Revelation 22:12-17 (NKJV)
Galatians 6:7-9 (NKJV)
Matthew 5:17-19 (NKJV)
John 14:6
The Beginning, Part 4
The first and the last letters of the Hebrew alphabet used in the Old Testament are Aleph and Tav. Aleph symbolizes oneness with creator God. The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet is Tav and it is the symbol of truth. It means it’s sealed.
I have to admit that when I decided to take Hebrew for my language in Seminary, I didn’t expect it to change me from a spiritual perspective. I couldn’t have been more wrong. As I studied and learned the Hebrew alphabet, a connection to the ancients started to form. I could sense a deep association with those who wrote the text. The best way I can explain what it was like to learn Hebrew is that it was excruciatingly painful and wonderful all t the same time. I think it was painful because it ‘changed’ my heart for the ancient scriptures.
Most Scholars agree that Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament in Hebrew (https://rts.edu/resources/was-moses-really-the-author-of-the-pentateuch/). Moses lived around 1300 B.C.E.
While I didn’t study Koine Greek in Seminary, I had done self study using Greek textbooks and tools for years. The common spoken language at the time of Jesus was Aramaic, but Biblical scholars agree the New Testament text was written in Koine Greek.
The references to the Beginning in Genesis was written in Hebrew and the references in Revelation to the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last were written in Koine Greek.
We read in Revelation 22:12-13, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
John’s words in the New King James Version say God promises to come quickly. The Greek word used is tachy and it can be translated as quickly, readily, or suddenly.
If you’re like me and you’ve prayed and waited for something or someone for what seems like a very long time, you might not think God is quick to act. I am praying for job openings for three people right now and it seems like nothing is happening.
Sometimes I wonder why it takes so long. Also, it often also seems like the answers are never early. I’ve been in situations where all resources are gone before God answers. But, when God does answer, it does come suddenly. That’s how I see Revelation 22 happening.
We wait.
We pray.
We don’t think things can get worse.
They get worse.
We ask God when? When will the answer come?
And then one day, suddenly the answer is before us.
There is a saying, “God is never late, but He’s never early either!” I believe that’s because God prepares His children for what is to come and that can take time. God is thinking about us.
In Revelation 22:14-15 we are reminded to keep God’s commandments He gave to Moses thousands of years ago. Those commandments are still in place today. Even in Revelation we read, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”
God is good, and just.
Jesus’ coming did not nullify the commandments. In Matthew 5:17-19 we read what Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
I feel I need to say a word about what the scripture in Revelation says about sin because sin separates us from God. It hurts US. I’m not going to touch on every sin listed but I’ve seen lying in our world that is rampant. I believe that is because lying is a hidden sin and there are people who lie in order to protect themselves (or to get what they want). If someone has lied about you, or even suggested a lie, take heart.
Liars will reap what they have sown. In Galatians 6:7-9 Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Take heart. In due time, those who lie will have their own reward for their lie, even if it’s hidden. The truth will surface and the liar will reap what he/she has sown. It may take time, but God will allow liars to receive what they have sown.
As we wait for truth to come, hold onto God’s promise that “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” What has been hidden will surface.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Turn to Truth
God is the way. God is the truth. God is the life (John 14:6). Spend time sitting in silence with God and ask Him to surround you with His truth. Today, receive the Hebrew letter TAV.
In God, Deborah
acrazyjourney.com
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