Feast or Fast ?
Hi Friends,
I hope you are hanging in there this holiday season. With all the turbulence in the air, it seems that there is war raging in the heavenlies. “Peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” is being drowned out by lies, conflicts, confusion, anxiety, and fear.
We need the Lord now more than ever. A secular Christmas is empty. We need a Christmas filled with the love of God. Our hearts are crying out for peace and goodwill. But what do we see? Just gift giving and parties, Christmas trees and lights? Meaningless nonsense, a lot of hubbub and secular traditions that have nothing to do with Jesus, our Lord.
Will Santa Claus, trees, and reindeer make a difference in our lives? Will buying, shopping and cooking help you appreciate the Lord?
Why not instead celebrate the reason that Jesus came to this earth, to reconcile us to our heavenly Father. Why not worship the Lord, sing his praises, and enjoy his very presence. “Oh Come Let us Adore Him!” Can you imagine If we could spend all day in worship? That would make a great Christmas!
Rather than shopping for people who already have everything that they need. Perhaps we can give them something they really need—Jesus!
I have four visions that I am sharing with you today. The first three have to do with the Lord’s priorities in the current time. And the last vision concerns the Lord’s ownership of us, salvation and the power of God.
First I saw a cluster of red spiral curled ribbons. They were nestled in a small clear plastic bowl that was about 4” in diameter and only 1.5” in height. There were etched designs in the clear plastic. The curls draped over the sides of the bowl.
Next I saw another bowl, identical to the previous one. But this bowl contained a sprig of green holly with red berries.
Then I saw my own hand pick up a cherry tomato. As I picked it up, I turned my hand to see the underside of the tomato. I cringed—I was surprised to see three black blotches on the bottom of the tomato.
These visions came one right after the other, so they are meant to be interpreted together.
Red Ribbons in a Bowl
The red curled ribbons I believe represent Christmas gifts. The clear plastic bowl in the vision is like the ones that I currently have. I purchased 4 bowls for a dollar at the dollar store, making them worth only 25 cents apiece. They may represent frugality or the idea of “cheapening” Christmas. We often purchase gifts for others, simply out of obligation or expectation. However if the word of God says that the Lord loves a “cheerful giver,” we may need to evaluate our motives.
The Lord’s gift to us is by far more valuable. He gave the ultimate gift. God provided the Lamb that was to be sacrificed for the sins of the world. It was his one and only son, Jesus, a perfect, spotless lamb. Jesus’ atoning death on a cross, became the perfect blood sacrifice that gives us a right standing with God. By his blood we are reconciled to the Father, and we receive his gift of eternal life. That is simply awesome! We are eternally grateful!
The Holly in a Bowl
In the vision, the holly and berries sitting in the clear plastic bowl represent the idea of “decking the halls, with boughs of holly.” It is the tradition of decorating the home in preparation for guests. It is to make the home more attractive, and more festive. Decking the halls began as a pagan tradition, honoring the Roman god, Saturn in the celebration of the Feast of Saturnalia.
The holly in the vision is resting in a clear plastic “dollar store,” bowl. I believe that the Lord is showing us that we “cheapen” Christmas, by decking the halls with frivolous decorations. We should rather prepare our hearts to “Receive our King.”
Long ago, the world received the Lord Jesus as a child in a manger. We may soon receive him once again, at the time of the rapture of the Church. We know that the Lord could return for us at any moment, so we need to prepare our hearts for his coming, rather than decorating our homes to impress our friends and neighbors.
“The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” 1 John 2:17
As an infant, Jesus came with an angelic announcement to only a few shepherds. Very soon, “the trumpet call of God,” will announce to the church that the bridegroom has come for his bride.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
The Cherry Tomato
The cherry tomato in the vision, represents the food and the feasting at Christmas. Much attention is paid to planning, selecting, and preparing the main dishes, appetizers, side dishes, desserts and drinks. Yet in the vision, as I picked up the cherry tomato, I discovered what was hidden from view: three black blotches of decay. I remember making a face when I saw those ugly black spots. The tomato was rotten.
Jesus said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” John 6:27
Nothing on this earth lasts forever. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35
Jesus also said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34
By this, he was saying that what sustained him was his desire to see the Father’s plan of salvation come to fruition. He knew that what he had come to do, (to die for sins of mankind), was always set before him as a driving force, a motivation. “But for the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
It is the Lord’s promise of an eternity with him, that we should celebrate every day of our lives.
These three visions speak to us about how we are to celebrate Christmas. Not with gifts to each other, but with the gift of hope found in Jesus.
Not with decorations like trees, holly, candles and ribbons, but in celebrating the Lord as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The Giver of Life, The Resurrection, The Way, The Truth, and The Life!
The Lord does not want us to focus on eating, as if feasting is the most important aspect of Christmas. It is not the stomach that we are to please, for that is how non-believers celebrate.
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19
The Lord wants us to understand that he is not calling us to celebrate and feast, but instead to fast, to weep and to pray. Our nation is suffering and the Church is sleeping. People are without jobs. Fear and uncertainty are increasing. The lock-downs destroy businesses and hinder the assembling of the Church. Children and adults are suffering depression with ongoing isolation.
Now is the time for the Church to “BE THE CHURCH.”
We need to share the gospel and the love of Jesus with everyone around us. We need to seek opportunities to help those who have lost jobs, or businesses. We need to give weary parents a break lending a hand with child care, and visiting those who are isolated in nursing homes, or sheltering at home because of the virus. But we know that we can be a blessing this Christmas, so let’s commit to that!
I have still one more vision to share with you today. It is about salvation and the power of God.
The Number 114
I saw the number 114 on the leg of a pair of pants. The pants were navy blue and fairly wide at the hem. The number 114 was in red letters and placed about 10” above the hem.
I began by looking up the number 114 in Hebrew, in Strong’s Lexicon. The 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet not only form words, but they are also pictographs representing common objects and ideas. The same 22 letters also represent numbers. The number 14 means deliverance and salvation. One of the greatest events that dramatically displayed God’s power, deliverance and salvation, in the Bible was on the day of Nisan 14, when the Israelites were freed from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. The number 100 is represented by the letter “Koaf” whose symbol looks like “the eye of a needle.”
I immediately thought of the passage in scripture where Jesus speaks about salvation for the rich, using the metaphor “the eye of a needle.”
“‘Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’
Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:24-26
This passage combines the idea of salvation represented by 14 and “the eye of a needle represented by 100. We as Americans are wealthy, when compared to the other nations of the world and to others throughout history. We have air conditioning, running hot water, electricity, computers and cars. What king on earth would have had these things long ago? We are very blessed and wealthy by any standard.
But the Lord’s words in the passage above indicates the problem with wealth. It is difficult if not impossible for a “wealthy” man to enter the kingdom of God. Why? In Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed, we see the answer:
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9
Then the Lord explained about the seed that falls on different places on the ground:
“When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown on the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:19-23
It is the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth which causes the seed, (the Word of God), to be choked, so that there is no fruit. A wealthy person is caught up with his schedule of commitments and events. He has many opportunities to consider and decisions to make. His busy life full of cares, career and social obligations, his desire for personal comfort, and indulgences keep him from seeking God. And a wealthy man often believes that he can do whatever and have whatever he wants. Generally speaking he has the power to meet most all of his needs.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to the seven churches. In the following passage, he focuses on the rich and their spiritual condition.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. ‘“
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22
As I continued to pray about the meaning, I asked the Lord to show me a passage in the Bible that might help me understand more. I opened to the passage about the birth of Jesus. Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she will have a baby and will name him Jesus. She asks, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
“The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’” Luke 1:35-37
What I noticed in both of these passages is the word “impossible.” Salvation for the rich is not impossible with God, and a virgin birth is also not impossible with God. God will move mountains to accomplish his purposes, and his purpose is to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Mary was told to name the child “Jesus.” That name means “salvation."
Jesus, the Son of God, came to us for one purpose: to die as an atonement for our sins! He is God incarnate. He is the Lamb of God, the sacrificial lamb. With his blood, he purchased men for God!
“And they sang a new song: ‘Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.’” Revelation 5:9
About the number 114, I also looked up this number and found in Strong’s Lexicon that it means “Addon,” or “powerful.” Addon is a place or town in Babylon. There were people from Addon who were returning to Israel after the seventy years of captivity. (Nehemiah 7:61)
It is also thought that 114 is intensive for 113, which means: to rule, sovereign, lord, master, owner.
Perhaps, the 114 on the pair of pants gives the meaning of ownership over the one wearing the pants. “You are not your own; You were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Because we are owned by God, because he purchased us with his own blood, we are forever indebted to him. In our response of love for his great salvation, we honor him by our obedience and our desire to do his will.
114 also means “powerful.” When when we are born again, the Lord places within us his Holy Spirit to lead us and to guide us. And with the presence of his Spirit in us, we have the power to do his will. Alone we are weak and helpless, but with the Lord, we can say: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!” Philippians 4:13
The Lord explains it in this way: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:5-7
With the Lord we can accomplish much, without him, we have no power. The pants in the vision are there to show us that we belong to the Lord, and that he displays his power through us as we pray and seek to do his will.
In Summary
If we are truly living in the last days, we need to be tuned-into the Lord’s plans. If he is returning for his bride, then we must prepare ourselves. The first vision of the ribbons, speaks of gifts. The Lord gives his Son to us as the most valuable gift in the world. Jesus is the very gift of salvation, for his name “Jesus” means salvation.
The second vision of the holly speaks of preparing not our homes, but our hearts for the coming of the Lord at the time of the rapture. We are not to deck our halls with holly, rather we are to prepare ourselves for his return. Is there oil in our lamps? Are we filled with the Holy Spirit? Are we right with God? Have we forgiven those who have offended us? Is the Lord our treasure? Are we ready to meet him when we hear the midnight cry?
The third vision speaks of a rotten tomato. It looked good as I picked it up, but its underside had begun to decay, showing three black spots. Decay is actually death of tissue. The tomato was showing signs of death, it was no longer fit to eat. I believe that God was comparing feasting with fasting. Our nation is going through difficult times primarily because of sin. The situation in our nation should cause us to be seeking God and repenting on behalf of ourselves and our nation. We actually need to be fasting rather than feasting.
In the fourth vision, the number 114, which means power and salvation, focuses our view on the American church. The Lord is doing everything he can to press us, and to shake us up, so that we turn to him in our difficulties. The American Church as a whole has been powerless because of its tolerance of sin within its members. Our culture has become like Sodom and Gomorrah where anything and everything goes. Morality is no longer based on Biblical values. Everyone does what they choose to do—there is little restraint. So I believe that if the Lord returns soon, much of the professing church will be left behind. I believe that is why I believe that the Lord has allowed the tyrannical governors to wake up the Church, to the notion of persecution. We are very much like the church of Laodicea, lukewarm, complacent and powerless.
If the church would only wake up, and look around, they might see the signs of the times. They might take their faith seriously and become seekers of God. If the heat is turned up, perhaps more will turn to God and begin praying for our nation. Who knows we might just have a revival! When the church knows their Lord intimately, and can call upon him as their first resort rather than a last ditch effort, power may return to the Church!
So let us encourage others now. Let us call friends and pray with them. Let’s seek God together and individually. Let’s intercede on behalf of others and our nation and believe that the power of God will manifest in people being healed and set free. The Lord’s power can change lives and bring salvation and deliverance.
So in conclusion, let’s make this Christmas a Holy Christmas. Let us fast, pray, and intercede for our nation and our people. Let us choose to make a difference in the lives of those around us. And let us hold onto our faith, and draw close to God.
God bless you all! And have a very merry Christmas!
