This is a religious post and it starts with the reassurance that God has given us precious promises of His care and love for us through Jesus and that He has given us requirements and warnings. This post however, will have a summary of a summary of warnings Jesus gave through His disciple John when imprisoned on the Island of Patmos.I have divided these warnings into four groups with photographs of violets. The white and deep purple ones are from down the lane where they are a good ground cover. The white and blue / purple are in our garden. These small flowers are very important for early bees and other critters.Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams said this about violets:’ Forgiveness is the fragrance that violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.’And’ The violet in the mountains have broken the rocks. ‘Let us look at the warnings from Jesus to Christians in the form of 7 real churches but which have people like them in churches now (Revelations 1,2,3)Jesus speaks:You, Ephesus have lost your first love if you do not say sorry your presence as a church will be removed.You, Pergamun and Thyatira I am warning you against tolerating false teachers (like Balaam and Jezebel) and compromising with idolatry and sexual immortality.Jesus then tells Sardis, a fourth church to wake up before Jesus comes like a thief/unexpectedly.The church of Laodicea is told off for being lukewarm, neither hot or cold, and that God would spit them out if they didn’t became more courageous and sincere in their relationship with Him.
Then there are warnings in the form of seven seals. Trials of wars, famine and death. The detail is in Revelation 6 and there is this question:’For the great day of His anger is come and who shall be able to stand?’Answer: 144,000 sealed people who seem to live through an awful time and…’ a great multitude, which no one can count of all nations, and languages stood before the throne of God and Jesus, the lamb that was killed for our sins, they are dressed in white and carry palm branches a symbol of peace.’ Rev 7:9 ( Sandy’s wording.)Seven trumpets also serve as warnings or alarms to wake us up. A third of the earth, sea and sky are badly affected. For example the first trumpet is blown by an angel and it says there is fire, hail and blood and a third part of trees and grass were burnt up.Another form of warning are seven bowls that represent the final unhindered ‘ wine of God’s anger/ wrath’ poured out on those who refuse to repent/ say sorry despite previous warnings.
A very strong warning is then given against the Beast. Revelation 13,14. It is considered to be a global system of false worship led by the Beast / Anti Christ. The mark is 666 on the hand or forehead which will become necessary for buying or selling. This will be become a conscious act of allegiance to the Beast when we personally choose it.
It is so serious a choice that an angel specifically warns that those who receive this mark and worship the beast will ‘ drink of the wine of God’s anger/ wrath’ and face death that will be eternal with no resurrection.These warnings are important. We have a just God who wants justice for this world He created and loves. Don’t ignore !Jesus says:’ Look, I come quickly, blessed are those who keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book… I Jesus have sent my angel to tell you of these things in the churches… I am the bright and morning star… don’t let anyone add to or take away from this book of prophecy… they will be destroyed… ( Sandy’s summary. Please read it for yourself in full.)Rev22:7,16,19And verse 20 Jesus speaking:’Surely I come quickly.’Our response could be.‘ Even so , come Lord Jesus.’
Take care and study the warnings of Revelation.Sandy 🙂