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Revelation Study

“At the beginning I announce the end, proclaim in advance things not yet done; and I say that my plan will hold, I will do everything I please to do” (Isaiah 46:10).

Most of what is written by the Jewish apostle Yochanan (John) in the Book of Revelation is found throughout the Torah and the Prophets beginning in Genesis with the creation of the heavens and the earth.   This shouldn’t be surprising because everything that Yochanan knew and understood came from the only Scriptures available –– The Hebrew Scriptures. 

As I have studied Revelation throughout the years, I added my understanding of a Biblically Jewish heritage, inclusive of the symbolism found in the ‘appointed times’ of Adonai, and discrepancies and confusion slipped into the background. The Spirit of Adonai opened my eyes to new and unique perspectives.  I used a similar approach to study the seven congregations in Asia Minor.   Drawing from historical events that happened to Israel transformed preconceived ideas and previous teachings that didn’t include a Hebrew perspective and were even antisemitic at their core. 

“These things happened to them as prefigurative historical events, and they were written down as a warning to us who are living in the acharit-hayamim [days of redemption, when fullness of peace shall come for all generations]” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

Adding to my faith, I  began to understand the ‘hidden’ blessings and curses given by Yeshua.   The word ‘hidden’ is an Aramaic term suggesting there is more to Revelation than what is on the surface or the sod –– the mysterious meaning of words and events given through the inspiration of the Spirit. 

Growing up near Philadelphia, I always believed the Congregation in Philadelphia was my ‘church.’ I hung on every sentence written to that congregation, even though I was only ten years old and didn’t understand what I was reading.   I had no idea that the churchers were in Asia Minor; Philadelphia was my church. Several years ago, Adonai allowed me to attend a Messianic Jewish congregation in Philadelphia on the Feast of Trumpets.  A desire of my heart was fulfilled and I cherished the whole experience –– even being escorted to the front row with my entire family!

I also had no idea as a child that each representation of Messiah, the condition of the congregation, the correction, and the reward  had to do with the Hebrew/Jewish roots of Scripture. Every warning Yeshua gave the congregations has its roots in the Old Testament –– the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. Without those Scriptures, it is easy to misinterpret Yochanan’s vision and the importance of the messages given to the angels who guarded each first-century Messianic congregation. I no longer live near the city of Philadelphia, but that congregation took hold of my heart over 55 years ago and has never let go. 

It is important to know Who holds the Key of David: Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah, the promised heir for the eternal Kingdom promised to Israel’s King David. He desires a Bride, a rib-portion of His Body –– a Bride who loves him, loves his Hebrew name, loves his Jewish brothers and sisters, and loves his Hebrew culture. He desires a Bride who has a circumcised heart and who prepares herself to reign with Him for all eternity.

It’s easy to embrace the messages to Philadelphia or Smyrna because Yeshua has no corrections for them;  however, we must consider the spiritual condition of each congregation, the rebuke, the challenge they needed to overcome, and their reward.  We need to embrace the messages given to these seven congregations so we do not  lose our first love and our light to the world.  We need to embrace suffering because it has great value with an eternal reward.  We need to repent from sinning against Adonai by breaking commandments either through neglect or justifying why they no longer have purpose. We need to stop turning a blind-eye to the spots on our robes and purify ourselves.  We need to discern false messiahs and shepherds who lead us away from the pure Word into practices that include eating ‘unclean’ foods, idolatry, and immoral sexual behavior.  We need to refine our spiritual discernment to be able to fight against the secret ways of the Adversary.  No one desires to be thrown into the lake of fire and be eternally separated from Adonai, but there are eternal consequences.   It is time to evaluate ‘church’ traditions that mix the holiness of Adonai and the profanity of false gods so we are not vomited out of Yeshua’s mouth.  We need to challenge ourselves to stay awake so we can receive a crown of glory, a white linen garment, a new name, and a new home in the New Jerusalem.

I hope you enjoy this study as much as I did writing it … and it keeps evolving as I learn and understand more every day. May you receive the blessing of Yeshua for reading and obeying the prophecy.