Corona Virus, Jars of Jelly Beans and Top Down Government

 It is interesting if you haven’t seen it, how when you take a large group of people and ask them to guess how many jelly beans are in the jar there are wildly divergent guesses ranging from extreme over estimations to extreme under estimations. But if you add the group’s guesses together and create an average, the average is surprisingly accurate. Watch here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfh-k9P8ZPI

 Complexity theory addresses diverse autonomous agent systems spontaneously self-organizing into a coherent whole with no overseer or guide like eusocial bee hives or ant colonies (almost a faint hint of intelligent design wouldn’t you agree?- Prv.6:6-10). The more highly complex a system the more exponentially powerful and unanticipated properties emerge.
 Floridians are acutely aware of the emergent weather phenomenon ‘hurricane’ from the seemingly not so powerful and complex ‘air pressure and water temperature’ and the apparently disconnected ‘easterly wave’ from Africa. These self-organized hurricanes are very difficult to predict as meteorologists demonstrate each hurricane season. Floridians might be more attuned to the realization that the experts are many times wrong. 

This brings me to an article critical of the Governor of Florida related to his response to the Coronavirus outbreak. My point is not to analyze a left leaning article from any particular liberal rag, or to defend any particular politician, but to point out the basis of criticism being used to assess politicians score cards on the Covid-19 outbreak response. (* see below) Apparently the more aggressive the response in subjugating free citizens the more virtuous the politician. The greater degree of ‘jack booting’ from ever higher leaders ‘the more obvious it is they love and care for us’. This manifestly is the criteria here for rating governors responses, with California’s governor Newsom at the top and New York’s Cuomo a close second, even the abomination Whitmer of Michigan is near the top. I hope you will not be so incensed at this characterization of the suspending of our bill of rights just yet and not objectively consider what I’m saying. We should be emotionally stable enough to hear someone with an opinion, express an idea and not reject it ad hominem.

 So, the criticism of the FL governor was partly that he didn’t provide enough leadership in instructing the mayors and county officials in what they should do. ‘Obviously’ without top down leadership people in smaller communities can’t self-organize. This is similar to the criticism of President Trump in not taking as an aggressive role over the states. Attorney General Bill Barr in a recent interview (https://video.foxnews.com/v/6148219528001#sp=show-clips) when asked about the suspension of the rule of law and protection of liberties during a pandemic stated (start about 6:30 mark) “One of the things I think the president has done very well here, is to use the strength of the federal system. Where certain decisions should be made in Washington perhaps, but also allowing each state to adapt to the situation that confronts it and make their own choices. And that’s a form of protecting liberty; the federal system is a form of protecting liberty. To have the government closest to the people make those decisions.” Basically the idea “that government is best which governs least” (whoever said it first). This idea echoes French philosopher Charles de Montesquieu on limiting government. Mark Levin’s book Ameritopia has a chapter (ch.8) on Montesquieu and government governing least. He writes “Montesquieu also believed that republican government does not work well over large regions, for the people are too diverse, their interests are too dissimilar, and their connection with the government is too distant.” He proceeds to quote Montesquieu, “It is in the nature of a republic to have only a small territory; otherwise, it can scarcely continue to exist.” (pg.137)

Now the rich heritage of political philosophy should not be expected to reside in any particular epidemiologist per se. Which brings up another facet of top down government of a complex system such as the American society. The reintroduction of the Platonic ‘rule by philosopher kings’ after the Darwinian revolution caused the progressive era zeitgeist (e.g. The Growth of America- Chapter 3, Clarence Carson). The rule by intellectuals and state (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qhUTH8BLOs ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KdQ2P9N8H8) became the new scientific way to govern. Now besides this non-sequitur of ‘because we are evolving, this or that moral system should follow’ (there is no moral ’should’ in science- science identifies what is not what should be), there is the additional ambiguous fallacy of attributing to the parts those characteristics of the whole system. For example ‘this entire building is very heavy, therefore each brick is also very heavy’. Or like mistaking the university for a particular student and thinking ‘because the university of students study a host of disciplines therefore does this student of that university studies all those disciplines’. Or ‘this intellectual in one field of expertise is smarter than the collective whole of individuals in the society’. There is the problem the Austrian school of economics emphasizes with regards to economic central planners being incapable of accurately deciding all the things millions of people do every day in business and personal financial affairs. The jelly beans in the jar might have something to add. Instead of having experts guess how many beans are in the jar we should have a feedback loop from the local populace. Perhaps that government closest to the people can more accurately make decisions for those people. Which is to say maybe universally treading upon God given rights isn’t the best localized response to a crisis. Let’s let state and local governments respond and see what emerges as valuable. This is not a false dilemma of ‘either enact sweeping federal government mandates or let everyone die waiting to get into a hospital’.

 When dealing with such a complex system as our economic and civil union and one begins legislatively poking at it in a grandstanding, virtue signaling manner such as politicians are proficient at, they might be destabilizing the system into a critical state poised for a phase transition that is completely unpredictable and unanticipated. The prudent thing may be to decentralize the decision making to the states, and also the governors allowing local authorities to give more feedback and not propel the country into a critical state by wrecking the economy and lives of its citizens with ‘one size fits all’ mandates from the ‘high and wise overlords’. Who deem it apparently necessary to let criminals out of jail and threaten church goers with arrest. Or who deem liquor stores ‘essential’ but obedience to God in assembling with his saints in worship as ‘non-essential’ and subject to dispersing by the barrel of a gun. (They bear not the sword in vain you say? Churches should consider these ideas here) We better recognize as the people who put these officials (state and local as well) in power, when they manifest their lust for power. We better note them well and remove them from their station at the next voting opportunity. I pray we are not getting what we deserve. (1 Tim.2:1-2)

 Maybe a complex system that self organizes by intelligent design doesn’t need to us to “make us a king to judge us like all the nations”. (1 Sam.8:5) I would guess that when the people of God cease from the Holy Ghost given and first amendment recognized admonition of “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb.10:25) and draw back in unbelief, God may not be well pleased (Heb.10:38-9). The prophet Samuel was grieved at the people’s request. And “the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Sam.8:6-7) This followed with the surrender of liberty for security by the people of Israel (8:11-18). And I fear in our day as in his “the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (v19-20) And the people want a strong centralized government to save us from the coronavirus war. (WW2 comparison- https://www.schiffradio.com/bubble-behind-the-virus/ ; https://mises.org/wire/calls-central-planning-covid-19-panic-are-calls-war-socialism-old)

*Apparently the FL Governor and leadership proved the better course:

DeSantis: 'Florida Got It Right And The Locked-Down States Got It Wrong' (thefederalist.com)

The Seven Churches- Laodicea

 

Rev.3:14-22
 

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

 

 The final appeal given to this messenger to give to the Laodicean church is the harshest rebuke yet. Alongside the rebuke given to Sardis that is quite a sobering assessment. But the Lord is the faithful and true witness. His assessments are accurate, not intended to flatter or please the hearers but to convey truth which will ultimately save from judgment and damnation. The truth must operate “to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” (Jer.1:10) Fallow ground must be broken up (Jer.4:3, Hos.10:12) in order to get the seed to take root. People don’t like being told to lose weight and eat better and exercise because of their pride and lust, but they can receive such appropriate admonition more readily from a doctor; whom they perceive to be speaking with their best interest in mind. But there is no truer or more faithful witness than Christ. And he will reveal the thoughts and intentions in our hearts in order to save us from our own destructive behavior and self-delusion. How easily we deceive ourselves and flatter ourselves and justify our wretched self-serving actions while the motions of sins are working in us. We try to soften the weight of our conscience with lies; we provide a rationale for our coveting; we point to others to deflect attention from our uncleanness and greediness. But the true a faithful witness knows the facts, the things that come into our minds and hearts, every one of them (Ezk.11:5,Rv.2:23). And it is he alone that can search our hearts and save us from our own sins. (Psa.139:23-4, Rom.7:23-5, Mt.1:21)

 The ”beginning of the creation of God” is an important revelation. Not to be wrested by those wicked and unstable souls who desire to demote Christ from the Godhead. The Word which is Jesus Christ, already was, he already existed in the beginning before anything else was for all things were made by him and for him. (Jn.1:1-3) He is the “beginning of the creation” (Rv.3:14); the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega (Rv.1:8,11,17). The beginning of the creation does not mean he himself was the first creation of God as the blasphemers declare. But that as Colossians 1:16-17 states “by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” So, if he is the beginning then he is also the ending. This is nonsense if it means the first creation of God. So, he is the beginning- that is all things were created by him; and he is the ending- that is all things are created for him. Christ himself is from everlasting- Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Compare Mat.2:5-6) And so he has no beginning of days (Heb.7:3).

 Amen means to affirm, ‘of a truth’, ‘so be it’ in reply to God’s revelation and declarations (as Dt.27:15-26). “Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the Lord do so: the Lord perform thy words which thou hast prophesied”. (Jer.28:6) It is a declaration of praise to God- “And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord.” (Neh.5:13) “And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (Neh.8:6) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.” (Psa.41:13- see also 72:19, 89:52, 106:48) Jesus Christ is the Amen of God, the positive affirmation that his will, will indeed be done of a truth. The manifestation of the Son is the assurance (‘the Lord do so: the Lord perform his words’) that the Father will accomplish the mystery of his will. (Eph.1) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Cor.1:20)

 

15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

 

 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Eph.3:21) God will be glorified by his church and this will entail pruning. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit… If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (Jn.15:2, 6) We are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Cor.11:32) This church had grown lukewarm; when iniquity begins to abound the love of many wax cold (Mt.24:12). They are in the “waxing” stage of leaving their first love. To wax is to grow in volume or duration, toward full development. As iniquity increases our love of Christ decreases as does our love of the brethren. (1 Jn.4:20-5:2) We are supposed to love God with all our hearts and ”love one another with a pure heart fervently” and “have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Pt.1:22, 4:8). Christ associates himself with his brethren- “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Mt.25:40, Ac.9:4-5) We will slowly lose our care and concern for our brethren as we wax cold. We will not bear one anothers burdens so fulfilling the law of Christ (Gal.6:2). We will bite and devour one another in bitterness and strife. (Gal.5:13-16) Anger, wrath and malice will become common with unforgiveness (Eph.4:30-5:2). We will bless God with our mouth while cursing our brother. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (Jam.3:5-11)

 So then if we will not choose to repent of leaving our first love, Christ will spue us out of his mouth. We will then be cold altogether. And he would rather us be hot or cold. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mt.6:24, Lk.16:13) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Lk.6:46) We had better give the more earnest heed to what the Lord has spoken for “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation”? (Heb.2:1-3) Many entangled in the world and iniquity and then overcome will not hear this rebuke (Mk.4:19, 2 Pt.2:20). And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven. (Dt.29:19-20, Rev.3:5)

 

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 

 Surely this applies to others and not me for I am spiritual; I see (Jn.9:39-41). Those who are spiritually blind of course will not recognize that they are. Rather they will compare themselves among themselves and measure themselves by themselves and conclude they are more zealous of the religion, and more consistent than their fellows. (2 Cor.10:12,1 Cor.4:3-4) Indeed we need faith in the operation of the Spirit of Christ in our hearts to reveal our true standing and growth level. (Rom.8:26-7) This church had reached a level of self-delusion that they esteemed themselves as spiritually successful because they were financially prosperous. They supposed that gain was equivalent to godliness, an error permeating our church culture today (1 Tim.6:3-11). They considered that they were living in the promised land of prosperity because of the financial gains they had acquired. They began to consider that the cause of these gains was God rewarding them for their great faith. They lacked tribulation and trials because they had achieved a high level of spirituality, so they thought. Our entire country while bankrupt with trillions in massive debt believes we have great wealth because we can borrow and spend money newly created from nothing. We spend dross like it is silver (Isa.1:21-3) and the people and the rulers love to have it so.

 This church has been swept away in this delusion as well. But whether they had actual financial security and not falsely bid up currency denominated assets is immaterial. Because God told Israel that he was going to humble them through tribulation and trials in the desert until he brought them into the land of promise and once they were there he warned them of the dangers of financial prosperity. (Deut.8) “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments…” (v10-11). “And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” (v17) The danger was as it always is with riches, self-reliance. Trusting in ourselves. Paul warned, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” (1 Tim.6:17) It was not random when Christ rebuked the Pharisees “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Lk.16:13) For we see their response “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.” (v14) He proceeded to tell them of the account of the rich man going to hell (v19-31). Jesus instructed the disciples after the encounter with the rich ruler (Mk.10:17-25) “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (v24) Those who take their ease, eating and drinking, surfeiting (Lk.12:19, 21:34) are not fit for the kingdom of God. (Lk.9:57-62) Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (Lk.17:32-3) There are those who love their family more than the Lord Jesus Christ who are not therefore worthy of him; (Mt.10:32-39) who even now as they read the words of Christ recoil in unbelief and disdain instead of crying “God be merciful to me a sinner”.

 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. (Prv.13:7) He that trusteth in his riches shall fall. (Prv.11:28) This church while flattering themselves of their spiritual maturity were utterly infantile. They should be teachers of spiritual things, but they could not be weaned from the milk or drawn from the breast. (Heb.5:11-14, Isa.28:9) In our day they would be selling teaching series in book and CD, broadcasting their sermons on TV and radio, yet the material was wrong, misplaced and imbalanced. It was dross mingled with silver. They could have had bible commentaries, and study helps and guides to no end and be completely deficient in spiritual revelation (Eph.1:17-19). Not only deficient but incapable of even feeding themselves and totally helpless. Jesus said they were miserable and wretched. They were spiritually as Job was physically. They were spiritually crippled and lame; spiritually blind and naked. Instead of crying “Lord, what must we do?” they boast “I thank you I am not as other men are.” They spiritually were laying impotently beside the pool of Bethesda as beggars all the while thinking they were rich. (Jn.5:2-3) They had become blind leaders of the blind. (Lk.6:39) Preaching and teaching words to no end and yet absent the gospel of Christ. (1 Cor.15:1-4,2:2, 2 Cor.4:5, Gal.6:14) For the leaders of this people cause them to err.

 

18-19 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

 Christ grants repentance here and invites them unto true riches. His counsel is directing them unto taking up their cross and denying themselves and following him more closely. There are manifold temptations awaiting them that they were avoiding through compromise (e.g. Gal.2:12-3, 6:12). They had forgotten that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (1 Pt.1:7) The Lord desires to refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. (Zec.13:9) Christ, moved with compassion offers to cover the shame of their nakedness with raiment of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work. They have no works of righteousness that will survive his judgment seat (Rev.19:8) and are walking into eternity with great shame awaiting them should they turn away his offer. The Lord has ointment for their blindness should they apply it to themselves. Imagine the blind man after Jesus spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay and instructed him to “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam”. (Jn.9:5-7) Would he have came back seeing had he disregarded Christ’s instruction? Nay, rather he would have remained in gross darkness. This church is wasting away their space of repentance walking blindly and confidently towards the precipice of eternity.

 But because Christ loves us, he rebukes us and chastens us. Our backwards church pop culture thinks of this in the reverse; that rebukes and chastening are bad, impugning the character of the Lord. But as God told Israel through Moses “Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.” (Dt.8:5) And even further back in the time of Job they knew that “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:” (Job 5:17) And even the apostle spoke to us “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Heb.12:6) My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons. (Heb.12:5-8) Let the Lords rebuke produce the right spirit in us. That we sorrow after a godly sort, that carefulness is wrought in us, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Cor.7:11) Would to God that we despise not the chastening of the Lord not faint at his loving rebuke, that we endure chastisement. (Prv.3:11) There is great wisdom to be found in the rod of his correction. Yea, he that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. (Prv.13:24,19:18) The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. (Psa.118:18) For when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Cor.11:32) The Laodiceans had become as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke (Jer.31:18) sliding back as a backsliding heifer, filled with their own ways. (Hos.4:16, Prv.14:14) Their backslidings were many (Jer.14:7) yet they were implored to return unto the Lord for his healing (Jer.3:12,14,22). I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. (Hos.14:4)

 

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

 How will this church respond? How will we? The Lord’s call is not just to the church as an assembly but each individual in the assembly- ‘any man’ who hears or listens and opens the door Christ will sup with that man. Notice the conditional ‘if’. As with the first instance with Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” (Gen.4:7) And consistently through the scriptures the Lords ways are always equal, (Ezk.18:25-9, 33:20) his balances are always just (Lev.19:36, Prv.11:1, 16:11). His word is true from the beginning (Psa.119:160). Why then would someone not turn to the Lord and fellowship with him in his great mercy? Why would someone not call upon him while he is near and seek him while he may be found? (Isa.55:5-6, Ezek.18:31,33:11) We can eat and drink at his table in his kingdom (Lk.22:30, Mt.26:29). One is reminded of the account in Luke 14 when the Lord likened the kingdom of God unto a certain man made a great supper, and bade many. And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. And the Lord responded in anger 'I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper'. (Lk.14:16-24) Who did make it to the supper? The poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. (Jn.9:39-41)

 

21-2 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

 The final call to overcome carries with it a promise of a co-regent position in his kingdom. This has been the theme through these 2 chapters in Revelation, an eye towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil.3:14) The exceeding precious promises of the glorious resurrection unto eternal bliss in his kingdom. There is nothing in the sufferings of this present time worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom.8:18) Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Cor.2:9) The increase of his government shall never end (Isa.9:7). If we suffer, we shall also reign with him Paul declared. (2 Tim.2:12) Jesus Christ, the very form of God became a partaker of humanity, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil.2:6-11) Christ sat down at God’s right hand in the heavenly places; far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Eph.1:20-23) We are invited to sit with him and reign forever.

  Would to God that the eyes of our understanding being enlightened; we may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints and the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe. (Eph.1:17-19) May God give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; may we have ears to always hear what the Spirit saith. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.




 

The Seven Churches- Philadelphia

 

 

Rev.3:7-13

 

 

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

 

The message to the Philadelphian church was more positive and optimistic than the other churches. Christ is holy and we are to be holy (1 Pt.1:15). He is such an high priest who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. (Heb.7:26) Holiness is being set apart or separated from the world and the corruption therein (as it is used here-Lev.20:24-6). With Christ he was and is undefiled and sinless (Heb.4:15, 2 Cor.5:21) set apart from all others, given a name which is above every name in which every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that he is Lord (Phil.2:9-10). And Christ is true. Which is not only to say he never lies nor is guile ever found in him (1 Pt.2:22), but that in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col.2:3) He is the truth, (Jn.14:6) he is the focus of creation and its creator and upholder (Col.1:16-17, Heb.1:2-3). God is revealing himself through the person of his Son, he is gathering and subduing all things unto himself and through him God interacts with Creation. (Eph.1:9-10, Phil.3:21) And according to the flesh Christ is the Son of David and heir to his throne reigning over Israel forever (Rom.1:3, 9:5, Lk.1:31-5,Isa.9:6-7). God told David through Nathan the prophet “I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.” (1 Chr.17:11-14) God said further through Isaiah, “I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.  And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.” (Isa.22:21-3) The gates of Jerusalem will be opened continually (Isa.60:11,14) during his reign and no man can shut them. Likewise he exhorts us “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:” (Lk.13:24-5)

 

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

 

 Christ has set before them an open door in heaven (4:1, 1 Thes.4:15-17). For those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, the door opened in heaven is the way into the millennial kingdom as well. Note the warning in v11 “that no man take thy crown”, which would be for “power over the nations” from 2:26 (as kings Rv.5:10, 2 Tim.2:12, Lk.19:17). This church was promised deliverance from the tribulation (v10) whether the Lord tarried and they finished their course or whether the Lord comes quickly and they looking for the Saviour in his glorious appearing are delivered from the wrath to come. (1 Thes.1:10, Phil.3:20-1, Tit.2:13) The Lord commends their strength even though it was described as little. We know a little leaven can leaven a whole lump and a little fire can kindle a great matter, (Gal.5:9, Jam.3:5) so here it appears their little strength has produced a great matter before the Lord. Their little strength has caused them to keep his word and not deny him before men, even though it would divide them from their families (Mt.10:32-39). They confess Christ is come in the flesh by his Spirit even though the world despises them. (1 Jn.4:2-4, 3:13, Jn.15:18, 1 Cor.12:3, Jam.4:4)

 

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

 

 It would appear they were particularly despised by those claiming to be Jews. This is to be expected since as Christ exposes here, they are liars of the synagogue of Satan (see comments under 2:9). They were being provoked to jealousy by these faithful Gentile believers (Rom.10:19, 11:14) who are Jews inwardly. He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly, but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Rom.2:28-9) Jesus rebuked those outward Jews in his day who were of their father the devil and declared that they were liars. (Jn.8:44, 55) Those of the synagogue of Satan will begin to cry to the Lord in jealousy “We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.” (Isa.63:19) And yet the Lord will make it known that he indeed loved these Gentile believers as his bride.

 Jesus does not declare that he will make them worship the church, nor cause men to be worshipped (Ex.34:14, Mt.4:10, Lk.4:8, Ac.10:25-6, 14:13-15, Rv.19:10, 22:8-9) in the sense of glory belonging only to God. But there is a use of the term that is to show great respect and submission to one having great authority. It is rarely used that way in our language and it is rarely used that way in scripture, but here are the places I am aware of- Dan.2:46, Lk.14:10, 1 Chr.29:20. See also ‘bowing’ as worship involves bowing many times - Gen.37:9-10, 42:6, 19:1, Ruth 2:10, 2 Sam.24:20, etc. These liars will be forced to accept the truth concerning the church as the bride of Christ and humble themselves and prostrate themselves before this church either in this world or in the world to come.

 

10-11 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

 

 This church had been faithful and watched and were accounted worthy to escape the hour of temptation and all these things which shall come to pass with the beginning of sorrows until the pinnacle of tribulation after those days. (Lk.21:9,36, Mt.24:29) In their patience they had possessed their souls through the trying of their faith and they were perfect and entire wanting nothing. (Jam.1:3-4, Lk.21:19) There was a door opened before them that no man could shut; they would indeed escape. They did not know whether they would be alive and remain when he came quickly, or they depart to be with Christ after finishing their course, and neither do we. These things are written unto the churches (v13) and so we had better watch (Mk.13:33-7, 1 Pt.4:7, Jam.5:8-9). The promise of his appearing to deliver us from the wrath to come is to comfort us (1 Thes.1:10, 4:18). Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. (Tit.2:13,Phil.3:20) We are to gird up the loins of our mind, be sober, and hope to the end (1 Thes.5:8) for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is our life, who when he shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. (1 Pt.1:13, Col.3:4, 1 Jn.3:2) The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (2 Thes.3:5) We can likewise be counted worthy to escape when sudden destruction breaks out upon them that dwell upon the earth as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. (Lk.21:36, 1 Thes.5:1-3)

 They did receive that final admonition however to “hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown”. They still needed to hold fast those treasures laid up for them in heaven. (Mt.6:20) As John likewise instructed “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.” (2 Jn.1:8) We see the elders in chapter 4 casting their crowns before the Lord upon his throne, acknowledging that they know that without him they could be or do nothing. (Jn.15:1-5) It is quite an honor to be called unto his glory and virtue and not something to lightly esteem. Can you imagine how Mephibosheth (2 Sam.9) must have felt when he was honored by David for Jonathon his father’s sake, when he was called to eat at the king’s table? How would he have been viewed if he despised the king’s invitation and ignored it? And those naming the name of Christ treat crowns as though they are extra credit that they are not interested in acquiring. What are we to think of this? It would appear this is a crown of righteousness for Paul informs us this is for those finishing their course and all those who love his appearing, (2 Tim.4:7-8, 1 Jn.2:28) which would match this context.

 

12-13 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

 This promise to the overcomers is of the millennial inheritance, as there will be no temple in the new heavens and the new earth (Rv.21:1,22). Unless here you make a figurative application as the temple is Christ (v22, Jn.2:21) and we are part of him (1 Cor 12:27). In the church on the earth, which is his holy temple (Eph.2:20-2, 1 Pt.2:5) only the very chiefest of the apostles, Peter, James and John were noted to be pillars. (Gal.2:9) In that day it will be as the prophecy “and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them.” (Zech.12:8) He shall be of note, of reputation among the resurrected saints. ‘He shall go no more out’ meaning he will not be caused to leave the temple (as here Am.9:15), not that he will be unable (as here 2 Sam.21:17, Dt.31:2). But he will have access into the holiest of all, where Christ sitteth upon his throne reigning over the whole earth.

 To write his name upon us would indicate his ownership of us and the right of our partaking of his diving nature. Jesus declared the name of the Father (Jn.17:6, 26); the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him (Jn.1:18). He revealed the character of God as his Father. A name represents the nature and character of the person. (Gen.3:20, 16:11-15, 22:14, 25:30, 27:36,32:27-8, 35:10, Ex.2:10, 3:13-15, 6:2-3, 15:23, 23:21, 34:14, Lv.22:2, 32) God would place his name in Jerusalem meaning he chose to reveal himself there for worship. (Dt. 12:5,11,21,14:23-4, 16:6,11, 18:5,7, 28:58, Jos.7:9) For God to write his name upon us would be for him to choose us as a vessel through which his nature and character would be glorified. His name would not be tattooed upon our flesh as our modern age would insist, for that is described as ‘printing marks upon’ us (Lev. 19:28, inferring an impress as Job 13:27,19:23-4, Jn. 20:25). Whether his name be written upon our forehead (Rv.14:1) or written upon our hearts, or both (Prv.3:3, 7:3, Jer.17:1, 31:33, 2 Cor.3:3) is not indicated here. But Christ who gives eternal life (Jn.17:2-3) will be the one writing his Father’s name upon us.

The question naturally arises regarding the name of God. What name will he write upon us; and what name is associated with the revelation of himself, the name of Christ’s God (1 Cor.3:23, 11:3, Lk.9:20)? Our overcoming is a testimony to the power and grace of God since we are kept by his power through faith accessing his grace (1 Pt.1:5, Rom.4:16, 5:2). God will make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles (Rom.9:23-4). God’s great power and grace are made known by our salvation with eternal glory. When we trust his power for our salvation we can as Paul be persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom.8:38-9) Even as the children of Israel were brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand (Dt.4:34, 5:15, 26:8) revealing the saving power of the name of God to all the earth. God told Moses “I am the Lord: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.” (Ex.6:2-3) Indicating that the meaning of that name had not been revealed but was about to be through his deliverance of Israel from bondage of Pharaoh (v5-8) to all nations on the earth. That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth. (Psa.83:18) For in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. (Isa.26:4) When this powerful deliverance unto salvation was revealed the meaning of God’s name was unveiled. Moses and all Israel sang “The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation:” (Ex.15:2) Isaiah links the same thought here: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Isa.12:2) The meaning of this name is related to God’s saving power and grace. This is what God wants known about himself through Christ, that he is mighty to save and his arm will deliver from all sin and death. (Eph.1:3-10, 17-22) We will be vessels of his great grace and saving power and glory will be given him in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end (Eph.3:21). It is outside our scope here to discuss the debate between the Hebrew Yehovah (and its Anglicized equivalent Jehovah) versus Yahweh (https://www.nehemiaswall.com/origins-yahweh) but suffice it to say here that the debate should not settle on empirical probability of science falsely so called.

 Further promised is that ‘New Jerusalem’ will be written upon us. It shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her (Gal.4:26). And by having a part in the new Jerusalem from where Christ himself shall reign, we shall reign with him (Rv.1:5-6, 2:26-7, 20:4, Rv.21:22, 22:1, 2 Tim.2:12). This is what is meant by him writing his new name upon us for the name he was given after he was highly exalted was Lord (Phil.2:8-11, Ac.2:36, Eph.1:20-23). Let us hear what exceeding great and precious promises are given us by the Spirit.

The Seven Churches- Sardis

Rev.3:1-6

3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

 He that hath the seven Spirits of God and seven stars is the one searching their hearts and trying their works. So, while they have a name that they are alive and carry that reputation the Lord knows otherwise. Churches in general will boast of their liveliness in the Lord relative to other churches. Those who believe in the gifts and operation of the Spirit (1 Cor.12:7-11) will boast of their being alive corporately as an assembly relative to their non-sign gift operating brethren. Where those who believe the gifts have all ceased except a teacher will claim they are alive because of their focus upon doctrines over lively worship. Where those practicing lively worship will say the letter (meaning doctrine) kills and so it should not be emphasized but rather just “loving Jesus”. The conclusion that your church is ‘alive’ is based upon your doctrines to start with. But our opinions do not matter to Christ because his determination is based upon the operation of the seven Spirits of God.

 How have we responded to his presence? Do we resist his Spirit (Act.7:51) and grieve him (Eph.4:30)? Do we commune with the Holy Ghost (2 Cor.13:14) and follow him (Rom.8:14,Gal.5:18)? What about wisdom, the principle thing (Prv.4:7)? Were we wise in your own eyes (Prv.3:7, Isa.5:21)? Did we seek wisdom that is earthly, sensual, devilish (Jam.3:14-16)? How about understanding? In all our getting did we get understanding (Prv.4:7)? Did we lift up our voice for it, and seek it like we did money? (Prv.2:3-5) And what about counsel? Did we ever darken council by words without knowledge (Job 38:2)? Did we establish our purposes with good counsel and advice (Prv.20:18)? Did we let the Lord guide us with his counsel (Psa.73:24, Rev.3:18)? How about our might? Did we love God with all our might (Dt.6:5)? Did we glory in our own might (Jer.9:23)? Were we strong in the Lord and the power of his might (Eph.6:10)? Did we not make God our strength (Psa.52:7, Isa.26:4)? And how about the fear of the Lord? Was there a heart in us that would fear him and keep his commandments (Dt.5:29)? Did we tremble at his word (Isa.66:2) or just pay it lip service and exalt the words and doctrines of men (Mt.15:7-9) with the fear of man (Mt.10:28, Prv.29:25)? Did we hate pride and arrogancy and the evil way (Prv.8:13)? This is how the Lord will judge us.

 This church had a reputation for being alive that Christ was formed in them corporately (Gal.4:19), that they were knit together in love (Col.2:2) holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God (v19). They had a name that they were fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph.4:16); builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph.2:22). But this was all a façade, and the Lord knew the whole time, “thou…art dead”.

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

 This admonition is deadly serious as this church was descending into self righteousness vainly puffed up in their minds and engaging in and establishing dead works of their own carnal efforts. They had a few sincere and true efforts that were ready to die as they were exercising themselves in establishing their own righteousness and not the righteousness which is by faith and the Spirit. (Rom.3:31, 8:4, 10:3, Phil.3:9) Our works are made perfect and entire, not lacking anything when we understand the God of peace working in us that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, both to will and do of his good pleasure (Heb.13:20-1, Phil.2:13,Ja.1:4). We wait patiently for him to stablish us by the power of the gospel in every good word and work, suffering while our faith is tried (Rom.16:25, 2 Thes.2:17, 1 Pt.5:10). The things that remained of this church were sick and ready to die, which is to say alienating themselves completely from the life of God working in them (Eph.4:18). The danger with not walking by faith is one will make shipwreck their faith and depart from the faith (1 Tim.1:19, 4:1) and frustrate the grace of God (Gal.2:21) for it is of faith that it might be by grace (Rom.4:16). For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (Gal.5:5,4) They are warned ‘beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.’ (2 Pt.3:17)

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
 

 This sharp rebuke was to call them to remembrance the former days, after they were illuminated (Heb.10:32) how they held fast the faithful word and form of soundness (Tit.1:9, 2 Tim.1:13). They are exhorted to repent of their pride and slothfulness and hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Heb.3:6) That they be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Showing the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end (Heb.6:11-2) They were trusting in themselves that they were righteous while making themselves hateful unto God (Lk.18:9, 16:15) If a man trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. (Ezek.33:13, 1 Jn.5:16) He was persuaded better things of them, things that should accompany salvation (Heb.6:9)

 The Lord will come for his church quickly and at an hour when we are not aware and a day when we think not, therefore we better watch. (Mt.24:42-4, 50) His reference to coming as a thief is his imminent return (Mt.24:43, Lk.12:38-40). For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thes.5:2,4) For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mk.13:34-7) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. (1 Thes.5:6-7) Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (Eph.5:14) Watch therefore!

 The danger would be that he didn’t keep his garments and they become spotted by the flesh and the world and he be ashamed before the Lord at his coming. (Rev.16:15, 1 Jn.2:28, Jd.23, Jam.1:27) Or worse yet that day overtake them as a thief and sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thess.5:1-3) The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (Lk.12:46, Rev.21:8)

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

The Lord has his remnant according to the election of grace when all others seem to drift into darkness and blindness not knowing at what they stumble. (Rom.11:5) The Lord will reserve some to himself by their faith (Rom.11:4, 4:16) to the praise of the glory of his grace (Eph.1:6). It is as if the Lord emphasizes their filthiness of spirit saying “even in Sardis” even though thou “art dead” there were a few names. How twisted and skewed was their view of themselves! But there were a few there who kept their garments white. This is the righteousness of the saints (Rev.19:8), that is the works of faith they have established (1 Thes.1:3, 2 Thes.2:11, Ja.2:17-8). White indicates the absence of sin, (Isa.1:18) and we wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev.7:14). They have exalted their relationship with Christ above any earthly bond and taken up their cross (Mt.10:37-8) and these few watch and pray always and are accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Lk.21:36) The Lord calls upon those in Sardis to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. (Lk.3:8) We can likewise walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God as we are filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col.1:9-10) How do we do this? By faith. (Hab.2:4,Rom.1:17, Gal.3:11, Heb.10:38, 11:6)

5-6 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 This church had defiled garments and needed to repent. Only the few names there had not defiled their garments and were worthy to walk in white raiment. The Lord instructs those many with defiled garments regarding their overcoming, that they likewise could be clothed in white raiment, and that their names would not be blotted out of the book of life. He associates not blotting out their names with their overcoming. Along with not having their names blotted out he says that he will confess them by name before the Father and the angels. This would be a direct reference to Luke 12:8-9 where Jesus says “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Sardis professes and has a name that they know God; but in works they deny him. (Tit.1:16) Paul warns us “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Tim.2:12)

 The Lamb's book of life has the names of those who will have access to his kingdom and the new heavens and earth. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Rev.20:12,15) Their names were written in the book of life from the foundation of the world (Rev.17:8) but the warning was regarding their name being blotted out. The warning is repeated and expounded upon in Rev.22:19 “God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” If the name could not possibly be blotted out why would the Lord introduce the idea here? We better hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.