Michael, a really scary angel. He wouldn't like it if you bowed down to him, but perhaps you should avert your eyes, just in case!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Angel
Michael, a really scary angel. He wouldn't like it if you bowed down to him, but perhaps you should avert your eyes, just in case!
Angels of Churches
Do angels mean spirits or messengers? While angels can certainly mean both, the Greek term can be used for either human messengers or spirit beings. If we look only at this passage, it could mean either. Since “angel” in the book of Revelation means “heavenly spirit” in the other 60 uses of the word in the book, then it would make sense that it means so here.
But what is the relationship between a church and their angel? The spirits are often rebuked for the actions of the churches in the next couple chapters. But this seems to be the identity responsibility of the mediator— the spirit represents God to the church and the church to God. Thus the church might often speak to the angel as God— not to worship the angel, but to bring to God the message— and Jesus might speak to the angel as the church—again, not to blame the angel, but as a representative of the church.
But what is the relationship between a church and their angel? The spirits are often rebuked for the actions of the churches in the next couple chapters. But this seems to be the identity responsibility of the mediator— the spirit represents God to the church and the church to God. Thus the church might often speak to the angel as God— not to worship the angel, but to bring to God the message— and Jesus might speak to the angel as the church—again, not to blame the angel, but as a representative of the church.
The Mystery
Jesus gives John an indication that what he is seeing is not all literal. The stars are not literally stars and the lampstands are not literally lampstands. Rather they represent other things. Some things in the visions are explained, while others are not. We are to be wise in making determinations about what means what, but we need to remember—what is seen is not always what is real.
Another interpretation point I think is very important: If a symbol is explained, then the explanation is the literal understanding of it. The explanation is not as yet another symbol that needs to be interpreted. The harlot in later chapters is a city-- the city is not a symbol for something else. Sometimes, like the lampstands, there can be two explanations for a single symbol, either because we are not clear or because two items are closely related. But interpretation of symbols must stop at some reality, somewhere. We can't just keep guessing until we find something we like.
Another interpretation point I think is very important: If a symbol is explained, then the explanation is the literal understanding of it. The explanation is not as yet another symbol that needs to be interpreted. The harlot in later chapters is a city-- the city is not a symbol for something else. Sometimes, like the lampstands, there can be two explanations for a single symbol, either because we are not clear or because two items are closely related. But interpretation of symbols must stop at some reality, somewhere. We can't just keep guessing until we find something we like.
What You Have Seen...
"Write what you have seen, those things which are and those things which will come to pass"
This statement is difficult to interpret, and many commentators have looked at it different ways. While “what is to come” is not best understood as “what is in the future”, it is still not clear. I prefer to simply understand it as the whole of the visions that John has and will experience.
It has been argued, well, I think, that this verse is not to be used as an outline for Revelation.
This statement is difficult to interpret, and many commentators have looked at it different ways. While “what is to come” is not best understood as “what is in the future”, it is still not clear. I prefer to simply understand it as the whole of the visions that John has and will experience.
It has been argued, well, I think, that this verse is not to be used as an outline for Revelation.
Hell, What A Looker!
Disney's Hades has more resemblance to the concept of death in Scripture than the nebulous "lack of life" concept that we usually think of. In Scripture, Hades is a place to go to, but Death and Hades are also powerful beings whom God has granted rule over all humanity. Hades isn't in charge of humanity until after the cessation of life, but the persona Death is in charge of all humanity at all times, from the time any person sins.
This is the promise of God to Adam (that is, humanity) that when we sin, we will surely die, that is, be placed under the control of Death. This doesn't mean that we die immediately at sin, but that our lives become a living hell, and life is cheap and can be taken at any time.
Not a pretty picture. But Jesus says that the control of both Death and Hades is in Jesus hands, now. Since Jesus is merciful, then eternal life is offered to those who put themselves under Jesus' rule.
Death and Hades
Death and Hades (also called Sheol in Hebrew) are often personified in the Bible, and also a description of a place. It is the final authority over humanity, where complete justice is given, and separation from life is complete. Jesus, however, has taken authority over this god and this realm, determining himself who lives and who dies after death.
"Do Not Fear"
Jesus speaks the words of all spirits, for the one gazing upon the spirit not to be afraid, because the spirit intends the one seeing him no harm. But more than this, Jesus tells John that he need not be afraid of death at all. Jesus himself passed through death, came out on the other side and is now in charge of death itself.
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