We ended the prior post discussing 1 John 5 explaining the witness in heaven and on earth: “7 For there are three that bear record [witness] in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
In our discussion we came to understand the following: “We see the Word originating from the Father above, flowing as water to the earth and to the Son(s) in pure form, delivered in the earth in the same form by the Son(s) with the known cost and necessary long-suffering in delivering it as such. This last aspect being the blood, and the means of delivery between heaven and earth, Father and Son(s), is the one Holy Spirit.”
Picking up our discussion today with the word being given (preached and taught) to those in the earth by the Sons. It first comes to one Son, is delivered to others and upon their receiving, believing, they also becomes sons of God, and the process then repeats (producing after its own kind.)
John goes on to tell us the objective in the verses surrounding the above quote: The LORD witnessing from heaven (the firmament where the waters are rightly divided) to the Word delivered being the living water, now being delivered by those who have become His Son, sons and daughters.
1 John 5
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son.
10 He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
The key words above tell of first receiving and believing the witness/report, this is the equivalent to entering the kingdom of heaven, and then coming into the presence of the LORD, where we receive directly from the Father. This is the context in understanding that what we should ask for needs to be, “according to His will.” We should be asking for His word to be revealed directly to us personally – it is the personal relationship many have asked about and for. This is where I am leading any who will receive and believe, and enter the holy of holies in the presence of the LORD (as He has show me and led me.)
In many prior posts we have discussed this way being lost, as written of in Ezekiel and it speaking of the shepherd’s who are charged with feeding the sheep, instead feeding themselves. We have seen this as the impetus of the LORD’s speaking of himself as the Good Shepherd, laying down his life to protect and rescue us from the wolves that have come into our midst when the shepherds abandoned the flock. (Ezekiel 34 and John 10)
We also saw Ezekiel 44 tell of this as the gate and doorway that would be closed until the prince comes, who will sit in the doorway eating bread before the LORD. The word used in the original text for “before” is the Hebrew word paniy, literally meaning a pearl. It is almost the same as word meaning face, for it being the part of the body that turns, and the idea of it being translated “before” is as in “before the face” of the LORD in the gateway. This is also from where the definition comes of the city gates of heavenly Jerusalem defined as being pearls, in Revelation 21:21 (faces turning to the LORD, being before Him.)
The LORD also tells us in John 10 of Him being the door, the way [back into the city,] as He goes on to tell of Him also entering this way. He continue on speaking of going before His sheep and of them hearing and knowing His voice (following His leading the way.) This takes us back to believing the witness/report being heard, as is written in Isaiah 53.
When the LORD says He goes before His sheep and they follow He is alluding to what is written in Isaiah 52 where the chapter ends telling of the LORD going before us, and of Him being the reward we find. He also speaks of the things they hadn’t heard and didn’t know, which He will show them so they will know the voice.
Isaiah 52
10 The LORD has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
11 Depart you, depart you, go you out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go you out of the midst of her; be you clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.
12 For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward.
13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
14 As many were astonied [astonished] at you; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
It is from this point of view that Isaiah asks the question, “Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” The question is actually an answer in the form of a question. It is saying the presence of the LORD is revealed to those who believe the afore spoken report (know the voice.)
This is again what Romans 10 speaks of when Paul quotes from earlier in Isaiah 52 in telling of the one preaching the gospel of peace, and then quotes from Isaiah 53:1, asking, “Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”
Paul is telling of those who knowing themselves as God’s people, having a zeal for God, but lacking the knowledge to actually know Him. What we are told earlier in Isaiah 52 is of the one coming as the redeemer, and in our hearing knowing it is the LORD speaking. These are the words we are told of hearing from the one speaking and by these words recognize: “6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that says unto Zion, Your God reigns! 8 Your watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye [face to face,] when the LORD shall bring again Zion.
Romans 10
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for [all God’s people by name, Christian and Jew] Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (see Isaiah 45: 23 & 24 below)
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.
5 For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what says it? The word is nigh you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
10 For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, LORD, who has believed our report?
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes truly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses said, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 But Isaiah is very bold, and says, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 But to Israel he says, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
Isaiah 52 begins by calling on God’s people to awake, to shake themselves from the dust. This is what is later spoken of in Isaiah 60:1 when the LORD tells us to arise and shine, and of the His Glory that will be seen in us. Again, it is speaking in reference to what was said just prior in Isaiah 59, “20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, says the LORD. 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD; My spirit that is upon you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed, says the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”
It is telling us of the same witness, the Father sending His Word, by His Spirit to earth, and here it is first delivered to the Redeemer. The call then comes in Isaiah 60 to those sitting in darkness, to awake and this same glory will be seen in them, and the LORD will rise upon/in them, as the same exact Glory seen in the Redeemer.
I can lead you to Him, but you have to receive Him and believe. If you say you know Him, and say you are waiting for Him you are contradicting yourself. If you say He is in you, as the Word of God tells us He will be if we receive Him, why are you waiting for what you have? The problem is usually that your self is in His way, the things you have picked up as understanding, false teaching that opposes the LORD being revealed to/in you. You must become as a little child, and be born again without the confusion of corrupted ideas. The incorrigibles and those rejecting correction will never know Him.
Isaiah 60
1 Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
4 Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to you: your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
This mystery is spoken of in Ephesians 5 after Isaiah 60:1 is quoted telling us to arise. The quote comes after telling of the darkness that is as infidelity toward the LORD, after Christ has loved us and given himself for us, and we went astray after other men’s creations. This is why Paul ends telling of our being joined to Christ, being as a marriage – two becoming one flesh, and leaving the houses of our youth. The example also speaks of us as a wife sacrificially abandoning outside desires to instead rule and order her own house, with the husband as the head of their one body (as shepherd, leading the way and protecting.) The other way is separated, even if thought to be together, in a relationship always in peril.
Ephesians 5
7 Be not you therefore partakers with them.
8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the LORD: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the LORD.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the LORD is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the LORD.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the LORD the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
I am going to conclude with the ending of Isaiah 44 and all of Isaiah 45. It should be noted the passage begins with the LORD elaborating upon His witness. He tells of confirming His word being in the one He has sent with it. He goes on to tell of the gates being opened, and of all this His giving us the treasures hidden in darkness. He says He gives us His hidden riches so we will know it is Him, and His word to those who are called by His name, even while not knowing Him as they should (because of man caused darkness.)
(FYI: these posts are large and with many courses, as a feast table in a wilderness should be. None are required to eat it all, but neither should any leave this table hungry.)
Isaiah 44
23 Sing, O you heavens; for the LORD has done it: shout, you lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
24 Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things; that stretches forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by myself;
25 That frustrates the tokens of the liars, and makes diviners mad; that turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;
26 That confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; that says to Jerusalem, You shall be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, You shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
27 That says to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up your rivers:
28 That says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, You shall be built; and to the temple, Your foundation shall be laid.
Isaiah 45
1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
2 I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
3 And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, which call you by your name, am the God of Israel.
4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called you by your name: I have surnamed you, though you have not known me.
5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded you, though you have not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8 Drop down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
9 Woe unto him that strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashions it, What have you made? or your work, He has no hands?
10 Woe unto him that says unto his father, What have you fathered? or to the woman, What have you brought forth?
11 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command you me.
12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, says the LORD of hosts.
14 Thus says the LORD, The labor of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto you, and they shall be yours: they shall come after you; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto you, they shall make supplication unto you, saying, Surely God is in you; and there is none else, there is no God.
15 Truly you are a God that hides yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior.
16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: you shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
18 For thus says the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek you me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
21 Tell you, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
