From time to time, I get asked the question "How did you see that in the scriptures and how were you able to link that with current events?" So I thought that I'd write a quick post to share with you the lenses that I use that allows me to see what some others can't see as readily.
The first principle I have in my mind is this:
Ecclesiastes 1:9 - The thing that hath been (past), it is that which shall be (future); and that which is done (present) is that which shall be done (future): and there is no new thing under the sun.
When looking at events taking place in the world from a Biblical perspective, I have always in my mind that what I am seeing, has happened in some way shape or form before, and can be, if searched for, found in the Word of God.
However, this doesn't mean you will find it in exactly the same way in the scriptures, but the principle will be there. This principle is not limited to events either, it has application to characteristics and personalities.
But in order to see the repetition, you will have to know the earlier occurrences. That, my friend takes effort to dig into the scriptures and search as for hidden treasure.
The second Biblical principle I have in my mind, especially when reading about the children of Israel in both the Old Testament and the New is this:
1 Corinthians 10:11 - Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (types): and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
This text right here, is an immensely power tool when considering the journey that I am taking from my Egypt (Earth) to my Canaan (Heaven).
Read in context with 1 Corinthians 1:1-10, you will see that Paul is highlighting certain pressure points in the journey and life of Israel that we need to take notice of. Why? It's because their history, their wanderings in the wilderness, their experiences on the road from bondage to freedom, from Egypt to Canaan, have more application and significance for us who live at the end of the world, than for those that actually lived it!
I would recommend taking some time with 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, jotting down the different experiences that Paul highlights and then studying those experiences in detail.
I promise that you will find a rich vein of truth as you do this. Not only will you become more familiar with your Bible, but you will also begin to see the parallels between their experiences and ours.
When studying the wanderings and happenings of Old Testament Israel, with the right lenses on, you will find out that you are not just reading sacred history, but also sacred prophecy.
Those two principles give me a telescopic view of what is taking place in the world and in my church, but the next principles I want to share with you will give me a microscopic view of what is really going on with and in our world, the characteristics being brought to view and also the powers contending in the unseen.
In the book by Ellen G White called "Education" we find the following passage:
“The student should learn to view the word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its (1) grand central theme, of (2) God’s original purpose for the world, of (3) the rise of the great controversy, and of (4) the work of redemption. He should understand the (5) nature of the two principles that are contending for supremacy, and should learn to (6) trace their working through the records of history and prophecy, to the great consummation.”
“He should (7) see how this controversy enters into every phase of human experience; (8) how in every act of life he himself reveals the one or the other of the two antagonistic motives; and how, (9) whether he will or not, he is even now deciding upon which side of the controversy he will be found.”
“Every part of the Bible is given by inspiration of God and is profitable [2 Timothy 3:15-17]. The Old Testament no less than the New should receive attention. As we study the Old Testament we shall find living springs bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only a desert.”
Make sure you don't miss what you have just read...
In order to see underneath the surface of what is taking place in our world, in our churches, in your homes and even in your lives, you have to gain a knowledge of and become familiar with:
1 - The grand central theme of the Bible
2 - God's original purpose for the world
3 - The rise of the Great Controversy
4 - The work of redemption
5 - The nature of the two principles contending for the supremacy
6 - Be able to trace their workings through history and prophecy
7 - How this Great Controversy permeates and inculcates itself into every area of human life
8 - How you, by your choices and actions reveal who side you're on
9 - Whether by your voices and actions you will win or lose
I have experienced and can give a true testimony, that by having a solid knowledge of points 1-5, that points 6-7 become easier to achieve.
So here is the challenge:
Take an Old Testament account and apply the principles laid out above, and unpack it as much as you can, bringing out of the verse or passage things that were always there, but just sometimes overlooked or missed completely.
I'd love to hear what you find, so please do share your studies with me and everyone else.
May God bless you as He sharpens your tools for time and eternity.
Maranatha!
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