MasterTruth

Truths Worth Repeating

I love a good book. Especially a mystery who-done-it that keeps me turning the pages until the suspense is finally over. Can we read the Bible like that? It starts in Gen. 1:2 with re-creation; sin enters; mankind makes a colossal mess out of life—over and over; Jesus comes to earth to rescue us; He is rejected and killed (and rises again); Some trust in Him by faith, and He saves them; He starts the church (where we are now); and it ends with the rapture, tribulation, second coming of Christ and His Millennial reign. That’s a brief summary looking at the Bible in the same linear way writers write books and readers are trained to read them.

But in a previous post, we saw how history repeats itself, and God has designed biblical history so that the same things or themes repeat over and over. We see through types and key phrases that the Bible is circular. Click here to read the post that explains that.

This is part 2 of this idea, specifically that God repeats Himself. We see this truth in three different verses. In Deut. 19:15, Moses says, At the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Jesus also says it in Matt. 18:16, and Paul says it in 2 Cor. 13:1. How “ironic” that three witnesses say the same thing about settling matters or establishing the truth of a thing in the mouth of two or three witnesses. BTW, those witnesses could be two or three people, but could also be two or three records or accounts. In this case, it’s both.

If this truth is true, and the Bible says it is, then for example, when we read about the tribulation in Revelation, that shouldn’t be the first time in the Bible we are reading about that. We should find it other places—in the mouth of two or three other witnesses. Indeed, you find the tribulation mentioned prophetically all over the place, especially in reference to what Israel will go through. Key words that point prophetically to Israel in tribulation are trouble (think “time of Jacob’s trouble” in Jer. 30:7), sorrow, woman in travail and others.

Now, here’s an example appropriate to our conversation here. Three verses offer the phrase “my heart is fixed.” They are all in Psalms and are all significant prophetically for Israel. I see this clearly because I’m in the midst of a year-long tour through the Psalms looking at each chapter’s prophetic significance. I see Israel in tribulation and Israel at the second coming all over the place in Psalms.

When the Psalmist declares a fixed heart three times (Ps. 57:7, 108:1 and 112:7), he is speaking on behalf of Israel in the future, in the late tribulation or at Christ’s return when as a nation their heart gets fixed. Right now, it’s not fixed. They do not believe in Jesus as Messiah. But they will. God promised it prophetically by the prophet Moses as far back as Deut. 30:6. And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. That hasn’t happened yet for Israel.

More directly, God said to Israel in Ezek. 11:19  And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. (repeated in Ezek. 36:26, Jer. 31:33-34 and 32:39) God makes it plain in the mouth of two or three witnesses that one day He will fix Israel’s heart.  

Back to our main point. While the Bible can be read in a linear way, God also orchestrates it to be circular, where you see prophetic themes repeated throughout the Bible, often through the use of key words and phrases. It’s an exciting concept to follow through the Bible. As you start on a new year, determine to read your Bible through this lens of history repeating itself.

R&J Shee

The Holy Spirit is Moving in Syria

The Holy Spirit is always at work in the world, shaping history to align with God’s eternal plan. Right now, His hand is moving powerfully in Syria, particularly with the dramatic shift in its leadership this week. Could this event be connected to the Bible’s prophecies about the end times? Absolutely.

God’s Word gives us a roadmap for the future, and what’s happening in Syria, especially in Damascus, fits right into His plan. As Daniel 2:20-21 declares, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings.”

Why Syria Matters in Prophecy

Syria, and its ancient capital Damascus, is a key player in Bible prophecy. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus is mentioned repeatedly in the Scriptures, often as a focus of God’s judgment and a stage for major historical and spiritual battles.

The Bible foretells Damascus’ eventual destruction in detail:

• Isaiah 17:1-3 calls Damascus a “ruinous heap,” indicating its complete downfall.
• Amos 1:3-5 highlights God’s judgment on the rulers of Damascus for their cruelty, including their actions under King Hazael.

Hazael, a brutal king who ruled Damascus in ancient times, is described in 2Kings 8 as a powerful enemy of Israel. His reign was marked by relentless violence, fulfilling prophecies about the suffering he would inflict. Hazael’s actions were so horrific that they foreshadow the deeds of the Antichrist during the future Tribulation period.

How Today’s Events Align with Prophecy

The political shifts in Syria remind us of the prophetic warnings in Scripture. Like Hazael, who rose to power through betrayal and brought destruction, the Bible teaches that future leaders will align themselves with the Antichrist, opposing God’s people and His plans.

But here’s the good news: these events are not random. They are stepping stones toward the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. When we see nations like Syria in turmoil, it’s a signal that God’s prophetic clock is ticking. Each development brings us closer to the fulfillment of His promises.

What Should Believers Do?

The Bible calls us to watch and prepare as we see God’s plan unfolding. Here’s how you can respond:

1. Recognize the Times

These events remind us that we are living in a crucial period of history. As the signs of the times become clearer, it’s essential to understand what they mean for the future. Jesus Himself told us to watch and be ready (Matthew 24:42).

2. Seek God’s Word

If you’re new to the Bible, start exploring passages about end times like Isaiah 17, Matthew 24, and Revelation 6-19. These chapters provide insights into what’s to come and how God’s plan is unfolding.

3. Talk About Prophecy

Use this opportunity to share with friends and family what you’re learning. End-times prophecy is a natural conversation starter, especially when it’s tied to current events. Explain how God’s plan offers hope in a world that often feels chaotic.

4. Pray for Syria and the World

Pray for the people affected by these events, that they might find hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. Pray also for wisdom to navigate these times with faith and discernment.

5. Prepare for What’s Ahead

These events remind us that Jesus is coming back soon. Live each day with eternity in mind. If you haven’t placed your trust in Him, now is the time to do so.

A Hopeful Reminder

What’s happening in Syria is a part of God’s unchanging plan. The Bible assures us that even in times of upheaval, God is in control. While the world may be shaken, His promises stand firm. These are not events to fear, but to view with hope, as they point to Christ’s ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

As you watch the news unfold, let it deepen your faith and ignite your passion for sharing the gospel. The day is approaching when our faith will become sight, and every knee will bow before the Lord. Let’s be ready.

Note:

For a deeper understanding of Hazael and Damascus in the end times, click here.

Richmond Shee

The Bible is an Ocean

You can experience the ocean in many ways, from casting a line or net to snag dinner, to diving in a submarine to its depths and discovering wonders few have ever witnessed. Similarly, the Bible offers layers of depth and mystery, ready to be explored by anyone willing to submerge themselves in it.

For years after my salvation, I stood on the surface of the Bible “tossing in a line” to find inspirational morsels to get me through the day as I was taught to do. Only later did I find a church where they took us on expeditions through the Bible to uncover the riches way beneath the surface that you just don’t casually find as you read the Bible.

It makes sense that the God who created and hid mysterious creatures like dumbo octopus, sea pigs and sea spiders for His pleasure would equally conceal mind-blowing truths in the Bible. After all, didn’t the Apostle Paul proclaim: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33) But we can at least try to search for them!

If you’d like to get to the awe-inspiring meat of the Word, here’s the “how to” passage that speaks volumes: Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine (and not just inspiration)? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. (Isa. 28:9-10)

Bottom line, you have to do the work of comparing scripture with scripture. To do that, you need a healthy dose of curiosity to motivate you and then you need a Bible and/or computer app that includes the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK), which is the most exhaustive list of cross references I know of.

There is something else that helps as you compare passages: A new lens through which to examine them. It starts with the understanding that history repeats itself. What happened at the beginning of the Bible, you see happening in other ways throughout the Bible—clear to the prophetic end. I’ll give you an example, but first, here are three verses that support that the Bible is circular with events happening over and over again—and will still happen through the tribulation and beyond.

1. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. (Ecc. 1:9-10)
2. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. (Ecc. 3:14-15)
3. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isa. 46:9-10)

Knowing these things, when I read stories in the Old Testament, I have to ask myself, “does this remind me of anything else that happened other places in the Bible or is yet to happen?” That’s the lens. And here’s just one example.

• When the Israelites were thirsty in the wilderness, God’s solution was to bring water out of the rock that Moses was to strike with his rod. (Exo 17:6)  Amplifying how this worked, Ps. 105:41 says He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.  
• That reminds me of 1 Cor. 10:4, And did all (Israel) drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
• Believers who trust Christ as savior receive that miraculous water. Jesus said In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:37-38)
• In the tribulation when the Jews have to run to Petra, guess what. God is going to miraculously make water to flow for them to drink. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. (Isa. 43:20) See also Jer 31:9.
• About the new Heaven and Earth, Jesus says, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Rev. 21:6b)

This line-upon-line thread is just one example of an infinite number of truths that repeat over and over. Now you have the history-repeats-itself lens that will serve you well as you start exploring!

R&J Shee