Today I talk about what it means to see into situations and people prophetically, the way God would. Jesus asks John to write down what he sees in a book and, then, send it to the seven churches. We explore what that word "see" means in our study verse.
To prophetically see is a multilevel process. We look at examples in the Bible to illustrate this point.
We also talk about the general context surrounding the the seven churches. What were some of Jesus' possible reasons for sending this "book" to the seven churches? How may those reasons apply to the churches throughout history, and in our modern-day churches today?
In our target passage, God used the symbolism of lampstands to portray the churches. What may have been the characteristics of these lampstands? (We also look into the law of first mention to find out more information about the significance of these lampstands to God and to the house of worship.)
How did these lampstands operate in order to give light to their surrounding areas? And why is this important for the churches to understand?
We explore the answers to these questions and more in today's podcast!
RESOURCES
Read the blog post Learn the Lesson of the Almond Tree
Disclaimer: In regards to this source, I only recommend the information from this article.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Do you find yourself getting stuck in seeing people and situations from a worldly point of view and from a mere outward appearance? If so, in what ways can you work to get beyond this surface way of seeing to go deeper and see with understanding?
2. We talked about the comfort and assurance that comes from knowing the "end of the story." When you feel anxious about the way things are going and the escalating wickedness happening in the world, what verses/passages could you meditate on to deeply root God's narrative of the "end of the story" in your mind, heart, and spirit.
3. We talked about how the people of God were meant to bring the "oil" into the house of God to fill the lamp, so that the fire could burn continually. In what ways can you serve the house of God to contribute this oil?
Reflect on how oil is produced in an oil press. What would that mean for each of us individually and corporately?
4. Why do you think the original golden lampstand in the tabernacle of the wilderness was decorated like unto an almond tree and almond branches?
If you're interested, do a little bit more research on the subject and see what God will show you. (Read the article above on the significance of almond trees and branches to the nation of Israel.)
ACTION STEPS
1. Slowly review and meditate upon what was shared in this podcast episode.
2. Subscribe and share this podcast with others who may be interested.
3. Do a topical study of "lampstands"in both the old and new testaments, using a concordance or the Blue Letter Bible app.
4. Pray and ask God for the ability to see others with His eyes and His heart!
5. Start preparing for the days ahead: spiritually, mentally, physically, domestically, relationally, etc.
Main Website: http://thebiblemind.com
Blog at http://thebiblemind.com/blog
Podcast at http://thebiblemind.com/podcast
Today I talk about what it means to see into situations and people prophetically, the way God would. Jesus asks John to write down what he sees in a book and, then, send it to the seven churches. We explore what that word "see" means in our study verse.
To prophetically see is a multilevel process. We look at examples in the Bible to illustrate this point.
We also talk about the general context surrounding the the seven churches. What were some of Jesus' possible reasons for sending this "book" to the seven churches? How may those reasons apply to the churches throughout history, and in our modern-day churches today?
In our target passage, God used the symbolism of lampstands to portray the churches. What may have been the characteristics of these lampstands? (We also look into the law of first mention to find out more information about the significance of these lampstands to God and to the house of worship.)
How did these lampstands operate in order to give light to their surrounding areas? And why is this important for the churches to understand?
We explore the answers to these questions and more in today's podcast!
RESOURCES
Read the blog post Learn the Lesson of the Almond Tree
Disclaimer: In regards to this source, I only recommend the information from this article.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Do you find yourself getting stuck in seeing people and situations from a worldly point of view and from a mere outward appearance? If so, in what ways can you work to get beyond this surface way of seeing to go deeper and see with understanding?
2. We talked about the comfort and assurance that comes from knowing the "end of the story." When you feel anxious about the way things are going and the escalating wickedness happening in the world, what verses/passages could you meditate on to deeply root God's narrative of the "end of the story" in your mind, heart, and spirit.
3. We talked about how the people of God were meant to bring the "oil" into the house of God to fill the lamp, so that the fire could burn continually. In what ways can you serve the house of God to contribute this oil?
Reflect on how oil is produced in an oil press. What would that mean for each of us individually and corporately?
4. Why do you think the original golden lampstand in the tabernacle of the wilderness was decorated like unto an almond tree and almond branches?
If you're interested, do a little bit more research on the subject and see what God will show you. (Read the article above on the significance of almond trees and branches to the nation of Israel.)
ACTION STEPS
1. Slowly review and meditate upon what was shared in this podcast episode.
2. Subscribe and share this podcast with others who may be interested.
3. Do a topical study of "lampstands"in both the old and new testaments, using a concordance or the Blue Letter Bible app.
4. Pray and ask God for the ability to see others with His eyes and His heart!
5. Start preparing for the days ahead: spiritually, mentally, physically, domestically, relationally, etc.
Main Website: http://thebiblemind.com
Blog at http://thebiblemind.com/blog
Podcast at http://thebiblemind.com/podcast