For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about staying awake, shall we? I think we can glean quite a bit of valuable information that is applicable to us during these times in which we live.
Wise or Foolish?
I have mentioned the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) many times in past articles, but it will necessarily be included again here for obvious reasons. As has been pointed out in the past, ALL of them slept. (There are some who try to re-translate the original text to say it means that some were nodding in agreement with the coming of the bridegroom, not sleeping, but that is a serious stretch.) What we want to know is why all of them slept and what that means? The text specifies that the bridegroom was delayed, so that explains why, but who are they?
They all have lamps—God’s word is a lamp for our feet and light for our path. (Psa. 119:105) But the foolish run out of oil after trimming their wicks (which makes the light burn cleaner and steadier), so they have no light to see where they’re going. That is just not wise at all, is it? I think we can compare trimming the wicks to Jesus pruning branches and also washing the disciples’ feet. He referred to “cleaning” both times, making it clear this cleansing is subsequent to the initial cleansing that occurred upon belief when our sins are washed away. (Actually, the Hebrew word for prune also means cleanse, purify, prune.) It seems as though the foolish virgins might have had a lot of trimming to do in order to get rid of the part of the wick that didn’t burn cleanly and shine forth with God’s light.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. John 15:1-6
Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” John 13:10-11
Oil is a symbol for the Holy Spirit (specifically olive oil, which makes sense since Israel is the olive tree whose supporting, life-giving root is Jesus). (Isa. 11, Rom. 15:12, 11:16-18) His indwelling of our jars of clay provides wisdom (enlightenment and illumination) and allows us to shine our lights. (Matt. 5:14-16, Luke 11:33-36, 2Cor. 4:6-7, Phil. 2:15, Eph. 5:9, Rev. 4:20) We are told not to quench the Holy Spirit. (1Thess. 5:19) I think that means don’t suppress His influence on us by refusing to heed His still, small voice leading us. (1Kings 19:11-13)
Also see Rom. 1:18—if we suppress the Holy Spirit in our lives, we may find ourselves actively working against the truth and left to our own devices since we have free will and that is our choice. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and faith comes by hearing the word. (Acts 2:4, 4:31, 13:52, Eph. 5:18, Rom. 10:17)
How much we’ve ignored the Holy Spirit (hardened our hearts against Him in favor of indulging our sin) also goes along with the part above about how much trimming is needed to clean up the wick. (Heb. 3:12-13) (Admittedly, this is making an assumption about the wick, since the text doesn’t specifically mention the amount of trimming.) If we don’t want to be convicted of our wrong-doing (1John 1:8, Eph. 4:30), but rather go our own way, we may get what we want in this world, but definitely not in the next. Some may make it into the kingdom “as through the fire” without reward (1Cor. 3:12-18), but others may find that their faith was not actually in God, but in themselves, the world and/or a “god” of their own invention. That is tragic!
So the foolish virgins go along on their way to “those who sell” to “buy” oil, but the bridegroom doesn’t KNOW them when they return and ask to be let in. (Matt. 25:10-12) Why not? They have to be one spirit with Him to belong to Him. (Rom. 8:9, Gal. 2:20, 5:24, 1Cor. 6:17, 15:23-24)
It would seem that the foolish virgins didn’t abide in Him, but were cut off of His body as unfruitful branches by the Father who called them to His Son? (2Cor. 11:2, John 6:37, 15:1-2, 6) The one who loves Jesus will obey His commands. (John 14:15-24, 15:9-12) If this takes place in the very end times, they may have even taken the mark of the beast, since that would be the only way to buy and sell then. (Rev. 13) I sure hope not! This is just too sad for words!
Notice the gap in time between Jesus’ resurrection and those belonging to Him in 1Cor. 15:23. It skips right to the end in 1Cor. 15:24, but then briefly mentions the millennial kingdom, where Jesus rules for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:4), in 1Cor. 15:25—until His enemies are a footstool for His feet. (Heb. 1:13, Psa. 110) (See the story of Joseph in Gen. 37-50, which is a symbolic type of parts of Jesus’ life and future reign—Joseph’s reign begins at chapter 41.) It seems possible that there could be additional details or gaps in time not mentioned in 1Cor. 15, given these facts.
I would like to clarify at this point that when I say “symbolize,” I mean that the event or person is a pattern in addition to the real person and events that actually happened—not instead of. Also, I do not include traditional stories and such that people have embraced, no matter for how long or where they got them, if they are not in the Bible—with the exception of parts of the book of Enoch, which was quoted directly in Jude 1:14-15. What is said in Enoch about him going to heaven without dying is also mentioned in Gen. 5:24 and Heb. 11:5. Plus, the topic of fallen angels co-habitating with women is discussed in detail in Enoch, and very briefly in Gen. 6:2 and a bit more in Jude. (See Job 38:4-7 about “sons of God” being angels in that context.)
Before we continue on, I would like to briefly go over the pattern God set in the six days of creation with a rest on the seventh day (Sabbath). We know that a thousand years is as a day to the Lord. (Psa. 90:4, 2Pet. 3:8) Interestingly, Psalm 90 was written by Moses and mentions flying away after an estimated lifespan (Psa. 90:10 – it won’t be long until we find out if the 80 years could refer to the time that has passed since Israel became a nation in 1948), and teaching us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom, followed by a plea for Jesus to return. (Psa. 90:12-13; also see Matt. 24:31-35 – the fig tree stands for Israel, which was demonstrated when Jesus cursed it for being unfruitful. Matt 21:19, 43 – but see Isa. 54:9-10, Jer. 31:35-37, 33:20-22.)
So the point is that Solomon’s reign of peace and prosperity was a pattern (without the idolatrous wives) for Jesus’ 1,000-year “Sabbath” day of rest. There are details about what life on earth will be like during that time period in Isa. 2, 11, 65-66, Zech. 8-14, Ezek. 39-47. There will still be death among those who entered into it in their earthly bodies, but their lifespans will be increased. (Isa. 65:20) God will once again be dealing with Israel (Ezek. 20:32-37, Jer. 30:7-9), and the law will be reinstated, with some modifications (such as the Prince furnishing the various offerings). (Ezek. 45:17)
Another interesting thing is that Adam and Eve died “that day” when they ate of the forbidden fruit, which was within the first 1,000-year day. (Gen. 2:17, 5:5) Also, the 8th great day of Tabernacles refers to the eternal kingdom that never ends. (John 7:37-39, 4:23-24, Rev. 22:1-6, 17)
Ten
But still, how is it that ALL ten slept, when we the Church are told to STAY AWAKE? (It doesn’t seem to represent death, since some believers will be alive not “asleep” when Jesus returns, and how would a dead person “wake up” and get ready for Jesus’ return?) My current thinking on this is that they could be connected with the pattern established by Abigail when she went to marry David. She is described as WISE, whereas her husband is a FOOL. Abigail’s husband died after ten days, and then David sent ten servants to fetch her to come to him and marry now that she was free to do so. She brings five maidens with her. She is prepared to wash the feet of the servants. She is wise and humble. (1Samuel 25, Matt. 18:4, 23:11-12, Luke 14:6-11, Jam. 4:10, 1Pet. 3:8, 5:5-11)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalms 111:10 (Also Prov. 9:10)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
Important: The word translated “beginning” in the above verses is actually the same as “firstfruits.” So it refers to the initial evidence (“fruit”) of having wisdom is that the person will fear God (as in respect, acknowledge His absolute power, obey Him). This will be observable. (Matt. 12:33, 13:23, Luke 6:45-49, Psa. 24:3-6, 50:16-23)
I think we can all recognize some extreme foolishness that is happening in various “churches” around the world (especially in America). There is no respect for God and His word whatsoever. Everything is twisted to fit their own preferences and agenda – just like Paul, Peter and Jude warned would happen in the end times/last days. (2Tim. 3, 2Pet. 2, Jude) They are calling evil good and good evil:
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
Where is there another instance of the number ten (people)? Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on ten of the disciples at night on the same day that He rose from the dead. (Thomas was absent and Judas was no longer a disciple, of course. John 20:22, 24) When Jesus ascended to heaven ten days prior to Pentecost (Acts 1:3, 9 – Pentecost is 50 days from Firstfruits, whereas Jesus remained on earth for 40 days), that left only ten people on earth (servants of God) who had the Holy Spirit during that ten-day time period. Also, the church at Smyrna was told that they would suffer for ten days. (Rev. 2:10)
Remember Rebekah, who was willing to go marry Isaac (a type of Jesus), following his servant right away rather than waiting “at least ten days” as her family suggested? (Gen. 24:55-59) Maybe she is an example of the believer who is ready to go where Jesus is right away. She put on her veil when she saw Isaac, which perhaps could signify going beyond the veil into the Holy Place through Jesus? (Gen. 24:65, Ex. 26:33, Luke 23:43-45, Heb. 6:10-20, 10:19-25)
Like Abigail, Rebekah had a heart of humble service (Gen. 24:15-20), but she did not marry a fool (symbolizing the world?) as poor Abigail had done. We don’t know how that marriage came to be. Most likely Abigail didn’t recognize what a fool her husband was until after she married him and it was too late. We do know that it is repeatedly pointed out that Abigail was wise and Nabal was foolish. Maybe her parents thought it was a good match.
Let’s not forget Enoch, who pleased God and did not see death (Gen. 5:24, Heb. 11:5-6), and what about John (the Beloved – John 20:2, 21:20) being taken to the throne room right after he wrote the letters to the churches? (Rev. 4:1-2) Could this somehow symbolize that the letters were written for those who were not ready yet at the time when he was taken up? (I’m really not sure – the letters say that SOME have serious flaws to correct, but not ALL.) If you think about Enoch’s example, he also wrote down important things for those he was leaving behind, and he left the earth well before the flood. (That is if you put any stock in the book of Enoch—I think perhaps we might not have a perfect copy of the original, but some of it may still be useful.)
In fact, I think that John may spiritually symbolize the Church and Peter might symbolize Israel because we are meant to make Israel jealous (Rom. 10:19, 11:11), whereas Peter was jealous of John following him and Jesus in John 21:20-23. Jesus said He wanted John to remain alive until He returned, which was fulfilled when John received Revelation. John himself did end up dying later, but not everyone in the Church that John might symbolize will have died before Jesus returns for them. Both the dead in Christ and those still alive are mentioned in 1Thess. 4:15-18.
Also Peter denied knowing Jesus and cried bitterly, which reminds me of Israel’s rejection and what will happen in the future. (Matt. 26:74-75; Zech. 12:10-14, Rev. 1:7) Peter and John (and James, who was killed by Herod – Acts 12 – whereas Peter was rescued from the same fate by angels) were all present at the transfiguration, which could represent groups of people on Mount Zion. (Matt. 17, Mark 9, Heb. 12:22-24, Rev. 14)
Watches of the Night
So what are we to make of the time period of ten days before/after? I don’t really know what to think about the ten days, but I do know that Jesus said to be ready no matter what watch of the night He returned. One example is advice to the servants whose master has gone to a wedding. (Luke 12:36) One parable mentions a father giving his son a wedding and what happens to guest who is not dressed properly. (Matt. 22:11-14) Luke 19:11-27 deals with how ten servants are to use their minas to profit their master while he’s away receiving a kingdom. (Rev. 11:15-18) We know these are all about Jesus.
We also know that various crops represent different groups of people. The barley is the Church (believing Jew and Gentile – Gal. 3:28-29, 1Cor. 12:13, Rom. 1:16, 2:28-29), which is gathered before the wheat harvest begins with the offering of the firstfruits on Pentecost. (Exo. 34:22, Lev. 23:15-22) This is necessary in order to preserve the order of firstfruit offerings—obviously it’s not “firstfruits” anymore once the main harvest has already begun. Jesus rose from the dead as they offered the Firstfruits of barley, fulfilling the meaning of that feast.
Then began the counting of the omer (of barley) until Pentecost, when the barley harvest was complete, as signified by the count being finished (the Church age of grace – perhaps representing 50 Jubilee years of freedom x 40 years of testing in the wilderness or 40 “days” of testifying about Jesus, corresponding with his 40 days on earth after rising from the dead?) (John 8:31-36, Luke 4:1-2, Lev. 25) At that point, the firstfruits of wheat was offered. I believe the wheat is Israel.
Note: Some instances in the Bible are translated as just grain rather than specifying the crop. Sometimes it can be deduced as to whether it should be rendered as barley or wheat by looking up the original word and looking at the context, and other times it is specified. Sometimes it really does just mean “grain.” Also note that Israel is referred to as a fig tree (Luke 13:9, Matt. 24:32-33) and an olive tree (Rom. 11:17-24) as well.
In this scenario, the church age began at the first Pentecost, and will end at a future Pentecost. Two 1,000-year “days.” Unfortunately we don’t even know for sure the actual year of Jesus’ birth. It is likely between 2 and 5 BC, which means we also have to take into consideration the fact that they skipped the year 0 when changing from BC to AD.
Notably, two loaves from the newly harvested crop (wheat) are waved on Pentecost. (Lev. 23:17) Since Jesus rose from the dead when the firstfruits of barley was waved, I think it’s reasonable to consider that the two witnesses (Rev. 11) may rise from the dead on Pentecost, fulfilling the purpose of waving the two loaves of bread. As to why they are leavened, it may represent the fact that Israel is still blinded up until that moment, so their sins are not washed away by Jesus’ blood yet. I’m not sure if/how this relates, but their bodies were left unburied for 3½ days after their death. (Rev. 11:11-13)
Then God will resume dealing with Israel, as the “fullness of the Gentiles” will have come in. (Rom. 11:13-36) Perhaps some more Gentiles will be “gleaned” (Isa 56:3-8, 45:20-25, Zech. 2:11, Joel 2:32), but that does not count as part of the actual harvest. The point about leaving the grain in the corners of the field and not picking the fields clean is that those are NOT harvested. (Lev. 23:16, 22) God is the owner of the fields and will harvest them using His own methods. (Psa. 24:1-2, Matt. 9:37-38, 13:37-43, Rev. 14:14-20, 19:17-21, Isa. 63:1-6, Jer. 51:33)
Presumably Israel will be unblinded/unhardened of heart at that point. (Rom. 11:25, Heb. 3-4) This exact timing is not spelled out explicitly, so there is room for other possibilities – but in the example from Song of Solomon 5, the veil is taken from the bride after she experiences tribulation (and she continues seeking him after that), so maybe that could represent unblinding in that context. Perhaps it refers to their no longer having an obstacle preventing them from seeing that Jesus is their Messiah. (2Cor. 3:15-16, Rom. 11:25, Isa. 9:6-7, Isa. 52:13-53:12, Psa. 2, Prov. 30:4)
So it makes sense to view the entire 7-year tribulation as a symbolic “night.” (John 9:4) Jesus said repeatedly to be ready no matter when He comes (which watch of the night, which we are viewing as which part of the tribulation). Keeping in mind the various “crops” to harvest, and that crops do not mature all at the same time, it seems likely He will be “harvesting” them at ALL four watches of the night—at the times when they should be ready and waiting.
Both Rebekah and Abigail went to where their grooms were. The groom didn’t come to their residence to get them. David sent servants to bring Abigail to himself, and Isaac’s father Abraham (representing God) is the one who sent the servant to find Rebekah. Isaac is described as walking toward Rebekah to meet her when she sees him from a distance and puts on her veil. I will definitely acknowledge that it is entirely possible that the Bible’s lessons about these and other brides do not relate to the end times and tribulation, but more to the process of coming to know God—or it could also be both.
We believers are children of the day. (1Thess. 5:4-11) So staying awake is the same thing as behaving like children of light/day—as children of God. The first watch of the night begins at dusk when it’s still at least partially light out. No one is sleeping yet. The day is just ending and night is about to begin. The next watch begins around 9pm, but the call that the bridegroom is coming isn’t until midnight. If they were expecting him between 6-9pm, that certainly would be a delay. In this way of looking at it, all those left after those taken up at the first watch have now “fallen sleep,” but some (apparently about half) manage to get ready quickly upon hearing the wake-up call.
These are my current thoughts on it. I realize that the whole thing is a very different concept to the norm. As I said, I’m still not sure what to make of the ten-day before/after pattern, and no doubt my understanding on all of it will develop further and be refined in the future. This is just what I have arrived at after studying and trying to piece it all together using only the Bible.
This would bring us to halfway through the tribulation and to the point where the reign of the beast is about to begin. What about the other two watches of the night? The third watch ends at about 3am and the last watch at about 6am. These both fall during the reign of the beast. The church at Philadelphia is told that they will be kept from the “hour of trial.” In all fairness, it doesn’t specify they will be removed from the earth in order to be “kept from that hour”—but regardless, they need to overcome by the mid-point, as exhorted to do in the seven letters. (Rev. 2-3) Those who do NOT overcome will be caught by surprise, unprepared to face Jesus.
Since all letters were to be read by all churches (Rev. 1:11) – also each letter ends with “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers…” The promises are things that we know all true believers will receive, such as eating from the Tree of Life – Rev. 2:7, 22:14; not being hurt by the second death and receiving the crown of life – Rev. 10-11, 20:6, Jam. 1:12; ruling over the nations with a rod of iron as with clay pots breaking into pieces – Rev. 2:26-27, 12:6, 10-12, Micah 4:13; clothed in white garments and not being blotted out of the Book of Life – Rev. 3:5, 7:9-14, 20:15, 21:7, 21:27, Phil. 4:3; pillar in the temple/never go out – Rev. 3:12, 7:15-17; God’s name, God’s city name, Jesus’ new name written on them – Rev. 3:12, 14:1-5; sit with Jesus on His throne – Rev. 3:21, 1Cor. 6:2-3.
As for the advice on what issues need to be corrected in order to overcome/conquer, Jesus does not want to see things He hates in ANY of the churches—those words don’t just apply to the churches that have them listed in the letter to them. All seven churches were in existence at the time of the writing of the letters, and all are symbolically in existence at the time of the end, which is the time frame in which the events described in Revelation will happen. The reign of the beast is described as both 42 months and an “hour” – thus, “the hour of trial to come upon the whole world.” (Rev. 13:5, 17:12)
Jesus is returning like a thief WITH the called, chosen and faithful toward the end of the last watch (I believe). This is just before the seventh bowl of judgment. (Rev. 16:15, 17:14, 19:11-21, Psa. 2, 110:3, Ezek. 39:17-29, Matt. 24:27-31) There is an interesting (and I think relevant) thing to take note of—newly married men in Israel were to be allowed to stay at home with their brides for a year before going to battle or being liable for public duty. (Deu. 24:5) I’m not sure how that affects the timing of the marriage of the Lamb.
In the way of other patterns, Elijah went up in a whirlwind after a 3.5 year (42 month) drought (Luke 4:25-26, 1Kings 17:9) and doing battle with false prophets (1Kings 18); whereas Elisha took up his mantle and after crossing back over the Jordan River, the first thing that happened involved 42 bears (perhaps symbolizing fierce months?) Elisha saw Elijah go up, which was evidence that he had received a double portion of Elisha’s spirit (of God’s power).
There was nothing left behind except the mantle—not only no body, but also no other clothing, shoes, etc. (unlike the movies these days). There were 50 prophets witnessing the scene who apparently did not see Elijah go up (symbolizing 50 days from Firstfruits to Pentecost/completion of counting of the omer or the 50th-year Jubilee, or both?) Elisha told them not to bother looking for Elijah, but they insisted and did so for three days. (2Kings 2)
Another bride, Ruth (a widow), gleaned through both the barley and wheat harvests, taking care of her mother-in-law Naomi. She went to the barley threshing floor, where she was discovered at Boaz’s feet around midnight. She stayed there (safe, in our symbolism about the “night” of the tribulation) until it was almost light. Then he sent her back to Naomi with six measures (omers) of barley, telling her that she shouldn’t go back to her mother-in-law empty-handed. She married Boaz (her kinsman redeemer) later that same day, when Naomi’s land was redeemed. (Ruth 1-4, Song 6:12)
Lot was taken to safety (not heaven) the day that the five cities were destroyed. (Gen. 19:15-26) We can also look to the example at Jericho (Joshua 6). Six days marching around it blowing the trumpets (the first six trumpets of Revelation 8-9), but seven times around the city on the seventh day (the seventh trumpet of Revelation 11, which contains the seven bowls of judgment in Revelation 16).
It would seem that each trumpet of Revelation could represent a year of the 7-year tribulation rather than days like at Jericho. (There is an example of the year for a day in Num. 14:34.) Also, the length of seven years seems to be provided if you add the two 3.5-year periods given in Daniel and Revelation. These are phrased in various ways to confirm the length of time: time, times and half a time; 42 months; 1,260 days (using 30-day months like in the days of Noah – Gen. 7:11, 24, Gen. 8:3-4). (Dan. 7:25, 12:7, Rev. 12:14, Rev. 11:2, 13:5, Rev. 11:3, 12:6) (I am not going to delve into Daniel’s 70 weeks and the time remaining to be fulfilled.)
One of the points that seem to verify that there are two periods of time added together to total seven years is that the beast who comes up out of the abyss (some translations say bottomless pit, which is the meaning of the Greek word abyss) kills the two witnesses who testified for one of the two 3.5-year periods. (Rev. 11:7) This seems to match the description of what happens at the fifth trumpet in Rev. 9:1-2.
Notice that those who have the seal of God on their foreheads (Rev. 7:1-3 – also note the parallel in Rev. 7:3 and 9:4; Ezek. 9:4) are protected from five months of torment at that time, similar to those in the ark being kept safe from the flood waters for that time period. Waters can represent nations in the Bible. (Rev. 17:15)
Fall Feasts
On Yom Teruah, which is usually called Feast of Trumpets (but the Hebrew word teruah does not specifically mean trumpet), the people were to SHOUT (Lev. 23:24) Ruah in its various word forms conveys the idea of making noise with breath, which can include shouting as well as blowing trumpets and other wind instruments such as flute/pipes – for examples, see Rev. 11:15-18, Psa. 47:5, 98:6, 1Sam. 4:5 and 2Sam. 6:15 (which contain both blowing the trumpet and shouting), and Psa. 27:6, 66:1, 81:1, 89:15, 95:1, 98:4, 100:1, Job 38:7 (festal shout/joyful noise), Ezra 3:11, Job 8:21 (praise, rejoicing).
Those surrounding Jericho did indeed shout and blow trumpets at Jericho, and the walls came down. (Josh. 6) Rahab was kept safe during the fall of the city as a reward for her hiding the spies plus her belief that they would keep their promise if she followed their instructions to put a scarlet cord in the window. (Josh. 2) She and her family were brought out by the spies prior to the city being burned.
On Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), a goat is released to the wilderness. There were no instructions in the Bible about abusing or killing the goat. There was no negative connotation to this animal being a goat instead of a lamb. (See Exo. 12:5 and Lev. 5:6 where a choice is given.) There were two goats and their fates were chosen by lot. The sins of the people were symbolically placed on its head by the priest, and it was to be led out to a remote area and set free. The goat to be taken to the wilderness was said to be “for Azazel.” (Lev. 16) This reminds me of Israel fleeing to Azal in Zech. 14:5 – notice the reference to both mountains and Azal/Azel (depending how it’s spelled in various versions of the Bible) when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies for the final battle.
Another bride is in Song of Solomon. In chapter 2, it’s spring and the groom says “come away.” (Song 2:9-13) Then in the next instance, it’s night and she is looking for him. She finds him almost right after asking the night watchmen about him (could “night watchmen” symbolize a watch of the night?)(Song 3:1-5) Next, she is too comfortable to get out of bed and put her robe back on. She also doesn’t want to get her (own) feet dirty that she washed (so much for anyone else’s feet – John 13:8-10, 14-15) when he is at her door. She goes looking for him after he leaves, and gets struck and bruised by the night watchmen, who take her veil (some say it could be a shawl). (Song 5:2-7, 2Cor. 3:14-18)
This reminds me of how the servant who knew to get ready but didn’t prepare received a severe beating. It also reminds me of Hos. 6:1-3. Eventually, she comes out of the wilderness on the arm of the groom. (Song 8:5, Hos. 2:14) This sounds like the woman cared for in the wilderness after the abomination of desolation during the reign of the beast/second half of the 7-year tribulation. (Rev. 12:6, Rev. 13, Matt. 24:15-16, Mark 13:14, Dan. 11:31-39) To be honest, I don’t really understand the Song of Solomon very well, and there seem to be a great variety of interpretations among those who have tried.
Other patterns of multiple chances to be ready would be when Jesus asked the three disciples (the same ones present at the transfiguration) to watch with Him for “an hour.” (Matt. 26, Mark 14) He kept returning to them and they were ASLEEP every time. Also, Paul told the Corinthians that it was the third time he was coming to them, and he would not spare those who refused to repent. (2Cor. 12:20-21, 13:1-3; also see 1John 2:28-29, Heb. 10, Luke 12:47-48, Rev. 2:16, 3:3) I believe this could be a pattern for the tribulation period—after each opportunity to be ready to go by repenting/watching/waiting, time runs out—especially as far as being spared from the nastiest parts of the “night.”
Some will undoubtedly say that’s awful to suggest to people that there could still be a chance for those who have been left behind. First, everyone should get ready NOW. It gets worse and worse as time goes on during the last days, and the suffering required to overcome is greater and greater. Second, it would be REALLY awful if someone threw in the towel because they had no hope, thereby missing the next opportunity to be ready. (Heb. 6:9-12, Matt. 13:45-46) There will be many who will lose their lives and yet gain them by overcoming the beast by refusing to take its mark and worship it. (Rev. 15, 20:4, 14:9-13, Luke 9:24-25)
Keeping Watch
We are told repeatedly to be ready by keeping watch and doing what we’re supposed to be doing while we wait. We need to remember who our REAL Master is and not get too caught up in the cares of this world (Matt. 13:22, Mark 4:19) or forget that He’s ever returning – even if He seems to be delayed. (2Pet. 3)
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:36-51
Note: It makes sense to me when some translate the words “cut in pieces” as “cut apart” as in, severing/separating the sinner from the holy – cutting off the part of the body (and we are the Body of Christ) that causes sin. (Matt. 5:29-30, Eph. 1:22-23, 5:23, 30, Col. 1:24) Also, “taken” clearly means to safety, not in judgment. Those left behind were the ones who suffered when the flood rains came, not those who were taken into the ark.
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:32-37
“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. Luke 12:35-46
Notice how staying dressed and ready for when the Master appears to connect with the Song of Solomon? The bride in Song 5:1-7 took off her garment to go to bed and didn’t want to get up and put it back on to let the groom in when he knocked. She was content that her own feet were washed (symbolizing that she didn’t feel a need to serve others). His being on the outside knocking echoes what is said to the church at Laodicea. (Rev. 3:20) Remember that Jesus said in the letters to the churches at Pergamum and Sardis that He will come against those who do not repent. (Rev. 2:16, 3:3)
Also both the above parable and the parable of the virgins refers to burning lamps. The eating and drinking and getting drunk would seem to refer to caring more about the earthly body than spiritual things. We are to “get drunk” on the Spirit, not wine. (Eph. 5:18, Heb. 12:16-17) Wine is also a symbol for the Holy Spirit. Matt. 9:17 – the old wineskins refer to Israel and the new wineskins to the Church (Body of Christ), but see the additional references above in the discussion about the seven-day pattern for the world and elsewhere in this article—God is not finished with Israel.
Staying Awake
So how do we make sure we’re ready and not sleeping? First, this only applies to believers. If you do not now believe, that is the first thing to remedy. If you’re trying to reason it out with your intellect and can’t accept anything by faith – can’t trust God – that is a huge stumbling block.
There are a lot of liars out there who deny that God created everything, despite the chances of it happening any other way are statistically impossible. (Rom. 1:18-20) In other words, chance would never account for what we have today, no matter how long you waited–THAT is what the real science says. But anyway, faith is a gift from God – so humbly ask for it. (Eph. 2:8-10, Luke 11:13)(He can hear even your thoughts, and He knows if you are sincere. Psalm 139:104, Heb. 4:12-13)
God alone grants repentance of the first sin of which we need to repent of, which is unbelief. (Acts 11:18, 2Tim. 2:24-26, Matt. 3:8) We don’t have to accept His gift, but He wants all to be saved. (1Tim. 3-6, 2Pet. 3:9) Belief is required. Not just in “a god,” but in the one true God, and very importantly, Jesus as the son of God, our Savior. (John 3:16-21, 36, 5:21-24, 6:40, 10:17-18, Acts 4:12, 1John 2:23, 3:23-24, 4:9-5:2, 5:9-12, 20, 2John 1:9, Matt. 10:32-33)
When the Bible says all those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved, it is because they believe in their hearts and thus speak with their mouths. (Rom. 10:8-13) God can’t be fooled. However, once a desperate person sees that their only hope is in the God whom they previously refused to acknowledge, they might indeed truly believe—and be eternally grateful for being saved, even last minute. (Luke 23:39-43)
Then what? We have lots of good advice in the Bible on how believers are to keep watch and stay awake. It’s actually common sense stuff. It’s doing what we’re expected to do as children of God. We’re not “under the law” (meaning the letter of the Old Testament law – Rom. 7:4-6), but we are under various “laws.” Those include the law of Christ, the royal law, the law of liberty, and the law of the Spirit. (Gal. 6:2, Jam. 1:25, 2:12, Rom. 8:2) These are summarized by acting out of love—treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves. (Matt. 7:12, 22:40, Gal. 5:13-16, Rom. 13:8-13) Importantly, these desires of how we would like to be treated should not be in conflict with the Bible’s values.
If the Holy Spirit is indwelling someone (John 3:3-8, Rom. 8:11, 2Cor. 1:21-22, Eph. 1:13-14, 3:16-19, 4:30, 1John 4:13), they will have increasing desires that honor and glorify God. This is called walking in/living by the Spirit, growing in grace and faith, maturing in Christ, increasing knowledge of Christ, developing discernment. (Rom. 8:4-5, 12:1-2, 13-14, Gal. 5:16, 25, 2Pet. 3:17-18, Eph. 4:11-16, 5:10, 15-17, Col. 1:28, 2Thess. 1:3, Phil. 1:9-11, Heb. 5:14) People who are doing these things, heeding the Spirit, will display fruit of the Spirit.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:13-26
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:3-15
There are many more behaviors to do and others to avoid in this next long passage. Notice the contrast between light and darkness, and at the end the contrast between being wise or foolish:
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 4:17-5:21
Another biblical virtue is to refuse to approve of evil. (Rom. 1:32, Psa. 97:10, Prov. 8:13, 14:16, Rom. 16:19, Job 28:28)
Overcoming/Conquering
This might just be my own way of thinking, but when I read that there will be nations being ruled over, that says to me that not everyone who is saved will be ruling. It is necessary to overcome. (Rev. 2:26-29, 3:21-22, 12:11, Jam. 1:12) We can each read for ourselves the improvements that Jesus desires to see in the Church and what He disapproves of in Rev. 2-3.
The most important concept to grasp about this is that we live by dying to ourselves, by voluntarily yielding our own will to God’s will. (Gal. 2:20, Phil. 3:8-21, Rom. 6) Jesus gave examples of this during His earthly ministry. (Matt. 10:38-39, 16:24-27, Mark 8:34-38, John 12:25-26, 8:29, 10:17-18, 15:13-14) Being persecuted for our faith in Jesus is to be expected and actually a good sign that we’re on the right track. (Matt. 5:10-16, Luke 6:22-23, John 15:19-25, 2Tim. 3:12-13, Jam. 1:12, 1Pet. 1:6-9, 4:12-19)
Also, when it says those who believe receive the right to become children of God, to me that means that not everyone who merely believed for a moment in time (or no one would even know they supposedly believed if based on their behavior, attitudes and words) ends up becoming one. (John 1:12-13, 1John 2:19, Rom. 8:19, Luke 20:35-26) The parable of the sower talks about people who fell away after believing for a short while, and not in a good light. (Matt. 13, Luke 8, Mark 4) They do not bear fruit, because the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit is needed to do that. See again John 14:15-24—He does not manifest Himself to everyone—only those who LOVE Jesus. (1Cor. 16:22)
As I always point out, this is not a situation where you want to trust and follow the crowd. The broad path is easier, but it leads to destruction. (Matt. 7:13-29, Luke 13:23-30, 6:43-49) Giving lip service to an alleged faith with no evidence (in the way of fruit of the Spirit) will not cut it. We must be born again. (John 3:3-8)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:28-29
It is necessary to abide in Jesus and bear fruit (and bearing good fruit is impossible without abiding in Jesus – John 15, Rom. 8) if we are hoping to attain to the resurrection from out of the dead, which is the first resurrection. (Phil. 3:8-21, 1Cor. 9:24-27, Heb. 12, Rev. 20:4-6, 1Cor. 2:9-10) Everyone else will be resurrected after the millennial reign of Christ, but those who are part of the first resurrection have no fear of the second death/judgment. (Rev. 20:6, 12-15)
If everyone is “all set” and “good to go” after making a declaration of faith in Jesus (as so many preach today), then why the letters to the churches? (Rev. 2-3, Rom. 12:2, 15:33-34, 2Cor. 13:5) If God doesn’t “see” the sins of believers, then why are some judged bodily on earth so that they will not be condemned later? (1Cor. 11:30-32) And why are we disciplined as God’s children if we are already “perfect” while on earth? (Heb. 12:3-11) What race are we running? (1Cor. 9:24-27, Heb. 12) Why all of the exhortations to hold fast? (Phil. 2:14-16, 1Cor. 15:1-8, 2Cor. 11:2-4, Col. 2:18-19, Heb. 3:6, 4:14, 6:18, Jam. 1:12, 5:11, 19-20, 2Pet. 3:11-18, Jude 1:20-25)
People who think they’re so loving and smart to un-do God’s warnings about what happens to those who despise his instructions are not being either one. How about the admonitions not to forfeit our firstborn inheritance for worthless things of this world? (Heb. 12:14-17, 22-24, 1John 2:15-17) This is not about earning salvation. It’s about how God desires saved people behave—especially those who desire to belong to His glorious household. (John 13:34-35, Heb. 3:3-6, 12-14, Psa. 23:6) The amazing things we can’t even imagine are for those who LOVE God. (1Cor. 2:9) There have been many instances in this article of how God defines love.
If you haven’t carefully read the entire book of Hebrews, I would recommend it for everyone. There are many quotes from the Old Testament that show where it was all going all along—for the glory of God and Jesus’ majestic role as our Savior and King. The name of the book was taken from a notation on the outside of the manuscript that said “to the Hebrews.” It is not actually mentioned anywhere in the book. It’s for all of us, and it’s a treasure.
Speaking of treasure, when we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we value what God values the most. (1Cor. 2:11) He gives us the desires of our heart, which align with His. (Psa. 37:4) Everything on this present earth will be burned up. (2Pet. 3:10-14) The only way to store up real treasure is to invest in the kingdom of God, which cannot be shaken. (Heb. 12:25-29, 13:5-6, Luke 12:15-21, Matt. 6:24-34, 19:16-30, 25:14-46, 1Tim. 6:6-10, 2Tim. 3:1-9)
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:22-34
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:10-15
A good way of looking at everything we have is that they are gifts from God that we should strive to use for His glory. (1Chron. 29:14, 1Cor. 3:10-15) That way our possessions won’t become stumbling blocks for us. (Matt. 19:23-24, Gal. 2:10, 6:6-10) And it goes without saying, but this is all voluntary. God loves a cheerful giver (2Cor. 9:6-12) Mandating the redistribution of what each one has is not the same thing as sharing out of love according to the various needs of each one. (Matt. 26:11, Eph. 4:28, 2Thess. 3:10-12)
If we are deprived of our belongings for His sake, we will reap an eternal reward by enduring it (Heb. 10:32-34), but God does not approve of people redistributing His blessings by forcefully taking them from the one He gave them to and giving them to others. It is covetous to desire to have someone else’s possessions and envy their blessings, and that is even called idolatry in the Bible. (Eph. 5:5) We’re meant to be satisfied with what God gave us in the way of blessings, including all sorts of gifts, abilities, talents, etc. If we want more, we can pray to Him, not steal someone else’s. (Matt. 7:7-11)
God gives us free will in our daily lives and in whether or not to believe and follow Him. We show what sort of people we are by how we respond to that. Let’s be wise, not foolish. Let’s be ready with lamps lit, abiding in Jesus, when He returns.