy weeks were the time allotted to Israel to accomplish the dealings of the Lord with them. It is the last week, the seventieth week that is of interest to us in this study. A day is found representing a year in this prophecy. 

Therefore the last week involves a period of seven years. It is interesting to note that not once in the book of Revelation is there any reference to a seven year period of time. However, and to repeat, measurements of one thousand two hundred and sixty days, forty-two months and a time, times and half a time are used. 

All are in regard to the same duration of time. This final week is allotted in particular to Israel. The message of the Lord is directed to them. It is their time of salvation, though we must remember that the door is not closed to the Gentiles. Under the laws of Israel the Gentiles could become proselytes.


    THE SEVENTIETH WEEK MUST BE DIVIDED. 
It was to be divided into two parts, each a term of three and one-half years. The two periods of time were to be divided, not only by a measurement of years, but by a condition called "the overspreading of abominations." Dan. 9:27 

This situation is caused by a restoration of Temple worship, or the continuation of old testament sacrifice and worship after the once for all sacrifice of Christ. Isaiah very plainly states the feelings and emotions of the Lord toward any attempt to continue the Old Testament sacrifices after the death of Christ. 

To do so is an abomination before the Lord and is to blaspheme the Son of God. It is likewise an insult of the highest degree. Isa. 66:1-5 

The Lord does not look to the house built by man, He looks to the man who appreciates His Word. Animal sacrifice is unconscionable. 


    THE ONLY SACRIFICE FOR THE SALVATION OF MANKIND. 
The offering made by the Lord Jesus on the cross is a "once for all" sacrifice. It was not only for those of that time, but for all in the future, and for those in the past. None will find their way into the eternal kingdom of the Lord except by the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. Though the Law was given by God, its sacrifices did not forgive sin. ONLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS can bring forgiveness. Those under the first testament are forgiven by the sacrifice of the New. Heb. 9:15 

It is an impossibility for animal; sacrifice to take away sin. Heb. 10:4 The rending of the veil in the temple is evidence of the end of the law of sacrifice. The way into the Holy of Holies is now open for all. At the death of Christ, the veil of the temple was torn in two, most certainly by the hand of the Lord Himself. Mt. 27:51 

Jesus has opened unto us the new way. A way whereby we come directly to the throne of the Lord in times of worship and need. The Holy presence of the Lord is no longer sealed off and inaccessible to those who would come to Him. Freely, without fear or doubt we may appear before His very throne presence knowing that we will be received and granted an audience with Him. Heb. 10:20-22
    



              THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  23

    CAN GOD ACCEPT A REBUILT TEMPLE AND RESTORED ANIMAL SACRIFICES? 
The Lord who is not negative, speaks in negative terms of both the temple and the sacrifices, by rejecting them. They were but shadows of the real. The real being the good things that were brought to light through the Lord Jesus. 

Animal sacrifices CAN NEVER bring about perfection or a pure conscience. Heb. 10:1-2 Why would He re-institute a form of religion of which it is said, "It is NOT POSSIBLE that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins". Heb. 10:4 

What utter futility, to reestablish something which did not nor can it accomplish its intended purpose. It is impossible for the Lord to find any pleasure in animal sacrifice or ritualistic worship. Heb. 10:6, 8 The first, the Law of sacrifice, has been removed, abolished that the second, redemption by the blood of Christ, might be established or made to abide forever. Heb. 10:9 

To revive and restore that which has been abolished and superseded by that which is superior can only create negative feelings and reactions in the heart of the Lord. The Lord already showed His displeasure with a repaired veil and a continued sacrifice of animals by allowing the utter destruction of both the temple and the city, as predicted by Jesus, that there would not be one stone left resting upon the other. Mt. 24:2 

All because they did not recognize the visitation of the Lord. Luke 19:44 


    WHO IS THE HE OF DANIEL 9:27? 
Who is the Covenant maker? More than that who is the Covenant? From the outset, let it be said that the Hebrew word "berith" or covenant is only used once in a negative fashion in the Old Testament, and that is in a covenant made with death. Isa. 28:15-18 

Every other usage of the word covenant is in relationship of a pact made between the Lord and man. A covenant is an alliance between two persons or groups. The Lord in making covenant with Abraham sealed the covenant and verified it by oath, swearing by himself for there is none greater. Heb. 6:13 

PROPHETICALLY, Jesus was declared to be "THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT." Mal. 3:1 

The blood which He shed, the very blood of God, Himself, was acknowledged as the "BLOOD OF THE COVENANT," that which has created a fellowship, a communion between the Lord and His people. Heb. 10:29 

The true covenant, the covenant sealed by the blood of Christ is an "ETERNAL COVENANT." Heb. 13:20 To
correctly understand the "HE" of Daniel 9:27 we must know who the great covenant creator is and who keeps covenant with man. 

Not only is it Christ Jesus who shed His blood for our redemption but He has also entered into the throne presence of His Father as our great High Priest. Presenting His blood as the seal of the covenant and our only hope of redemption. He has entered into that which is the real. The greater, the most excellent tabernacle. The building of the Lord. Not a structure created by the hands of man but by His nail pierced hands alone. Heb. 9:11 

The "HE" of Daniel nine, is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He made the covenant. He sealed the covenant. He keeps the covenant. He fulfilled and fulfills the covenant. He is the COVENANT.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  24

VARIOUS COMMENTS BY DIVERSE COMMENTATORS.

John Wesley's Notes

Daniel 9:27
He shall confirm - Christ confirmed the new covenant.

Forerunner Commentary

Daniel 9:27

Protestants try to ascribe the covenant of verse 27 to the Antichrist because "he," they say, refers to "the prince who is to come." But this cannot be! Remember the poetic organization! The key is the word "many." It is literally "the many," and whenever it is used in the Old Testament, it refers to either the covenant people Israel or to the saints, that is, true believers. Jesus says in Matthew 26:28, "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Christ makes the covenant, not Antichrist!

Confirm means "strengthen" or "make firm"almost to the point of being unbreakable. This helps substantiate its reference to the New Covenant, an everlasting covenant that strengthened the basic requirements of the Old Covenant. Significantly, when Christ in the Olivet Prophecy gives His disciples the signs of the end, He does not mention a covenant or treaty to be enacted between the Antichrist and the Jews, Christians, saints, or anyone! He does mention both of the events Gabriel mentions here: the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 (Matthew 24:2) and the abomination of desolation (verse 15).      Richard T. Ritenbaugh 

And he shall confirm the covenant  -  Christ. The confirmation of the covenant is assinged to Him.  Jamieson, Fausset and Brown

Havernick, Hengstenberg and Auberlen regard the Messias as the subject, and understand by the confirmating of the covenant, the New Covenant by the death of Christ.  Keil and Delitzsch.

In the half of the week, or in the middle of the week, etc,: because Christ preached three and one-half years, and then by His sacrifice upon the Cross abolished all the sacrifices of the law. Footnotes Douay ver.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  25

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEVEN. 
In the middle, the half of the week, or in the middle of the seven years. The last week of the seventy week prophecy is divided into two portions of equal length. Each of them being of three and one half years duration. The first half is the ministry of the Lord Jesus to Israel. The last half is what is known as the great tribulation period. The two thousand years between the two is what is called the "overspreading of abominations" according to Daniel 9:27


THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE. 
There is much in the life of the Lord Jesus which shows Him to be the center, the central figure, the man in the middle, the one in the midst. In relationship to the Covenant it is Christ who is the mediator, the go-between, of the new covenant, which of course, is what the seventieth week is all about. 

It was in the "midst" of the week that He was to cause sacrifice and offering to cease. The displeasure of the Lord in animal sacrifice and offering is easily understood by the scripture in Heb. 10:8 

Why would He allow something to continue, or to even think of allowing it to be revived or restored, when it displeased Him in such a great fashion? Jesus came to fulfill, to remove, to take away the first, the law of sacrifice, that He might establish the second. Heb. 10:9 

Jesus is the ONLY mediator between God and man. He mediates the New Covenant. Heb. 12:24


    THE MAN CRUCIFIED IN THE MIDDLE. 
The scriptures at times seem to go to great lengths to prove a point. Jesus was crucified as one whom we today would call a "three strike loser". He was destined to be "number with the transgressors" Isa. 53:12 

Placing Him on the middle cross would identify Him as the greatest of transgressors. Capital punishment was imposed upon the innocent one because He was bearing the guilt and iniquity of all men, of all the ages. It was necessary that He die as the guiltiest of the guilty, to pay the price for the most wicked of mankind. He was the MIDDLE MAN, crucified between two thieves. Mark 15:27 

    CRUCIFIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. How striking and fitting that He should spend six hours on the cross. Six is the number of man and He was dying for all mankind. The very heart, the core of the day was used to produce salvation for us. He was placed on the cross at the third hour of the day which would be "nine AM" according to our present day measurement of time. Mark 15:25 

In the morning He spent three hours on the cross. At "NOON", the MIDDLE of the day, darkness came on the
country. From the sixth to the ninth hour, three hours of darkness. Mark 15:33 

An equal division of time between light and darkness. Jesus spent the first half of the seventieth week bringing light. The last half of the seventieth week is the darkness of the antichrist, the tribulation period. He died the ninth hour of the day, or at "three o'clock" n the afternoon. Mark 15:33   
     



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  26

    THE DAY OF CRUCIFIXION WAS THE MIDDLE DAY OF THE WEEK OF THE FEAST OF PASSOVER. 
Christ Jesus is our Passover Lamb. He was sacrificed exactly according to the time of the slaying of the Passover Lamb in Israel. He fulfilled the type perfectly and precisely according to the commandment of the Word. 1 Cor. 5:7 

He was slain on the middle day of the week, or Wednesday because in the midst of the week of seven days or seven years He was to cause all animal sacrifices to cease, forever. Dan. 9:27 

In keeping with the prophecy, both for years or days, He divided the week.   


    WHEN ARE THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS REALLY THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS? 
When it is used to measure the length of time that Jonah spent in the stomach of a great fish which the Lord had prepared for him. Jesus used this old testament miracle as a measurement of the time which He was to spend in the tomb. 

This statement of Jesus is NOT AN IDIOM, a figure of speech. It is a fixed period of time, a positive three nights and three days, seventy-two hours, in which He was to be in the earth. Mt. 12:40 

Only Wednesday satisfies the Preparation for the Passover, for the middle of the seven day week and the midst of the seven years. Oddly enough, if we count the day of preparation, the total is three and one-half days, the half day being that day that He was on the cross.      
  
                 THE THREE DAYS
             
WEDNESDAY

ABIB 14 - DAY OF PREPARATION --- DAY OF CRUCIFIXION
BURIED BEFORE SUNDOWN SO AS TO NOT DESECRATE THE "HOLY CONVOCATION" WHICH COMMENCED AT SUNDOWN.

THE THREE NIGHTS AND THREE DAYS. 
    
THURSDAY      (night and day)

ABIB 15 - SPECIAL SABBATH  - FIRST FULL DAY

FRIDAY             (night and day)

ABIB 16 -                                         SECOND DAY

SATURDAY      (night and day)

ABIB 17 - WEEKLY SABBATH - THIRD AND LAST DAY                 
RESURRECTED AFTER SUNDOWN AT THE CLOSE OF THE SECOND SABBATH DAY OR THE DAY OF SATURDAY.
    
    



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  27

    THE MAN IN THE MIDST IS THE COVENANT. 
The LORD made covenant with Moses and sealed it by passing between the sacrificed animals. The numbers given in describing the sacrifice are interesting. 

The animals were all three years old. Three is the number of the Godhead. There were three animals. They were split in two. Two times three is six, the number of man. Three times three is nine, the number of the fruit, gifts and virtues of the Holy Spirit. 

There were two birds. Two is the number of the sacrificed one, the Lord Jesus. 

Two is also the number of Christ and His church. There were four laid out in each row (three halves plus a whole bird, the birds were not divided). Four is the number of the earth. 

There were three animals and two birds, for a total of five. The number of atonement. 

The total number of pieces would be eight. The number of resurrection and new beginnings. Gen. 15:9-10. 

In the darkness of night, the covenant was sealed and ratified by the flaming, burning presence of the Lord. Gen. 15:17 

The Lord the Covenant maker and keeper is in the midst. 


    THE MAN GIVEN AS A COVENANT OF THE PEOPLE. 
The thoughts of the Lord are manifest in His Word. He has very plainly spelled out for us His purposes and will. The prophet Isaiah, speaks of one who would be as a gift for Jew and Gentile. Isa. 42:6 

The context of Isaiah forty-two is a very positive portrait of the Messiah. The one whom all other sacrifices foreshadowed. Again the message is relating to the Messiah, the Covenant, in Isaiah forty-nine and context. His is everlastingly the superior covenant and He is the only mediator between God and man. His covenant is constructed and founded on better promises. Heb. 8:6 

It is the only covenant sealed and ratified by the sacrifice of the blood of very God, Himself. Scientist tell us that the blood of the child originates from the father of the child. 


    HE IS THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE OR THE MIDST. 
From being the fourth man walking with the Israelites in the fiery furnace, Dan. 3:25 to the one walking in the MIDST of the seven golden candlesticks, Rev. 1:13 

He is always with and in the midst of His people. Jesus is the very heart, the core, the center of all that is heavenly. As the slain Lamb, He is in the midst of the eternal throne of the Living God. He is in the midst of the four living creatures, who surround the throne. He is in the center of the twenty-four elders whose thrones are situated surrounding the throne of the Lord. Rev. 5:6 

Positioned, as He is, in the very center of all heavenly operations it is no wonder that He is the source of all sustenance. The director of the sheep, who will lead them to drink of that ever flowing river of life and glorious artesian wells of life, its source being the throne. Emotionally, the time of all negative things which produce heartache and sorrow, resulting in tears will be over, for He will wipe away ALL tears from the eyes of His people. Rev. 7:17 

The covenant is His. The timing is His, that is the midst of the week, and for that matter, the midst of all that the Lord will accomplish. 





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  28

    THE WOMAN DELIVERED FROM THE GREAT TRIBULATION. 
The Second Coming of Christ cannot be until the close of the tribulation period. Therefore the so called rapture cannot take place until the close of that great tribulation. How could it be more plainly spoken, in words that are easily understood, than the words the Lord Jesus used in Mt. 24:29-31 

All of these happenings are associated with the return of the Christ of God.


"IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS"
The time element. Immediately after, Instantaneously following, not before nor during, but after, at the conclusion of the time of the greatest trouble of earth. While there are many scriptures that may be considered in relationship to the timing, there is one that is of great strength and light. That is the destruction of the antichrist, which is definitely at the conclusion of his reign on earth. 

The Wicked one has his own "revelation" or moment of his exposure, when he will be destroyed. How? By the coming (parousia, rapture) of Christ. Reason tells us that the antichrist must first appear, run his course and then be consumed at the moment of the Second Coming of Christ. 2 Thes. 2:8 

Involved also is the "brightness" (epiphaneia, shining forth) of the coming of the Christ. Jesus is coming in flaming fire bringing destruction on all the ungodly. 2 Thes. 1:8 

This will happen when He comes to be glorified in His saints. 2 Thes. 1:10 In order to escape the tribulation it is necessary to be a real integral part of the body, the bride of Christ. 


"THEN SHALL APPEAR THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN IN HEAVEN."
There is no secret, invisible Second Coming of Christ. The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens. And that sign is declared to be the clouds which will accompany Him. 

When He comes every eye shall see Him. The visibility of His Coming, proclaimed to those of His days on earth as well as those who are alive at His Coming. "Ye shall see". Mt. 26:64 when His angels gather together the redeemed, Mk. 13:27, "then they shall see". Mk. 14:62 

He will be "seen, coming in power and great glory". Lk. 21:27 

Peter, scheduled Him to return in the very identical manner in which the disciples had "SEEN" Him go. Acts 1:11 

He is to be revealed, (have an apokalupsis, an appearing, a manifestation), at the time of His
return. The church has not increased its spirituality under the teaching of the immanent return of Christ, but has slipped farther into apostasy. We do not increase our spirituality because of threats or fears. 

Love, a deep love and full appreciation of the Lord is always the motivating factor of a deep and complete spiritual life. The Bride of Christ will focus her love on Him and Him alone. She will be what she is, because she desires to be dedicated to Him. It is imperative that the church of the last days catch a true vision of the mighty work which the Lord will perform in perfecting His people and blending them together into His very own Bride. 
    




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  29


"AND THEY SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS" Mt.24:30 
The visibility of the Second Coming of Christ is far more than an event which is visible only to the living, those who dwell in heaven and even hell will see Him when He Comes. The message to John on Patmos
was that every eye should see Him, even those who pierced Him. That would include those who nailed Him to the tree. 

That moment of time will be seen by all three places where men are to be found. Rev. 1:7 

It must be emphasized here, that, His coming is made even more spectacular by the clouds which accompany Him. His Ascension into Heaven was visibly witnessed by His disciples. They watched Him disappear into a cloud. Acts 1:9 

Then, two men dressed in white, the two witnesses, assured them, that precisely, as they had watched Him disappear into the cloud, so He would return in the same manner. Acts 1:10-11 

The Woman, the Bride will be the only living body of Christianity alive on the earth at the time of the return of Christ.
    

REASONS. 
With the Bride escaping into the place which the Lord has especially prepared for her, the attention of the dragon, satan, will turn to the remnant of her seed, those who did not measure up to the standard of the Bride. The dragon will make war with them. Rev. 12:17 

That they are overcome is evident by the fact that the antichrist will conquer them. Rev. 13:7 

They are tribulation martyrs. They are seen dressed in white standing before the throne, in the presence of the Lord. Rev. 7:14 

It is very apparent that there will be Christians who enter the tribulation period. They are seen again as those who were beheaded for their witness of Jesus and their love and adherence to the Word of the Lord. They did not worship the antichrist nor partake in his system. Rev. 20:4 

They will also face the great likelihood of starvation because they will not be able to buy or sell without displaying the number, name or mark of the antichrist, either in their hands of foreheads. Rev. 13:16-17 

Current discount cards are not the real thing, just a forerunner to accustom the public to purchasing in this manner. The tribulation martyrs are to be resurrected together with all those who die in Christ at the time of the FIRST resurrection. 

The FIRST resurrection and the Second Coming are synonymous, they are part and parcel of the same event. If those killed by the antichrist come up in the FIRST resurrection, and the Second Coming and the FIRST resurrection are closely related, actually one event, how could the Second Coming and the FIRST resurrection take place before all who are scheduled to participate in it have died? 

The Second Coming of Christ can only take place at the close of the great tribulation period, and after all who are to be resurrected have died. The circumstances of the death of the two tribulation witnesses will immediately precede the end of the tribulation and the time of the Second Coming for they too are caught up into that cloud. Rev. 11:12




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  30

"WITH A GREAT SOUND OF A TRUMPET."
The sounding of the trumpet coincides with the gathering together of the elect from all over the earth. 
Mt. 24:31 

The trumpet of the resurrection and catching up is the last trumpet. It is the seventh and last of a series of trumpets which will announce different events of judgment which will occur at the end of the age. The predicted period of darkness which takes place at the sounding of the fourth trumpet, will happen as the church is taken into the wilderness. Rev. 8:12 

The word angel used in the next verse is actually; (aetos, an eagle.) As the woman is transported into the wilderness she has a dire and strong warning for those who are alive on the earth. It is proclaimed to be three woes which are yet to come on the earth. Each of which will be a proclamation a period of woe for the earth. 

The last, the seventh will institute a great flurry of activity. The end of which will be the resurrection and translation of the saints and the battle of Armageddon. At the close of the tribulation period. Which is a battle only in words, the victory is certain. 

There is absolutely no question as to its outcome. Christ is King and will rule the earth for one thousand years. Rev. 11:15 


"THEY SHALL GATHER HIS ELECT FROM THE FOUR WINDS".
All this to take place at the time of His observable coming. Mt. 24:30 

His visibility and the sound of the trumpet, plus the gathering together are all at one and the same time. All to be changed, IN A FLASH, it is not His appearing which is in the twinkling of an eye, it is the change that takes place in the dead and living whose bodies are changed, and they are given bodies like unto the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:52 

It is the Lord Himself who will descend from heaven at the time of the sounding of the last trumpet, the seventh. 1 Thes. 4:16 

There is a time element which must be taken into consideration here. The trumpet and its following events will cover a period of days. Note Rev. 10:7 days is in the plural. Also when he shall "begin" to sound. 

There are seven vials which constitute the final judgments. They are a part of these last few days and their happenings. We are introduced to them in Revelation 15:7 where seven angels are given seven vials filled with the wrath of God.  They are commanded to go and pour out the wrath of God upon the earth. Rev. 16:1-17. 

It is done, the manifestation of an angry God in power and great judgment has transpired. It is not circumstantial that one of the seven angels is chosen to show John the ultimate purpose of the Lord. Which is the bride, the wife of the Lamb. Rev. 21:9 

The great city, the true city of the Lord. Holy and pure. Radiant with the glory of the Lord. Majestic beyond description. A walled city. the city of security and safety. Rev. 21:9-12 

Of special interest here is the fact that the city had twelve gates and twelve foundations. When we multiply the numbers, once again the number one hundred one hundred and forty-four is evident in relationship to this glorious and wonderful New Jerusalem. Out of all the mayhem of the tribulation the Lord will manifest the grandest city of them all. The measurements of the wall give us the same number. Rev. 21:16-17 





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  31

WHAT HAS BEEN WILL BE AGAIN.
Eccl. 1:9 So often do we see things repeat themselves. Until we say, what goes around comes around, and history repeats itself. This is even true in the scriptures. 

Almost all of the experiences of the children of Israel have their counter part in the life of the church. The Lord has established His ability, in the virgin birth of Jesus, to step out beyond the norm. Mary's pregnancy was established upon the promise of the Lord, The Word of the Lord. The virgin, untouched by a man, was to bear a son and call His name Jesus. Luke 1:31 

Her conception was of and by the Holy Spirit. So the confirmed message of the angel of the Lord to Joseph. Mt. 1:20 

The seed, the Word of the Lord, was planted in her womb and she conceived. By the power of the Most High overshadowing, (to envelope in a haze of brilliancy, Strong) by the workings of the Holy Spirit that which was to be the Son of God was created in her. The Father was preparing a "body" for His Son. Heb. 10:5


CAN THE LORD REPEAT THIS MIRACULOUS MIRACLE? 
Obviously He does. Revelation twelve presents us the same sort of circumstances. Only in this case the woman is obviously married. For she has fully prepared for the most wonderful, gorgeous, spiritual wedding that ever takes place. Rev. 19:7 

Incidentally, she is a pure, clean virgin. 2 Cor. 11:2 

The woman is the many membered body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:26 

She is complete and whole in every aspect, spirit, soul and body. As with Mary, the seed, the Word was planted and now the time of birth has come. A male is born. He is immediately caught up into heaven, thus is eliminated from being the Christ child. Instead he is the child of Christ. Do not forget that Jesus is destined to become a Father. Isa. 9:6 

He is the Everlasting Father, (Hebrew 'ad, perpetuity, everlasting, eternity, world without end. Strong). He does not take the place of His own Father but is to be a Father in His own rights. 


THE EFFECT OF THE CATCHING UP OF THE MANCHILD. 
War in heaven. A great conflict between satan and the Lord Jesus. Rev. 12:7 Michael, who is the angel of resurrection, will arise. There will be an exceeding great time of trouble, the tribulation period. There will be a deliverance and the dead in Christ shall rise to life everlasting. Dan. 12:1-2 

Michael and his angels will prevail and cast satan down to the earth. He descends in wrath and anger. Heaven is at last purified from the contamination of Lucifer and his constant accusation of the brethren. An occupation which consumes his time for he goes at it 24/7, day and night. Rev. 12:10 

Be careful of how you speak, or what you say about others, it could well be repeated before the throne by this accuser of the brethren. There is a pattern of last day events established in the Word of he Lord and He will not deviate from the schedule which He has predetermined. The Lord is very exacting in fulfilling His plans on time.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  32

WHY SUPERNATURAL BIRTHS? 
They are used by the Lord as types and symbols. But Sarai was barren. Gen. 11:30 

Sarai whose name means, head person or in charge, ruling. Names given in Bible days were often prophetic. They would indicate the nature, the character, of the person or even a world event which was to take place in the life time of the person. Her name would indicate that Sarai was pretty much in charge. She was the wife of Abraham. The woman called of the Lord, who with her husband was to be the progenitor of the seed that would bless the whole of the families of the earth. Gen. 12:3 

But she was barren. The Lord appeared to Abram when he had reached the ripe old age of 99, his wife was ten years younger. Both well past the age of child birth. Gen. 17:1 

It is very apparent that the Lord, in order to manifest His abilities, will sidestep the norm, just to prove His sovereignty over nature and His greatness. He never forgets His promises and will always fulfill them, in His time. This male child was a promised child and was most certainly to be born, regardless of the circumstances because the Lord Himself had made the promise. 


THE EFFECT OF IMPATIENCE AND UNBELIEF. 
The world, even in our day still is feeling the impact of the decision of Sarai to help the Lord. The subsequent result of Abram's union with Hagar (flight), the Egyptian servant maid, while not in the will of the Lord, was certainly in the plan of the Lord. 

It establishes the fact that concurrently there is a family which is after the flesh and another which relates to that which is spiritual. There is a double seal of servitude on those born after the will of the flesh. 

The mother was Egyptian, which to Israel was servitude and bondage. Then Hagar, was herself in servitude. The flesh is always in enslavement. This kind of a situation may be found in the, church universal, even today. In every aspect of spiritual life there is a manifestation of both, flesh and spirit. Carnal and spiritual. 

Without a knowledge of the workings of the Spirit and a good knowledge of the Word it is possible to follow that which is a manifestation of the flesh, and is an imitation of the Spirit. We well know, from the Word, what the Lord would accomplish in these last days. 

It is also possible to run ahead of the Lord and produce a spiritual Ishmael. The works of the flesh which erupted in the household of Abram were most disconcerting to those who were a part of that family. 

A great rift and separation resulted in the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, and heartbreak for Abram. Figuratively, the Lord is to later use this Mount Sinai. Hagar and Jerusalem as relating to the Law and to Israel, which is under bondage. While, Sarah and Isaac are free, spiritually alive. Gal. 4:22-31  

We are called not to the fleshly, natural, physical Jerusalem, but to that which is Spiritual, Heavenly, eternal and from above. This is a switch which is difficult for many to understand but the scriptures are very explicit and understandable. The Lord, periodically, passes up that which was first or first born to create a second, which is of the Spirit.





                THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  33.

CAST OUT, BUT FOUND AND RESCUED. 
Hagar held Sarai to be contemptible in her sight, because Hagar was pregnant, by Abram, and Sarai was not pregnant, whatsoever. Gen. 16:4 

The result was a conflict and battle in the home of Abram. Because of the pressure of Sarai's displeasure, Hagar is forced to flee, to escape from the presence of her opposition. BUT, see who found her, the angel of the LORD, actually Jehovah himself, for the angel of the LORD is a theophany (a prebirth appearance), of the Lord Jesus. It is important that we take note here that God has said, "My name is in Him". The placing and sharing of the name of the Lord indicates how heartily and highly that person is regarded by the Lord. Ex. 23:21 

The angel found her by a well, and a well speaks to us of salvation and revival, the presence and outpouring of the Spirit. Hagar and her offspring are not to be excluded from a mighty, last day revival. 
Isa.12:3 

She was on her way to Shur (wall). Fleeing a bad situation, but traveling toward a wall. Running from a problem has never solved anything. Better to face it, learn its lessons and then go forward. 


    NOT THE PROMISED SEED, BUT NAMED BY THE LORD. 
The angel instructed Hagar to return and "submit herself" to Sarai. He also promised that the Lord would greatly multiply the descendants of Abram, through Hagar. Not to be the promised seed, but the seed after the flesh who were destined to become nations, because of Abram being the Father. Gen. 16:9-10 

Amazingly, the Lord Himself, showing His interest in this birth to be, named the child, Ishmael, which means; "God hears, or God shall hear."  

There is yet a cry to come from his descendants, (both physically and religiously), when the Lord Jesus will be recognized as the true Savior, the only redeemer, the one who loved them and gave Himself for them. Ishmaels general nature and the character of contention, argumentation and fiery emotions are aptly portrayed by the words of the Angel in Gen. 16:12 

To further seal the fact of a spiritual change in Hagar, it must be considered that she acknowledged the Lord. She proclaimed Him as the one who sees her, the one who is looking after her and caring for her. She gave the well the name of Beer-lahai-roi. (the well of the living (One) my Seer. Strong). 

Inasmuch as the scriptures make both of the major natural lineage's of Abram to be symbolized as Hagar, it is determined that there will be a tremendous and powerful revival amongst them. The Lord does indeed see and knows, only too well, the conditions which prevail among both of these who are the descendants of Abram. Hagar was obedient to the command of the Lord to return and be in submission to Sarai. 

The Lord gave her peace and Abram was to see and enjoy his first born son. However, contrary to the law of the "first born" Ishmael was not to inherit the rights of the first born. That was to be given to Isaac. The Lord has a way of doing that which pleases Him. Periodically, in the scriptures we are shown that the choice belongs to the Lord, and only to Him.
 



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  34

    A NAME CHANGE. 
In order to use Abram and Sarai for His purposes it was necessary for the Lord to change their names. Abram received a special visit from the Lord. He was now ninety-nine, a double nine. Nine is the number of the Holy Spirit. A double nine speaks of the double, or full portion of the Spirit. There is certainly one great lesson of patience, in waiting on the Lord to be learned here. 

The Lord waited until the possibility of the conception of a child was impossible, for this pair, then He moved. The Lord works in His time, not ours, we need patience and endurance in order to embrace His promises and responses. Gen. 17:1 

The requirement of the Lord was that Abram, "walk before Him". Most certainly a condition which anyone who desired to serve the Lord would want to do. To be in constant contact with the Lord is most desirable for all concerned. It is the place of His ever present presence. 

"Be thou perfect". A condition which is vital to we who live in this day, if our aspirations are to be in the Bride of Christ. Jesus will not marry a Bride who is His Spiritual inferior. She must have associated with Him to such a degree that her whole life and attitude have become like His. 

Perfection, should not be considered unobtainable. It is almost a dirty word in some circles. The Lord will not enjoin something on His people which is placed beyond their ability to achieve. In life we are told to set goals and then strive to accomplish them. What higher goal can we set for ourselves than to be LIKE HIM! He is perfection personified.

Perfection, as required of Abram was to be without blemish, without spot, undefiled, etc. Sounds familiar, does it not?  Eph. 5:25-27 

It means to reach maturity, and to be complete. Are we to remain as infants before the Lord or would He have some mature persons with whom He can communicate? 


    THE NAME OF JEHOVAH WAS INTEGRATED INTO THEIRS. 
In this manner the LORD placed the glory and power of His name upon them. The LORD took the letter H from His own name and inserted it into their names. Jehovah, JHVH, of all the names by which the LORD is known is the most holy and sacred name. The letter H is the fifth letter in the Hebrew alphabet.

Five is the number of atonement (by blood) and the number of the manifold grace of the Lord Jesus. The letter H is represented by a drawing of a house. Now, Abraham, Father of a multitude, and Sarah, Princess, were to build the HOUSE(hold) of faith. The Godly line. The progenitors of the Lord Jesus. From their offspring were to come nations and kings. The promise and covenant which the Lord was making with Abraham assured him that family and descendants would be fruitful. Gen. 17:5-7 

Sarah is a type of the Bride of Christ. One of the similarities is the fact that the Bride must be as good as dead. Not a physical death but death to self, to the world and the things which are in the world. She must be alive, living unto by the power and might of her Bridegroom. 

The challenge of the Lord to His Bride today is to experience the death and resurrection of the Christ of God. Die, and then live in the Spirit as stated in Gal. 5:24-25.  
 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  35

HAGAR AND ISHMAEL CAST OUT. 
The cause was the mockery of Ishmael. Ridicule and scorn directed at Isaac, by Ishmael, which was observed by Sarah. The counterpart of this occurrence Is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul. He compared the Israel of his day to the Agar of the day of Abraham. To Jerusalem and her children, which like Agar and her son, were cast out by the Lord because of the mockery and deeds committed against the Lord Jesus. Then he included Israel and Jerusalem as representing those born of the flesh. In contrast Paul presented a people who are the children of promise and a heavenly Jerusalem which is the mother of us all and is free. Gal. 4:25-29. 

There is no question but what Hagar experienced was to be repeated in the history of the descendants of Abraham who participated in the first covenant. They were to be cast out and excluded from the household of faith being replaced by those who would become children of the free woman, both Jew and Gentile. Those who are in Christ, regardless of race are children of the free woman. Gal. 4:30-31  


THE SON OF THE SLAVE WILL NOT SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE.
So were the words of Sarah to Abraham as she insisted that Hagar be driven out. Gen. 21:10 

Then the Lord spoke to Abraham and verified the fact that the son of Hagar was not to participate in the genealogical blessings, though he would become a great nation, since he was a son of Abraham. Abraham was to take action on what must have been one of the hardest decisions of his life, he was to be separated from his son, Ishmael. 

He sent them away with provisions that were no doubt intended to be sufficient until they reached their destination. Abraham gave them bread and water, which does not seem like much, but were staples for that day. Bread, is a type of the Word. Water, a type of the Spirit. The bottle, no doubt the skin of a kid or lamb would typify the crucified Christ. They would have shared with the rest of the family of Abraham all of his spiritual teachings and revelations which the Lord had given him. She departed and wandered. The exact path of one who leaves the household of faith. Gen. 21:14 

Their water supply was soon gone. The Spirit must constantly be refreshed. Despair settled in, they were parted, both crying out in hopelessness. The Lord heard the cry of the lad (Ishmael was seventeen or so). The Lord opened her eyes and she saw a well of water from which she filled the bottle with water and gave the lad to drink. Once again the promise was made, by the Lord, that Ishmael would become a great nation. 
It is important to note, they were in the wilderness of Beersheba, meaning the well of an oath. Gen. 21:15-19 

The promises that the Lord made to Abraham have come to pass and are today, a fact of life. The Lord will yet lead them to the completion of the promises that He made to Abraham. We foresee a tremendous move of the Spirit in the Mideast that will sweep multitudes into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  36

JERUSALEM. 
Whatever the source of its original name and meaning it came to be labeled with a number of interpretations, all of which have significance. It has been taken to mean, The City of Peace, the foundation of Peace, the possession of Peace. The scriptures apply a number of good and even bad qualities. It was called, "the city of righteousness, the faithful city". Isa. 1:26 "The holy city". Isa. 4:2 

Then to the other extreme it is stated that it was a city full of bloody crimes and full of violence.  Eze. 7:23 

There is no question as to what the will of the Lord had been concerning the city, but as always man corrupted the purpose of the Lord by their disobedience. 


JERUSALEM, PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL. 
Honestly, what really counts with the Lord? The only good way to reach an understanding of the attitude of the Lord toward the material is to see what He had to say about it. Jesus wept over the religious zeal and hateful attitude of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Most of which was inspired by a religious hierarchy which feared loosing the grip of their leadership. 

These are His words. Jesus said, "If thou hadst known". Could they but have comprehended that it was their day and time of the visitation of their King and Redeemer. The season of the fulfillment of the prophecies of their prophets who had prophesied for over four thousand years of the coming of the Messiah. 

Every spiritual utterance concerning His coming was being fulfilled before their very eyes, yet they would not see with understanding. The King of Peace was visiting them with a ministry of peace but they were in opposition. Luke 19:41-44

Jesus spoke a prophetic Word of the impending judgment which was to be total and absolute as far as the old Jerusalem and its in habitants were concerned. Without one stone being left upon another it is impossible today to visit any of the buildings which were standing in that day. The people likewise were to be destroyed. 

All because they would not acknowledge the day of their visitation. Again Jesus warned them that their house, or religious order and followers was to be left desolate, empty, deserted of the Lord. Leaving but a shell and religious practices that were meaningless. Mt. 23:38 

Though this city, Jerusalem, as a representative of the religion and the people was noted for its mistreatment of the prophets, the compassionate heart and spirit of the Lord Jesus is displayed in His Words to the city. "How often, have I longed (NIV) to gather your children". Mt. 23:37 

How often, how many times, certainly daily and perhaps many times daily. Longed, with a love and compassion that only the Lord can know. That agape love. He would have brought them under the wings of the Almighty. The secret place of the Most High. Blessed wonderful refuge and hiding place in the storms of life. An area and time of sweet blessed personal communion with the Lord Jesus. A place like none other in this life, in the glory of His presence under the precious influence of the Holy Spirit. Glorious and marvelous refuge. Ps. 91:4 

How different even the history of this world would have been had they heeded His invitation.   
 



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  37

BUT JERUSALEM. 
The real Jerusalem. The true city of the Most High. That which He is constructing for His own habitation. The city which has its origins in the heavenly. The city of freedom and pure worship unto the Lord. The city which is the spiritual mother of all the redeemed. Gal. 4:26 

Marvelous reports, glorious and glowing messages are give concerning you, O, City of God. Ps. 87:3 

Being His City, prepared by Him and for Him she is to be beautified above all. Those belonging and accepted as being a part of the city are they who are born there. They acknowledge that the true Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ is their mother. Their names are written in the Lambs book of life. The Lord has promised that she will be established, she is the perfection of His work. The most gorgeous of all the creation of the Lord. Ps. 87:4-5 

None will even see, understand or participate in the majesty of that city except they have been born a new. John 3:3 

The Lord has explicit standards which must be followed in order to be a member of the Bride of Christ. John 3:3

Furthermore unless one has been born of the water and the Spirit he cannot be a part of the kingdom of God. All this makes the new birth and water baptism an imperative to be obtain membership in the consummate plan of the Lord in this end of the age. John 3:5


IT IS WRITTEN. 
One of the different, yet wonderful acts of the Lord in building the family of faith and the progeny of the Lord Jesus is the barren women who were made to be fruitful and bare children. We have already noted Sarah to be one of these women so blest. 

Bareness is a term that is used by the scriptures in relationship to the Bride of Christ. The prophecy is found in Isaiah 54:1 she is exhorted to sing, rejoice and be glad. To emit songs of praise, to raise her voice in joy and worship. Her condition of bareness is about to be reversed and the "barren", the desolate, the destitute will bear more children that she who is married. 

Paul made reference to this scripture in Galatians 4:27 and related it to the Jerusalem which is from above. At one time barren, to her embarrassment, but her circumstances are to be reversed and she is to become abundantly fruitful. 

We apply this to the woman of Revelation twelve, the Bride of Christ who is to bear a manchild who is so precious and dear to the Lord that he is immediately snatched up into heaven. This woman will keep house, she will know what it is to bear children to the joy and rejoicing of her husband. She is to be the mother of children. Ps. 113:9 

This is a cause for which we are to Praise the Lord. Note, Isaiah said, "more are the children of the desolate (formerly), now, to be fruitful and bear children". 

Then, Isaiah prophesied that in the new heavens and the new earth the name of this barren woman would continue to be remembered by the Lord and her descendants were to continue before Him eternally. The creation of the new heavens and earth has the same purpose for which the Lord created this world on which we live, only all things will be new, sinless and unspoiled.  Isa. 66:22 
    



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  38

THE TRUE, ETERNAL, EVERLASTING SION OF THE LORD. 
For those who are spiritually minded, things spiritual are of greatest importance. What is of greater need than to know and understand the will of the Lord pertaining to His City, the Sion of the living God. Heb. 12:22 

Let us consider some of the prophecies recorded in the Word in the light of the Spiritual City which is composed of the saints of the Most High. Glorious and wonderful in its content is the promise of His presence. He is the very heart, the center, the manifestation of His glorious person is in the midst of His Sion. 

How marvelous are the seasons of praise and worship when inspired by the Spirit of the Lord. Volumes of uninhibited exaltation arising to the Lord of glory. Lost in the Spirit, oblivious to earthly, carnal things. O, the blessedness of being enveloped in the majesty and beauty of His very closeness. Not only surrounding but where He enters into our very being and we partake of that glorious, wonderful person that can only be known by His Spirit. Isa. 12:6 

What answer may be given to those who seek harm or the destruction of Zion? The LORD has established her, He alone has founded Zion. She is the true place of refuge and comfort. Isa. 14:32


THE LORD WITHOUT PEACE AND REST. 
Most unusual circumstances and quite contrary to any emotions that we would relate as belonging to the Lord. Do we detect a bit of impatience here? Most certainly a desire to accomplish His goals, and bring His relationship with His church to its consummation. 

He said, that for Zion's sake and for Jerusalem he would not hold His peace or keep silence nor settle down or rest until His objective had been attained in Jerusalem. The destiny of the City is that she be completely filled with the righteousness of the Lord which is as a bright shining glory in the midst of her. Isa. 62:1 

In a time of great wickedness the church of the Lord is called upon to shine with the glory of the Lord as lights in the midst of darkness. Phil. 2:15 

Because she is the light of the Lord in this world she is seen as clothed with the sun. Rev. 12:1 

As a matter of fact we are encouraged to allow Him no quiet nor silence until He has fulfilled all of His intents and purposes in His church. And His Jerusalem reaches the apex of His desires for her. Isa. 62:7 

The attention of the world is focused on natural Jerusalem. The attention of the Lord is on building His Jerusalem. That which is heavenly. She is the apple of His eye. The delight and joy of His heart. His favor, His mercy and grace is constantly being poured out upon her. He is building her walls and will
enclose her in His abundant mercies. Ps. 51:18 

The Lord has declared Himself to be a wall of fire surrounding His City and the excellent glory in the midst of her. Unseen and unheralded, stone by stone the Lord is building a glorious church in our day. It will be without spot, wrinkle, blemish or anything which would mar or corrupt it. It is not something which will be accomplished after He comes but it will be here in all purity and righteousness filled with the entirety His glory to greet Him when He comes. Eph. 5:27




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  39

THE LORD SEES THE FINISHED PROJECT FROM THE BEGINNING.
Because the nature of the Lord is faith, from the laying of the foundation, He views His purposes as they will be when completed. He cannot fail, therefore every plan that He designs, will be finished precisely as He depicted. He views His Sion in the beauty of her completion. He looks upon her as the crown jewel of His plan of salvation. 

He has already established, set, and installed His King upon His holy hill of Zion. Note, it is His King, the King of His choice and that He, the King, is situated in my holy hill. The hill of the Lord which is His Zion. Ps. 2:6

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SURE FOUNDATION. 
Laid in Zion, literally the whole of the City located on it. Without this foundation there 
is no City. His foundation is the only certain footing for an eternal City. Isa. 28:16 

It stands secure, solid and as a seal is the knowledge of the Lord as to those who are His. The City is composed of those who know the Lord by His name and have departed from iniquity. Only the very best, the purest of materials will be used in the building of the heavenly Zion.  2 Tim. 2:19

Peter wrote, very convincingly, that the stone, is a stone which must be believed in, or if not it becomes a stone of stumbling. While being the true stone of the Lord, it is a snare and a thing of displeasure to those who reject the stone. Unfortunately, because of their attitude and disobedience they stumbled and fell, tripping over the stone, the word of the Lord. The Lord knowing, from the beginning, their response, committed them to react as they did. A serious indictment and judgment pronounced against a disobedient people. 1 Pet. 2:8 


THE REJECTED STONE. 
In refusing to accept the Lord Jesus the very key to life eternal is forsaken and lost. Any possibility of participation in the glories of the beauty and majesty of that heavenly city is forfeited and gone forever. That stone which was and even today is refused is the head of the corner. 1 Pet. 2:7 

The most important, the most valuable stone in all the building, the Lord Jesus Christ, the chief corner stone. Acts 4:11

That stone upon whom the whole of the building is dependent. The stay, the strength of the structure, is assured because of Him. The head stone of the corner. All authority, all leadership, all stability is to be found in that which man refused and cast aside. Ps. 118:22 

"This is the LORD's doing and is marvelous in our eyes". Ps. 118:23 

How glorious and wonderful is the mighty plan of salvation. Deity leaving the highest position in the universe and in eternity. Coming into the world, knowing and understanding the rejection which would take place. Knowing that being humbled to become a man was not enough, but that a sin offering must be made. He must give His life. His blood must be shed. What tremendous and amazing a display of love for mankind. The whole of all that is heavenly and eternal rests squarely upon Him. He is the headstone. His all, and in all.


 


        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  40

THE COMMAND OF A FATHER TO HIS SON. 
Isaac called Jacob, blessed him and commanded him, to seek a wife. How much like the dealings of the Lord with us all, called (separated), blessed (anointed) and charged (given a directive). Gen. 28:1 

Looking back on these incidents in the Old Testament we find many types and shadows. These situations are recorded as examples (1Cor. 10:6), ensamples (1Cor. 10:11) and figures (Heb. 9:24) from which we may learn and be instructed in the way of the Lord. 

His instructions were, not to marry a wife of the Cannanites (Heb. Humiliated) but to find among the Syrians and in particular in the family of Sarah, a wife. The woman of Revelation twelve, the Bride of Christ is of the family of the Lord. The heavenly family and bears the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 3:14-15 

Jacob is ordered by his father to arise, to stir himself to go seek a bride. Of the three progenitors of the family of faith it is Jacob who is a type of the Holy Spirit. 


OF JACOB IT MUST BE SAID. 
Certainly his name was prophetic. Jacob means usurper, heelcatcher, supplanter. Not a good start for a son of such importance. Indeed he reacted according to the prophecy contained in his name. He is much maligned and his actions well aired by the ministry because he reacted according to the will of the Lord in obtaining the birthright blessing. 

It must be said and duly noted that HE BOUGHT the birthright, he paid exactly the price for which he and his brother bartered. Do you pass up a good deal? Not this Scotsman. Note carefully the words and attitude of Esau toward the birthright. "what profit shall this birthright do to me?" Were you God, would you want him to have it? Esau placed no value on the birthright. He did not deserve it. Gen. 25:31-32 

He despise his birthright. Gen. 25:34 

The method of Rebekah, whereby Jacob received the blessing was needful for the blessing must go with the birthright. Once again, we see in the scripture where the Lord bypasses the first born to choose and use the second born. This is done several times by the Lord.


PANDAN-ARAM. 
The heights, a high plateau. The high land between two rivers (Fausset). The Bride lives with a high standard of holiness and righteousness. She is the results of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this century. The early and the latter rain are promised as a combined rain in the first month. Joel 2:23  

The first month was the month of Passover. The communion table of the Lord is the foundation for revival. There must be a deep, heart felt appreciation, not yet evident, for the communion in order for the final outpouring of the rain of the Lord to take place. It is the double portion that the Lord has for the last day church. 

Not simply twice as much but the fullness of the Spirit dwelling in and anointing the church. We will see great and mighty things taking place in the church, culminating in the Bride of Christ.

      



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  41

THE HOUSE OF BETHEUL. 
Betheul, means "a dweller in God". Where else would one seek out a bride who would have the same desires
and motives, but in the house of the Lord. Choose out a bride from the house of your mothers father. From the family of Laban (white), white is a sign of purity, Which is what the Lord seeks in the heart of all who believe in Him. Gen. 28:2 

As Isaac was particular in the finding of one through whom the Godly line would be maintained, so the Lord Jesus is meticulous in the choice of a bride for Himself. It cannot be over emphasized that the Bride of Christ must meet the high standards of Christ and be capable of being one with Him. She is to be a member of His body. Of the same quality, the same caliber and substance, equal to Him in all holiness and sanctification. Eph. 5:30 

As Adam was incomplete without Eve, so the last Adam, Christ reaches the completion of His intent and purpose with the finalization of His Bride. Eph 1:23 

The many member body of Christ, the Bride, must be in absolute unity and synchronization, no dysfunction, no corruption, nothing causing separation or division. In the strongest sense, in the highest and depths of the meaning of the word unity, she must be one, for she is the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:12 

How can anyone who is upset, angry, perturbed or in disagreement with another Christian possibly fit into a body with such unblemished harmony? This is a body without a schism of any sort, not even the most minor fault. 1 Cor. 12:25 

It is time to measure up to the patterns of the Word. A house is built according to its blue print. How much more so the house of the Lord.


THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM PRONOUNCED UPON HIM. 
This contained the promise of the Covenant which the Lord made with Abraham. Gen. 17:1-2 

It contained the promise of a progeny that would be numberless. So extensive that the Lord used elements which are numberless to express the multitudes involved. Just yesterday there was an article in the paper where scientist are saying that the stars number seventy sextillion, which is seven followed by twenty-two zeros. To further emphasize the number, the Lord said that they would be as numberless as the dust and then the sand. Gen. 22:17 Gen. 28:14 

The Covenant also included the bringing forth of nations. A multitude of people, (assembly, congregation, multitude. Strong). The Hebrew word corresponds to the Greek, ekkleesia, or ecclesia, the called out ones, the church. Heb. 12:23  

The nations of the world to be blest by the descendants of Jacob, namely Christ, the Messiah, the Savior. Gen. 28:14 

The blessed assurance of a safe trip was also conveyed to Jacob, by the Lord. The Lord would not leave him and would bring him back safely into the land which had been promised him. Likewise, contained in the promise of the Lord was the fact that the land would become the possession of Jacob and his descendants. Gen. 28:13 

The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. Every promise made was fulfilled. The Lord never fails. 





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  42

JACOB MET JEHOVAH AT BETHEL. 
The house of God. Surely he traveled by the leading and direction of the Lord. Stopping in that particular place and choosing a particular stone for a pillow. This time the affirmation of the Covenant promises is given, personally to him by the LORD. He was not to depend on the promise given to his father and conveyed to him, but in a very personal encounter with the LORD. 

He had believed and accepted the promise bestowed by his father but now the revelation of it was his very own. Someone may prophecy over us concerning the call of the Lord, but there is no greater confidence builder than to have the Lord Himself reveal to us His will for our lives. There are times when the call will be tested. At such a moment nothing is more assuring than to know that we are right where He has designated us to be. Spoken by the voice of experience. Gen. 28:10-15 

What precious, precious promises in verse fifteen. I AM, the great I AM, with you. The perfect companion. I will watch over you. Who could possibly fear knowing that the Lord sees and knows even our down sitting and our up rising, and our very thoughts. Ps. 139:2 

What strength and courage this would build into Jacob. I will bring you back. Assurance of a prosperous and successful trip, and return. I will not leave you. Regardless of the circumstances, the trials and difficulties, the Lord never forsakes His own. Until I have done. Guarantee of and an accomplished and triumphant achievement. 

When the Lord declares that He will do it, it IS DONE. I have promised you. Never failing promises. He is not a man that He should lie. We may have to wait for the Lords time, but He always fulfills His promises. He may not answer our every request in a positive manner by saying, yes. May we deny Him the right to say, no? We have the attitude that whatever we ask, He should do it. Not so, there are times when we ask amiss, and for our own good the answer is, no.


OF A CERTAINTY THE LORD IS PRESENT. 
Where ever we meet with the Lord is the sanctuary of His presence. He does not dwell in the ornate buildings of men but in the humble Spirit nature of those who worship Him. He has promised that where two or three are gathered in His Name, He is there. That place became "awesome", a place of reverence to Jacob as he became aware of the presence of the Lord. 

THIS is the house of the Lord. Not the building, but HIS presence is what determines the house, the sanctuary of the Lord. This is the gate of heaven. All this because the Lord had caused him to pick up a certain stone which was to become symbolic of the Lord Jesus Christ. Gen. 28:17 

The Lord had revealed Himself as the LORD of hosts. Isa. 8:13-15 

Jehovah over the spiritual hosts of heaven, whether they be the redeemed or created angels. Jehovah over the hosts of the earth, saved or unsaved. He most certainly is in authority and is victorious over all the powers of satan. He is LORD of ALL.   




              THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  43

THE HEADREST MADE INTO A PILLAR. 
The stone was a stone of revelation of the greatest dimension. Not only did Jacob see the stair case and the angels, but he met the Lord. He had a very personal encounter with the Lord and was the recipient of precious promises which are still in effect. What a gracious leading of the Lord that is his journey he should arrive at that particular spot and choose that particular stone. The name of the city had been Luz (the almond tree). Gen. 28:19 

That in itself was most significant. The Biblical use and references to the almond associate it very strongly to the anointing of the Spirit. The golden lampstand of both the Tabernacle and the Temple had oil receptacles in the shape of almond flowers. Thus combining them together as the anointing and producers of light. Ex. 25:11 

The burning oil producing the only light of the Holy Place. The oil, the anointing unfolds the truths and secrets of the Word, the light. Note of interest, there were three of these cups in each branch of the candlestick, three is the number of the Triunity. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always involved in all spiritual exercises. 


THE ROD OF AARON. 
The election method of the Lord is to the point and beyond question. Twelve dry rods assembled and placed in the Tabernacle, with the names of twelve written on them, one for each of the tribes of Israel. The amazing rod that springs into life is the rod of the man chosen by the Lord. Num. 17:8 

Overnight, the rod of Aaron performed miraculously for it budded, blossomed and bore fully ripe almonds. Num. 17:8 

Could there be any question as to the type of the anointing of the Holy Spirit so beautifully portrayed here. That which is dead, well dried, springing to life and coming to fruitfulness in a brief period of time. Prophetically, the branch of the almond tree, is a message that the Lord has said that He is, "ready to perform My word". Jer. 1:11-12 

How encouraging, when we know that the Lord has scheduled a great last day revival before He begins to manifest His judgments in the earth. The Lord always visits with mercy before judgment. Jacob, the ingenious one used the almond rod, among others. in order to receive his proper wages from his father-in-law Gen. 30:37NIV. 

Jacob, Israel saw to it that among the other fruits which His sons carried into Egypt as a gift to Joseph was included almonds, which were not grown in Egypt and therefore would be a special gift and treat. Gen. 43:11. 

The Lord has a very special way of blending all these Old Testament situations together and using them as types and symbols which are consummated in the New Testament experience. It is vital to our growth as Christians that which is represented by Luz, the almond tree be fulfilled in our lives in it fullest. 

For it is through the anointing that we enter into to Bethel, (the house of God). Most unfortunately, the builders of the city of Luz saw some defect in the stone which was the foundation of the Spiritual experience of Jacob, and therefore rejected it. They missed its blessing but Jacob found it. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  44

A SINGLE STONE, THE HOUSE OF GOD. 
Jacob vowed a vow. The LORD had already promised him that the presence of the LORD would go with him. Jacob committed himself to the will and the purpose of the LORD. Jehovah (LORD) was to be his God (Elohim), when he returned successfully to his own land in peace and safety. 

Jacob knew and recognized the LORD by His name. To know Him by name is important. There is a multiplicity of gods who are worshipped around the world. The one whom we worship must be distinguished from them all. We do so, by not just calling Him GOD, but by calling and acknowledging Him by His name as revealed in the scriptures. He has said, "I am the LORD (Jehovah), that is my name". Isa. 42:8 

He has also warned us about embracing other gods by saying, "You shall have no other gods before me". Ex. 20:3 

There is only one true God and His name is the LORD.


TITHING. 
What a blessing it is to tithe. His vow before the LORD included the giving of the tenth OF ALL THAT THOU SHALT GIVE ME. He admitted that the sum total of what ever he received was from the hand of the LORD. Gen. 28:22 

He, his father and grandfather were the foundation of the faithful. Abraham, the father of us all was he who walked by faith. Rom. 4:16 

The father of faith, tithed, therefore sealing the truth of the paying of the tithe as an act of faith. Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. Heb. 7:4

Tithing preceded the Law, and was incorporated into the Law. Even as it was to be continued under grace. Jesus placed His seal of approval on tithing by stating, "not to leave the other undone", when speaking to the Pharisees of tithing and acts of righteousness. Mt. 23:23 Luke 11:42 

This subject would not be complete without recognizing the seriousness of not bringing the tithe to the Lord. Strong language is used in relationship to a failure in this area. The individual, not paying tithes is called a robber. Mal. 3:8 

The blessings and judgments are recorded in Malachi 3:9-11 Serious consequences indeed.


THE REJECTED STONE. 
An act toward Jacob's pillar by the men of Luz. Peter is to compare it to Christ who was to be both accepted gladly and joyously by the believer, but totally discarded by the disobedient. He will also compare the stone to the WORD. The stone, the WORD, the Lord Jesus, the WORD made flesh is a stumbling block and a stone of offense to those who will not believe in Him. 1 Pet. 2:7-8 

The woman of Revelation twelve is the very apex of the chosen generation, the royal priesthood the true holy nation. The people who are completely dedicated to Christ. Formed and shaped from a motley bunch, an amalgamation of a people who are without pedigree, not a people but now in Christ made to be the choice ones of His heart. The joy and delight of His life. A people who are completely and fully His and never will be anything else but His. His beautiful Bride. 1 Pet. 2:9-10 
 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  45

JACOB CONTINUED HIS JOURNEY. 
Having met the Lord in a very real manner and having had the promises of the Covenant revealed and certified as belonging to him, he went his way with a spring in his step. That is, according to the Hebrew idiom that is used here. The mention of the direction of his journey, coming into the land of the people of the east or the sunrising, is significant. Gen. 29:1 

The Tabernacle and the Temple faced the east. The camp of Moses and Aaron was before the tabernacle on the east. Num. 3:38 The Lord Jesus is coming from the east. Mt. 24:27 

The glory of the LORD which filled the house of the LORD entered into the house from the way of the east and through the eastern gate. Eze. 43:4-5

Generally speaking, the east speaks of worship and the presence of the Lord. 


A WELL IN THE FIELD. 
Wells were of importance both to the local people and also to those who had traveled a distance and were thirsty. They were meeting places where the latest news would be heard. In the case of Abraham's relatives they were of great importance. Is was at a well that the Lord met with Hagar and Ishmael and promised that Ishmael would have a large progeny. Gen. 21:17-19 

The servant of Abraham found a wife for Isaac at a well. Gen. 24:11-15 

Now Jacob is to meet his future wife at a well. Gen. 29:2 

Moses was to find his wife by an encounter at a well. Ex. 2:15-21 

Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and offered her living waters. She is certainly a type of the forgiven who will be in the Bride of Christ, which includes us all. John 4:4 

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23 

Jacob removed the stone and watered the sheep of Laban, which were led by Rachel. Gen. 29:10 

Jesus made "living waters" available to the Samaritan woman. Waters which generate eternal life. John 4:10, 14


JACOB'S WAGES. 
He was willing to work seven years for beautiful Rachel (ewe) because of his love for her. However, Laban deceived him and gave him Leah (weary, from a root word meaning weak) to be his bride. Leah is a type of Israel which was much weariness to the Lord with its many backslidings and much disobedience. Rachel is a type of the church, the joy and delight of the Lord Jesus. His love for her was so great that he was willing to work another seven years for her. Gen. 29:27-29 

Following the pattern of "the barren woman" Rachel is barren. Gen. 29:31 

As was the unnamed wife of Manoah. Judges 13:2 

Hannah, the wife of the double portion, is another of these who are barren. 1 Sam. 1:5 

The prophecy of a change and great fruitfulness. Elisabeth was barren and like Sarah pass the age of childbearing. These are all types of the woman of Revelation twelve. The Lord altered the situation of each of them and they all were to bear sons who were to be used of the Lord. The Lord has a way of bypassing the natural and revealing His supernatural powers to bring forth that which is His will. He gives the barren woman a reason to be joyful. Ps. 113:9




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  46

THE FOUNDATION OF A DYNASTY. 
As we have already noted childlessness is a problem in the building of this household, until the Lord makes manifest His power and ability. The Lord is not limited to natural or human limits. He is the Lord of the supernatural and we see a series of miracles where the barren become fruitful and produce very special offspring. It was time for Abraham to seek a wife for his son Isaac. Gen. 24:1 

Isaac is now forty years old, Gen. 25:20 

His father is one hundred forty. Gen. 21:5 

It is worthwhile to regard the statement of the Word, "the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things". Gen. 24:1 

That would include every phase of his life, spiritually, materially and in the beginning of a lineage which would bless the world. Are you of faith? Then you too are blessed with the blessings of Abraham. All the blessings of the Lord were not just heaped on Abraham overnight, but over a span of time the Lord made certain His promises. 

Be patient, the Lord is doing a daily work in His people. There are experiences that must come our way, which may not be pleasant. There are lessons that need to be learned. In the end, He doeth all things well.


UNNAMED, YET DESIGNATED TO SEEK A WIFE FOR ISAAC. 
That creates just a hint of mystery. A trusted, yet inconspicuous servant delegated a great responsibility. It was a very serious task that he was about to fulfill. This person had been in the service of Abraham for a long time. No doubt felt, and was received as one of the family. He held a position of great trust as the eldest servant. 

That certainly speaks of one who was a teacher and guide of the younger servants. The hint as to his identify is found in Gen. 15:2 where he is named to be Eliezer, (God of help). He was the only heir at that time, showing the respect and confidence Abraham had in Him. His position, authority, and trust were unquestionable, for he ruled over all that Abraham possessed. He was Abraham's right hand for sure. Abraham and the servant enter into a covenant concerning the obtaining of a wife for Isaac. We know that Isaac is a type of Christ. 

Would it not be fitting to see in the servant a type of the Holy Spirit whose responsibility it is to seek out and prepare a people to be the Bride of Christ. The Holy Spirit is our contact at the present time with our coming Bridegroom. It is He who reveals the Word to us. He is the one thorough whom we are born into the family of the Lord. He fills us with the presence of Himself. Quickening us to conditions which are good and blessed, while at the same time showing us practices which are detrimental to our spiritual well being. He makes Christ real. 

Through the Spirit we experience the tremendous love of the Lord. He blesses us and corrects us. Teaches us right and wrong. He is always calling us out of this world and its environs to a higher order, where, while still on earth we are elevated to the possession of heavenly things. Designated to sit in heavenly places and enjoy the atmosphere of heaven. He is seeking a bride for his Lord and will find her, that is certain.




            THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  47

A BINDING PROMISE. 
So crucial is the choice of a bride for Isaac that a strong and obligatory promise is negotiated. The servant placed his hand on Abraham's thigh, always the sealing factor of an important vow. To further validity the contract, the name of the LORD is used. It was imperative to the purpose of Abraham that the wife of Isaac not be of the people amongst whom he lived. She must be of his own kind. Gen. 24:2-4

The bride of Christ of His kind. Truly flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. She is born and led of the same Spirit that was in Jesus. His own kind. His own country. The destiny of the church is to be "like him" in all aspects. We must come to know Him better and more fully than any other person. Phil. 3:10 

The vow made is one of deep commitment and great responsibility. Vows or promises, especially those made to the Lord should never be made in a frivolous or light manner. A vow to the Lord must be fulfilled.  Eccl. 5:5 
    

THE WELL, THE VIRGIN AND THE SIGN. 
The well, so vital to life. The meeting place of the flocks, and shepherds. In the Lord is to be found the fountain of life, both natural and eternal. Ps. 36:9 

Because of the witness and testimony that is given of the Lord, the mouth of the righteous is considered to be a well of life. Prov. 10:11 

Once again it is the well which becomes the meeting place and the fulfillment of the purpose of the Lord. The well of the Lord is an artesian well, gushing forth the waters of everlasting life. John 4:14 The well becomes a type of the infilling of the Spirit. Rebekah (ensnarer), of considerable beauty and a virgin. Precisely mirroring the Bride of Christ. She is named Zion, and will be the perfection of beauty. Ps. 50:2 

The king, the Lord Jesus will greatly revel in  her beauty. Ps. 45:11 

The Bride is glorious and beautiful, not of herself or from the physical, but because she is covered with the beauty of the LORD. Ps. 90:17 

There is nothing more beautiful than that which is beautified by the Lord. His beauty is to be found by entering into His presence and dwelling there. Ps. 96:6 

Holiness is the fountain head of everything that is beautiful before the Lord. Ps.96:9 

Rebekah was not only a woman of facial beauty, but was beautiful in spirit. She quickly responded and gave of the water which she had drawn to Abraham's servant. She was also industrious and willing to serve. Without being requested to do so, she watered the camels also. That would have been no small task, drawing water for ten camels. Gen. 24:19-20 

All this in exact fulfillment of his request before the Lord. Gen. 24:14 

How quickly the Lord responded to his request. The responses of the Lord are many. There are times that before we call he has heard and while we are yet speaking He has heard. Isa. 65:24

Then there is the other extreme, such as Daniel experienced where a period of time is required for the response to come. Dan. 10:12-13. 

If the Lord has not yet answered your prayer. Be patient and persistent as the widow before the unjust judge. Strange that the Lord would place Himself in such a position, where the petioner is to pray the prayed of importunity until the Lord responds. He is the one who taught us to pray in such a manner so it is a legitimate and acceptable form of prayer. Sometimes it is the only prayer that works. Luke 18:2-8




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  48

INITIAL GIFTS GIVEN TO REBEKAH. 
They were of gold. Gold signifies that which is purified by the test of fire. Job 23:10 

It speaks to us of our faith, that which is far more precious than gold, which must be tried by fire. The value of that faith is revealed at the appearing of our Lord Jesus. 1 Pet. 1:7 

We may be well assured that the body of Christ, His church, His bride will be well tested and tried in these last days. Gold was extensively used in the Tabernacle and the Temple. Much of it was shaped and formed by the hammer. As was the mercy seat. Shaped from one piece of gold, beaten until it was made into three, yet united as one. A majestic type of the Godhead and the unity that exists in God, as Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Ex. 25:17-20. 

The mercy seat representing our mercy seat, the Lord Jesus. Note Heb. 4:16 Christ Jesus is the only source of mercy and grace. He is our propitiation (mercy seat). 1 John 2:2 

That leaves the cherubim to typify the Father and the Holy Spirit. The metal of greatest monetary and trading value. To give the first gifts of such worth would certainly indicate a person of considerable wealth. The gifts were also, three, the number of the Godhead. 


POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE. 
Gold is portrayed as a very positive and useful element and very definitely represents the Lord in all of His glory. There is a negative side which must be considered. There is constant conflict between good and evil and will be until the Lord destroys Lucifer. 

That with which the Lord had blessed the children of Israel, the gold of Egypt, became a stumbling block and sin to them. The earrings were gathered and made into a golden calf which was to be worshipped. This act of sin was perpetrated, not by an outside, but by the brother of Moses, Aaron, who was second in command and their high priest. Ex. 32:2-4 

The Lord upbraided Israel after He had beautified them and decked them with gold. He had made their beauty to be perfect. However they turned and trusted in their own beauty and played the harlot in turning from the Lord. Eze. 16:12-18 

The old saying is, that all that glitters is not gold. even in the golden age of the church there will be false gold. It is represented by what the scripture has declared to be, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS. We find her in the book of Revelation. 

This is the false church of the end of the age. She is a potpourri, a hodgepodge of all the religions and beliefs found in the world. You will be able to believe anything and be a member of good standing in her. Her clothing and adornments are beautiful and attractive to the eye. That is the outward appearance. It is that which appeals to the physical, the mentality of men. Exceedingly seductive. This wicked woman is already in existence in the world and will only increase in power and authority. It is not one single church, please understand that. It is an amalgamation of all. Rev. 17:4-6 

Consider that she is guilty of murder, she will martyr millions who believe in Jesus. She is also seen in the book of Isaiah. Isa. 4:1 

The one man is the antichrist to whom they will cling.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  49

HOSPITALITY AND KINDNESS FOUND IN REBEKAH.  
A twofold question, Who are you and is there room? She was of the right lineage which was a part of the covenant. She was quick to extend an invitation to join the family, "in the fathers house". Two elements that most assuredly will be found in the bride of Christ. There is room and there is food, in the "fathers house". 

The house of the Lord is open to the whosoever will. The provisions of the Lord are more than adequate to meet every need, The bride to be, always extends a warm invitation to all, to come join the family in "fathers house". Gen. 24:23-25 

Abraham's servant realized the divine leading the Lord and worshipped Him for His intervention and divine direction. His statement and testimony is note worthy, "I being in the way the Lord led me". When we walk in the paths of the Lord, He will always lead us and work wondrously in our lives. Gen. 24:26-27


UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE QUICK ATTENTION. 
Rebecca, RAN to tell the other members of here household of this strange, yet wonderful meeting at the well. Lana, her brother RAN to meet the man and to further extend the invitation to lodge with them. Lana did all the right things to show himself a good host. Even to providing water that the men might wash their feet. In this manner he performed the custom of that time. Gen. 24:32 

Which brings us to a matter which most generally is not practiced by the church of today. The question is, should we as the church of the Lord Jesus be acting on scriptural basis provided for us? The custom, as seen in the Old Testament, was to provide water for the visitor to wash his own feet. Then a meal was served for them.  First the washing, then the meal. Gen. 18:4-5  Gen. 43:24


CUSTOM OR DOCTRINE? 
Jesus washed and dried His disciples feet, not immediately after they had entered into the house, but AFTER the meal. This was not according to custom! Jesus was setting an example, did He intend for His church to follow this demonstration of His love for them? John 13:4-5 Foot washing is mentioned as being one of the requirements for the widows of the church, in order for them to be placed on the widows list. "if she has washed the saints feet". 1 Tim. 5:10 

It would certainly seem that the early church practiced this most humbling task. An act, which to the sophisticated church of today seems to be most primitive. The disciples, following Christ's example, were to wash one another's feet. "By love, serving one another". Gal. 5:13 (Fausset's Bible Dict.) Is there a more blessed place of worship that to be at the feet of the Lord Jesus, expressing worship and adoration unto Him. Every child of the Lord would hasten to place themselves in such a position and attitude. 

Rejoicing in the glory of being in His presence. So, "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it into me". Mt. 25:40 

To be continued.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  50

KNOWLEDGE, CREATING HAPPINESS. 
Obedience is a companion that directs the Christian to the source of happiness. The way maybe strewn with many untoward circumstances but Jesus Himself learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Heb. 5:8 

Jesus gave and established an example, with the expectation that His disciples would follow in the pattern which He had established. Note carefully His words. "I have given you an example, that YE SHOULD DO AS I HAVE DONE". John 13:15 

Just what had He done? He had greatly humbled Himself in the act of washing their feet. He had not performed this as the lowly Jesus, but as their Lord and Master. In other words, as Deity, as very Lord and God among them in human form. It was a performance by one who was the greatest among them, their leader and their Lord. The disciples had confessed Him to be "their Lord and Master" and that was correct, for He was. John 15:13 

They then, "also ought" to wash one another's feet. They owed it to one another. They were under obligation and were bound to wash one another's feet. This was given to them as a command from a superior. The seriousness of this example given by the Lord Jesus requires much consideration on our part. John 13:14 

The bride will be in absolute obedience to His every command.   


SIMON PETER. 
Always the impetuous one. He questioned the action of the Lord, whom he held in the most supreme respect and reverence. Peter, felt his complete unworthiness. John 13:6 

Every transaction of the Lord Jesus was filled with purpose and meaning. Ever the teacher, He responded with a prophetic statement. Though Peter did not understand at this particular moment, in the future he would comprehend. John 13:7 

The response of Jesus did not satisfy Peter. For he said, "Thou shalt never wash my feet". Spoken hastily and with such emotion. How easy it is to identify with Peter. Too often words are spoken in the spur of a moment without previous thought. Unity, fellowship with the Lord Jesus was dependent on the acceptance of His washing their feet. This word of the Lord suddenly makes the washing of feet to be of vital importance. To refuse washing was to miss being a part and parcel of who He was. To be like Him. To bear His image is the burning desire of every true, consecrated child of the Lord. They want to fulfill His will. To emulate the very life and love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus uttered some very serious words,
when He said, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me". John 13:8 

This places what Jesus did far beyond a fulfillment of mere custom. Custom required that water was supplied and the feet washed on entering the home. John 13:4-5 

This was an extremely important time in the life of Jesus. He was facing Calvary. The cross was quickly approaching. It was a moment of great importance to Jesus. He was leaving them an ensample. 

To be continued.




THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  51

WASHING IS IMPORTANT. 
Aaron and his sons who were to minister before the Lord were to be brought to the door of the tabernacle and there washed before donning the garb of the priesthood. Ex. 29:4-5 

Interesting, for Jesus said, "I am the door". Now he is washing His disciples who are soon to enter into a ministry for Him. Aaron and his sons were to come to the laver (washbowl) made out of brass, signifying judgment. Here they were to wash their hands and their feet before ministering in the tabernacle. Ex. 30:18-19 

This was not an elective on their part. It was commanded that they perform this rite of cleansing, under the sentence of death. For were they to attempt to carry out their duties in the tabernacle without having washed their hands and their feet, the result would be death. Ex. 30:20-21


WASHINGS WHICH WE EXPERIENCE. 
We must understand that these tabernacle practices foreshadow our experiences in the Spiritual realm. As members of the body of Christ the church must exercise certain washings. The most important is the washing of the blood of Christ. This is the foundational washing and the beginning of a new life in Jesus. Rev. 1:5

There is a washing of obedience which resulted in healing, and the ability to see. we could make a dual application here, for the man was able to see, both physically and spiritually. John 9:7 (38). 

Now what washing is this? "Our bodies washed with pure water". So the statement of the Word as recorded in Heb. 10:22 It is made very clear that this is a necessary part of Christian experience as we attempt to draw closer to Jesus. Part of this process is most assuredly, water baptism. We call to mind the words of advice given by Ananias to Paul. "Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord". Acts 22:16 

Did water baptism save him, of course not. The cleansing was that of his temple, his body which had been used for sinful and worldly pursuits and needed a washing which was spiritual. Peter, on the day of Pentecost admonished them to repent and be baptized, "in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION
OF SINS". Acts 2:38 

Salvation requires repentance, the cleansing of the blood of Christ and the remission of sins, freedom, liberty and deliverance. Salvation is complete and effects the whole man, spirit, soul and body. The body of sin must be cleansed as well as the spirit and soul, for it is to become the temple of the Lord through the person of the Holy Ghost. It is also a part of the washing of regeneration, spiritual birth requires blood and water to fully accomplish the work of the Lord in our being. Titus 3:5

Jesus made the water experience an imperative for entrance into the kingdom of the Lord. John 3:5 

Natural birth involves blood, water and breath or spirit. Like wise new birth or spiritual birth. With every baby born into this world there is a witness and testimony of the requirements which gain a person entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Word of the Lord is very explicit on these matters and in order to obtain that which is prepared for us, we must do His will and follow the
pattern which Jesus has left us.





THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  52

THE WASHING OF REGENERATION. 
This is called by some, the laver of regeneration, rebirth and in particular, Messianic restoration. The outward washing of the flesh, or water baptism is significant of the inward work of grace that has been accomplished. Titus 3:5 

This satisfies the command of the Lord Jesus given in Mark 16:16 "He that beliveth and is baptized shall be saved". The complete work of salvation can only come to fruition by complete obedience to the Word of the Lord. Water baptism identifies the baptized with the death of Christ. Death to the old man, the carnal man, the former life. Rom. 6:3 

The purpose is to bury that which has been contaminated and to achieve that new, resurrection life which is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a liberty from that life which was once lived and is no longer desirable in the waters of baptism. The old life, the former walk must die and cease to exist that we might walk in the newness of life found in Christ Jesus. Rom. 6:4-6 

Water baptism is a burial, a spiritual act, not a dead ritual. In it is the secret of a life which is free from sin and iniquity, for through it we touch the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. It is a most important factor in the foundation of a strong and healthy spiritual life. Rom. 6:7-13


THE LINK BETWEEN BAPTISM AND FOOT WASHING. 
Again, it is Peter who through his unhampered exuberance and extreme reaction creates the link between the two. His enthusiasm was ready for anything. Shown the value of this washing he was ready to plunge in with the whole man. Lord, not only my feet but my hands and my head also. What a complete switch of attitude. John 13:9 

How easy it is to relate to his fervor as this spiritual truth was revealed to him. The words of Jesus show the value of foot washing. An act as we have seen which was not strange to the religious and customs of hospitality for that day. What Jesus did that day went far beyond either of these and was one of deep spiritual implication. 

Physically, the washing of feet does not cleanse the whole body. However, when Jesus washed their feet it had the effect of cleansing the whole man. That becomes the beauty of the whole act. It is the revelation of its purpose. 

In many ways, the feet are symbolic of that which touches the contamination of the world. The disciples, having already been baptized, now, through the washing of their feet were cleansed, wholly, totally made clean. Jesus said, you are clean. John 13:10 

From His statement they had obviously bathed, so this act which He performed had nothing to do with the cleanliness of the human body. Plainly what Jesus had done was a spiritual work touching the whole being. 

Some who have backsliden desire to be rebaptised for they feel contaminated. Not necessary, if Jesus washing their feet had the outcome of a full cleansing for the whole man, then foot washing will have the same results in our day. Jesus established a way of blessing that we too often miss out on. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION  TWELVE.  53

DO YOU COMPREHEND WHAT I HAVE DONE? 
A question posed that Jesus might emphasize the importance of His action in washing their feet. It was a work of love. The cleansing which took place would be of uttermost blessing to His disciples. One cannot go through a spiritual encounter such as this without it having a terrific impact on their lives. It feels so good to be clean. John 13:12 

Jesus pulled rank on them. You call me and give me respect as your Lord and master. Which of course, was fitting and proper. In this high status and position among them, He had washed their feet. He then spoke the lesson that is to be learned from and by His conduct. I, Jesus, have done it to you, "ye also ought to wash one each others feet". Pretty explicit, is it not? The word "ought" according to Strong, may be translated to mean, to owe, figuratively, to be under obligation. Must, should, indebted and so on. John 13:13-14.


I HAVE SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOU. 
A performance which is to be emulated by those who serve Him. If Christ Jesus is our mentor, certainly we will follow in His ways and practices. In most situations we would readily agree with a command given by Jesus. This certainly is as important as any other command. 

Jesus firmly spoke and said, "ye should do as I have done to you". This statement stands out and sounds forth with such an urgency. If there is a blessing in its performance, and there is, then we are being robbed of its benefits. It should be followed, if from no other stand point, the fact that Jesus gave it as a duty to be performed by them. John 13:16 

However much it may be misunderstood or misconstrued, Jesus spoke from a position of one being in authority over them. They were not greater than He, therefore they should comply to His wishes and command. John 13:16 


THE WAY OF HAPPINESS. 
Mankind is constantly in the pursuit of happiness. Stop and meditate on the great abundance of things which we do, all with the purpose of finding happiness. Spiritual knowledge produces true everlasting joy and happiness. The blessing of the Lord is promised to those who come to a comprehension of this truth and practice it. John 13:17 

The whole of the blessings of the Lord are directed toward those who explicitly do His will. Noah and his family were delivered from a catastrophe which had never before taken place, all because he obeyed the command of the Lord. Gen. 6:22 

Moses, expressly and very meticulously did all exactly as he was commanded. Ex. 40:16 

The way of blessing is for the man who performs the will of the Lord. He studies the "perfect law of liberty". He continues his walk in the way of that law. He does not forget what he has heard of the Lord, but is a "doer of the work", this is the man who shall be blessed in all that he does. James 1:25 

The scriptures, when obeyed, establish a life of glory, power and blessing for those who will faithfully follow their teachings. The way of the Lord, is the right way. In as much as ye have done it unto these, ye have done it unto me.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  54

AN OBEDIENT SERVANT LED IN THE RIGHT WAY. 
Blessed is that servant of the Lord who has the ability to discern the leading of the Lord. The Lord is not remiss in the giving of directions for guidance in our lives if we only take time to wait on Him. The servant was able to testify that the Lord had led him in the right way. Gen. 24:48 

The secret of being led of the Lord is to be found in the Word of the Lord. A complete and absolute trust in His sure guidance, with the whole heart is necessary. The ability to receive His instruction without mingling our own thoughts and understanding is essential. In every way, in all that is done let there be a full acknowledgment of the living Lord. Then the promise is yours, that He will direct your path and lead you into His perfect will. Prov. 3:5-6 

The individual who would know His leading must be able to be instructed and be teachable. Then it is the all seeing eye of the Lord which becomes a personal guide for them. Ps. 32:8 

We may have perfect confidence in Him, for He always leads in the right way. The ultimate destination being the eternal, everlasting City of the Lord. Ps. 107:7 

A glimpse of the negative side reveals what is missed by not accepting the counsel of the Lord. The
anguish of the Lord is evident when He would have led His very own in the right way and they refused to hear and obey. Had you only listened, for then your peace would have been as abundant as the waters of the flowing river and your righteousness as the waves of the sea. Isa. 48:18 

O that His people would but listen to what He is saying to us, and He is saying it directly out of His Word. The Lord is the teacher, the Lord is the leader, showing us the path that He has chosen for us. Isa. 48:17 


A WISE CHOICE. 
It is worthy to note that in the negotiations for Rebekah's hand, the gifts were not brought out and given until her relatives had made the commitment of giving her to be the wife of Isaac. Gifts come with commitment. Without a full hearted commitment there are no true gifts. Gen. 24:50-53 

The final decision was to be made by Rebekah, who immediately expressed her willingness to follow the servant to the house of Abraham and to her marriage to Isaac. Gen. 24:57-58 

Their blessing which was pronounced upon her was consistent with the promises given to the household of faith, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The number is amazing in its content. Who can tell the final sum of "thousands of millions"? There is no final sum to be found by multiplying millions by thousands (we do not know how many thousands there are, nor do we know how many millions). There is therefore only one sum to be derived from this multiplication problem and that is, limitless. To arrive at the proper answer one must be able to number the dust of the earth. Gen. 13:16 

The stars of the heavens. Now known to be billions of stars in billions of galaxies, and the end is not yet. Gen. 15:5 

Or the number of grains of sand on all the shores of all the seas of the world. Gen. 32:12  

The Lord has said that they cannot be measured or numbered and will be called, "Sons of the living God". Hos. 1:10   

Selah!  





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  55

REBEKAH MEETING ISAAC FOR THE FIRST TIME. 
The reference made to the well Lahai-roi Is significant because of the meaning of its name, "The well of the living God who sees me". It was here that Hagar met with the Lord and received the promises of the Lord. Gen. 16:14 

It was an oasis in the desert and was the dwelling place of Isaac. Gen. 24:62 Gen. 25:11 

Though in a dry place, it is evident that once again the blessing of the Lord is found by its inhabitant, for the Lord blessed Isaac. He went out in the cool of the evening to think, and meditate on the Lord and to pray. Then he saw the caravan bringing his wife approaching. Being a spiritual man his experience in the desert could have been like that of the Psalmist who meditated on the mighty works of the Lord and found himself having a great thirst for the Lord. Ps. 143:5 

No doubt that there was an excitement, an anticipation in the heart as to the success or failure of the servant having obtained a bride for him. The same may well be said concerning Rebekah as she approached what would be an entirely new way of life for her. 


SHE LIGHTED OFF HER CAMEL. 
The camel which had been her method of transportation was now abandoned, she had reached her destination, the wedding was eminent. It is interesting to note that originally the servant had taken ten of Abraham's camels. Gen. 24:10 

Ten is the number of the Commandments. The Law which was a schoolmaster of holiness and righteousness bringing us to Christ. But now, we live and walk by faith. No longer under the tutoring of a rigid Law, but now under the amazing grace of Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:24-25 

She lifted her eyes, she caught sight of Isaac, she fixed her eyes on him. Her emotions would have been greatly stirred, here he was, the one for whom she had made this separation from her family and journeyed into a strange land. We have not seen Jesus, yet we love Him and rejoice, in Him, with a joy that cannot be explained by words. The majestic blessing of the Lord Jesus which is full of the glory of the Lord. 1 Peter 1:8 

Rebekah took her wedding veil and placed it over herself. According to the customs of this area this was a special wedding veil which covered, or concealed the individual.  She gave a sign to Isaac that she was ready and willing for the marriage to take place. Gen. 24:66 

There are definite standards for the Bride of Christ which if met will assure one of being in the Bride. They are recorded in the Word of the Lord but too often are ignored of minimized and made to be meaningless. Among them, the putting on of the new man, the garments of righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4:24 

The Lord has given us a very strong warning concerning these garments. Those who neglect them will be caught uncovered at a most crucial time. The time when, to the ungodly, the unprepared, He will appear as a thief in the night, ushering in the end time events which eventually lead to the end of this world and the establishment of a New Heavens and New Earth. Rev. 16:15



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  56

OF CONSIDERATION. 
Rebekah was noted for her beauty. Gen. 26:7 

As a type of the woman of Revelation twelve it is becoming her that she should be beautiful. Most definitely, as we view the Bride she is clothed with great and perfect beauty. It was the desire and prayer of Moses that the beauty of the Lord be seen on His people. Ps. 90:17 

That cry is still to be found in the hearts of all who follow the Lord. He has placed a strong desire in His people to be clothed with all the beauty of the Lord. King David had a mind set and a great desire to live in the house of the Lord, permanently, that he might behold the "beauty of the LORD". 

This, ONE thing was that which he sought after. It is evident that these great men of Bible history longed for a beauty that they knew was resident in the presence of the Lord. Ps. 27:4 


WORSHIP IS TO BE EXERCISED IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS. 
The beauty of the Lord is manifest through His holiness. Beauty and holiness are both attributes of the Lord. They feebly express His nature and being. He is so much more and so far, far greater than our understanding of words which are used to express His being. 

Only in a worship where the Spirit of the Lord lifts us out of our humanity into the realms of the Spirit can we know and comprehend how beautiful and holy He is. True worship arises from a heart of holiness and is a thing of beauty. 1 Chr. 16:29 


SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD. 
The strange battle of Judah or how to win a war without fighting. King Jehoshaphat, Judah and Jerusalem facing an enemy were filled with consternation. As usual, facing a difficult situation, they prayed. 

The Lord assured them that they would not have to be engaged in this battle and would win it. The secret of their success and subsequent victory was in their willingness to go to battle as the Lord directed. It was an act of obedience and faith. 

As they believed the Lord, they were to be supported and cared for. 

As they obeyed the word of their prophets they were to prosper. The blessing of the Lord was upon their commitment to the Lord in great measure. 

Singers were appointed to, of all things, go before the army of Judah. Hardly a fearsome group sent out in the forefront to confront the enemy. The responsibility of the singers was to "praise the beauty of holiness". They went forth singing and praising the Lord. 

The Lord wrought great confusion and their enemies "helped to destroy one another". The battle field before them was filled with dead bodies, so much so, that none of the enemy had escaped. 2 Chron. 20:20-25 

So tremendous was the spoil that they spent three days in gathering it all. 

The fourth day, they came together in the valley of Berachah, the valley of blessing and prosperity. When we apply these truths to our lives we find the Lord to be the same in our day. 

All things are possible to those who believe. We may be certain that the Lord will meet and satisfy the daily needs of our lives. Praise Him in the beauty of holiness.   




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   57

WHEN BEAUTY IS NOT OF VALUE. 
Standing immediately before the throne of the Lord is a most handsome creature. He is a part of the creation of the Lord. It is well that we always remember that this being is one whom the Lord created. He does not possess the capabilities of the Lord. He is definitely not omnipresent. 

He was not brought forth to be what he is now, a fallen creature. He is the very epitome of all that is evil, unrighteous and wicked. Among other names, he is called "the accuser of our brethren". He is standing 24/7 before the throne of the Lord with the latest accusation and report of the faults and failures of the brethren. Rev. 12:10 

Since he is so occupied night and day, he could hardly be the one who personally opposes and attacks us in this life. 


HE IS PORTRAYED BY THE KING OF TYRUS. 
Tyrus, means a rock or a flint, a knife. It comes from a root word meaning, adversary or assault. How typical of the powers of darkness to copy and imitate the things of the Lord. The LORD is the true rock. Ps. 18:2 

This person, of whom Tyrus is a type was the extreme example, the full sum, the ultimate, the apex of the perfection of the handy work of the Lord. The complete measure of all that is beautiful was upon him. Perfect in both beauty and wisdom. He is still using his corrupted beauty and wisdom to fool and deceive mankind. Eze. 28:12 

He was as close to the Godhead as any created being was situated. He was a visitor to the garden of the Lord, Eden as well as being in the glorious, eternal presence of the Lord. How unfortunate that he was able to present an act of disobedience to Adam and Eve, causing sin to be commonplace for all men. Every stone of value was a covering for him. Stones of value and great price. Their great variety of colors would but add to the beauty of this creature. In this instance there are nine stones which are mentioned. 

Nine is a number associated with the Holy Spirit. Nine gifts, nine fruit and nine virtues. His position was of great importance. They were set in gold, an emblem of the righteousness and eternity of the Lord. Music was a part of the ability which the Lord had incorporated in him in the day of his creation. This, he has greatly corrupted and is destined to be destroyed and silenced. Eze. 26:13 


HE WAS PERFECT IN THE DAY OF HIS CREATION. 
And continued to be the perfect example of perfection until iniquity was discovered in him. It is very apparent that he was a being with a free will and not created as a puppet or a clone. Eze. 28:30 

His judgment is certain and set. In the very place of his creation he will be judged and destroyed. Jesus witnessed the loss of his position of holiness before the throne. Lk. 10:18 

The woman of Revelation twelve and the child born to her are responsible for the ultimate casting down of the devil. They, both are important key factors in the plan of the Lord which will in the end, result in the New Heavens and the New Earth. Rev. 12:12





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  58

A MOST ASTONISHING PLACEMENT. 
He was the anointed cherub. The anointing was accomplished by use of the Holy anointing oil. What is of greater value than the holy anointing oil of the Lord. The anointing is that which represents the presence of the Holy Spirit. It must be firmly stated that he was not in any sense of the word, a part of the Godhead. He was not God, though he thought himself to be. Nevertheless, from the high rank and position given him, he was the very closest to the Lord. 


THE SACRED ANOINTING OIL. 
That which was utilized in the tabernacle and temple was composed of five ingredients. Ex. 30:23-24 

Five is the number of atonement. Four were spices, the number of the earth. The fifth was a hin of olive oil. The spices represent the Godhead. There were three measurements of 500 shekels blended into the anointing oil. The central measurement was divided into two measurements. Each of 250 shekels, for a total of 500 shekels. Two or the middle one, symbolizing the Lord Jesus. He was crucified between two thieves. 

This mixture of the two equal amounts of spice connote the perfect blend of God and Man. Those who ministered in the tabernacle and temple were anointed with then sacred oil, for ministry. The tabernacle, the temple and all the furnishings were anointed for dedication and service. Ex. 30:26-31 

The ointment was not to be copied, nor used solely as a perfume under the punishment of being cut down. Nor was it to be placed on mans flesh. This shows us the high standard with which this oil was held. It also helps us to understand the extremely high position held by the devil prior to his downfall.


THE ANOINTED CHERUB THAT COVERETH. 
Cherub represent the Father and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead. For instance the garden of Eden was protected by Cherubim and a flaming sword, lest man reenter the garden and partake of the tree of life. Gen. 3:24 

The sword is the Lord Jesus. The word made flesh. Eph. 5:6 

The cherubim and the mercy seat were to be made of one piece of gold. A majestically true and beautiful type of the Godhead. Three, two cherubim and the mercy seat all hammered out of one solid piece of gold. A marvelous type of the unity and oneness that comprises our Lord. Christ is our propitiation, the true mercy seat, the place of the highest and only true atonement. 1 John 4:10 

He carried His blood into the heavenly, eternal temple and offered it before His Father as the price of salvation for all who will believe. Jesus is not only the mercy seat, He is also the offering, the atonement. 1 Jn. 2:2 

As the cherub gazed upon the mercy seat and the offerings presented there, so the Father views the redeemed through the blood sacrifice of His dear Son. It is inconceivable that one of such high rank and standing should be a turn coat and manifest a spirit of insurrection in the very presence of the Lord, but he did and like a plague man is born into sin. Jesus died to save us from our sins. Complete and absolute atonement is in Jesus. 
 



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  59

THE SPIRIT OF REBELLION HAD ITS START IN HEAVEN. 
Most amazing is the situating of this creature who was afforded such an extremely high position. In the infinite wisdom of the Lord, it is He who gave him this status. This establishes a precedent which is continued throughout the Word of the Lord. The enemy is not an outsider but one who dwells within the inner circle and is in a position of leadership. Do not expect the antichrist to be someone from outside the church. Lets take a look at an example of one who was one of the twelve disciples of the Lord Jesus, a man called Judas Iscariot. He is a type of the antichrist, one of the inner circle. Jesus in choosing the twelve said, "One of you is a devil". John 6:70 

We could not ask for a more specific statement. Jesus also made known the fact that one of them did "not believe". Jesus knew who he was and what he would do. John 6:64 

Lest we think that it would be very obvious who it was that would betray Jesus, consider the words of Peter in his initial sermon, on the day of Pentecost. "He [Judas], was numbered with us". One who associated with the Lord Jesus and the other disciples, and was acknowledged by them as one of the brethren. Then he, "obtained a part in this ministry". When Jesus sent them out two by two, he was a definite, positive part of all that took place. Miracles and healings do not always verify the veracity of an individual. Acts 1:17 

Jesus warned us concerning false Christ's and prophets, manifesting great signs and wonders. Mt. 24:24 

The church needs to be on constant alert and discern that which is of the true Spirit and that which is not. The antichrist will originate from the midst of the greatest church of this dispensation, a perfect church. He and his will work great deception and havoc up to a certain point and then they will be separated from the true body of Christ.


IN AN AGE OF WAR, THERE WILL EVEN BE WAR IN HEAVEN.
Michael (Who is like God), and certainly He is, for Michael is the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. This skirmish, will be a full fledged war resulting in the complete eradication of the great dragon, the devil, from the kingdom of the Lord. This action is triggered by the birth of the manchild, who immediately is caught up to the Lord, in heaven. Rev. 12:7-9

There is a special warning of that which is about to transpire on the earth now that the devil has been so solidly defeated, uprooted from his high position and cast down to the earth. He will be manifest in the person of the antichrist and the ungodly trio of the dragon, the false prophet and the antichrist will dominate the inhabitants of the earth. His spirit will be that of great wrath, for he knows the brevity of his time to rule on earth. His first attack will be against the woman of Revelation twelve. But she will be wondrously delivered from his attack. He will then turn against those who are Christians but did not measure up to the requirements necessary to be a part of the Bride and make war with them. Rev. 12:17 

They are the tribulation saints who are seen before the throne. Rev. 7:14




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  60

A FIRE WALKER. 
The liberties afforded this created being were complete. His high and lofty position and status in the presence of the Lord is astonishing. Satan had walked up and down, had felt at ease, in the midst or the heart of the stones of fire. Both fire and stones create an interesting analogue here. Peter introduced us to the "Living stone", the Lord Jesus Christ. This stone is repeatedly referred to in the scriptures and is a great and necessary theme, which we need to study and comprehend. 1 Pet. 2:4 

Jesus is every thing to this spiritual building, from architect to builder. To the supplier of the materials used to the very material itself. He is the foundation and the capstone. Then Peter makes it even more interesting, by referring to the church as being constituted of "lively stones". That which is to be built up and made to be the spiritual, eternal house of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:5 

There is also the possibility that these stones are the "precious stones" [Eze. 28:13] glittering and scintillating with the fiery light reflected from the glory of the Lord shining from the throne of the Lord. The whole scene of the throne of the Lord is majestic beyond description, and satan was an integral part of its beauty and splendor. 


OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE. 
The very being and essence of the true and the living God, is fire. Harmful and destructive to His foes, but glorious and marvelous to His own. "For our God is a consuming fire". Heb. 12:29 

He is to become one who baptizes His followers "with the Holy Ghost and fire". A good fire, one which warms the individual with the zeal of the Lord Himself. At the same time, its purpose is to "consume" the chaff, to sanctify and purify the one baptized.  Luke 3:16-17

What a tremendous privilege granted those who believe on the Lord Jesus. It is His will that we all become "stones of fire". Filled and unctionized by the "power" of the Spirit. He is desirous of His church being lively stones filled with the Holy Ghost and fire. Ezekiel saw the throne of fire and the being of fire and brightness or light who occupied it. Eze. 1:26 

He likewise saw the four living creatures who were before the throne of the Lord. These men in whom the power and revelation of the Lord was seen. Their appearance was like burning, glowing coals of fire. There was a light or flaming torch which was extremely active, flashing up and down in their midst. Also there were flashes of lightening streaking out from them. Surely stones of fire. Satan associated with the leadership of the kingdom of the Lord. 

Not to be excluded from this thought is the fact that John saw a sea of glass, like crystal, mixed with fire, which was situated before the throne of the Lord. Once again the four living creatures are in attendance. A crystal is six sided and is a type of man. Therefore we see the redeemed of all ages standing in worship and adoration before the throne of the Lord. Rev. 4:6

Our conclusion can only be that Satan in his creation and placement in the kingdom was allotted an extremely high position and associated with the very elite of heaven. He was, and still is a being of great beauty and attractiveness. 

    

    

        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  61

REBEKAH WAS BARREN. 
This is a condition that is common in the scriptures to many of the women who are a type of the Bride. Through intercessory prayer by Isaac she was able to conceive and gave birth to twins. From the very beginning there is strong evidence of the competition that was to exist between them. They were anything but identical twins. Gen. 25:21 

Even in the womb of Rebekah, these two were in conflict, fighting with one another, a situation that was to prevail in their life time and on into that of their descendants. Two nations to be born, diametrically opposite one to the other in almost every detail of their lives. The younger was to be the progenitor of the Godly line and would be stronger, prevailing in leadership and ruling. This however is not our objective at this particular time, though we may return to it in the future.


THE BARREN BECOME VERY FRUITFUL. 
A prophetically utterance pertaining to the Bride of Christ. She too, is seen as being childless as these others who were to become the mothers of races, though initially barren. As within them all, she is to become exceedingly fruitful. Though she had not born children she is destined to have more children than the woman who had been married and previously had children. She is instructed to sing and will most certainly produce sounds of joy and gladness for her deliverance from being barren. Isa. 54:1 

The Apostle Paul affiliated this prophecy with the true church, the body of Christ. He termed it to be the Jerusalem which is from above, the free Jerusalem, the heavenly, the Spiritual, who is the mother of us all. That is all those who like Isaac are children of the promise. Gal. 4:26-28 

There is a subtle meaning involved which goes beyond the new birth and is revealed in the birth of the man child. It is he to whom the reference is made concerning the fruitless becoming fruitful. Rev. 12:5 


PHENOMENAL GROWTH. 
It is thrilling to hear of the expectation of the church in general speaking of revival in these last days. Look in the text books of yesteryear and you will find an entirely different teaching. The days of Noah doctrine, proclaiming that just a few would be saved in the end days. Contrariwise the Lord is saying, get ready, enlarge you tent. Prepare for a mighty move of the Spirit of the Lord, and a great influx into the church. Isa. 54:1-3 

The call of the Lord came to her in a time of great difficulty, where she felt abandoned and forlorn, but He has not forgotten and He will reveal Himself to His church in a measure that has never been known before. He is her creator, He is her husband, He is the Lord of hosts, He is her redeemer, He is the Holy One, He is the only true God. This majestic and mighty One will align Himself to a people in the last days who will love Him with all their hearts, all their minds, all their soul and fully and completely in and by the Spirit of the glorious Lord of all. Isa. 54:5-6




           THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  62

THE BIRTH OF A DELIVERER. 
Israel, as usual was in trouble and the Lord was about to provide a leader, a judge for them. Once again, the Lord chose a barren woman to prove His ability to do the unusual. Judges 13:2

Oddly enough, her name is not mentioned in the account, even so, she was to be favored by visitations by the Lord, and the revelation of the Lord. Her husbands name was Manoah, meaning, Quite, rest. He was of the tribe of Dan, signifying a judge, which is exactly what they were to receive in the birth of this child. This most certainly gives testimony to her piety and love for the Lord. The angel of the Lord, which is the Lord Himself in angelic form known as a theophany. His pronouncement must have been a great thrill to her. The barren was to become fruitful. Jdg. 13:3 

 
HER SON TO BE A NAZARITE. 
A man with a vow and dedication to the Lord, from his birth. As a Nazarite, he was separated unto the Lord. He was to be consecrated fully to the Lord. It was a special vow. Num. 6:2-4 

He was to live according to the religious laws of Israel. He was to refrain from all intoxicants, one hundred percent dedication, even to not eating of the fruit of the vine. Jgs. 13:4,7 

This was to be a life long separation, from the cradle to the grave. No razor was to be used to cut his hair as long as the vow was being performed. It was a sign of his commitment to the Lord. Also a sign of holiness. Num. 6:5  

The third requirement was that he was not to touch a dead body, even that of his parents, he was not to be defiled in any manner. Numbers 6:6-7 

The Lord has a very special way of accomplishing His purposes. This child was to be a deliverer to Israel. The Lord does not seek someone who was an adult and a warrior at that time to bring deliverance, but causes a child to be born. Deliverance must wait until the child is grown. 

The Lord works according to His own schedule and not ours. We want prayers answered yesterday, He answers at just the right time. Don't forget, He has the prerogative of saying NO, as well as yes.


SHE TOLD HER HUSBAND. 
Surely she must have very excitedly narrated her encounter with the "man of God", to her husband. Her description of the "man" leaves little doubt as to person with whom she had met. He had the countenance of an angel, positively shining with the glory of the Lord. We get a word picture of the "awesome", terrible appearance of the Lord when we view His countenance and His clothing on the Mount of Transfiguration. His whole being glowed with a lightening like brightness. Luke 9:29 

It is interesting to see that she did not inquire of the origin of this man of God who appeared to her and related such a glorious message to her. Nor did He tell me His name. That is to come later in the
rest of the story. Jgs. 13:6 

A meeting with the Lord completely alters the plan and direction of ones life. It was a spiritual meeting that was to bring natural results, both, in the life of this family and eventually would have a profound effect on the lives of the Israelites and also on that of their enemies. The Lord does things His way, which is always the very best.

    



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   63

MANOAH PRAYED EARNESTLY. 
There may have been many reasons for his request for another visit by the angel. Certainly, not the least of which would have been a desire to see and hear this good news, for himself. Jgs. 13:8 

After all it was a male dominated society and the head of the house should be visited first. The Lord has a sense of humor. He responded to the prayer of Manoah, but waited until his wife was alone in the field. Jgs. 13:9 

Knowing the anxiety of her husband to meet the man of God, she ran quickly and told him of the visitation, returning with him. Jgs. 13:10 

Manoah, came with questions which had already been answered. Lord help our unbelief. Are you the man? His wife had already told him that the man had come again. How shall we raise him? Again, his wife had conveyed to him the instructions of the man of God. 


MANOAH WORSHIPED THE LORD. 
Manoah, though standing face to face and carrying on a conversation with the man, did not recognize Him to be the angel of the Lord. His wife however, had immediately accepted the revelation and acknowledged the angel of the Lord. There is a marked contrast in the spiritual perception of this husband and wife. Manoah, could not discern the nature of the person standing before him. Jgs. 13:16

The third question of Manoah is a good one. "What is your name?" Then, when this all comes to pass we may give credit to you as the prophet who prophesied these things. Do prophets need credit given to them? v. 17 The man of the Lord proclaimed His name to be "secret" [peli'y, or wonderful]. Wonderful, is the first name applied to the Lord Jesus Christ, which is an expression of the glory of His person.  Isa. 9:6 

"The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant". Ps. 25:14

Showing reverence to the LORD, Jehovah, will gain entrance to the secret place and the secrets of the Most High. His constant purpose is to make Himself known to His people. We can only know Him, when we know Him by name. The Father has bestowed a name upon Him that exceeds all other names. To confess that name is to acquiesce in the fact that "Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father". Phil. 2:9-11 

When speaking of Jesus, His name must be used for identification. The term "God" has become so ambiguous, there are a countless number of "gods" around the world but only one "Lord Jesus Christ". 1 Cor. 8:6 

It is of vital importance that we honor His name by identifying Him with that name. He promised His presence where two or three are gathered in His name. Mt. 18:20 

He promised to answer prayer that is in His name. John 14:13-12 

The powers of darkness are subject to His name. Luke 10:17 

Healing is to be found in His name. Acts 3:16 

There is but one name that will bring salvation to the lost and that is His name. Acts 4:12 

Jesus order that baptism be in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Mt. 28:19 

What is that name? What ever we do, we are to do it in His name. Col. 3:17 His name is indeed WONDERFUL.





        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  64

A WONDROUS ACT INSTITUTED UPON A ROCK. 
A burnt offering presented to the LORD [Jehovah} by Manoah became a manifestation of the might and majesty of Jehovah. A simple offering, placed on a rock was about to become a great demonstration of the ability of Jehovah, Himself. Jgs. 13:19-20 

The rock is used throughout the scriptures as a symbol of the Lord in various and sundry ways. David, in a Psalm of rejoicing over his deliverance designates the LORD as his rock. The rock that had delivered him from his enemies. That One who had been active, with him, in his troubles as a guide and support. The rock which had become his refuge and fortress. He found his courage and encouragement in the LORD, his
rock. Ps. 18:2 

The subject of the rock is a great theme in the Word of the LORD. No reference to the rock is more meaningful than that which is used by the Apostle Paul. He makes the rock from which Israel drank in the wilderness to be none other than Christ. A beautiful analogy, for as their lives were utterly dependent on the supply of life giving water flowing from the rock, so we in Christ have found Him to be the only source of life eternal, and the power of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 10:4  


THE LORD DID AN AMAZING THING. 
No detail is given us as to the source of the fire which consumed the sacrifice, we do have a similar scenario where the fire originated from out of the rock as the staff of the angel of the LORD touched it. This took place at the time of the call of the Lord to Gideon. The fire "flared from the rock". Judges 6:21 [NIV] 

There is every likelihood that in the case of Manoah, this is the same kind of an event. This fire, while is accomplishes the same things as natural fire, it is grossly different. It consumed the sacrifice which had been prepared but did not consume the angel of the LORD. Moses went up on the mountain which appeared to be on fire. Ex. 24:17 

While on the mountain, rather than being consumed by the fire, he was infused with the fire and the glory of the Lord. Consequently he was forced to wear a vail because the Israelites could not stand the shining of the glory of the Lord that was highly visible in his face. Ex. 34:35 

The same glory was seen in the face of Stephen, the first New Testament martyr. Acts 6:15

 Fire is associated with the Holy Spirit baptism. It is our privilege to receive the Holy Spirit in a baptism of fire. That fire consumes the dross and at he same time empowers for service. A most pleasant and enjoyable experience.


WE HAVE SEEN GOD. 
Manoah was filled with fear, but his unnamed wife was filled with faith. She had a trust and confidence in the Lord which was real. The Word of the Lord was fulfilled in her. She bore a son who was named Samson. His name meant, "little sun or sunny". He was blessed of the Lord as he grew. Jgs. 13:24 

He was destined to be a judge and deliverer of his people. The Spirit of the LORD moved in his life from
time to time. Jgs. 13:25 

May the Lord grant the same in His church today. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  65

A STORY WITH THE TRADEMARK OF THE DOUBLE PORTION. 
The thought behind the double portion as we are going to consider it is more than just twice as much, but rather a full and complete portion. For instance, our great example, the Lord Jesus, was filled with the Spirit without measure or limitation. John 3:34 

In all reality, He was filled with all the fullness of God, Himself. Literally, all that can be equated as being the true and living God, dwelt, tabernacled in Christ Jesus. Col. 2:9 

This is that which was the good pleasure of His Father. Col. 1:19 

The church, in particular His Bride in the last days must attain to the same measurement of Spiritual life. His body, is His fullness or that which completes the high calling of the Lord, in Christ Jesus. 

He will not be satisfied until He has a Bride of identical character, power and virtue as Himself. Through the mighty, effective workings of His love in the church He will find a Bride who is likewise "filled with all the fullness of God". That is the double portion as it will be consummated in the last day church. Eph. 3:19 

Up to and until this time the church has received "of his fullness", that is a measure from time to time. "Grace for grace". The last day revival of holiness will raise the church from a status of sinning in word, thought or deed everyday to the place of victory where she does not in any fashion sin, period. 

Jesus did not sin. His true church will not sin. That is when the double portion will be moving in mighty power in the church. Elisha prayed for a double portion, or the same, an equal, a full, complete anointing of the Sprit. 2 Kings 2:9 

Equating Elijah and Elisha to Christ and the Church, the church would be asking for the identical magnitude of the Spirit which was on Christ, or the fullness. 


A MAN WITH TWO WIVES. 
A situation which was permissive in those day, but not always with happy results. The man dwelt in
Ramathaim-zophim, meaning, the double height of watchers. Two watchtowers which in that day would have been used to give early warning of the approach of an enemy. 

But, in the last days sounding out the message of the approaching Bridegroom. The outpouring of the double anointing on the church is the prelude to the last day revival and her preparation to be His Bride. The true directive of the Lord today to His church is to prepare for the wedding. Lift up the voice, cry aloud, sing as one voice for the watchmen "shall see eye to eye", as the Lord brings His
true Zion, Spiritual Zion into existence. Isa. 52:8 

The Lord promised that He would establish "One shepherd" over His flock, and that one would be the
great David, the servant of the Lord, the Lord Jesus. Eze. 34:23 

He will be their king. Eze. 37:24 

He is gathering together the sheep of that "other fold". Where they will be but one, united by the Word and the Spirit and will have but one shepherd. The unity for which Jesus prayed will be accomplished under the last day outpouring of the Spirit. We are on the brink of a move of the Spirit that will be the culmination of the work of the Lord in salvation. Indeed, the best is yet to come. 




THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.   66

THE MAN ORIGINATED FROM MOUNT EPHRAIM. 1 Sam. 1:1 
Once again the thought of the double portion is brought into view, for Ephriam, means, fruitfulness or double fruit. Ephraim, the second son of Joseph, born in Egypt. So named because of the blessings of the Lord to Joseph in a foreign country. Fruitful, in affliction. There is a great lesson to be learned here. Troubles, even great troubles are often the door of the Lord to greater blessings and opportunities. Gen. 41:52 

There is a time, established by the Lord, when the people of the double portion, acting as watchmen will cry out for the redeemed to gather to the New Zion, the Spiritual City whose builder and maker is the Lord. Jer. 31:6 


THE MAN, ELKANAH. 
His name means, possessed or obtained by God. He was the son of Jeroham, meaning, merciful or beloved. Who was the son of Elihu, meaning, He is my God. Tohu or Nahath, meaning, rest or quiet. The son of Zuph, meaning, honeycomb. Each and every one of these names bear spiritual implications and have a message indicating the spiritual background of Elkanah. We know that he was a Levite of the descendants of Kohath, the most revered spiritual leaders. 1 Chr. 6:33-35

He was certainly a deeply spiritual man for he went yearly to Shiloh to bring offerings and worship the Lord. 1 Sam. 1:3 He would have been a man of means, for he generously gave offerings to his wife Peninniah and her several children, both sons and daughters. To his wife Hannah, he gave a worthy, or a double portion. This also indicates that he was a caring family man. 1 Sam.1:4-5 


HANNAH. 
Meaning, gracious or favor. The church of the Lord Jesus in all generations came forth from His abounding mercy, grace and favor. Inasmuch as she is the first mentioned it can be assumed that she was his first wife. Very likely the wife of his youth and his first love. But, because she was barren he took another wife and by her had several children. Hannah was the wife of his love, so he gave that double portion to her as a sign and token of his great affection for her. 1 Sam. 1:5 

It to be noted that her barrenness was a deliberate act of Jehovah. There was no physical reason for her not being able to bear a child. The LORD can be very deliberate in directing us into situations in our lives which seem to be extreme, but in the end He reveals His purpose. 

The circumstances in the home were anything but pleasant, for "her adversary provoked her sore". What tremendously descriptive words. Adversary, an enemy creating trouble, distress and adversity. Provoked, ridiculed, poked fun at her and taunted her. Sore or sorely, extremely and in a hurtful manner. 

This scoffing continued from year to year, it was incessant and unending. So grievous was this constant taunting that Hannah was extremely disturbed and could not eat and cried constantly. Tremendous blessings are born of persecutions and deep, deep trials. There is a cross for each and every one of us to bear. There is also an ultimate glorious deliverance. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Ps. 30:5
    



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  67

PENINNIAH. 
Meaning, the pearl or precious stone. What ever value her parents had placed on her at her birth, her adversarial position spoiled what may have been a woman of beauty. The attitude of the heart is made manifest by the words which proceed out of the mouth. Mt. 12:34 

The constant goading of Hannah by Peninniah had a sowerful effect on her but in the end it was to become a means of forcing Hannah to pray, and to pray in a desperate manner. Unfortunately, this seems to be a predicament which is faced by many. External pressures have a way of driving folk to prayer. This was not a new development but would appear to be a yearly problem. 1 Sam. 1:7


WORDS OF COMFORT FROM ELKANAH. 
His threefold question went right to the heart of the distress in the life of Hannah. His problem solving words to her produced an instant response. Elkanah, was better and more to her than ten sons. Ten is the number of the commandments. Elkanah is a type of Christ. Hannah is a type of the true church. Peninniah is a type of the carnal, worldly church. More social than spiritual. Seemingly much more productive with their good works than the spiritual are in developing a strong spiritual standing. 1 Sam. 1:8 

Hannah found comfort in the words of her husband. She had a meal and proceeded to the Temple. The Word of the Lord is our food and our comfort. We find our solace in the Lord Jesus.


HANNAH IN PRAYER. 
Hannah was in bitterness of soul. Her emotions, the natural life, her soulish being were involved in an upheaval. Her prayer was from the depth of her being, a prayer of anguish, of importunity. A prayer which is much more than just saying words. It was a heart felt, soul rending cry and an earnest appeal to the LORD, sealed with a vow. The vow of a Nazarite. A promise to fully commit the yet unconceived son to the work of the Lord. 1 Sam. 1:11 

A vow to the Lord must be consummated. Eccl. 5:4 

Her prayer and mannerism in prayer misunderstood by Eli, the high priest. He accused her of being drunk and gave her a much misguided rebuke. She identified herself as a woman of a sorrowful spirit who had poured out her heart unto the Lord, having prayed out of the abundance of her complaint and grief. She prayed with a great burden from the very depth of her soul. 1 Sam. 1:12-16 

There is a prayer in the Spirit of the Lord which is the ultimate, the very depths of a petition unto the Lord. It is seldom, if ever heard today in the church and would be grossly misunderstood by most leaders. It will return when there is a mighty move of the Spirit. It is spiritual intercession of such magnitude that the person being exercised thereby, cannot express with their own language or the language of the Spirit the cry of their spirit man. Paul spoke of it and calls a prayer "with groanings which cannot be uttered". Rom. 8:26 

An awesome thing to experience and to behold. May the Lord endow His church with the Spirit of discernment.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  68

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD PRONOUNCED ON HANNAH. 
She was to go in peace. She left his presence in confidence, knowing that the Lord had heard her petition and would respond, according to her faith. Even though the promised fulfillment of her prayer was yet in the future, her attitude from that very moment was changed. She no longer showed a spirit and demeanor of sadness. 1 Sam. 1:17-18 

Early the next day the family arose and worshipped before leaving for home. We can be certain that Hannah really worshipped the Lord knowing that her request, of Him, would be filled. They returned to their home in Ramah [height]. A proper place for them to dwell, for Hannah was now in the heights of her glory, anticipating the fulfillment of petition. The Lord remembered Hannah and removed all restrictions of child bearing from her. She conceived and bore Samuel [asked or heard of God].  1 Sam. 1:19 


HANNAH PRAYED A SPECIAL PRAYER UNTO THE LORD. 
It was a prayer of triumph and thanksgiving. A psalm, a prayer and at the same time a prophetic utterance. This is an act which she had in common with some of the Bible women who were moved upon by the Spirit. Such as Miriam, Deborah and Mary the mother of Jesus. The contents of her prayer is one great eulogy to the Lord. 1 Sam. 2: 

She is rejoicing in her victory over the oppression and resultant depression of her former situation. 

v. 1 The Lord is acknowledged as the HOLY ONE. The one and only, for no other rock, a source representing strength, [rocks were used in worship, therefore represented a god of some sort], was like the rock of Israel. 

v. 2 An exhortation is issued to cease from the former mocking speech and ridicule, for the LORD is a GOD of knowledge, most definitely, all wisdom and knowledge is found in Him. Then she made a most interesting statement, "by him actions are weighed". He is never puzzled by them, he knows the root and cause of all actions and considers them for what the are. 

v. 3 The strong, acting for a wrong cause, are defeated while the weak, acting for the right cause are made strong. 

v. 4 The barren, has born seven. Seven is a divine complete number reflecting the end of the age and the
fruitfulness of the woman of Revelation twelve. The Lord is a just judge and reverses the conditions of men, the rich made poor, the poor made rich. The exalted made low, the low exalted. Circumstances altered until those who are worth are lifted up and those who by scheming and plotting, were on top. are lowered. The Lord looks on the heart and judges accordingly. 

v. 5-8 Human strength is completely ineffective in spiritual things. The Lord will keep His own. While the end of the wicked is darkness. v. 9 The Lord is the ultimate victor. Those who oppose Him will be utterly destroyed. His is the judge who will judge the earth and its inhabitants in the end of the age. He will give strength to His King and will lift up on high His anointed ONE. v. 10 When the Lord makes manifest His mighty power and glory, none will be able to stand before Him.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  69

GIVE ME CHILDREN. "Or else I die". 
An emphatic and desperate cry from Rachel, [ewe]. Under the circumstances Rachel is anything but a docile lamb. The whole story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel is a prophecy reaching down to the end of the age. Jacob was deceived into receiving Leah as his first wife, when the love of his life was Rachel. So great was his love for Rachel that he worked for his father-in-law for fourteen years in order to have her as his wife. Gen. 30:1 

The human problems displayed in this family are recorded in this chapter. One thing is certain, where there should have been rejoicing and gladness because of the children given them, there was anger, envy and competition.


THE LORD HEARD RACHEL. 
We see in the history of these women who conceived after a long period of time and waiting on the Lord, that they went through many testings and trials. The Lord had not forgotten Rachel, but in the process of working out His will and timing, He closed her womb. He recognized her petitions which she had made to Him. He hearkened, He responded to her appeal. Rachel rejoiced at the birth of her son and proclaimed that the Lord had removed her disgrace and reproach of being a barren woman. 

Child bearing was of utmost importance to the women of that day. In this case it was the building of a dynasty who were to be the people of the Lord. She birthed Joseph [meaning, adding] and prophesied that the Lord would add another son to her. Gen. 30:24 

Joseph became the deliverer of Israel and is beautiful type of the Lord Jesus.


A NEW NAME. 
Jacob, renamed by the Lord. With his new name came a new character. He was no longer Jacob [usurper] but now is Israel {he will rule as God]. Had Israel, man and nation, walked consistently with the Lord what great authority they would have had in the earth. Gen. 35:10 

The same is true with the church of our day. Walk with the Lord and rule. The Lord gave promise of a great posterity, perhaps even more extensive that most imagine. The promise of the Lord also included the land. For these promises to be accomplished there must be a commitment to the Lord. No responsibility, no land. Israel can only be delivered from their dilemma by a full, whole hearted surrender to the Lord Jesus. He is their answer, and the solution for all of mankind's problems. 

Jacob erected a stone for a pillar to commemorate the promise of the Lord. As they journeyed on Rachel, gave birth to her second son. She died in giving birth. Odd, she had prayed for children or death and she experienced both. With her last breath she called this son, Ben-oni [son of my sorrows], but his father called him Benjamin [son of the right hand]. 

The church in facing the sorrows of the last days will be delivered of a man child, who is caught up to God and His throne. The son of her sorrows, but the son of the right hand or a ruler of eternity. The ultimate purposes of the Lord are foreshadowed through out the book. Rev. 12:5   




                     THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  70

A MOST AMAZING AND UNUSUAL PREGNANCY. 
The Lord works in ways which are impossible with, and puzzling to men. Out of hopelessness He fills the hopeless with not only hope, but a full realization of the accomplishment of the thing hoped for. That which, with men is impossible, with the Lord is highly possible. Mt. 19:26 

The Lord chose a strong spiritually active family through whom He would bring forth a blazing prophet. One, who, though definitely not Elijah, would come in the spirit and power of Elijah. Luke 17:17 Jesus noted that this John the Baptist was the man with a ministry like Elijah who was to come, preparing the way of the Messiah. Mat. 11:14 

The man, the father of John was named Zacharias [Jehovah remembers]. What a happy thought, the Lord never
forgets us. We are always in His thoughts. Ps. 40:5 

Zacharias, was of the priestly rotation of Abia or Abijah [My Father is Jehovah, or worshipper of Jehovah] According to the appointments made by King David, the course of Abia was the eighth. The number of life after death or resurrection, a new beginning. 1 Chron. 24:10 

His wife's name was Elisabeth [God is my oath or a worshipper of God]. In as much as Bible names were often prophetic, this gives us an insight to the spirituality of Elisabeth. She was also a descendent of Aaron, the high priest.


THEIR SPIRITUALITY, UNDER THE LAW, IS MOST IMPRESSIVE.
The witness and testimony of their lives was that they were "both righteous before God". That gives them a good solid standing before the Lord. This seals it, "walking in ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord". BLAMELESS. That speaks volumes of their deep, deep devotion to the Lord. Luke 1:6 

For them to have achieved such a high standard of obedience to the Lord and a life of righteousness, under the Law truly shows forth their love for the Lord. Blameless, is the standard that the Lord has established for His Bride. It begins with love, that agape love which is His. A love for Him which consumes the whole heart, soul and spirit of man. A love of equal proportions for our fellow man, saved and unsaved. The ultimate is the establishing of hearts which are blameless and holy before the Lord. 1 Thes. 3:13 

Those who really have an anticipation of the work of the Lord in these last days are going to be diligently, found of Him in peace, WITHOUT SPOT, AND BLAMELESS. The Lord has not established goals which are out of reach. They are obtainable, but it takes great effort and dedication. 2 Peter 3:14 

This is achieved in a time of great wickedness and lethargy in the church world. There will be a people who shine with the Glory of the Lord, The glory of the Sun as seen in Revelation twelve. In the midst of the apex of unrighteousness, the Lord will find Himself a people who are blameless and harmless. Phil. 2:15 

They will reach the highest pinnacle of righteousness and purity. They stand in absolute holiness before the Lord of heaven and earth. They are fully and totally His. They have no thoughts nor time for anyone else. They are solely His.



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  71

ELISABETH WAS BARREN. 
Consequently they had no children. To further complicate matters, both Zacharias and Elisabeth were well into their senior years and beyond the possibility of natural conception. Luke 1:7 

It was the time of the responsibility of Zacharias to burn incense “before the Lord” at the altar of incense. It is interesting also to note, that a great number of people had gathered for prayer outside the temple. It is here, in such a spiritual atmosphere Zecharias is to receive the promise of an answer to a prayer that he and his wife had prayed for, for many years. 

We may well draw conclusions from this incident, that it pays to attend prayer meetings. It is likewise profitable to continue in prayer. How many years had they prayed for a child, particularly a son? We may assume that is had been for decades, since the time of their youth. It is also beneficial to continue faithful in our responsibilities before the Lord. Luke 1:8-10


THE ANGEL OF THE LORD. 
Angel is a word which is translatable in several ways for it means a messenger and may be an angel from heaven or a messenger of another kind. It is also used in reference to the pastors of the seven churches. In this particular instance, this special angel of the Lord is none other than the Lord Jesus Himself. He is the same one who dealt with Manoah and his wife. The Angel of the Lord identified Himself to Moses as God. Ex. 3:2-7 

The angel stood at the right side of the altar of incense. It would appear that this is the only case of this kind of an appearance taking place in the history of the temple. It was the introduction of a very special time of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah. The Lord never leaves His people without great evidence and witness that very special events are about to transpire. 


THE REACTION OF ZACHARIAS. 
For over four hundred years there had been no special moving of the Spirit among the Israelites. No revelation of Deity, in or outside the temple. It is little wonder then, that Zacharias would be, both troubled and fearful at the sight of this man standing before Him. No others were permitted entrance to the temple other than the priest fulfilling his duties. Zacharias could well have seen this glorious personage in all of His glory and splendor that in itself would create great consternation in the heart of even such a spiritual man as Zacharias. Lk.1:12 

The very first words of the angel were comforting and reassuring. Fear not, Thy prayer is heard, your wife will bare you a son. Lk. 1:13 

Precisely what they had been praying for. Had they continued to pray for a miracle, even in their old age, knowing what the Lord had accomplished in the life of Abraham and Sarah? The Lord is not unmindful of our petitions which we present to Him. He responds in His own time and for His own reason. We must leave it in His hands. Like the son, for whom a mother had prayed all his life for his salvation. He gave his heart to the Lord at her funeral. Did she know? There shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents. Lk. 15:10 

This is the only earthly news of which we may be certain that it reaches heaven. It would not be heaven if our loved ones knew of all our trials and sorrows.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  72

THE PROPHECY CONCERNING JOHN. "Jehovah is gracious". 
Better known and identified as John the Baptist or baptiser. John was to be a source of great joy and delight for his parents. Not only for them but for all who would be influenced by his ministry. He too was to be greatly effective in the spiritual life of many a person. He was to abstain from all intoxicants. From the womb of his mother he was to be anointed and motivated by the Holy Spirit. Lk. 1:15 

Many Israelites were to be turned to the Lord under his anointed ministry. He was to create a great religious stir among the people. All with the purpose of preparing the way of the Messiah. He was to be a sign and a witness to the coming of the Messiah. John prepared the nation for the coming of the Christ of God. He influenced the renewal of faith for many in Israel. Lk. 1:16


JOHN WAS TO PRECEDE CHRIST. 
He was to be motivated by the same spirit and power which was manifest in Elijah. Any and all who are anointed by the Holy Spirit, walk and perform their duties in the same spirit that was upon Elijah. John testified that he was not that Elijah who was to come. John 1:21 

There is only one Holy Spirit and he has occupied the hearts and anointed men, in all the ages of time. It is fitting that we consider Elijah at this point of our study. Elijah has never died. He was translated alive into the kingdom of the Lord. 2 Kings 2:11 

Elijah appeared, with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration and they proceeded to carry on a conversation with Him in relationship to His coming crucifixion and departure from this earth. Lk. 9:30-31 

Elijah will yet minister on earth ushering in the second coming of the Lord Jesus. As at the time of Christ's first visit to the earth, John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, so prior to His second coming, according to the prophecies, Elijah will yet minister to the peoples of the earth and in particular to Israel. Note, 

Jesus said that Elijah will come first, [the pattern is Elijah, then Jesus] and also that he has come. Elijah is yet to come. In the days of Jesus, John represented that person anointed by the Spirit who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. Mt. 17:10-12 

Elijah will yet be a witness before the return of our Lord, and must come first,  working all the miracles and manifestation of the Spirit, which are common to men of his stature. As John came in the day of Christ, Elijah will come in these last days, before the second coming of Christ. Mal. 3:1-3 

This is not a substitute Elijah, nor some individual who like John will come in the spirit and power of Elijah. The literal, physical man who was caught up to the Lord will take part in those events which portray the closing of the dispensation of the fullness of times. John came, in accordance to the prophecy of Malachi. Elijah will come as the messenger, the prophet, the ambassador of the Lord. 

He with his compatriot, Moses will minister in particular to Israel but at the same time to the whole of the world. They are the forerunners of the coming of the Lord Jesus. They have a particular and very effective ministry which will be a dire warning to the world of the impending judgments.   




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  73

THE LAW OF A WITNESS. 
One witness was insufficient to condemn a person for iniquity or sin. At the very least there were to be two witnesses who could verify the act which had been committed. Three, was even better. Deut. 19:15 

Inasmuch as this was the commandment of the Lord, He would certainly follow it to its full. There are two, whom He calls His two witnesses. A witness is one who has seen, and is an eye witness to the events of which they will testify. They must have been there and clearly observed the events. 

The witness and testimony of the Old Testament was heralded by the Law represented by Moses and the prophets represented by Elijah. We then look to the scriptures to find a ministry prior to and leading up to the second coming of Christ.  


THE TWO WITNESSES OF POWER. 
These men are to give personal and factual witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are distinguished as being "my two witnesses", in other words they must have observed certain events in the life of Christ. Unless they had been present and personally have seen the occurrence, they could not be a witness. 

We therefore need men who were present in the days of Jesus and who can bear witness in the end of the age, some two thousand years later. The ability to prophecy, to speak forth the will and the purpose of the Lord is found in the Law, Moses and the Prophets, Elijah. 

The New Testament builds a case for the two witness to have seen Christ at vital parts of His life. To begin with there were at least two, their number is not defined specifically, who came to Him when He was a child. Mt. 2:11 

They will be able to witness as to His birth. Jesus was ministered to after His temptation. Mt. 4:11 They were present and are identified as Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. Mt. 17:2-3  Mk. 9:2-4 

Mary, on coming to the sepulcher saw two angels [or messengers], in white [Gr. leukos, light]. John 20:12  

Their garments were comparable to the garment of Jesus. Mt. 17:2 

White as the LIGHT. In other words shining with the light of the Lord, glistering with the glory of the Lord. They are good witnesses of His resurrection. Again, at a very important moment of His life, they put in an appearance. At His ascension they came to the disciples with a message that this same Jesus would so come in like manner as they had seen Him go. Acts 1:10 

The pertinent happenings in the life of the Lord Jesus were observed by two witnesses who were special beings who had served the Lord and were preserved for a special work in the end of the age. Not created angels but men who had been taken from this earth with a specific future and purpose prepared for them by the Lord. 

Moses and Elijah are perfectly suited to be witnesses to Israel and the world during the great tribulation period. We will see that this period of time is perfectly adaptable to the ministry of these two men of the Lord, who were bold and fearless in their time of ministry past. While they are not identified in the book of Revelation by name as being the two witnesses we shall see that their works certainly give an assurance as to their proper identity.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  74

A TIME TO BE MEASURED. 
This measurement is directed toward the Temple of the Lord. The dimensions of the Tabernacle and the Temple were to be exactly according to the instructions given. The Lord is meticulous in building His Temple and all must be according to the blue print. See His instructions to Moses. "According to the pattern showed thee". Ex. 25:9  Heb. 8:5 

When is comes to the Church, in particular the Bride She is composed of saints, made perfect. A people prepared of the last day ministry of the church. Those who will experience an edified church. A completed church operating in perfection, in all the power and gifts of the Spirit. A people who exemplify and magnify the Lord Jesus. Eph. 4:12 

A church with all of its adherents in perfect and absolute accord. All discord to be eliminated. Perfect unity, perfect faith, perfect knowledge having acquired the stature of the fullness of Christ. In other words, being what He is. Measured by the Lord Jesus who is both the measuring rod and the workman who measures. Eph. 4:13 

The Temple will be carefully measured and any stone not up to standard will be eliminated. The outer court, that which is a type of the Law is not measured, it is excluded. It will be trampled by the gentile nations and in particular the antichrist for the three and one half years or forty-two months. Rev. 11:2


THE TIME ELEMENT INVOLVED 
"My two witnesses". Jesus, the revelator claimed these two as His witnesses. They witness of Him and for Him. They witness with power. Their witness is effective during the entire tribulation period. The will appear on the scene at the beginning of the tribulation and the tribulation will conclude with their death, resurrection and ascension into heaven at the second coming of the Lord Jesus. Not only are they witnesses but they are also prophets. 

Prophets who will be clothed in sackcloth, a sign of mourning. That is proper clothing for the events of that period of time for it will be a time of sorrow such as never has been, nor ever will be. They will declare the Lord Jesus to be the Messiah while prophesying concerning each event of judgment sent on the earth by the Lord. The period of time allotted to their ministry is three and one half years or a thousand two hundred and sixty days. Rev. 11:3 

The same period of time as in verse two, only a different event. They are also identified as the two olive trees, trees whose fruit is crushed to make the Holy Anointing oil. They are the sons of oil, or the anointing. The are situated immediately before the throne of the Lord. They not only are anointed but they are instruments or golden pipes through whom the golden oil of their crop of olives is poured forth into the earth. Zech. 4:11-14 

They are anointed by the Lord for service. Even though they come with judgment and punishment, if their messages are received they will be a blessing to those who would believe them. Their ministry will be mainly to the Israelites and they will be located in Jerusalem. Rest assured that their every act will be closely followed by the nightly TV audience around the world.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  75

THE TWO WITNESSES IDENTIFIED BY THEIR WORKS. 
These men are fearsome and mighty during the three and one-half year ministry. They are absolutely untouchable by any enemy until their ministry is finished. Any opposition will be met with dire consequences. When confronted by those who would harm them they have unusual and unlimited powers of immediate punishment.


THEIR ENEMIES JUDGED BY FIRE. 
Each of them will have equal ability to manifest any and all of their powers and judgments.  


MOSES.
In the history of the life of MOSES, we find a manifestation of FIRE destroying two hundred fifty men who were in rebellion. Num. 16:11-13, 35. 

MOSES, pronounced a judgment of blood upon Egypt. Ex. 7:20 

The plagues in Egypt instigated by MOSES at the command of the Lord are an example of how the Lord used MOSES. Ex. chapter 7 and 8. Plagues are not something that would be foreign to him. He need not repeat these plagues, nor would he be confined to them. The ability to produce plagues has certainly been demonstrated by his works.  


ELIJAH. 
Elijah pronounced a three and one-half year drought on the Land. 1 Kings 17:1 

Now, is not that significant? Since the measurements of time, given in the Book of Revelation, for the duration of the tribulation period are all three and one-half years. Lk. 4:25, James 5:17 

ELIJAH, challenged the false prophets, the prophets of Baal, to produce fire upon their sacrifice. For the God who answered by fire would be the true God. 1Kings 18:24 

The LORD answered ELIJAH by fire. Consuming the animals sacrificed, the wood placed on the altar, the stones of the altar, the soil on which the altar stood and the water which had been used to thoroughly soak the whole. Five elements were consumed [five is the number of atonement]. 1 Kings 18:38 

The judgment of fire against those who came to take him. 2 Kings 1:10 

Repeated with the second group. 2 Kings 1:12 

To further help us determine that these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah we must return to the Mount of Transfiguration For here they are plainly named, as Moses and Elijah. Mt. 17:3 

The work of these two will not end until the close of the tribulation period. The Lord himself buried Moses and until this day no one knows where. Deut. 34:5-6 

Obviously, the Lord did not leave him in the grave. There came a moment of time, shortly after his burial, when he was raised. The argument that erupted is mentioned in Jude 9. 

Michael [who is like God], the archangel, the angel of resurrection, claimed the body of Moses. In so doing, He rebuked the devil and loosed Moses from the grave. There is no other way for Moses to have appeared on the Mount. There is no concourse of the spirits of the dead between heaven and earth.




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  76

MARY. 
Of all the women of the Scriptures which gave birth to sons who were promised, there is none more famous that Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was a descendent of Judah and David. In the sixth month of the pregnancy of Elisabeth, the Lord sent an angel named Gabriel [Man of God, the Holy Spirit} to Mary [Bitter]. 

A strange name given one who was to be the Mother of the Lord Jesus. Her experience was to be a joyful one. She was to have a Son, one who was to be most unique, the savior of the world. She was to know the bitterness of the cross as she stood by watching her son die. Mary was a virgin. The salutation of the angel included the fact that she was being "highly favored" of the Lord. 

The grace, mercy and love of the Lord prepared her heart for the amazing events that were about to take place in her life. She who was to receive the ultimate of the grace and honor of the Lord. Lk. 1:28 

She was to bear and bring forth Immanuel or God with us. Isa. 7:14, Mt. 1:23 


THE HOLY GHOST. 
The Spirit of the living and eternal Lord was to overshadow her. She was to be overwhelmed with the precious presence of the Spirit. Literally lost in the Spirit. Like the cloud on Mount Sinai, she was to know the atmosphere of heaven in the person of the Most Holy. Lk.1:35 

She was to receive "the seed of the Lord" and conceive a son, who was to be named Jesus, or Savior. Lk.1:31 

That seed, was the eternal Word, the logos, The Lord Jesus Christ. She believed the Word of Gabriel, therefore that word became alive in her and the prophecy was fulfilled. That Word which is the infallible, living, life giving Word. Not only was that Word with God, but He is equated as being God.  

In this divine and holy achievement, the Lord became one with man, and became a man. Astonishingly, in His great and majestic love He became like us that we might become like Him. He thoroughly humbled Himself, not only to take on the body and nature of a man, but was willing to commit Himself to the cross in order to rescue us from our sin. Phil. 2:8


HE SHALL BE GREAT. 
The actions of the Lord yields winners. Christ is more than conqueror. Contrary to general beliefs of His days on earth, He did not come to build an earthly kingdom. His kingdom is Spiritual and is that which is eternal. 

The six days or six thousand years of time in which the Lord has dealt with man are but a shadow of that which is to come. Gabriel said concerning Him, that He would rule as king on the throne of David. A throne established by the Lord which was a shadow of that which is eternal and is to come. Lk. 1:32 

His is that, "of which there is no end". The Lord blended heaven with earth to receive unto Himself a King and a race who will inhabit His everlasting New Heavens and New Earth with a people who have been born into that eternal kingdom of the Lord. The woman of Revelation twelve gives birth to her first born who is immediately caught up unto the Lord. He so is very special to the Lord. Rev. 12:5 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  77

THE KINGDOM COMPARED TO TEN VIRGINS. 
The kingdom is that which is the eternal order. The number ten is a number of divine order and completion. This parable is for the church in the end of the age. This is the time of the bridegroom, if we will listen there is a call of the Spirit to prepare ourselves for the most important of events in the history of the church. The marriage of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. The virgins knew that the hour of the wedding was approaching. They went out to meet the bridegroom. Mt. 25:1 

They had been attracted to Him by the sweet perfume of His name. Song 1:3 

There is no name, named among men like the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every need for body, soul and spirit is met in great sufficiency by calling upon that majestic name. The virgin is a very significant person in the Word. She is one set apart, pure and dedicated to the Lord, in this particular instance. The virgin is depicted as one whose interest is toward the Lord and has a great desire to please Him. 1 Cor. 7:32


THE VIRGINS WERE A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP. 
They were in a category of persons who were in tune with the workings of the Lord. They were aware of the time and season of His coming for a Bride. Too find that there are two classes of virgins is amazing. They had all heard the same messages but reacted differently to their instructions. They were split right down the middle, five were wise and five were foolish. 

The wise, heard the Word and responded in an intelligent manner. They made certain that the equipment necessary for their wait, however long, was with them. 

While the foolish, the stupid, those who were hearers but not doers made no preparations. They were misled by their feeling of self sufficiency. What can be said of them? They were just plain dumb. Mt. 25:2 

This is a situation that is found in every body of believers. There are those who are extremely serious about their spiritual condition and there are those who are very casual about Spiritual things. 


THE DIFFERENCE HINGES ON ONE COMMODITY. 
That was oil for their lamps. Of a certainty they all carried their lamps with them, but there had been no preparation for a refill, if necessary. Mt. 25:3 

The anointing oil is the assurance of the availability of the power of the Lord. At times, it is difficult to distinguish between that which is the anointing and that which is religious professionalism. There is a form, a mannerism, which duplicates the true anointing but lacks the power of the Spirit. Of this we must be aware and avoid any contact with that which is spurious. 2 Tim. 3:5 

The anointing of the Holy Ghost has been given to the church that we might know and recognize the true Spirit of the Lord. He, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and will illuminate the truth to the body of Christ. 1 John 2:27 

How desperate is the need for the true anointing of the Spirit on the body of Christ in these last days. It is time to make certain of our supply of the Holy anointing oil, it is so vital to our spiritual well being. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  78

THE INVITATION HAD GONE FORTH. 
They had gone out to meet the Bridegroom. The call had been delivered to the those who were bidden. These are a people particularly blessed of the Lord. They were to enjoy the marriage supper of the Lamb. Rev. 19:9 

The possibility of missing or rejecting the invitation is noted again in the letter to the Laodicean church. The church which more than any of the others represents the religious order of the last days. Having upbraided the church for its lack of spirituality Jesus is seen standing at the door, might we not conclude the door of each and ever one of their hearts. 

He is knocking at the door. Seeking entrance, which tells us that He was not too frequent a visitor and perhaps would feel a little unwelcome. His voice is heard, he had to cry out to them to attract their attention. 

How pathetic. We would certainly include these in the unwise class of virgins. Jesus should always find a heart with a door wide open in welcome. Those who will respond will find themselves dining together with Him, at the marriage supper? Rev. 3:20


THE TIME HAS ARRIVED. 
What excitement. A wedding to exceed all weddings. The most beautiful Bride of the ages. A virgin Bride who has fully and completely prepared herself for that glorious and wonderful day. Her preparation is most vital. It is an essential that she is found wearing the Bridal gown prepared for her. She is given and privileged to wear "fine linen, clean and bright" which is the righteousness of the saints. Rev. 19:8 

The Bride is urged to "put on Christ". There is nothing more sacred than He. Being in His embrace is full assurance of righteousness and true holiness. Rom. 13:14 

The church is destined to experience a work of sanctification and cleansing such as has never been before. The Bride will be thoroughly cleansed by the power of the Word. There is not an area of righteousness and purity found in the Word which she will not achieve. It may sound sacrilegious, but His Bride will have the same holiness of body, soul and spirit as the Lord Himself. She will share to the utmost His being and character. She is what He is, in totality. Eph. 5:26-27 

Her garment is white, bright or glistering. The linen she is wearing is of the finest and of itself would be most beautiful. There was a fine linen made in Egypt which was noted for its shine. The word white as used here in the Greek is lampros, radiant, gorgeous or bright. Of itself it would be spectacular but the Lord has added His glory making it a shining garment, a garment of light. Rev. 19:8 

It is a garment of purity and righteousness for it is the clothing given to the saints as a sign of their belonging to Christ. There is another source of cleansing found in the scripture which is most important. The robes of the tribulation martyrs are cleansed and made white by the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7:14 

Walking in fellowship with Him, His blood cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 

Absolute, perfect forgiveness and cleansing from every sin imaginable is acquired by the blood of the Lord Jesus. The cleansing wrought by the Lord is complete.  

     


        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  79

THE BRIDEGROOM LONG IN COMING. 
He had not delayed His coming, His time of arrival had simply not come. Our timing and the timing of the Lord are different. A day with the Lord is as a thousand years. 2 Pet.3:8 

Then again, a thousand years are but yesterday and as a watch in the night. Ps. 90:4 

How interesting, a thousand years as but a watch in the night, which was four hours long, or three watches in the night. Surely this is the cry of the Spirit of the Lord concerning the watches. 


THE FIRST WATCH. 
This is watching in prayer. Not the vain repetition of words which are commonly used in prayer but an earnest, [Excuse the words] gut wrenching prayer. That which comes from deep within the spirit nature of a child of God. Commonly known as travail. This is that prayer of the Spirit and most certainly will produce positive results. Rom. 8:26 

The same call is heard here as in Matthew 25, ARISE, cry out into the night. In this beginning of the last days, pour out your heart. This indeed is the call of the Spirit to pray for the youth of our world, most of whom have been deprived of any Spiritual life, of any kind. Lam. 2:19 

THE SECOND WATCH. 
Known as the middle watch, the watch of victory, from 10: PM to 2 AM.  

Known for the miraculous deliverance of the children of Israel from their enemies the Midianites. Gideon, [ tree feller or warrior], with a whittled down force of only three hundred men. The Lord called Gideon, a valiant warrior. Judges 6:12 

He had the best of equipment. The sword of Jehovah, which was also the sword of Gideon. The swords in their hands were more than temporal weapons, the LORD made them His swords. Their burning torches were hidden in pots of clay until the vessels were broken. The Lord uses broken vessels. Ps. 51:17 

The Lord is moved by a prayer which involves tears. We are praying too many dry eyed prayers today. Victory came when the pots were smashed and the lights shown around about the Midianites. The sounding of the trumpets was probably magnified in the ears of the Midianites striking fear in their hearts.

Having done all this, the Israeli army stood still on the outskirts of the camp of the Midianites. It was not even necessary for them to attack the camp of the Midianites. The enemy was so confused and frightened they all began to fight each other while fleeing. Our God has unique ways of granting victory in the lives of His children. Judges 7:19-22 

The Lord is seeking water pots which are filled with fire. All three relate to the church and her experience in these last days. We are the vessels of the Lord, and have need of being broken. We are filled with the water of the Spirit and the Word and need to be broken in order for the contents to be poured out to a lost and dying world. 

More than ever before the fire of the living Lord must be in the vessels as they are broken, allowing the light and the fire to be made manifest to all the world. The Lord has great things for His church as soon as she fits His pattern for His church.  




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  80

THE THIRD WATCH OR THE LAST WATCH OF THE NIGHT. 
As illustrated in the Bible it is the watch of surprise attack.  We find here a time of confusion of the enemy, cause by the Lord. The Lord looked down on the pursuit Egyptians and threw their camp into utter confusion. 

It would appear that the Egyptians had planned and were executing a predawn attack, but they were up against a General who was far wiser than the Egyptians. He caused the wheels to fall from their chariots. The Egyptians then realized that the Lord was resisting them and were ordered to retreat. Too late, they had already committed themselves to the battle. 

At daybreak, the Lord commanded Moses to stretch forth his hand. The waters returned to their normal place and the Egyptians were defeated and drowned. There were no survivors. Ex. 14:24-28 

Saul also used this strategy in defeating the Ammonites. 1 Sam. 11:11 Sounds like the battle of Armageddon. When not only the enemy will be destroyed but all the ungodly forces and inhabitants of the earth will be eliminated, just prior to the millennial reign of Christ. Rev. 16:16 


A CHANGE MADE BY THE RULING ROMANS. 
They change the three watches into four. Jesus alluded to this in His warning to be prepared for His return when He said that it could be during the evening, the midnight, the cockcrowing, or the morning watch. Mark 13:34 

He referred to the night watches only, for Jesus will return when men walk in abject darkness. The time of day or night when He returns will depend on the time zone in which one lives. For some it will be night, for others it will be day. Coming at the speed of light He will circle every one of the time zones almost simultaneously. When He comes, in the clouds, every eye shall see Him. Even those in the grave will see His second coming. Those who pierced Him are specifically mentioned as beholding Him when He returns. Rev. 1:7


AN AMAZING MUTUAL BLUNDER. 
The wise as well as the foolish were found sleeping. There is nothing evident that there was any difference between them. The fervency of the ensuing event had lost its glamour until even those who had brought along an extra supply of oil gave in to the weariness of the flesh. However, even as they slept their hearts were filled with anticipation, awaiting the call and voice of the Bridegroom. Note Song 5:2 

There is no discernible difference between the two groups, except for the names given them, wise and foolish. Too often the attitude of the Christian is, I am just as good as they are. Measuring ourselves by are selves we are not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12 

We must be measured by the Word. When it comes to spiritual status we must consider ourselves and not try to excuse ourselves by using the comparison of another Christian. Jesus is our measuring stick and our goal. The wise will give heed to the call of the Spirit and the Word to come to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13   
 



        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  81

THE CRY AT MIDNIGHT. 
Anticipated, But the hour not known. Apathy had set in and had reached its peak. Most lamentably, while there is much ado and preaching concerning the end of the age, there is little in a way of spiritual preparation for those days. 

This parable is not in relationship to the second coming of Christ, but as so evident it is truly relevant to the marriage of the Lamb. There is no separation nor such distinction to be made in the gathering together of the redeemed at His coming. The foolish, while certainly most unwise are not excluded from the kingdom of heaven, only from the marriage of the Lamb. Mt. 25:6 

It is at this dark hour that the very distinctive cry is made to, "go ye out to meet him". What excitement, the wedding is going to proceed. There is a "going out", a detachment to be made. A release from the past life and an entering into an entirely new life. The Bride is about to come under the shelter of her Bridegroom. How important that is, especially when considering the midnight conditions of the world at the time of her wedding. 


LAST MINUTE PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING. 
The wise needed but to trim their lamps. Mt. 25:7 

A quick and simple act. One of cutting away that portion of the wick which had been burned and was blackened. The effect was lamps that were giving more and a better light. The foolish suddenly found themselves with lamps which were flickering and about to go out, if not already out. What consternation, what despair to suddenly find the most necessary of all commodities, lacking or missing entirely. They immediately turned to the wise and desired to buy of them oil for their lamps. Mt. 25:8 

The wise were of no mind to sell and use up their supply of oil, nor could they. Oil is a very real symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The oil of the Spirit is not for sale, it is never sold. Also, that oil is not imparted by a Spirit filled individual to a person seeking the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus has reserved that right unto Himself. He, and He alone baptizes with the Holy Ghost. The Comforter whom Jesus will send from the Father. The gift of the Lord to all who will believe. John 14:26 

Oil, the Baptism of the Spirit is a Divine requisite for acceptance as a member of the Bride of Christ. After all, He is the one who will choose His own Bride and will require of her a certain standard of Spirituality. No one is excluded from an opportunity to be a part of that Bride, providing they will measure up to the necessary criterion. Winning the heart of the Bridegroom by means of our Spiritual preparations is the gist of the whole story which we are considering. 

We all have the book of instructions, the Word of the Lord. We may all read it or hear it as it is preached. The Spirit of the Lord will illuminate the will of the Lord for Spiritual living unto all who have a heart to listen and a desire to be prepared for every future event scheduled for the Church of the Lord Jesus. 

The Bridegroom is searching for hearts that love Him and are willing to commit their lives fully and totally unto Him. Five were wise, they got the message. Five were foolish and did their own thing. Consequently they missed the wedding. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  82

WHILE THEY WENT TO BUY. 
They had to leave the meeting place of the Bride and the Bridegroom. In their absence, caused by their neglect, the moment anticipated arrived and they were busy in the market place seeking a fresh supply of oil. The Bridegroom came and those who had fully prepared themselves for the wedding were accepted and went with him to the wedding. And the door was shut. What a sound of finality that has. Mt. 25:10 

Afterward, some time later, perhaps in their own good time, the foolish came to where the wedding had taken place and sought entrance. They called out, Lord, Lord, open to us. Mt. 25:11 

Familiar words which are to be uttered by very active religionist who had been able to cast out devils, had wrought miracles and prophesied in the name of the Lord. Mt. 7:21-23 

They too are to be rejected. Acceptance is not on the basis of works but obedience and preparation for the wedding day. Jesus called them evil doers. 


TRULY, I DO NOT KNOW YOU. 
Not words which one would like to hear. It means complete exclusion from the all important event of the marriage of the Lamb. It is impossible to over emphasize the necessity of preparation for that day. Mt. 25:12 The same type of rejection is found in a closed door of a house, once the master of the house has closed the door. The cry of Lord, Lord, is heard again with the response from within being, I know you not. Lk. 13:25 

While in the second case their association is not as close as the first, it is devastating, nevertheless. While the wise will be delivered from the great tribulation, the unwise will not be and must face the dire consequences of that period of time. Their experiences will not be at all pleasant but in the end we see them as they gather before the throne of the Lord. They will have come out of the great tribulation. Rev. 7:14 

They are seen as a vast multitude of people which originate from the various nations of the world. Rev. 7:9 

They are all arrayed in white robes and gather before the throne of the Lord. Their worship and praise to the Lord and the Lamb will create great volumes and anthems of praise to the Lord. Rev. 7:9-12 

The question is asked as to who they are and where they came from. The response being that they have come out of great tribulation, They are redeemed, for they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. The word white in the Greek is, leukos, light, or bright. We may be sure that their robes will be as bright and scintillating as the garb of the Lord Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Mark 9:3 

They will have paid a tremendous price for the manifold benefits which will be theirs in eternity. Rev. 7:15-17 

Because of their lack of preparation they will face the antichrist in the throes of what is known as the great tribulation. Because they refuse to accept his system of government they will be persecuted and eventually die as martyrs for their faith in the Lord Jesus. Rev. 13:15 

Today is the day of opportunity for every member of the body of Christ to prepare themselves fully for the marriage of the Lamb. 




        THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  83

THE FOOLISH VIRGINS IN REVELATION. 
When the Bride is removed to the place which the Lord has prepared for her. The dragon which attempted specifically to destroy her child, and failed.  Rev. 12:4 

Will also mount an attack against the Bride, and fail. Rev. 7:15 

His efforts are then turned against a segment of Christianity which had failed to meet the requirements necessary to be a part of the Bride. They are called the remnant or the rest of her offspring. They definitely have an association with the Bride but are left behind, they are foolish or have squandered their opportunity to be in the Bride. The spiritual nature of this remnant is to be noted by the fact that they "keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ". Rev. 12:17 

That they are children of the Lord is further sealed by 1 John 5:2. 

They "love God and keep his commandments". These foolish virgins will face the full force of the power and wrath of the complete forces of evil who are in authority during the tribulation period. These, left being Christians are found again in the book of Revelation and they are identified as those who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ". 

A voice from heaven is heard telling them of their future, they are a Blessed people for they are to die as martyrs, for the Lord. They will in this manner be delivered from their persecution and will rest from their labors and they will be rewarded accordingly. Rev. 14:12 


WILL THERE BE CHRISTIANS WHO ENTER THE TRIBULATION?
The answer is most definitely, yes. The scripture has shown to us that there are very definitely two classifications of Christians. The wise and the foolish. We have already seen them classified as the remnant of the woman's seed. They are identified as "saints" who will face the antichrist in all of his furry and anger. He will be granted the ability to make war against them and overcome them. Rev. 13:7 

This attests to the fact that not all Christians will be delivered at the opening of the tribulation. Only the wise. Not only will they face difficulties from the direct assault of the antichrist but at the same time the false church, the harlot church will turn on them because they will not enter into her compromise with satanic powers. Her attack will be so vicious that she will become as a person who is drunken, only this time on the blood "of the saints". Rev. 17:6 

The consistent witness and testimony of the existence of this group is found again in the Revelation. They are identified as the souls who had been beheaded when the antichrist and his forces will try to make them worship him. They will not receive the number name or mark of the antichrist. 

They will be martyred because they held fast to their testimony of the Lord Jesus and maintained their confidence in the Word of the Lord. They may be found as those who make up the complete number of martyrs who will die for their belief in the Lord Jesus. Rev. 6:9-11 

We are not yet in the tribulation but in some countries of the world the spirit of the antichrist is already at work. If you were being persecuted for your faith as some are, you would believe it.   





                 THE WOMAN OF REVELATION TWELVE.  84

WHY SHE IS NOT MARY. 
From the statements of the book itself we are given to understand that is a book of the future, not a history of the past. John was shown the Revelation of Jesus Christ in approximately the year 90 AD. The birth of Jesus would not fit into its pages, since His birth, personal ministry, death and resurrection were past and had become history. 

The witness of the book itself is as follows. It was a Revelation, the fulfillment of which was to shortly to come to pass. Projecting the whole of the prophecy into the future. Rev. 1:1 The time of its prophecies had not yet come, but were near. Rev. 1:3 

Very definitely indicating the future is the statement, "things which shall be hereafter". Rev. 4:1 

The remaining comment which has a bearing on time is, "For the time is at hand". Rev. 22:10 

For one who is eternal, the whole period covered by the Book is but a passing moment. Remember, that a day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as but a day.  2 Pet. 3:8


THE WOMAN FACED BY A VERY DETERMINED ENEMY. 
The political and spiritual condition of the world at the time of the birth of the man child is evidence that this is a "last days" scenario. The great fiery dragon is Lucifer himself. The seven heads, the ten horns and the seven crowns are the political arm of his kingdom, those who associate themselves with Satan. Rev. 12:3 

This religious/political force is composed of much more than a restored Roman Empire or a United Europe, that number has already gone far beyond the allotted ten kingdoms. The political order of the end of the age will be much greater than just an amalgamation of European nations, it will virtually embrace all the nations of the world. It is important to note that his tail, the time of the extremity of his power and ability, will gather a third of the stars of heaven. Stars represent spirit filled Christians, thus indicating that a third of the church will follow him. He is very convincing and extremely capable of deceiving. Rev. 12:4 

The "catching up" Rev. 12:5 of the man child is a signal that the beginning of the end has arrived. The great dragon is identified and cast out of heaven. He is, the serpent [ancient], the devil or Satan.  Yes, he not only has access to heaven but he is stationed there permanently, until this moment of time, when he is booted out and can no more accuse the saints before the Lord [Which he does 24/7]. Rev. 12:10 

His destiny is secure. In conjunction with the antichrist, and the false prophet he will rule and reign for three and one half years. At the close of that period of time he will be incarcerated in what is called a bottomless pit , [Could it be a black hole? For certain it will be a dark and gloomy place.] 

He will be bound, chained and incarcerated for a thousand years or for the period of time known as the Millennium. A thousand years of peace, rest and tranquillity for the redeemed. There will be no sin or sinners, no sickness, no war, no dissension of any sort for the entire period of time. It is the Sabbath of the Lord. The seventh of the one thousand year days in which the Lord has wrought salvation for His own.   







Incomplete

23:15 10-11-03