A Biblical Hope.
May 19, 2020 12:16:35 #
In the last two months, the global pandemic has brought about a new way of life that burdens many with a deep sense of unease about the future. Fortunately, the Bible reassures us that "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom. 5:4). But what can we gain from this hope? And what does the Hebrew Bible tell us about hope?
To eagerly wait
The Hebrew word for “hope” is mikveh מִקְוֶה from the root KVH קוה meaning “to wait for eagerly”. Being patient and waiting for God’s salvation is a central virtue in the Bible. As we read in Psalm 27, “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14). It is therefore fitting that one of God’s biblical titles is Mikveh Yisrael (“Hope of Israel”), as found in the Book of Jeremiah.
The Waters of Hope
The Hebrew word mikveh also means a “pool of water” as seen in the story of creation, “God called the waters gathered together (mikveh mayim) Seas” (Gen. 1:10). The connection is clear. Water is the most abundant resource on earth and the basis of all life. God, the origin of all life on Earth, is at once the giver of our most cherished “wellspring” and the receiver of our deepest “hopes”.
Discover the True Living Waters In these troubled times, we should all be comforted by the assurance that the promises of “the Hope of Israel” are waiting. On the final page of the Bible, God gives us assurance of eternal life: the “water of life” is a gift available to anyone, “let everyone who is thirsty come” (Rev. 22:17). The authentic water of life can be found in the original words of the Hebrew Bible. Enroll in our live online Biblical Hebrew course and quench your spiritual thirst.
To eagerly wait
The Hebrew word for “hope” is mikveh מִקְוֶה from the root KVH קוה meaning “to wait for eagerly”. Being patient and waiting for God’s salvation is a central virtue in the Bible. As we read in Psalm 27, “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14). It is therefore fitting that one of God’s biblical titles is Mikveh Yisrael (“Hope of Israel”), as found in the Book of Jeremiah.
The Waters of Hope
The Hebrew word mikveh also means a “pool of water” as seen in the story of creation, “God called the waters gathered together (mikveh mayim) Seas” (Gen. 1:10). The connection is clear. Water is the most abundant resource on earth and the basis of all life. God, the origin of all life on Earth, is at once the giver of our most cherished “wellspring” and the receiver of our deepest “hopes”.
Discover the True Living Waters In these troubled times, we should all be comforted by the assurance that the promises of “the Hope of Israel” are waiting. On the final page of the Bible, God gives us assurance of eternal life: the “water of life” is a gift available to anyone, “let everyone who is thirsty come” (Rev. 22:17). The authentic water of life can be found in the original words of the Hebrew Bible. Enroll in our live online Biblical Hebrew course and quench your spiritual thirst.
May 20, 2020 22:04:45 #
This is an excellent and much needed lesson, after the past three months of varying amounts of government imposed "House Arrest," bahmer.
Romans 5:4, when placed in its Biblical context (below) reminds us that Jesus Christ is the source of the grace we receive, and it is from Him we gain the strength to withstand suffering and affliction, as we await the sure fulfillment of our hope to someday soon see him face to face.
Thank you for your post.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us" (Romans 5:1-5).
Romans 5:4, when placed in its Biblical context (below) reminds us that Jesus Christ is the source of the grace we receive, and it is from Him we gain the strength to withstand suffering and affliction, as we await the sure fulfillment of our hope to someday soon see him face to face.
Thank you for your post.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us" (Romans 5:1-5).
bahmer wrote:
In the last two months, the global pandemic has br... (show quote)
May 21, 2020 09:29:13 #
Zemirah wrote:
This is an excellent and much needed lesson, after... (show quote)
Thank you Zemirah. As of late I find myself wondering what exactly will Heaven be like? Will there be food to eat and what kinds? Will we still be male and female and will we still be able to be in a family and so on. I guess that Peewee's articles and videos about demons and other creatures or creations has me wondering what will heaven be really like. I know that it is described as we will all enjoy it but I still have questions.
May 21, 2020 13:48:07 #
bahmer, You've got all the same questions most believers have, and certainly. I have.
We want to see our God, and worship at His feet.
We also want to be reunited with our loved ones who went on before us, all of our precious family members, and beloved friends.
I rely only on God's written Word, and I know that we will not be disappointed, for are not His ways higher than our ways?
Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word “heaven” is found 276 times in the New Testament alone.
The "third heaven," is the dwelling place of God.
The Bible speaks of three different heavens. Genesis 1:1 says that God created “the heavens” - plural. The first heaven is the atmosphere around the earth. In describing the rain that brought on the Flood of Noah’s time, Genesis 7:11 says “the windows of heaven were opened.” Commenting on the extent of the water, verse 19 says “all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered.”
The second heaven is commonly referred to as “outer space.” Exodus 32:13 is one of many references to “the stars of heaven.” Stars are not in the skies from which the rain falls, but in the space beyond our atmosphere. Nehemiah 9:6 also refers to space as heaven: “You alone are the Lord; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host (the planets and stars).”
A “third heaven” is mentioned in 2nd Corinthians 12:1-4. Paul also called it “Paradise” in verse 4. That word is from the Greek word for park or garden - not just any park or garden, but a magnificent one. It’s the same word used in the standard Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, to mean the Garden of Eden
Revelation 4:2 reveals that God’s throne is in heaven, but which one? It is obvious that God’s throne is not in the sky where the clouds drift and the birds soar - the first heaven. Nor is it in the visible confines of outer space - the second heaven. Combining this with what Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians, we discern that the third heaven, then, references the location of the throne of God.
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Hebrews 1). Jesus promised to prepare a place for believing Christians in heaven (John 14:2). Heaven is also the destination of the Old Testament saints who died trusting in God’s promise (2:22-23).
The apostle John was privileged to see and report on the heavenly city (Revelation 21:10-27). John witnessed that heaven (the new earth) possesses the “glory of God” (Revelation 21:11), the very presence of God. Because heaven has no night and the Lord Himself is the light, the sun and moon are no longer needed (Revelation 22:5).
“‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal” (Revelation 21:9-11).
The city is filled with the brilliance of costly stones and crystal clear jasper. Heaven has twelve gates (Revelation 21:12) and twelve foundations (Revelation 21:14). The paradise of the Garden of Eden is restored: the river of the water of life flows freely and the tree of life is available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that “heal the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2). However eloquent John was in his description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe (1st Corinthians 2:9).
In a world that is riddled with sickness and disease, the description of the tree of life in Revelation 22 is a beautiful reminder that there will be no more suffering or pain in heaven.
Heaven is a place of “no mores,” - no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4), - no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). In heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God for eternity.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:19-20
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
"He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth;
he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land -
the Lord is his name." (Amos 9:6)
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-10)
"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”
(Revelation 7:15-17).
“The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21).
“When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.”
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
We want to see our God, and worship at His feet.
We also want to be reunited with our loved ones who went on before us, all of our precious family members, and beloved friends.
I rely only on God's written Word, and I know that we will not be disappointed, for are not His ways higher than our ways?
Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word “heaven” is found 276 times in the New Testament alone.
The "third heaven," is the dwelling place of God.
The Bible speaks of three different heavens. Genesis 1:1 says that God created “the heavens” - plural. The first heaven is the atmosphere around the earth. In describing the rain that brought on the Flood of Noah’s time, Genesis 7:11 says “the windows of heaven were opened.” Commenting on the extent of the water, verse 19 says “all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered.”
The second heaven is commonly referred to as “outer space.” Exodus 32:13 is one of many references to “the stars of heaven.” Stars are not in the skies from which the rain falls, but in the space beyond our atmosphere. Nehemiah 9:6 also refers to space as heaven: “You alone are the Lord; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host (the planets and stars).”
A “third heaven” is mentioned in 2nd Corinthians 12:1-4. Paul also called it “Paradise” in verse 4. That word is from the Greek word for park or garden - not just any park or garden, but a magnificent one. It’s the same word used in the standard Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, to mean the Garden of Eden
Revelation 4:2 reveals that God’s throne is in heaven, but which one? It is obvious that God’s throne is not in the sky where the clouds drift and the birds soar - the first heaven. Nor is it in the visible confines of outer space - the second heaven. Combining this with what Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians, we discern that the third heaven, then, references the location of the throne of God.
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Hebrews 1). Jesus promised to prepare a place for believing Christians in heaven (John 14:2). Heaven is also the destination of the Old Testament saints who died trusting in God’s promise (2:22-23).
The apostle John was privileged to see and report on the heavenly city (Revelation 21:10-27). John witnessed that heaven (the new earth) possesses the “glory of God” (Revelation 21:11), the very presence of God. Because heaven has no night and the Lord Himself is the light, the sun and moon are no longer needed (Revelation 22:5).
“‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal” (Revelation 21:9-11).
The city is filled with the brilliance of costly stones and crystal clear jasper. Heaven has twelve gates (Revelation 21:12) and twelve foundations (Revelation 21:14). The paradise of the Garden of Eden is restored: the river of the water of life flows freely and the tree of life is available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that “heal the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2). However eloquent John was in his description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe (1st Corinthians 2:9).
In a world that is riddled with sickness and disease, the description of the tree of life in Revelation 22 is a beautiful reminder that there will be no more suffering or pain in heaven.
Heaven is a place of “no mores,” - no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4), - no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). In heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God for eternity.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:19-20
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
"He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth;
he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land -
the Lord is his name." (Amos 9:6)
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-10)
"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”
(Revelation 7:15-17).
“The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21).
“When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.”
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
bahmer wrote:
Thank you Zemirah. As of late I find myself wondering what exactly will Heaven be like? Will there be food to eat and what kinds? Will we still be male and female and will we still be able to be in a family and so on. I guess that Peewee's articles and videos about demons and other creatures or creations has me wondering what will heaven be really like. I know that it is described as we will all enjoy it but I still have questions.
May 21, 2020 13:57:33 #
Zemirah wrote:
bahmer, You've got all the same questions most bel... (show quote)
Amen and Amen and my personal belief is that if Donald Trump id not elected as our President in 2020 that the rapture will take place at this time. We will have to wait and see.
May 25, 2020 20:37:28 #
Fodaoson
Loc: South Texas
bahmer wrote:
Amen and Amen and my personal belief is that if Donald Trump id not elected as our President in 2020 that the rapture will take place at this time. We will have to wait and see.
politicizing the rapture
May 25, 2020 21:22:57 #
Paul told the Church we were not appointed to wrath. The Church is mentioned a few dozen times in Revelation 1-3, BUT not once on earth during the Tribulation.
Make of that what you will.
Make of that what you will.
Fodaoson wrote:
politicizing the rapture
May 26, 2020 00:26:43 #
TexaCan
Loc: Homeward Bound!
bahmer wrote:
Thank you Zemirah. As of late I find myself wondering what exactly will Heaven be like? Will there be food to eat and what kinds? Will we still be male and female and will we still be able to be in a family and so on. I guess that Peewee's articles and videos about demons and other creatures or creations has me wondering what will heaven be really like. I know that it is described as we will all enjoy it but I still have questions.
I also think about this, a lot! Whatever it is, I know it will be wonderful...........we’ll be HOME!
May 26, 2020 00:36:26 #
TexaCan
Loc: Homeward Bound!
Zemirah wrote:
bahmer, You've got all the same questions most bel... (show quote)
After reading this, I’m going to bed! What peaceful, comforting, pleasurable, promises from our Lord to take with me to dreamland!
Thank you and Bahmer!
Good night!
MARANATHA
May 26, 2020 01:04:43 #
Good night, TexaCan,
and Maranatha to you too!
and Maranatha to you too!
TexaCan wrote:
After reading this, I’m going to bed! What peaceful, comforting, pleasurable, promises from our Lord to take with me to dreamland!
Thank you and Bahmer!
Good night!
MARANATHA
Thank you and Bahmer!
Good night!
MARANATHA
May 26, 2020 08:54:38 #
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