A Vision of a Whirlwind

Whirlwinds are mentioned in several places in the Bible.

Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind by angels in a chariot of fire.

2Ki 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Psa 68:17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

God speaks in a whirlwind

Job 40:6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind,...

God's judgement,

Isa 66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. with four beasts

Ezekiel's vision of a whirlwind with angels

Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Eze 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

A fiery bright amber colored whirlwind

Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Beasts; living beings, four of them, full of eyes. These were the cherubim angels above the throne of God. The creatures in the whirlwind were similar angelic beings. Ezekiel explains in more detail what he saw in his vision.

Eze 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Eze 1:7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.

The calf's foot in the natural is hard burnished and shiny. The heavenly creatures feet shined as brass. The Son of man was described having (burnished) brass feet in heaven.

Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Eze 1:8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.
Eze 1:9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

Four angels with wings joined together in a circle.
Eze 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

Each body had four faces and they flew round and round looking straight forward.This is similar to Revelation 4.

Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Rev 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

The four creatures, were angels or cherubim. The faces may represent the best of God's creations. The lion is king of the beasts, and also could represent Jesus in the gospel of Matthew; The lion of Judah. The calf, may refer to a strong servant animal or Jesus as the servant as in Mark's gospel. A man is God's highest creation on earth and Jesus was called the son of man in Luke's gospel. The eagle is the greatest of birds and represents the heavenlies; Jesus the Son of God from heaven, as in the gospel of John.

Eze 1:11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.

These appear to have four wings, or two pairs of wings joined one to another. The Cherubs described in Revelation 4 had six wings. Cherubim were depicted above the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant. These angels were always with the presence of the Lord.

Exo 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

Eze 1:12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.

They travelled with the Spirit in the whirlwind. (Eze 1:4)

Eze 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
Eze 1:14 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

Fiery beings in a fiery whirlwind, spinning as an amber lighted wheel.

Angels can appear as light

Act 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Psa 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
Psa 104:2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
Psa 104:3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
Psa 104:4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Numerous testimonies of near death experiences, speak of a light coming to receive them; some were at peace and others terrified. Not all are going to heaven.

2Th 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
2Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
2Th 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2Th 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
2Th 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Angels are messengers, some are sent to destroy at the LORD's command. There are angels around the presence of the LORD, as those in the whirlwind, and there are angel's around the adopted children of God.

Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

In Jesus we are special holy spiritual people attended by angels. Thank you Lord.

Ezekiel's Captivity

Eze 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
Eze 1:2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

In the thirtieth year, perhaps referring to his age when he would begin his priestly ministry.(Num 4:3) Jesus began his ministry at 30 years of age. Daniel had been taken captive eight years earlier. It is estimated that Daniel was at this time 35 and Jeremiah was 55.

The river Chebar, a Babylonian river near which many Israelite exiles settled; maybe the 'Habor' or the 'Royal Canal' of Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel was among the captives taken to Babylon with Jehoiachin King of Judah.

2Ki 24:10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.
2Ki 24:11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, and his servants did besiege it.
2Ki 24:12 And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.
2Ki 24:13 And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.
2Ki 24:14 And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
2Ki 24:15 And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Eze 1:3 The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

The hand of the LORD; the Spirit of prophesy. Visions, dreams and prophecies are given as God chooses.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Israel had visions of God.

Gen 46:2 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
Gen 46:3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
Gen 46:4 I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

John received visions from God about Jesus and things to come,

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Although Ezekiel had been taken to a foreign land, The LORD was with him. Take this to heart; you are never alone in Christ Jesus and the LORD will guide you by his spirit even when all seems to be lost around you. In God we receive direction through his word, by inspiration of God, visions and dreams.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 
Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.  

Hypocrisy

Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Hypocrisy or to be a hypocrite, is to be a player, an actor being something you are not; an impersonator, a pretender. Sooner or later a liar will be found out. Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, they pretended to be righteous but Jesus saw through them.

Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Mat 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
Mat 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Mat 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

The Internet has it's share of players. Some have several names but they are known by their fruit. In the early days of witnessing in the chats I heard many stories of peoples broken lives. On occasion I would find that a person was just making up stories and using different names to be different people. It is hard to live a lie, for in time they will be found out. They  were hypocrites, game players. Their secret would be uncovered, what was hidden would be made known. 

Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Honesty and truth need no defense.

Power and Provision

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Jesus gave the twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot power and authority over devils, and to cure diseases. This power was imparted to them by God, through Jesus the Son of God. They had Holy Ghost power before Pentecost, but apparently it was given and taken away. For Judas having forsaken him was taken over by Satan.

Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

This time the disciples were to take nothing for their journey, they were to go out by faith. They would be received by some of faith, and there they would stay. Others would reject them and by rejecting them they also rejected the power of God. They were to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against them. As we witness in the Internet chats, many oppose the power and the message that we have through Christ Jesus. Shake off the dust, remove them from our rooms; they oppose the work of God. Others come to hang out but do not receive what we say. Let them stay if they do not oppose the word of God.

What were the things that the apostles were not to take with them and not to depend upon? Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Staves were walking sticks or rods. They were used for walking and for protection.The root word is rhapizo, to let fall, to smite with a rod or staff. The stave could be used as offensive or defensive weapons. Staves when used by a king could be a rod of iron, as when Jesus returns to rule or it could be a royal scepter. They were to trust God for protection. A missionary friend commented," the safest place to be is in the perfect will of God."

Scrip, a wallet or sack used by shepherds to carry their provisions. Again they were to trust the LORD to provide for them in their missionary journey. They need no suit cases wallets or luggage.

Neither bread, for it would be provided by those who received them. They were to be thankful for what is provided. It is a shame to be in a restaurant or as a guest in a home and then to complain about the food or the service. If we represent the Lord, we are to be thankful.

Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

They were to take no money, from a word meaning shining, such as silver. Silver was also used in making idols. 

Act 19:24  For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 

Act 19:25  Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 

Act 19:26  Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 

Act 19:27  So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 

Act 19:28  And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 

Money can be an idol too.They were to be focused on the gifts given to them and food would be provided along the way.


Mat 6:24 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.

They were not to take two coats, but one was allowed. Dress appropriately for the weather. Jesus said that we should share with others if we have extra.

Luk 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

We can remember Paul in a dingy prison asking for a coat or cloke. Paul also requested the parchments containing the Holy scriptures.

2Ti 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

We are to love serving the LORD more than acquiring wealth.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.


3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

In conclusion, we are to actively serve God and be faithful and he will see that we have opportunities to receive our needs, by work or by divine provision. This is having the true wealth of God.

Judas the Brother of James

Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 

Luke 6:14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Luke 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Luke 6:16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

I would like to focus on Judas the brother of James. He is mentioned in as one who was in the upper room when the Holy Ghost was come at Pentecost.

Act 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.


Judas the apostle spoke to Jesus:


Joh 14:22  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 
Joh 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 
Joh 14:24  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

In several of the newer translations it is written: Judas son of James. There is no new text, only a new interpretation of the text. The reason for this in my research was because the Greek was not specific, it literally reads: Judas of James. My next question is who wrote the book of Jude (Judas)? It is popularly assumed that this was Jude the brother of James and the half brother of Jesus. Can we be sure that Jude was not written by the disciple Jude? The KJV version says that Judas was the brother of a man named James. If he were the son of James he could not be the author of Jude. As it is written:

Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

In this verse it specifically says "brother" of James in the original Greek; adelphos, brother, but which James and whose brother is he? Is he supposedly the half brother of Jesus referring to this verse?

Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?


Paul refers to James as the brother of Jesus.


Gal 1:19  But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

James, the brother of Jesus was the head of the church in Jerusalem He was known as the brother of Jesus, so it is assumed that Jude is the brother of this James. Neither James nor Jude mentioned being brothers of Jesus, but his servants, his bond slaves.

Jude in his epistle does not give himself the title of apostle, as did Peter and Paul in their writings. The apostle John gave many first hand accounts of his personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The evidence points out that Jude was the brother of James and Jesus. Both brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God until after his resurrection. The resurrection is proof that he has power over life and death We can trust Jesus as our Savior as did James and Jude; they were half brothers. We too by faith are the brothers of Jesus through adoption as children of God. Judas the apostle we know little about, but we can expect to see him in glory. 

New Wine and a New Covenant

Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

New wine is unfermented grape juice. As it is aged it ferments and expands so that it would burst old wine skins; new wine skins were needed. A person addicted to alcohol in wine would prefer the old wine and not the new grape juice. This is a metaphor of the old and the new covenants. The Pharisees of the Lord's time were addicted to the old wine of the law with their many man made laws added to them. The old covenant was mixed with manmade laws and traditions. Jesus warned his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees; the sinful legalism of added rules to put people into bondage.

The new wine represented the fresh and pure new covenant. The refreshing life giving gospel of faith and grace through the work of  Jesus Christ. The truth of the Living Word of God delivered in person by the Son of God.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Heb 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
Heb 12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
Heb 12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
Heb 12:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Heb 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 

Believe It Or Not

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Mark 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
Mark 16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

A few thoughts from the end of this chapter. Jesus appeared first as a babe to lowly shepherds and when he was risen from the dead he appeared first to Mary Magdalene whom he had earlier cast out seven devils. She was a clean vessel for his use. She believed in him and was the first to deliver the good news of his resurrection to the Disciples who were weeping and they would not believe her. How often do we see those who are of faith acting as if they had no hope, overcome by grief and refusing to believe the true report? After that, he appeared in another form to two men as they journeyed. They were upset with what was happening in their world. We get upset too with all the evil and lack of order in our world. What if Jesus came and walked with you as a stranger, would you be complaining to him about the current events? The stranger spoke to the two men showing them all the scriptures pointing to Jesus' coming and being our Savior. The men then saw that the stranger was Jesus as he disappeared from them. 



Luk 24:32  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 

They too went to the disciples to tell them the good news, but they refused to believe them. The Lord is not pleased with our unbelief. Those who should be of the strongest faith can fail too. We should be expecting to see Jesus; perhaps in the face of a homeless person or a person in need? Maybe an angel will come along side of us for a time, appearing as just a person. The angel may be sent to encourage us or to guide us in a direction for a ministry. Finally Jesus appeared before them and was upset with their unbelief. These were the men who were to go out into the world to share the good news. If they were slow to believe then what could they expect from those they witnessed too? We must believe our message and be people of faith. Our excitement and dedication will stir someone's heart. The word of God will accomplish it's purpose. Go, be faithful and share the good news like you believe it.

Salome

In referencing the name Salome, most references give the daughter of Herodias who danced for Herod who said he would give her anything she wanted.

Mar 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
Mar 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
Mar 6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
Mar 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
Mar 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

Mar 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
Mar 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

History books give her name, as it was not mentioned in the Bible. There was another Salome mentioned in only two verses. Perhaps because of the evil associated with the name, it was not spoken often. It is a beautiful name. Salome means peaceful. Another beautiful name that was maligned was Judas, which means "he shall be praised."

In the Bible I often wondered why Zebedee was mentioned often as the father of James and John? His name is mentioned eleven times as the father of James and Joses (John).

Mat 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

It is probably because the genealogies mention the father usually and not the mother. Who was the wife of Zebedee? It is mentioned in one of two verse with her name. The mother of James and John and the wife of Zebedee was Salome. She was one of the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus with two women named Mary.

Mar 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Mar 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

I had to look hard to find who was the wife of Zebedee, the mother of James and John; Salome, a woman named peaceful. 

The Convert

Salvation is something urgently needed. Do not be surprised if many do not continue in faith after accepting the LORD. Each one has things to overcome and the new mind comes from reading the Bible. The change is instant and it takes a life time. That seems like a contradiction, but God is master of contradictions that lead to his perfect truth. His way is perfect but our thinking often is flawed. God knows who are his. Some saved by the blood of the Lamb as by fire, nothing remaining but their acceptance of the gospel message. These are as it were saved by the skin of their teeth, it is a God thing by their believing in the name of Jesus. It is sad to see people receive Jesus and then run from the church, the word and themselves. Satan doesn't let go easy; old habits continue. The thoughts people have can keep them from growing. They need the thoughts of God. They need the mind of Christ.


How fast did you grow after salvation? If in a Bible teaching church the growth is faster. A new believer is as a babe and needs care and discipling. The young want to experience life, often it is closer to death, for sins lead to death. Jesus has paid for our sins and we owe him our very lives. There is the picture of carrying our cross daly, dying to self. We are to be renewed by reading the word of God and doing what it says. Remember, that new convert has many choices to make, they need focus and growth. Many start out good, faces glowing like angels, but life crushes their faith until that time of renewal. What if one could receive the LORD and as a runner continue with all his best for Christ running the race? Paul did it, it is possible.

Seeming Contradictions

What is the distinction between these two scripture passages? How are they rightly divided to find the truth?

Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Mark 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Sometimes we see passages of scripture that seem to to be saying the same things but with opposite conclusions. It is good to seek the LORD about these and sleep on it. In the morning I usually have insights about what are the differences.Let me begin with this last verse. The time is judgment day when the thoughts and intents of the heart are made known. First off, are these people saved by faith in Jesus Christ? Apparently they were not even connected to Jesus by faith for he said "I never knew you". They may have had miracle revival meetings, drawing huge crowds and made lots of money. They may have been well know, a big name in ministry. They may have been using Jesus name and by the faith of the one in need, God had mercy on them even healing them. The false teachers may have read the gospel message and it may have been followed by signs and wonders, but they never were born again, it was all hypocrisy and their hearts were not seeking to please God, but to glorify themselves. They made disciples unto themselves, perhaps being a leader of a very large church.The end result was "depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Why did this happen and in the verses from Mark 9, Jesus was seemingly saying something opposite?

In Mark 9, Jesus said leave them alone, for who is not against us is for us. Can anyone cast out demons in Jesus' name if we are not in Jesus?

Act 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Act 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Act 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Act 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Act 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Act 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Act 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

The difference I see in the two Bible passages is that the disciples were doing the judging before judgment day in Mark 9 and Jesus was doing the judging at judgment day in Matthew 7. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, it spoke of the kingdom of God being of wheat, the saved and of tares or weeds that resemble the wheat. They are to be left alone until the final day, and then the angels would sort the good from the evil. Jesus will exam every heart and life.

How many times have we served God half heartedly? How often have we done things for God with the wrong motives? How often have we done things in the flesh, not seeking God? What if Jesus had come then and we were examined? Many may be serving God with the wrong motives.

Php 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Php 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: Php 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Php 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

What if satan were to send false teachers and prophets? These would appear as servants of God , but with false motives.

2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

It is in the final judgment that every work will be revealed for it's worth. False ones will not get by Jesus.

1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

From this study I see that I must be careful about how I serve God and what is in my heart. We are to be connected to Jesus through faith and being born again of his spirit, children of God for his service. It is not our job to condemn anyone's ministry. We are disciples who know and do the will of God through knowing his scriptures. We are not to judge people before the time. But we are to be careful to keep evil from taking over; not letting false ones speak to the sheep we care for. Jesus is the final judge and we are not to judge other before the time, lest we be judged. But we are to check their spirit and be careful. In one verse Jesus said leave them alone if they cast out demons they are for us. In the last verse he was condemning people for saying they cast out demons, because they did not have a relationship with him, they were unsaved and maybe were liars. We stumble around in the dark until we are saved. God had patience and so must we have patience. Jesus will judge, so we must be in him if our work is to remain. All we do is by His Spirit.

Saved From Our Past

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

We were not always single hearted in love. Remember back at how we thought something else was so important? We all lusted for something or someone thiinking that our heart would find fulfillment. Oh satan is a master of baiting his trap. What was a great desire turned out to be a perversion of God's love. Anything in place of love for God and loving our neighbour as our self satan twists into something ugly. Bondage's of lust, perversions of body and soul. Addictions and desires that take over ones life. Demons of lust pushing us down to the brink of hell.

1Co 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1Co 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1Co 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Oh my Lord and my God. Thank you for lifting me up out of the miry clay and setting my feet on the Rock! I Sing praises unto the Lord all the day long. He is worthy, He is worthy!       

Use Your Gifts

2Ti 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2Ti 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Gifts are to be used. Often a great deal of effort goes into the use of a gift. A teacher must study and know the word of God. All are to use the gifts of God to glorify him. Why are gifts not in use? Perhaps they never were exercised? We must do something and as we go deeper in our gift we grow. The parable of the talents is an example of this. Our gifts are to bring forth fruit. The last person mentioned in the parable hid his gift and was fearful. This was not good.

Mat 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Mat 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Mat 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Mat 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Mat 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Mat 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat 25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Mat 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Mat 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If you are saved you will not be cast away. One way we know if someone belongs to Jesus is by their fruit. Spiritual fruit is important and is found in one word: love. Without love all that is done is worthless. Galatians 5:22,23 shows us the fruit of the Spirit. We belong to Jesus and are to do his will. He gave us gifts to be used for his glory. We should love to use our gifts. I suppose Jeremiah did not love to be a prophet with hard words to say to a disobedient people, nevertheless he was compelled to prophesy. LORD we want to serve you and when we are not using your gift we need your direction. Help us to not be double minded so that we will serve you with a whole heart.

Blessed and not Cursed

Mal 2:1 And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.
Mal 2:2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

If God puts a curse on someone then they had better take heed and repent, for God is to be glorified. We who are his servants are not to put curses on anyone. Jesus corrected the two "sons of thunder" John and James, because they wanted to bring fire down on a people who refused to come to Jesus. 

Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
Luk 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Be careful what you say and hear for again last night in a chat someone came into our midst speaking the good word of the Bible, but it turned into the person cursing and condemning those around him. The Lord came to save and not to curse. There was much anger and a hostile spirit in this person.

Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

If we are the people of faith in Jesus Christ we are the spiritual children of Abraham. Through Abraham and through Jesus we are a blessed people.

Num 22:10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
Num 22:11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
Num 22:12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

Num 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?

Pro 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

It is evil to put curses on another. We are not to judge before the time of the Lords coming. He is the righteous judge.

Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

The old covenant relied heavily on the mercies of the LORD for no man could keep all the laws of Moses.

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Jesus took our curses upon himself when he was crucified on the tree. Remember this, that by faith in the work of Jesus we receive grace. We are the blessed of Abraham, the blessed children of God, to do his commands from a heart of love. An evil heart seeks to curse, a sin washed heart should be gratefully serving God and others from a heart of love. Curse not what God has blessed and glorify the LORD.

Faith Like Abraham

Gen 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Righteousness by faith in the only God. Faith is good, but first we must be approached by God; are you listening? Are you responding to his call as did Abraham, the father of faith? Abraham heard the calling of God and he obeyed. Do you obey when God has called you? Do you come to Jesus to be reconciled to God?

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Will you come by faith to Jesus Christ the Son of God and begin your new eternal life? First the call and then obedience to every command of God. Faith like Abraham leads us to seek a city made without hands. Our citizenship is in God's kingdom; we are to be his witnesses to bring others too him. Have you believed me? 

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Make his paths straight

Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

A messenger was sent before Jesus to prepare the way before him. What needs preparation? Isn't it our hearts? We must acknowledge our sin before a righteous God and repent, turn another way, the way of seeking God to please him. A straight path is made for the coming messiah. Some make the path full of obstacles. The way to Jesus is the way to God. Come to him by faith, turn from your sins and allow God to change you with a new heart and a new life of serving God through Jesus his Son. The messenger was John the Baptist, preaching and baptizing people for repentance of sins.

Mark 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

One greater than John was to come, Jesus the Son of God and the eternal king after the lineage of King David. John baptized with water, but Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Salvation brings the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit to connect us with God the Father. We are become the adopted children of God. Keep the path to Jesus clear of religious obstacles, repent of your sins and receive him by faith. There are no works to do in the path way of salvation. It is a straight path of receiving his invitation to be born again of his spirit through the remission of our sins, by faith in the name of Jesus.

King of the beasts

I finished reading through Job in the New Living Testament. It was good to read and easier in this version until I got to the section describing Leviathan. The LORD was speaking to Job from a whirlwind.

Job 41:1 Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?

In the NLT they used crocodile as a substitute for Leviathan. Does this sound like a crocodile?

Job 41:18 "When it sneezes, it flashes light! Its eyes are like the red of dawn.

19 Fire and sparks leap from its mouth.

20 Smoke streams from its nostrils like steam from a boiling pot on a fire of dry rushes.

21 Yes, its breath would kindle coals, for flames shoot from its mouth.

22 "The tremendous strength in its neck strikes terror wherever it goes.

23 Its flesh is hard and firm, not soft and fat.

24 Its heart is as hard as rock, as hard as a millstone.

25 When it rises, the mighty are afraid, gripped by terror.

26 No sword can stop it, nor spear nor dart nor pointed shaft.

This is no crocodile. It describes a dragon, like the Chinese draw in their drawings. He is described as the king of beasts.

Job41:34 Of all the creatures, it is the proudest. It is the king of beasts."

Some have thought that this was a spiritual beast. Who is proud in the spirit? Who is the king of the beasts? The antichrist is described as the king, inhabited by satan. He is the beast from the sea of humanity. He has a heart of stone and is indestructible by the efforts of man.

One man, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of Lords has defeated the dragon, taking away his power from the children of God. Leviathan is king of the mass of humanity, those not yet made the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ.

Leviathan is mentioned in Isaiah.

Isa 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
Isa 26:21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

Isa 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Satan will be bound during the Millennium and loosed at the end to deceive many.

Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Finally he will be thrown into the Lake of Fire by the LORD.

Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

 We can overcome the dragon in our lives because we are in Christ Jesus. Do not fight him in the flesh, but by the word of God.  We overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies. There will be no more Dragon and no more satan, but those who trust in the Lord shall live forever.