As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
As we conclude this short series, I’d like to try to unlock the meaning of an obscure phrase, found twice within the letters to the seven churches of Revelation. which has always intrigued me. The references are quite easy to remember, as they both end in the number nine.
Christ told “the church in Smyrna” (Rev. 2:8):
“Behind all this is a convoluted history and a painful reminder of why a written constitution is necessary. Israel does not have one….The United Nations action that formed Israel as a Jewish state required the early adoption of a constitution and the nation pledged to do so….It did not happen.” - World
The Lord Jesus Christ made two startling announcements, through the Apostle John, to the recipients of the book of Revelation.
Speaking to His congregation at Smyrna, He stated: “I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9).
Then, He addressed the Philadelphian church regarding “those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie” (Rev. 3:9).
“While I live in Israel today, I spent my childhood in the U.S., and I am proud to say that I am a citizen of both countries.” - CPost
“Be thankful that America has a written Constitution…. Israel’s elected parliament, the Knesset, is currently trying to stave off an anti-democratic coup by its judiciary.” - N.Review
“The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found proof in 21 different archaeological sites. From the army of Hazael destroying ancient Israeli cities to the Edomites decimating parts of Southern Judah, the team found evidence of dozens of Biblical military events.” - Relevant
“Biblical archaeology is back in full swing in Israel—after a two-year pandemic delay—and now the digs across the country are going to get a new boost from tourist-volunteers.” - CToday
“Americans’ attitudes about Israel are nuanced…. Views of Israel as a country, meanwhile, fall in between, with a little over half of Americans (55%) expressing a favorable opinion.” - Pew
“Amendment INT-02, titled ‘On Recognition That Israel’s Laws, Policies, and Practices Constitute Apartheid Against the Palestinian People,’ passed on a 28-3 committee vote Tuesday afternoon.” - CPost
Discussion