Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Remarkable Coincidence

We were at dinner at a nice restaurant recently and a woman at the table next to us was talking loud enough for us to hear about Revelation. She had, I presume, her husband and two ladies as her audience. I pretty much agreed with most of what she was saying. The two ladies must have been in agreement, but they didn't know a lot of what she said and asked questions.

I don't know how my husband felt, but I wanted to go over and listen and even enter into the discussion. I can always learn more. As it turns out, our adult Sunday school class at our church is about a third of the way into our own study of Revelation.

Then, two nights ago, my husband and I were watching the History channel and there was a fascinating show about how Sir Isaac Newton had sealed away documents of his own beliefs concerning Revelation. Except for one item which my doctrine disagrees with, he was right on and I was amazed at how all these years, we didn't know that he had such interests. In fact, the show believes it was more like an obsession.

I would like to be like the woman at the table who in an audible voice, but not yelling, spoke what she thought without fear. I don't want to be like Mr. Newton and seal my beliefs in a cask. He did it apparently because of persecution. Still, I would like to be more bold.

Why is the book of Revelation coming into vogue again? We aren't near a millennium turning point. Perhaps it's just a coincidence, or perhaps The Lord is reminding us to be full of oil. That's always a good thing to do. He is coming back, just as He said.

9 comments:

  1. This is really good! I don't want to seal away my beliefs either! We saw a portion of the same documentary on Newton. I took issue on probably the same things you did! :)

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  2. I'd like to be like that woman at the table too.

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  3. Nancy; Before I comment, I want to say how much I love your new haircut--it's adorable! So cute and chic.

    Now: I never knew this about Newton. Wish I'd seen that show. I want to let my light shine, too, to draw people to Jesus.

    Among the 14 entire books of the Bible that my husband has memorized, Revelation is the one that most surprised him. As he went over the verses to commit them to memory, he said he was struck with how active God is on our behalf. He is never passive where his children are concerned--he is always working on our behalf.

    Kevin has learned and grown more from scripture memorization than all his commentaries and 35 years of studying and preaching. The Word of God is powerful and alive!

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  4. Wow, sad about Newton. I wouldn't want to be that way either.
    I think Revelation is a fascinating book!

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  5. Jeanette, thank you for such a nice compliment.

    I love what you said about God not being passive, but is active for us. That excites me. I'm sure your husband is right about the memorization, too.

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  6. I wanted to be sure to come over and tell you to have a Happy easter! I hope someday we can meet up!

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  7. Oh, Terri, that would be such a treat. Maybe someday we can. Happy Easter to you!

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  8. I like the lady at the table want to shine my light for the Lord to all around me. I need to me out of the way and let Him do the Shining through me!!!
    Mary

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