“He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders” Rev. 5:6

This scene in John’s vision summarize several core doctrines of Christianity i.e. the deity of Christ, His atonement, His ressurection and Him as mediator between man and God.

Before Jesus came to earth, this scene of slaughtered Lamb was unknown or unthinkable by the angels and the 24 elders in heaven. Prior to His incarnation (Word of God made flesh), Jesus was the One who sat at the right hand of God and was worshipped day and night.

The atoning sacrifice of Jesus for mankind had subsequent eternal implication on how Jesus would be seen in heaven. The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:26) does not cease to exist as such in heaven. God did not wish that the history of the ‘Lamb who takes away the sins of the whole world” to become a tale. God wanted it to remain alive forever and revered by angels who were not directly concerned by this sacrifice.

For eternity past until that moment Jesus ascended to heaven, Jesus was known as the King of Kings, the God almighty and the Omnipotent God. This scene of slaughtered lamb was probably shocking, heartbreaking and at the same time revered by the angels. This showed how much God loved the world that He gave His Son, the only One. Our issues with sins on our small earth required God Himself to come and die. This act of God on earth impacted also the heavenly realms.

When He was on the cross, the mighty angels from heaven looked to Him helplessly because it was His will to lay down His life. If He wished, He could call out for angels to free Him and hastily legions would have come to His feet and carry Him but He said ‘Thy will be done‘ to His Father.

The supremacy and authority of the Son could clearly be seen when He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne.

The scroll itself was impressive because the decrees of God was written by God Himself and not by an angel who acted like a scribe. It was a secret known only by God’s counsel i.e. the Son, the Spirit and the Father. Only God knows what letter form was used, what the words meant or how to read those words

A powerful angel himself exclaimed “Is there anyone worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”

1. Is there anyone who has the authority to do such a thing as breaking what has been sealed perfectly 7 times by God’s hand (like a secret journal)? Should a being dare to do such a thing, let him show up.

2. Should such a being exist to break the seals, is that being authorized to open the scroll? If so, is that being qualified to read and understand God’s written language?

3. If ever such a being exists, then prove it by action. Dare to walk without fear towards the mighty throne of God, take the scroll from His hand, break the seals and read the decrees! Let’s see if that being can pass those tests.

With those words proclaimed by a chief angel, John understood that it was a fearful moment because no creature was found worthy to do such a thing. He wept and he did so bitterly.

This scene clearly portrayed that there was a line between God’s holy throne and ALL the creatures. God was not accessible, no one could penetrate His thoughts or even read His decrees.

One of the 24 elders replied, indeed there’s no creature on earth in heaven but the one they call the victorious Lion of Judah can. He descends from the tribe of Judah (David’s throne) and was thus called the Lion of Judah (because a lion represents power and dominance over creatures).

This revealed the humanity of this being and how He could be a mediator to the inaccessible God. This God-man is worthy to break the seals and open it. The lamb of God – who is also the Word of God is apt to take the scroll and read it.

However, though He was called a Lion it was not a powerful and imposing figure who appeared before God’s throne and snatch the scroll from God’s hand.

It was that weak, unthreatening and innocent figure which showed up before God’s throne, the 4 living beings, the 24 elders and millions of angels. It was a shocking scene. It was a lamb. Not any lamb, it was a slaughtered lamb. This lamb was not dead though he was slaughtered. He bore the scars and mark of lamb which has been slain.

This is the lamb of God John the Baptist saw when he exclaimed “Behold, look here is the lamb who takes away the sin of the world!..A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me” John 1:29

It has much significance for Christians because He is a living sacrifice in God’s presence. In the Epistles to the Hebrews, the author tells us that countless sacrifice had to be done because those sacrifice could only cover sins and not remove them. If the sacrifice is forever alive, there’s no need to slaughter another. Jesus forever lives to intercede for us.

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure…And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God” Heb. 10:1-12

When Jesus appeared to doubting Thomas, He appeared with His scars still on His hands and on His body

“Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” John 20:24

There will always be only One in heaven who will walk with those scars and followed by a multitude.

The Lamb of God stepped towards God’s throne (which is also His) took the scroll and opened it. When the Lamb appeared, it was a moment of fear and reverence. The mighty angels, the 4 living beings and the 24 elders who had some form of authority in heaven, themselves fell down before the Lamb, casted down their crowns and worshipped Him (Rev. 4:10, Rev. 5:14). Their songs had hints of what the Lamb did for mankind.

“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.“

The Lamb of God has a central place in heaven. For example:

1. Relationship of the lamb and the church:

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” ⁸ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” Rev. 19:7

2. Throne of God and of the lamb:

“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him” Rev. 22:3

3. The New Jerusalem

“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). ²⁶ And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into^]it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Rev. 21:22

4. Victory of the lamb over the beast:

“ These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Rev. 17:14

5. The Lamb and the 144000 redeemed

“These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.  And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev. 14:1-5

6. The judgment and torment of the worshippers of the beast

He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ” Rev. 14:10

7. The lamb who will shepherd

In as much that the lamb is a sacrifice, He is also a Shepherd.

“So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. ¹⁶ They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; ¹⁷ for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to ^[c]living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev. 7;14

The Lamb of God is not just a mighty figure in heaven, He is the mighty figure. He is God.

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” 1 Kings 19:14

As a Christian in leadership position, we can often feel alone in what we do or numerically. Elijah felt alone because the people he was shepherding, the Israelites, have “rejected the covenant and torn down God’s altars“. Not only that, these same people who killed God’s prophets made him the only one remaining. Elijah received threats because of his spiritual call of being a prophet and was the next of the list to be killed.

Have you ever been in such a position where the people you’re leading have become numb, rejected God’s commands, indifferent, tolerating sin and even getting rid of the good models?

Elijah was distressed and went to pray in agony. He no longer wanted to live, it was too much for him. He compared his achievements to those of his predecessors and thought he was a failure. He thught that those who were before him did a better job and were able to lead Israel but under his leadership, the people went astray and rejected God’s covenant. Such was his agony that:

He prayed that he might die and said “I have had enough, Lord,” “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”  Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.“

God heard him, asked him to strengthen himself and provided food so he might encounter him on the mountain of God.

This is what God did with Moses. This is what Jesus did with His disciples when he discipled them on the mountain. This is what the Spirit did in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. Peter’s encounter on the rooftop led him to become the preacher to the Jews and Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus made him the apostle of the Gentiles. Isaiah the prophet had an amazing experience in Isaiah 61. There’s no escape, whoever wants to become a servant of the living God must have an encounter with Him, experience His glory so they can be used as a vessel by Him.

Many Christians studied theology and became pastors or missionaries because they just liked this task. This is a serious business. It’s a spiritual battle. It’s a matter of life and death. One cannot get into such a realm just because he/she likes it, felt a call or someone told him/her to take this responsibility. It requires more than that. Many leaders get discouraged and do not persevere because their initial motive was wrong.

Unless there’s an encounter with God, there’s no warrant to go ahead. Taking spiritual leadership without God sending is not a sign of strength, courage or zeal but surely a sign of impatience, pride and excess of zeal. You might think that it’s obvious but unfortunately many Christians have gone on this path without any orders from above.

In the case of Elijah, it was different. He was already called to be a prophet. By his life and the miracles which happened through his ministry, there were evidences that God was with him. He was not a failure even if he thought his ancestors were better than him.

Discouragement and fears came on the way and he needed to be strengthened physically and spiritually. He would not move an inch and was ready to die where he was because fear and discouragements have paralyzed him. So God provided him food to strengthen him physically so he may walk for 40 days and reach mount Horeb where he will be strengthened spiritually. This is a good reminder that our physical limitations has a direct impact on our spiritual dispositions and objectives.

“So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.  There he went into a cave and spent the night.” 1 Kings 19:8

Somewhere down the road God asked Elijah “What are you doing here?”. Surely, God did not ask Elijah that question because He did not have the answer but rather to make Elijah express his frustrations.

“And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 1 Kings 19:10

What are your frustrations? What is troubling you? God brought him on Mount Horeb and he went in a cave nearby. So God asked him what are you doing in that cave? What are you doing here. Why are you staying home and no longer on the mission field or at church? Why have you isolated yourself? To this response of Elijah, God said:

“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:10

Go out of that cave! God out of that comfort zone of isolation, it’s time to have an encounter with God!

Elijah was indeed very zealous and so confident to the point that he mocked the prophets of Baal. He went confidently to meet Ahab who was relentlessly looking into every nooks and crannies to find him and kill him. He stood before 450 prophets of Baal who were powered by evil forces. He even ensured that there was enough water on the sacrifice so as to make it an impossible miracle for it to be immediately consumed by any fire a man could set on it. Elijah had the victory over the 450 prophets of Baal and the Israelites proclaimed Yahweh as God. Just afterwards Elijah prayed that rain comes and it did rain after several years of drought. Elijah was already known to have this reputation “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” 1 Kings 18:16

When Ahab accepted the deal of the burnt offering he was not aware that Elijah’s action would cause even more commotions afterwards. How could this man Elijah become suddenly feeble? Ahab and the 450 prophets could not discourage Elijah but the threats of a single woman, Jezebel made that great prophet flee. It was in fact Jezebel the troubler of Israel. She was the priest-king Ethbaal and infected Israel with foreign gods by marrying Ahab the king of Israel. She wanted to kill all of the prophets of Yahweh and she succeeded and there was only Elijah left. How could a prophet like Elijah with so much power, faith and reputation flee?

It was not only Ahab or Jezebel which contributed to make the prophet flee. The people of Israel discouraged him because they “have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword“. The spiritual state of his people bothered him and he was a wanted man. Better asking God to die now peacefully instead of dying in the hands of idolaters. He needed a renewal and an encounter with the living God. Only that could keep him going.

“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”” 1 Kings 19:10

Would you expect thunders and earthquakes when God’s glory approached? No it was a gentle whisper similar to the one on the day of Pentecost.

So Elijah returned from where he came and established a new king that will rule Israel rightly. God also made Elijah a mentor to his new successor Elisha.

In response to Elijah’s complaint that he was alone, God provided him a new prophet Elisha. In response to Elijah’s complaint that the Israelites were all perverted and idolaters, God responded:

“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18

In Elijah’s eyes, he was alone and had reasons to give up but he did not see or knew that God had His reserves of undefiled people that would serve him righteously.

Elijah was now comforted to see that good governance of the kingdom of Israel will prevail with the new king and that the spiritual aspects will be taken over by Elisha. Elisha left everything and followed him as a disciple.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” Acts 20:28

During the past 25 years , I had the sad experience of coming across wolves in sheep clothing within the church. Their characteristics are so identical that it immediately ticks in the mind if you’ve once met one. If it’s the first time you’ve come across one, it will be a difficult initial experience since the sheep’s clothing blurs the vision(discernment) and you’ll prefer play it safe to avoid conflicts and commotions within the church you’re in. Leaving a status quo is the worst thing you can do. The scripture recommends instead to expose them, remove them, have nothing to do them, not eat with them and even greet them (Rev. 2:2, Tit. 1:12, Tit. 3:10, 2 John 1:10, 1 Cor. 5:10-13)

You may try to convince yourself for a few weeks, months and even years that the situation will change, pray and fast and still find out that nothing is working. The obvious reason is because a wolf has a natural instinct to hide itself for a while before attacking another prey. As long as the wolf remains within the church, there will be frustrations and no peace. As Paul said, their presence/teaching is like a gangrene which spreads and infects the sheep to the point of making them depart from the faith (2 Tim. 17). The division which may occur may appear to be a relational issue but in fact the root of the problem is spiritual and we cannot resolve such problems by dialogue, brainstorming or logic.

In Jeremiah 13:23 we read:

“Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.“

Some 7 years ago, I confronted the leader of a large sect in my country and I saw the wolf in its natural form i.e without its sheep’s clothing. This can be quite a scary experience. After meeting with that spiritual leader, the pastor who accompanied me (as witness) was worried and shocked by the words spoken by this renowned spiritual leader.

If you try to make the wolf understand that what he’s doing is wrong, you’ll find yourself speaking to a wall which will stubbornly not move an inch. The reason behind is wolves are predators and follow their natural instinct to rob the sheep, kill them, scatter the flock and destroy (John 10:10).

It is not because a spiritual leader performs miracles that it necessarily means that he has the approval of God. In fact we read in the scripture that even the servant of Satan perform miracles(2 Thes. 2:9). Not all who prophesy in Jesus name, teach from the bible and perform miracles are His own (Mat. 7:22)

Huh, you may try to use the scripture to support your arguments but this would be useless since that leader is usually very charismatic(2 Tim. 3:5) and have the skills to twist the scripture to support what he/she is doing.

Paul speaking to the elders(who are like watchman) of the Ephesian church earnestly appealed them to:

1. Firstly watch over themselves. For how can a blind man watch on another if he does not see clearly?

2. Watch over the flock as overseers. Overseers are those who decided to take responsibility(1 Tim. 3) to watch over the flock, love for them, teach them and feed them. They are mature believers who together perform a “pastoral” ministry(1 Pet. 5).

In some churches, an elder within the church fills up the role of pastor when appointed by the congregation who recognize his ministry. In some other churches, a pastor joins in a congregation and works in conjunction(plural leadership) with the elders to achieve the same outcome.

Some churches do not have pastors and this “vacancy” is filled up by the elders (nothing to lament about). Still some churches have a pastor but no elders and this is often what creates spiritual abuse whereby the pastor “Lord it over the flock” (Mat. 20:25, 1 Pet. 5:3).

According to 1 Tim. 3, an elder is someone who decides to consecrate himself to this honorable task of serving others. He’s characterized by several criterium specified in 1 Tim. 3, recognized by the church(inside approval) and has a good reputation from those outside the church. Paul in Acts 20 even indicates that these elders had the Holy Spirit approval and was appointed by Him.

3. Be watchful for wolves WILL COME. This is a very important statement from Paul who states that wolves in sheep clothing will enter the church. This is not just a possibility, this is a certainty because the devil is actively at work. Peter also gave the same warning that false spiritual leaders (teachers/pastors/prophets/apostles) will rise from within the church. The greatest danger is not from the Mormons, Jehovah witness or other religions who are outside the church and already tagged themselves according to their holy books. The real danger comes from within the church (1 John 2:19) whereby the name of Jesus is being used, worship apparently given to Him and miracles done in His name(Mat. 7:22). The same bible can be used and the scripture will be twisted to tell people what their itching ears want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3). A sheep will not listen to the voice of these false teachers (who is a stranger, an impostor, a mercenary- John 10). However, weak believers may easily be manipulated in their emotions and enlaced by the charismatic character of the fake brother/sister. These wolves could be renowned theologians and televangelists who are usually eloquent and knowledgeable.

From my experience, here are some common traits (though not all can be applicable) and some questions that can be asked:

1. Has a member in your congregation reported some money related issues regarding that leader? 2 Tim. 3:1, Tit. 1:6-11, 2 Pet. 2:3, Jude 1:11
2. Is the leader humble/teachable or responds negatively to critics/rebukes? Do they claim that they had a special revelation, vision, dream or knowledge? Jude 1:16, 1 Tim. 6:4, Gal. 1:8
3. The spiritual leader uses the mass media (radio/television) to entice their followers in errors as they are usually excellent speakers and knowledgeable. They enjoy to be admired and target large audience/readers. 2 Pet. 2:3, Mat. 23:5
4. Does this leader has some bad reputations from people outside the church(coworkers/neighbors etc) due to some non-Christian behaviors? Tit. 1:16, Rom. 1:28-32
5. They have family issues. Their spouse, parents or children will tell you. 1 Tim. 3:5
6. They create division by building up clans, surround themselves with ‘Yes’ people for their own interest (e.g. they visit secretly weak believers) by using useless talks. 2 Tim. 3:6, Tit. 3:9, Jude 1:16
7. They try to bypass or criticize godly leaders to acquire authority (dictatorial behavior) and empower weak(or young) believers by giving them responsibilities to have a control over them. 1 Tim. 3:8, 1 Tim.4:14
8. This fake pastor/teacher/guru does not individually love the sheep but use them instead(John 10:13, 1 Pet. 5:3, Rom. 16:17-18).
9. They will brainwash the followers by repeating over and over the same message.
10. They are liars, manipulators and often refuse to submit to authorities(e.g. government requirement such as taxes and laws). Rom. 13:1, 1 Pet. 2:13, Tit 3:9-10

There’re no perfect servants of God but if you’ve ticked many of the points above, then there’re reasons to be on your guard.

Basically these false spiritual leaders have characteristics opposite to those of the elders (see 1 Tim. 3) and do not demonstrate evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). With tears Paul have repeatedly warned what these wolves will do. John and Peter also warned in their own way. Jesus also warned ahead and said that we’ll know them by their fruits for a good tree cannot bear bad fruits. So be on your guard!

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them” Mat. 7:15

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Cor. 13:4-8

Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins

Injustice bothers my spirit, mind and soul. What is injustice ? Injustice in when right is treated as wrong and wrong treated as right.

“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter…They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent.”

Closing your eyes not to be bothered and closing your mouth when you should/could speak to restore justice is injustice. If you have the capacity and ability to correct an injustice for love sake, do it.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” Prov. 31:8

Love rejoices when the truth wins out. The reverse is also true. Love mourns when lies, trickery are ruling. Since darkness is the absence of light, it’s a battle already won when light appears. Darkness cannot overcome light but the absence of light is what leads to darkness. So it is with the truth. When an absolute truth is present, lies are exposed. There can be many lies but there will always be one truth. Lies can change(in fact it often leads to another lie) but the truth is unchangeable. The reason darkness or lies win is not because the truth or the light lack power. In fact, they are so powerful that darkness and lies fade away in their presence. Here is the reason why darkness and lies win:

“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.”

If we who have the light and know the truth, hide it(or do not tell it), this is what keeps the world in darkness and corrupt. When the truth is spoken and the light pin points out the sin, the sinner can be enlightened and has the choice to decide if he/she wants to get rid of that sin or refuse the truth. It is a sad reality that people do refuse the truth consciously. For instance, cigarette smokers know that smoking kills but yet refuse to quit even though they have the knowledge and know the truth. Let the light within you shine.

For these reasons, love will never give up and remain hopeful. It will continue to endure/shine/proclaim the truth because sooner or later all what is hidden will be brought to light.

“For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” Luke 8:17

Eloquence, intelligence, physical strength, spiritual powers and even sacrifice will lose their value but love will never fade. It will never lose its splendor, purity, attractiveness, goodness, beauty and fragrance. It will endure and will continue to do what it has been doing for ages i.e. overwhelm and change stone hearts to soft ones. Love surpasses logic and is not defeated.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Cor. 13:4-8

Love does not demand its own way

Love is not selfish and does not seek its comfort first. Love is not self-centered but considers the needs of others.

It seeks what is best for the interest of everyone and does not impose its will. We all have our preferences in terms of music style, food taste, colours and expectations and we should also realize that we’re not the only one in the world who have wants and preferences. With so many unique individuals around, it would be impossible to try pleasing everyone and it’s not what love does. Love distinguishes between wants and needs and will eagerly compromise and give up its wants to please others. Love will give up its comfort and not remain indifferent to the salvation of souls.

It is not irritable, keeps no record of being wronged

Being grumpy, easily annoyed and “moody” can be justified by circumstances and biological reasons. During their menstrual period, women usually have mood swings and feel tired. These hormonal issues cause the woman to behave in a less pleasant manner. These are chemical reactions in the body that cause discomfort. When a man is hungry after a tough day and has no food to eat, he can become easily irritable at minor issues. When parents repeat over and over again to their children to obey, they can become irritable and lose their temper.

The neighbor’s dog barking at night or the colleague who repeatedly do the same mistake over and over again cause discomforts. There’re infinite sources of circumstances that can cause us to be annoyed and irritable. When there is love, one does not become bitter if the offender persists in his/her wrongdoings. There would be no special circumstances that it would be allowed or understandable to be provoked and act thereof irritably.

There can be countless reasons to be annoyed. However, for the sake of love, our temper will be controlled and patience will prevail. Lack of patience is often a source of irritability. We have seen that love is patient and if waiting for others or forgiving them 70 times a day for the same mistake can avoid us from hurting them, it’s worth the cause. Love does not remind itself that it has already forgiven 69 times but will carry on forgiving even if it implies doing it hundred times more. It can do so because every time it forgives, it does it so genuinely that it forgets. This is what God does. If God was irritable and kept records of the many times He has been wronged, who will be saved?

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?  But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you ” Ps. 130:3

“For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” Ps. 103:12

Love suspects no evil

In all of these characteristics of love, this trait of love is in my opinion the most distinctive. Love does not mistrust or have an ounce of doubt on the good intention of others. It goes beyond “giving the benefits of doubt”. It is so innocent that it sees the good side in people despite their inadequacies and shortfalls. Seeing the glass half full instead of half empty. In a couple, trust is essential to foster a healthy relationship. If I see my wife discussing with a man, I will suspect no evil but rather believe that it’s either an acquaintance or friend. Why? Because love is not jealous. If we often wrongly suspect those who want to help us, then this is an indication that we lack love towards that person. Love will try to clarify doubts before coming to a conclusion. It will not assume that others are doing wrong without having evidence.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Cor. 13:4-8

We have seen in Part 1 the different types of love and what is not love. The characteristics of Agape love, the superior and purest type of love will be discussed. It was introduced earlier that love is giving, in fact some bible translations used the word charity instead to describe the Agape love.

It is noteworthy to emphasize that Paul considered that having the characteristics of love is far superior than spiritual gifts, spiritual position or having spiritual knowledge. If you have spiritual gifts and can perform miracles but lack love, “what’s the use?” the apostle says, “you’re just a noisy gong or a tinkling cymbal“. Have you observed that it is often the noisy people who lack love and cause disputes but the quiet ones are usually those who help secretly? If your spirituality leads you to walk on nails, mutilate your flesh, burn your body and even kill yourself, who do you think you’ll impress? God? No way, it’s a heart of love that God takes pleasure in.

Even if we have all the gifts of nature and perform miracles in the supernatural world, we can still be a stranger to God if love is not evident in us. Loving is first of all being human. The lack of love has led the compassion found in humanity to erode. Selfishness, indifference and lack of sensibility has instead taken place, making humans an awful creature i.e. the opposite image of how God intended it to be.

When meditating and writing on these, I realized how much I lack this kind of love. This is indeed a divine love.

Love is patient.

While we often associate patience with a notion of time i.e. waiting, the characteristic of love defined here is broader. It also implies believing, enduring and even accepting to suffer patiently with the firm belief that something better awaits. Despite trials, persecutions, provocations love will not abdicate because it is patient. It will endure repeated offenses, even 70 times a day or more without losing patience. This characteristic of love is not a sign of weakness but a virtue. The difference between being tolerant and patient is that one can be tolerant(or restraining oneself) without actually loving. Here is an example of patience:

“He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” 2 Peter 3:9

God does not tolerate sin. He rather demonstrates patience hoping intently that souls repent. God is angry at sin but is also slow to act, for acting hastily in anger leads to regret. Many hurting words were said and awful acts were done due to lack of self-control and acting hastily in anger. If God was tolerant and not patient, we would already be burning in hell for tolerance has a limit while patience fulfils its purpose only when it accomplishes perfectly its work(James 1:4).

Love is not hot-tempered but long-suffering. It is calm, serene and not easily provoked. If you’re someone irritable i.e. who lose your temper easily, this is most likely a sign of love deficiency.

Love is kind

I am often called “gentleman” but the truth is that being called with this title does not actually mean that I am man who is gentle. My wife has often reproached me for not being gentle and kind. To better understand what being kind and gentle mean, it can be useful to have a look at the antonyms of those words. Being mean(uncharitable), malicious, nasty, inconsiderate, lacking sensitivity, cruel or brute (in words and actions) are signs of love deficiency. This gives me chills because I often hurt those around me with my words. If you’re unkind, people around you have mostly noticed it and brought it to your attention for acts of unkindness or lack of gentleness are obvious.

Acts of kindness and gentleness towards people allow them to be relieved of their burdens and take courage. An act of kindness is a servanthood attitude that expects nothing in return.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mat. 11:12

Love is not envious, boastful or proud

A loving person rejoices when he sees others succeed. This person is not grieved when someone is richer, more intelligent or more successful than him. This person is not jealous of what others possess, on the contrary this person does what it can to help others succeed. This person considers other better than himself and has no reason to envy but support others. It does not brag of its achievements for what good will it do to those who failed? Love is not insolent(Adam Clarke) and considers it futile to put itself forward. Boasting is a sign of insecurity. It is not different from the peacock which opens its feathers to appear bigger than it actually is with the objective to impress a mate. It is a deception and vanity. Love is authentic, it does not boast to deceive.

Love is not rude

Many cruel things have been said in the name of honesty.

Adam Clarke express this character in these terms:

“No ill-bred man, or what is termed rude or unmannerly, is a Christian. A man may have a natural bluntness, or be a clown, and yet there be nothing boorish or hoggish in his manner. I must apologize for using such words; they best express the evil against which I wish both powerfully and successfully to declaim. I never wish to meet with those who affect to be called “blunt, honest men;” who feel themselves above all the forms of respect and civility, and care not how many they put to pain, or how many they displease. “

It is necessity to be bold regarding the truth and what is right. It is equally essential to be gentle in our relations.

Though it is true that Jesus was meek and gentle, He was also bold in his preaching even if that offended the Pharisees (Mat. 15:12). We cannot separate the boldness and gentleness for having only one characteristic would be detrimental in relationships. Acting boldly without gentleness is not a Christian character for it is acting harshly and rude. I repent for those many times I acted this way.

It is because the apostles preached the gospel boldly (Acts 4:31) that many souls have been saved. Fearing to be bold and playing it safe by being politically correct is what has caused so much damage to evangelism, lukewarmness and passivity in Christianity. If you really love your neighbor who is living in sin, it serves no purpose to be gentle and smile everyday at him (hoping that this smile will save him from gnashing his teeth in hell?). The gospel needs to be preached boldly to sinners! We need to be bold AND gentle, lacking one of these is not a Christian character.

“He[the antichrist] required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.” Rev. 13:16

It is noteworthy to mention that the spirit of the antichrist has been at work since the coming of Christ. In his ruse, Herod wanted the wise men to bring him the Messiah to kill him. His failure to kill Jesus led to the death of many babies. Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him and were sarcastic regarding His ministry (John7:5). The spiritual leaders and the Jews themselves have continuously opposed Him and plotted many evil actions against Him. Finally, they succeeded to send Him to die on a cross (according to God’s plan). So we can see that the evil spirit opposing Christ which was at work during Christ’s ministry, perpetuated through the killing of the apostles and is still at work today.

If it’s not in direct opposition to Christ, it is a parallel path that leads to destruction. Roman Catholicism is such an example where the believers worship Jesus, believe in the bible, the Trinity and so many doctrines (which are correct) but are being led astray because they have added doctrines such as purgatory or systems(the pope, veneration of Mary, absolution of sin). These subtle doctrines are enough to lead astray from salvation. Every thought or actions that oppose or deviate from the order that God established, His will, His wisdom and the gospel are synonymous to the spirit of the antichrist (2 Cor. 10:5).

“But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.” 1 John 4:3

It’s been more than 2000 years since Christians have been saying that Jesus is coming back. Many have predicted that political leaders were the antichrist or that Jesus already returned and yet we do not see these predictions conformed to eschatological teachings. The return of Jesus is real but many scoff at it as Peter said:

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3

The Muslims believe that Jesus will come again to fight the false messiah. I believe that this would be a great deception because in my opinion they will mistake the coming of the antichrist with Christ and billions of people will be led astray through the miracles they will see the antichrist do.

In fact, if we look at how the prophet Mohamed, John Smith (Mormon) and many others received their revelations from angels, it becomes obvious to say that these are counterfeit spirits.

“You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News  but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.  I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.” Gal. 1:1-9

The spirit of the antichrist is a counterfeit spirit which mimics how God operates to deceive. This is where discernment of spirits is important to differentiate the perfect from the almost perfect. This is quite subtle but this is how the father of lies concocted his plan in Eden. God’s truth is absolute but the devil would be satisfied with 99% truth to be able to deceive the elect(Christians), if possible. The person of the antichrist will be probably a spiritual emblem/personality having strong political influence.

Let us slowly read what Jesus had to say regarding His coming:

“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.  Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.  But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.  And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.  Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come…“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it!…I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place” Mat. 24

The time at which these things will happen will like be short since Jesus said that the generation which will go through all these calamities and events shall not pass until they see Him coming (which would be a few years according to the book of revelation).

I do not know where we are on this timeline but most elements are in place for it to be triggered at any time.

The spirit of the antichrist is at work and we’ll surely see its manifestation when some prophets will claim they are the Messiah. We have heard cold wars, wars and a third world war can happen anytime should Russia, North Korea, Iran, China or the US mess up. Those who lived during the first and second world war could think that Jesus was about to come but yet there were some missing signs. There are some signs which have to occur before the coming of Christ.

The current pandemic and the climate change has already increased famine around the world. Christians are already persecuted. The spirit of the antichrist is already at work and causing Christians to be persecuted around the world. When when the person of the antichrist will come, this will be one of his focus. Up till then, let us remain steadfast in our faith and love.

 “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts” 1 John 5:21

“He[the antichrist] required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.” Rev. 13:16

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing much turmoil in the world. Our day to day routine has changed. Governments have taken strict measures to control the spread of this novel coronavirus. In my country, wherever I go (banks, supermarket, shops, schools) there is temperature control. The security guards either check the temperature on the forehead or on the hand. The employees working in the essential services (hospitals, airport, police) are required to have a vaccination certificate or a work access permit. The police control whether we’re allowed to be on the road and severe contraventions are issued in case of non-respect. One cannot buy food unless he/she accepts to go through a temperature control or have the necessary authorization. No one is allowed to sell unless given proper permit by the police and the ministry of health(a sanitary measure).

It is in my opinion that this pandemic is one of many events preparing the coming of the antichrist. It could be like a rehearsal of what is to come.

Let’s imagine for instance that this pandemic gets totally out of control and that governments wish to improve its efficiency through technology. For example, governments turn to a new mechanism or technology(e.g. a chip or invisible barcode) to properly control the identity of a person, his/her temperature and whether he/she is vaccinated or not. Let’s say that this chip can only be placed on the forehead or on the hand for better temperature reading. What would happen if we refuse that chip? This would disallow us to get out of our homes, buy, sell and become outlaws.

In the bible, accepting God’s Word as an authority is sign of belonging to God. For example:

“You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deut. 11:18

Similarly, those who scoff at God, reject His Word, refuse to submit to His authority indicate that they belong to Satan. Satan will also impress his mark on those who belong to him – the mark of the beast.

Human rights and liberty will no longer be valid in a world ruled by Satan. The laws will be changed in such a way that unless we accept to submit to laws, our lives will be made difficult.

Though there is no ‘mark of the beast’ active, due to sanitary measures it is now unlawful to sell anything unless one has the appropriate permit in my country. Before the pandemic there were less control and people were somehow free to sell whatever they wished. In 2019, I could not enter a supermarket to buy food unless I presented my ID card and went through temperature control. I was not allowed to step in a governmental building or private companies unless I accepted a temperature reading and presented by ID card.

Now that the world has been conditioned to accept this ‘new normal’, less voices will rebel when the antichrist will come. Less people will protest and will conform.

Imagine that this pandemic continues for 5 years and the world economy becomes completely KO. Right now, the flight connections between countries have significantly reduced. Let’s imagine that the world supply chain gets broken due to insufficient air cargo and ship deliveries causing a short supply of food and medicines. This will raise cost due to scarcity. Would not that accentuate the number of deaths not related to COVID-19(e.g. famine)? The world has its eyes on vaccines as the only savior of mankind or to revive its economy. What if these vaccines fail? Would not that be called ‘Apocalyptic’?

Let’s suppose that a man(the antichrist) appears and give a solution to the world’s problem(economic, political, medical). Let’s say he restores the world’s economy and gets completely rid of the COVID-19. People would then surely feel secure and relieved of getting out of this mess.

Paul said:

“When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape” 1 Thes. 5:3

We already entered the last days when Jesus came and rose from the dead.

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” Hebrews 1:1

There are surely some events which must happen before the coming of the antichrist. However, this pandemic is a good eye opener to bible prophecies that we should take heed of. These are signs that the end is near. Meanwhile, let’s remain steadfast in our faith, love one another and reflect the beauty of Jesus.

 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.“

While I was meditating on this verse, I wondered why Jesus wanted to put emphasis on the narrowness of the gate and the narrowness of the road that leads to God’s Kingdom. Sure enough, these verses are not saying that God is playing hide and seek where only a few elite explorers can find Him. This is a verse about faith and perseverance. While reading this verse, I remembered an experience I had in France. I had to be there 2 weeks for work and on the day I landed I thought it would be good if I could spot the workplace on the eve since I had to be there early the next morning. So I googled the workplace and walked in the directions indicated. I managed to get on the road that led to the workplace but the building numbers were not easily identifiable. I asked people if they could help me identify that workplace but they either did not know or misled me. I soon realized that the building numbers followed an odd numbering pattern and this is why I could not sequentially identify that building. Finally, I found it and realized that I walked passed that gate several times. This was a big company and I wondered why there were no big signs or clear indications. How come people did not know it was there? That gate was not huge and the road I walked through was not as wide as the Champ Elysées but a narrow one way road. I understood later on that this building was rented by that huge company and it was not their headquarters.

To get back to our verse, people unconsciously expect that the gate that leads to God’s Kingdom would be attractive like the pearly gates or the golden road as described in the book of Revelation 21. However, this is not the case. Jesus said He is the only Way (John 14:6) to Heaven and the sheep’s gate (John 10:7). For many people, it just does not make sense that Jesus is the only door to Heaven or the only way to be saved.

“How can a crucified Messiah be the Savior of the world? Jesus claimed to be God, how could He die on a cross? Can anything good come from Nazareth (John 1:48)? “These are some logical reasoning that blur people’s vision on how to get to heaven.

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! …But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense” 1 Cor 1:18-24

Google Map showed me where my workplace was but my logical reasoning and people misled me. The bigger the idol or bigger the worship place and the more people think God’s presence is there.  Man’s wisdom and intelligence is often incompatible with God’s and this is why few ever find the Kingdom and ever pass through its door. It’s only through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice that we can enter God’s Kingdom!

On one side, there is a highway that gives a pleasure ride to hell. It’s an easy path and the gate to its destination is so well crafted and designed that one might be knocking at the gate of hell thinking he has finally reached nirvana or the reward of good karma. Since millions of people take that easy and broad road, many convince themselves with this argumentum ad populum, that they must surely be right. It’s a deceitful religious belief that doing good works will result in good karma – this is man’s invention to have a clear conscience. It makes man self-centered instead of God-centered.

The road is very narrow and difficult Jesus said. Believing in Jesus is taking the right way to God’s Kingdom however many give up before reaching their destination because the road is no longer convenient to them. They are like the soil who received the Good News but on the way gave up, lost focus or no longer considered the Sheep’s gate attractive. “Many people are taking the easy way, why should I abstain“, they ask?

“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. ” Mat. 13:20-22

Christians should be careful that they do not let themselves entangled by the things of this world, social status or the lure of wealth for these are deceitful roads.

“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.  And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.” 2 Tim. 2:3

Jesus would not have said that the road and the gate were narrow if it was not true. Are you on such a road and heading towards such a gate?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Is. 6:8

Have ever you met someone who radically impacted your life and the way you think?  It could have been the passion, love or wisdom of that person which influenced you. I have met such a man whose wisdom changed my way of seeing things and still another man whose passion for a cause sparkled in me the desire to do the same. I met these people for a couple of hours and have not met them again since. Some very important decisions I took in my life were influenced because of them and I’ll never meet them again to let them know. These people left their thumbprints on my heart and mind and I will never forget what they said. Through their books several authors also impacted my way of thinking and somehow shaped my character and still they will never know.

Jesus was such a man who radically changed the heart and mind of people. He left his footprint in each villages He visited. Jesus’ fragrance did not go unnoticed. His teachings spread through the world and changed the life of millions of people.

Being in fellowship with Jesus causes you to be such a person who is a blessing to the people you interact with. Are you such a person people like to talk with or avoid?

Does the word you speak communicate divine comfort, blessings, love or wisdom? Or do those words spread threats, curses, hatred, foolish jokes and hurt those who listen to you?

When Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, the first thing he said was:

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King,the Lord Almighty.”

My heart is filthy and prideful and I also live among people whose heart are unrighteous. I feel so unworthy to stand in the presence of God. I have failed so many times in my conduct and word spoken. I’m ruined and an unfit servant of the living God.

It was a solemn moment when Isaiah saw the glory of God. The scene of the seraphim picking a piece of burning charcoal on the altar and touching Isaiah’s lips with it was also emblematic. The divine creature did not cheer up Isaiah by telling him that his sins were negligible. It had to be dealt with even if it symbolically meant purifying the sinful part of the body by burning it. It’s a painful process to be purified of one’s sins – you’re brought to your knees until pride is taken away. When  we stand in the presence of God, our sins come to light and guilt takes place. God knows that no mortal man can stand in His presence without feeling uncomfortable and He provided ways to atone for the sin of men.

“See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

If guilt and sin are still present in our hearts, God will not be able to use us to be that fountain of blessing to others. The God called out: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

The verse does not say: “Isaiah, can I send you? Isaiah will you go for us?”

Isaiah response was spontaneous, send me. If you’re hearing God calling out do not close your mouth. Say wholeheartedly, “Here I am, send me where you want and do what you wish”

In his book, Out of the comfort Zone, George Verwer pointed out that many Christian organization and churches struggle to find leaders willing to take responsibilities. Jesus himself said that the harvest is great but the labourers are few. Very few Christians respond to God’s call. They just stand as spectators seeing the churches going into ruin and evil spread. Edmund Burke said something about this attitude of passivity:

-The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

 –Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

I have witnessed that God  miraculously equip those who respond to His call. If you’re convinced that God has called you for a specific ministry, just do it. Do not wait for someone to mention your name to serve God. You might never know if what you sowed bore fruits.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Col. 3:17

“Whatever you do or say”- This implies your whole character. If you have not been a good representative of the Lord with your neighbors, colleagues, family and friends, it is not too late. Repent and confess your sins like Isaiah did. God will provide a way to purify your sins and use you again for His glory. Isaiah was commissioned to: “Go and tell this people” and Christ also commissioned His disciples to go and tell to the whole world of the Good News. What shall we do with God’s call? Shall we respond and say ‘Here am I, send me’or ‘Lord, this is not my ministry, look here’s a missionary organization’.