After these things I looked, and behold, a vast multitude that no one could count—from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues—was standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10, TLV
The Days of Fulfillment. There are folks who are really into the conjecture of Revelation’s “true meaning.” Or the eschatology of Revelation and the order of events as it pertains to today’s headlines. And that’s fine. I’m not. Why? Two things: 1. there is so much work to be done in these Last Days, and 2. I’m not a scholar. Besides, it is too easy to get so wrapped up in those things, we ignore the hungry souls all around us.
They shall never again go hungry, nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. (vs. 16, TLV)
“And answering, the King will say to them, ‘Amen, I tell you, whatever you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:40, TLV)
If there are any insights I can suggest, it is to try to not see Revelation as a strict timeline. Just as the prophecies in the TANAKH (The Old “Testament”) were not in chronological order, most likely neither is Revelation.
Our Heavenly Father — who sits upon the Throne — has His own way of seeing time. So for us to pull passages and place them in our understanding of time can be dangerous, and divisive. Still . . .
” . . . from the sons of Issachar—men who know how to interpret the signs of the times to determine what Israel should do . . .” (1 Chronicles 12:33, TLV)
Scripture indicates that there will be prophets, but there will also be anointed folks who can interpret the “signs of the times” in order to take specific steps as followers of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His Son our Messiah. However, just as false prophets were dealt with by whether or not their prophecies were fulfilled, it will be the same for those contemporary “sons of Issachar.”
Please forgive me, and I mean no offense, but since I was born again and filled with the Holy Spirit in 1973, I’ve seen many false prophecies from respected leaders who have inadvertently promoted fear. People have sold and lost stocks at their instruction. Hid in the hills, etc., etc., etc.
There will be times of fulfillment. No question. Because GOD has sent prophets and men and women of wisdom to foretell it. But there is another very important thing to remember: discernment. Wisdom is heavily emphasized in Scripture. GOD even devoted a whole book on wisdom (Proverbs).
So, what is my takeaway from this. My first priority is to worship ADONAI. Be grateful to His Son for my redemption. Listen to the Holy Spirit for His direction. Then live a Biblical life that includes the pursuit of wisdom. To live a life of compassion and service. I have to believe that within that realm of living and listening, I will discern true modern-day prophets and “sons of Issachars” and react accordingly. Not out of fear, but obedience — a balanced approach. Together, the Body of Messiah will be prepared.
In the meantime, there’s a lot of harvest and work out there, so that’s where I’ll be.
Shabbat shalom.
