Lesson Two

Chapters 8, 9 & 11

Trumpet Judgments

Note how these trumpet events are similar to the Egyptian plagues that God brought through Moses in the book of Exodus. The Book of Revelation is portraying a second exodus event, not just the for nation of Israel but for the people of God in Christ Jesus.

a) What was the main significance of the first Exodus event in the Old Testament?

- To begin to understand this, you need to understand why God called Moses at the burning bush. The purpose for God calling Moses to deliver his people from Pharaoh was not so much to save His people as much as it is to show who is the Most High God. Yes, it was one of His purposes to save His people from Egyptians but this was not God's ultimate purpose. His ultimate purpose was to show the people who worshiped the gods of Egypt who is the Most High God. It was a face off between the gods (demons) of Egypt and Elohim the Creator God.

b) The Name: This ultimate purpose of God is revealed in the Name God revealed to Moses. "YHWH" are the Hebrew letters that we spell out as Yahwah (otherwise know also as "Jehovah" or "LORD" with all capitals in some translations). This is a name that Jews today fear to pronounce, so as, to revere the name of God. The name means, "I AM WHO I AM" or "I AM THAT I AM." This name speaks of the "aseity" of God, meaning that God has the power to exist within Himself. There is no one outside of God who makes Him exist, and it is only through Him in which everything else in creation exists. Without God nothing can exist. This is what the essence of Holiness means. It is in God "we live and move and have our being" to do all that God wants us to do for Him. This is why God tells His people to "Be holy (not as but) for I am holy."

c) A Holy War: God picked a fight not with Pharaoh but with Pharaoh's gods. We are not to wrestle against flesh and blood (humans), but against spiritual wickedness in high places. God picked a fight with the gods of Egypt because they took the place of God among the Egyptians. They claimed to have aseity for the Egyptians over that of "YHWH," but God would not allow that to continue. He is a Jealous God and will not share His glory with unclean spirits. So He came down to pick a fight with them and sent 10 plagues by the hand of Moses targeting each of these 10 gods that the Egyptians worshiped. Upon each plague that was unleashed, each god was defeated, proving that the self-sufficient power of being is not in them but only in the Most High God.

d) First Commandment: God echoed His aseity after He delivered Israel out of Egypt and gave them the first of the ten commandments. "Thou shall have no other gods beside me." Upon this command hangs the other nine commands that come after. Here God is putting His foot down to say that it is only in Him that people can be and do what they need to be and do. He doesn't need creation to exist, but creation needs Him to exist.

e) The Burning Bush: God not only told Moses the Name of God, but He also demonstrated the Name in the burning bush. The bush was burning, but not being consumed. The fire represents the impossible mission to face Pharaoh and free his people, and the bush represents Moses. This is a job that would destroy any mortal man, but when the man is dependent upon "YHWH," the man will not be consumed. He will be burning brightly, but the fire won't destroy him. This is because God allows Himself to be the fuel source, not Moses. God takes the ashes, so that we can take His beauty. He takes our pain, so that He can give us His joy. When we understand the asiety of God, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God does not use His people; he does not chew them up to spit them out, by no means. God uses them and keeps them fresh in the process. He will use them and keep their clothes and shoes to never wear out. We don't get burnt out being used by God, because He is our Rest.

f) Application: When it comes to doing the difficult things the bible tells us to do, we need to remember the asiety of God. Whether it is to keep our sexual purity or turn the other check when someone slaps you, remember the asiety of God. Remember that God will not let the difficult circumstance destroy you. He will be your fuel source and give you His peace and strength to not let it consume you. The key to getting this from God is to bring every negative trial or temptation to God. Tell God all the pain that is heavy on your heart, and don't stop praying until you get an answer from God. Pray without ceasing. Every time you remember the pain or feel the temptation, tell it to God. Give your heart a voice to God's ears. Pray while you work. Pray while you play. Keep on praying. You know the answer comes when you feel the peace... when the temptation is no longer pulling you as much... when the pain goes away. You will know you received an answer, when God gives you a new perspective on the matter... when God gives you a Word that eases the distress in your soul. This is your ticket to victory. This gives you the ability to live obediently to the Spirit. This is what gives God the atmosphere to do miracles through you like He did through Moses!