So far, we have talked about the eleven dimensions in general, those which define our existence here on the Earth, and those related to time. Now let’s look at the next four dimensions that are related to the spiritual realm.

Dimension       Defined                                                         Spiritual Significance
8                          Multiple Worlds with Different Physics            Eden / Paradise
9                          Can go from one timeline on one world to     Angelic Realm
                             another timeline on a parallel world.
10                        All possible infinities of all possible worlds     God’s Council and Special Angels
                             accessing past, present, and future of
                             each simultaneously.
11                        Contains all subatomic particles from all         God
                             dimensions of all parallel worlds.

The eighth dimension is the first dimension which includes worlds that may be different from our own in many different ways. For example, rather than life being carbon based, perhaps it is silicone based, or maybe other species are the dominant species of a world, or any other type of physics that you can imagine. From a spiritual perspective, the different physics may be the spiritual elements we may experience. This dimension may represent Eden, or Paradise, which will be composed of the souls of the righteous who Christ brought from the seventh dimension after this resurrection and then those who go there automatically since that time: We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2Co 5:8). This dimension would also encompass many things that God’s creativity has made for those here to enjoy.

The Bible mentions the Garden of Eden. Either this was a copy of Eden made on Earth for Adam and Eve, or Adam and Eve were temporarily in this Garden within the eighth dimension. This is the position I took for my book Rebellion in the Stones of Fire. There are several reasons for taking this position. One, if the Garden of Eden was on Earth, it would mean that the Tree of Life was transferred from the eighth dimension to the fourth dimension. While possible, it would seem more logical to transfer Adam and Eve rather than the entire garden. Yet, we know that with God all things are possible. Second, there is a verse (Gn 2:5) that states the Earth was not yet lush, but then it transitions to a lush garden planted in Eden. It would seem this to be a different place, perhaps a different dimension due to its lushness, or God made a lush garden east of an earthly place called Eden which was apparently itself not lush. After the rebellion, Eden does not seem to exist on Earth and neither does the garden. It may be that the garden was created in Eden, the eighth dimension, and when they rebelled, Adam and Eve were transferred to the fourth dimension where time would direct their future.

The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan. How did he do this? When created, both Adam and Eve were naked, but they felt no shame (Gn 2:25). Yet, after they rebelled, they realized they were naked and did feel shame (Gn 3:7). So, what happened? It is thought that they were covered with a layer of light (Light: aleph, vav, resh: אור). After their rebellion, God made for them a clothing of animal skin (Skin: ahyin, vav, resh: עור). While both words ‘light’ and ‘skin’ are spelled differently, the first letter of each word is silent, so they are pronounced the same. Aleph means “strong, power, leader.” Ahyin means “see, watch, know.” Satan told them they would know what God knew. God knew they were naked, but due to God’s leadership, their nakedness was not a hindrance in knowing him because they had no shame. Yet when they disobeyed, the light was gone and they now ‘knew’ their nakedness, which God already knew. But now, having this knowledge led them to shame of their nakedness. They now felt vulnerable. They could not do anything about their condition. God provided them animal skins as a covering but now, their nakedness, their vulnerability, would always be a barrier to their closeness to each other and to God.

What was the rebellion? Adam and Eve had a choice. They went from following what they knew (God as their powerful leader) to following what they could only see (what Satan told them). They went from what they could know to what they could experience with their eyes; disobedience severed their intimate connection. God’s light no longer shown through them. Therefore, God allowed Adam to yield his kingdom to Satan rather than to him. Adam and Eve were placed in the 4th dimension where Satan had been banished. Adam’s theocratic kingdom which God was preparing him for was ceded to Satan. This is the reason we are condemned because we are born into Satan’s kingdom (Jn 3:17). Adam and Eve were removed from the Tree of Life (8th dimension) which sustained them. Over time, their perfection yielded to corruption (in 4th dimension). But God was merciful; they were placed in time. Time has an end.

The ninth dimension characterizes the ability to go from one dimension to another at any given timeline from either dimension. This seems to also be the characteristic of the angelic dimension. As angels are God’s messengers, they can travel to any dimension below theirs and go to any timeline on Earth they are instructed to go.

The tenth dimension allows all possible infinities of all possible universes. Here, the past, present, and future are known simultaneously. This seems to be similar to the working of God’s council and his special angels (cherubim and seraphim). This was also where Lucifer (who became God’s Adversary, Satan) originally dwelt. Cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures all dwell within God’s presence. Cherubim sustain God’s throne, and their faces represent his character (Ek 1, 10). Seraphim sing and give glory back to God (Is 6). Living Creatures give God the admiration he deserves (Rv 4). God’s council is composed of those who are also called Elohim (i.e., gods). These are specially created beings who help God rule and oversee all his creation (Ps 82:1; 89:5-7) yet they also worship God (Ne 9:6) as they are subservient to him (Ps 24:10; Is 44:6). They seem to meet regularly as they oversee the affairs of mankind (Jb 1:6; 1Ki 22:19; Da 4:17).

The eleventh dimension contains all the subatomic particles from all other dimensions. It seems that this is the dimension from which all other dimensions originated. Also, it seems that if positive energy can balance out negative energy, then a universe can appear instantly. This is reminiscent of the 0 dimension from where some scientists believe the Big Bang originated. This would imply that the particles of matter came from the eleventh dimension going through the zero dimension.

From a spiritual point of view, this would be the dimension in which God exists as a single entity, and he is linked to all other dimensions. Only God is linked to the dimension of time – can see past, present, and future simultaneously. God is also linked to all elementary particles. His creative work emanates because he controls all. It is speculated that 10^500 universes exist. If true, this may be the number of decisions people make and yet God knows which one will be enacted upon.

Next time, we’ll go over some of the consequences resulting from our belief in eleven dimensions.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the last several weeks, we have seen the Christmas story through the eyes of several Christmas heroes: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. These were people living their daily lives unaware of how they would become immortalized in the coming of their Messiah. Yet, it was not without hardship. They had to allow their belief to overcome their fear.

Mary yielded to the offer of giving herself to be the vessel of bringing their Messiah into the world at the potential cost of her very life. She believed God would take care of her even when it looked like her world would cave in around her. Because of her sacrifice, the world has never been the same since.

Joseph yielded to the guidance he received from God and risked his reputation and possibly even his livelihood so that he could assist their Messiah to be part of their lives. He had to overcome his doubts about whose baby Mary was really carrying. This took faith in believing that not only was Mary telling the truth, but that his so-called dream was truly the voice of the Lord to him. He had to love a son that was not his own and transfer the love he had for God to his now adopted son. He sacrificed much to be a part of God’s plan for mankind. Because of his sacrifice, the Messiah was born into a home of love which reflected the love God had for the world.

The shepherds had to suffer ridicule from the priests when they told what happened to them that night on the hills outside of Bethlehem where angels announced their Messiah’s birth. They likely had to continue doing a job they knew was soon to be obsolete. Yet, they could now see a deeper truth in their profession which they did not realize before. Because of their sacrifice, the news of the Messiah’s coming was spread throughout Bethlehem and Jerusalem even if not many believed them.

The Magi were willing to go into enemy territory to find the one whom they had looked forward to for so long. They risked an international incident so they could come and worship the long-awaited one. And, indeed, we are told that another détente treaty had to be established between Parthia and Rome around 1 AD, only two years after their arrival in Jerusalem. This may not have been the only reason for the treaty but may have precipitated the realization for its necessity. Their sacrifice created a peaceful time between the two empires while Christ was on the earth to achieve his public ministry.

Each of these individuals had a tough decision to make but if you would ask them if they would do it all over again, I’m sure they would say ‘yes.’

But what about the rest of society? How did they take part in this monumental event? While these few and the host of heaven were rejoicing in the Messiah’s birth, the majority in Israel were totally oblivious to the event. Some even refused to believe the event even when they were presented with evidence.

The village of Nazareth chose to believe impropriety by a godly woman over the truth of her words. Willing to slander and gossip rather than believe their long-awaited Messiah was now so near.

The priests refused to believe the words of the Magi because they did not fit into their preconceived ideas about the coming Messiah. Rather than check the scriptures fully for the truth of the words of the Magi, they simply ignored them. They were not even willing to travel ten miles with these men to see if what they said was true. They were so adamant in their false beliefs that inconveniencing themselves in the slightest was out of the question.

And Herod? It’s obvious he was unhappy with the Magi’s claim that a king had been born. It is unclear who started this unrest between Rome and Parthia that had to be quelled by the signing of a new détente treaty agreement. Perhaps it was he who raised the issue with the Emperor—all because he felt threatened. And likely because he knew he was not the rightful king of the Jews, but he was determined to keep the title at all costs—no matter who had to pay, including the deaths of so many innocent children in Bethlehem.

And what about the others in Israel? All was routine. While the angels proclaimed the birth of Christ, everyone else slept, went about their normal routines and chores, and maybe even worried about how they would pay new taxes imposed upon them. No one had the time or interest to see the meaning of a bright star in the night sky or give comfort to a weary pregnant woman in a crowded town. After all, they had problems of their own to solve.

And what about us today? Do we have time to go out of our way to see the need in someone else, to let God do something impossible according to our thought process? Are we ready for God’s next big thing in our lives? Will we turn over our doubt and disbelief to the One who can accomplish the impossible and do it in ways we never considered or ways that may go against our preconceived ideas or how we think or feel they should be done? We all want the impossible, but often the impossible requires sacrifice. That was true for Mary, for Joseph, for the shepherds, and for the Magi. And certainly, true for Yashua, the Christ. He had to reconnect our broken relationship which required him to make a huge sacrifice. Maybe our sacrifice is not as great, but it still requires the same humbleness on our part, the same willingness to set aside our pride, and to allow the God of impossibilities to do the impossible for us and through us. The result is something truly remarkable. Something beyond our wildest hopes and dreams. Something far greater than we can ever conceive.

Come, step into the shoes of these heroes of Christmas and see what God can do for you and through you this Christmas season. He’s waiting. You, too, can be a Christmas hero. ‘Tis the season for impossibilities.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

“Keeping us waiting here like this for nearly half an hour by this . . . Judean ruler . . . is insulting. After all, we are Magi, members of the royal Magistanes, sent here by king Phraates himself, ruler of all of Parthia, to honor the birth of the newly born King of the Jews.”

“That’s true, Melchior, but that may be what concerns him,” Balthazar says. “He likely thinks he is their king.”

“Yes, yes,” Melchior says, waving his hands. “But surely he’s not so myopic that he doesn’t see the possibility of this one to reunite our people and theirs.”

“Oh, he’s too in bed with Rome to see such a possibility, except as a threat,” Balthazar says. “If we’re interested in him, then he likely thinks we’re here to sabotage his rule.”

“That’s likely true,” Casper says. “Did you see his eyes when he saw king Phraates’ royal guard escorting us in?”

Balthazar laughs. “He tried to hide his reaction, but his surprise was duly noted—especially when he looked from his balcony seeing our contingent of several hundred camels, and equal numbers of servants and guards.”

“Well, what does he expect,” Melchior replies. “We have a large amount of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to protect. Plus, king Phraates doesn’t trust this Herod, especially since he sent the Roman, Mark Antony, to attack him in his own realm of Parthia. It’s clear there is no love lost between them.”

“But our mission is so important,” Melchior says. “Once we show him the star alignments, how can he doubt? There was a triple conjunction of the king planet with the king star in the constellation of the lion. Belteshazzar always taught this constellation represents Judah. Surely this Herod will know that. But in addition, we saw the king planet in conjunction with the mother planet. He can’t consider that a coincidence. And now, we have been following this star which led us here. If the heavens are declaring the birth of a king, surely mere mortals will not ignore it.”

“I hope you’re right,” Balthazar says as he suddenly stands as Herod and his contingent of priests and royal companions enter. Both Melchior and Casper also stand.

“Please, please, be seated,” Herod says. “Apologies for the long wait. I had my priests do some research themselves.”

“We are aware of the prophecy of a coming Messiah,” one of the priests says. “He is prophesied to vanquish all of our enemies and rule from Jerusalem over the entire world.”

Melchior looks at his comrades. Their glance back at him indicates that they, too, believe this statement about enemies include them as well.

“But we know of no one of any prominence to have been born yet. Evidently, this prophecy is still in our future, surely.”

“But what of the star signs?” Melchior replies. “I have the charts right here that your very own prophet Daniel, whom we call Belteshazzar, had Magi in Babylon put together for this very event.”

The priest holds up his hand. “But none of that is in his writings, I’m afraid.”

“Plus,” another religious cleric dressed differently from the other man adds, “prophetic writings are not part of the Torah and cannot be given as much weight as words from HaShem.”

Herod holds up his hands. “But we certainly grant you the benefit of the doubt.” He gives a smile, but it seems somewhat deceptive. “So, in consultation with my advisors here, we also commission you to find this . . . king . . . and give him our homage as well.” He gives another smile, quite evident to be forced. “Send us word and we’ll come and worship him as well.”

All three nod but look wary. “Do you have homage you wish us to take for you to give to him in your honor?” Balthazar asks.

“Nothing now, but we’ll do so when we come. We can’t come ourselves empty handed now, can we?” His words hang in the air, which now seems quite thick with tension.

One of the priests clears his throat. “Our scripture declares that the birthplace of our coming Messiah will be in Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem. If he has come, which I must warn you is doubtful, he would be there.”

Silence hangs in the air once again. Casper stands. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’ll be on our way and will relay your well wishes once we find this new arrival who can be a unifying force between both our people.”

Herod looks from one to the other. “Unifying . . . force?”

“Well . . . yes,” Casper replies. “As you know most Parthians are originally from this land. This one will be as much a king to us as he will be to you.”

“I . . . see,” Herod replies, though he looks as if he wants to take them as prisoners on the spot, but he smiles instead. “Yes, well, this will be a truly momentous find for sure.”

The three then walk out with their guard escorts as they each feel the eyes of Herod and his entourage burn into them as they exit.

As they mount their camels to leave Jerusalem and head toward Bethlehem, Balthazar looks at Casper. “Was that last part necessary?”

‘No, but it clearly tells us his true intensions.”

Balthasar raises his eyebrows. “He wants nothing to do with this new king. Or with us for that matter.”

“I vote we return home a different way than coming back through Jerusalem,” Melchior replies.

Casper nods. “Oh, most definitely.”

As they approach the small town of Bethlehem, Melchior has only those guarding the gifts come along with them and the larger contingent stay outside the city.

Casper looks up at the star. “Look, the star is practically straight above this town. Our star signs and the Jewish scriptures the priest quoted seem to align.”

Balthazar rubs his chin. “Yes, but even though this town is small, how do we find where this new king will be located? I mean, I don’t think there is anyone of great wealth here. It does seem a little strange a new king would be here, don’t you think?”

Melchior shrugs. “Well, it’s all worked out just as predicted so far. I see no need to doubt now. I say we just enter and see what happens.”

“Well, that doesn’t seem logical,” Balthazar says, “but I have no better alternative.”

The sun is setting as they approach the city, and other stars are now becoming visible. Darkness begins to descend on the city, but not everywhere. They follow a glow and come to a house and stop in front of it.

“This must be the place,” Casper says. “It seems this glow is providential.”

They each descend their camel. The eyes of neighbors look their way but stay in the shadows, afraid to come out. Their guards bring several large chests to the door of the house. One knocks. Once the door opens, the glow around the house dissipates. A man appears in the doorway, eyes wide.

Melchior gives a bow. “We have come a great distance from our home within Parthia to pay homage to the one born here to be king of the Jews.”

The man looks from one to the other, partly in fright, partly in wonderment. “I am Jospeh. My wife, Mary, and I have a son who was born six months ago.

Melchior bows again. “May we have the honor to enter?”

Joseph steps back and lets them and the guards with their chests enter. Mary is sitting with the child in her lap. Her eyes go wide, and she looks at those entering and then to Joseph for an explanation. He gives a slight shrug. “These men have evidently come to pay homage to our son, Yashua.”

The three Magi stand before Mary and genuflect. “It is our honor to meet your son, most blessed among women,” Balthazar says.

“I’m sorry,” Mary says, “but I don’t understand.”

Casper smiles. “We bring gifts from us and from our king Phraates IV, king of Parthia. We bring gold to the one in your lap who is king of the Jews, we bring frankincense as he will function as a type of priest to his people as your scriptures indicate, and we bring myrrh for anointing because your scriptures also indicate he will have to suffer. Three gifts for three important events in your son’s life.

“We have come because your son is a descendant of David, king of Judah, and a descendant of Jehoiachin, made a ruler of Parthia. Your son will one day unite both of our peoples once again as it was in the days of David and Solomon.”

“Our duty as Magi of the Magistanes,” Melchior adds, “is to find those who can become king. Your son, Yashua, meets all the requirements. No decision is needed today, but we wish to follow your son’s path for how he will fulfill his destiny.”

The guards open their chests and Mary gasps. “It’s so much,” she replies. “I . . . I don’t know what to say.” She looks at Joseph with eyes wide.

“It is our honor,” Melchior says. “There is no amount worthy to pay homage to one like your son. Many prophecies will be fulfilled by him. Some physical; many spiritual. God has smiled on both of our peoples this day.”

The three Magi stay for a short while, tell Mary and Joseph all that transpired from the time of Belteshazzar who they knew as Daniel from their scriptures, explaining how he was instrumental in making Jehoiachin a Babylonian satrap, how the Israelites integrated within Parthia but kept many of their roots from their homeland, and how they believe Yashua would be the greatest king the world has ever known.

The three Magi leave, get back on their camels, and travel out of Bethlehem but do not head back through Jerusalem. They know Herod will be angry at them. But that is of no concern to them at this point. They had just met the one who they knew would become someone beyond their wildest dreams. They are unsure of what that would be but are content to have been a part of his journey.

And what about you? Do you have such expectations for your future? Do you also rely upon the one who came as an agent of peace and reconciliation? Have you given your all to him as he has done for you? He came as a prophet to tell and remind us of his promises to us, died to fulfill scripture being the sacrifice for our sins, and has risen to give us hope for the same future in which we can participate. In the end, he promises you a future more glorious than you can ever image.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

I, Eliab, sit around the campfire with a handful of other shepherds. I ignore their conversation as I lie back and look at the stars. So many stars. What is their purpose? Just for their beauty or is there more? I notice one star looks brighter than normal. Is that important, significant in any way?

I think about how I became a shepherd because my father had been a shepherd. But not just any kind of shepherd, but a shepherd here in the fields surrounding Bethlehem where sheep and goats for temple sacrifice are born and raised. The priests use them for daily temple sacrifice as well as for special feast days. It is really a more difficult job than many realize. First, the priests are extremely picky about the conditions of the lambs they use for sacrifice. So much so that we shepherds take any pregnant ewes to Migdal Eder, our watchtower, so we can look after the birthing of the lambs to ensure they are uninjured in any way. Sacrifice requirements are that lambs must be without blemish and ensuring that takes a lot of work. During birthing season, which is twice a year, we stay up around the clock to watch over the birthing ewes. The number of times I’ve placed a lamb in our stone manger and bound the animal in swaddling cloths to keep the lamb calm and still are innumerable. I often quietly sing to the animal to help it stay calm. Yes, we do anything and everything to ensure the priests are happy with our work thus ensuring a quality sacrifice and the continuation of our livelihood. After all, the quality is about pleasing Yahweh more so than just pleasing the priests. But pleasing the priests is also top priority as they are the ones who give the harsh tongue-lashing when our work disappoints them.

At least now, with birthing season out of the way, we have time to be a little more relaxed. It is still important to ensure the sheep and goats stay as healthy as possible. And that the young ones stay blemish free. Healthy sheep and healthy ewes mean a successful birthing season. So, there are always things to be concerned about, but now, we do not need to be so on top of things as during the birthing season. Some relaxation is now allowed. Hearing the gentle bleating of the sheep and goats makes my eyelids go heavy.

Suddenly, a bright light shines all around us. I immediately open my eyes, shielding them with my arm, feeling totally terrified. What’s going on? Before us stands someone, looking like a man, but not like any man I have ever seen before. This one has a glow about him. I know this to be an angel. I’m not exactly sure why I know this, except for the obvious reason this one is definitely not human.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel says, “for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Messiah Adoni. This is a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloths and lying in the manger.”

Then before I have time to even react to what this angel said, the whole sky bursts forth in brilliance. The entire sky is filled with a multitude of angels all shining as if they are the sun, far brighter than the campfire burning in front of me. These angels praise God and sound more beautiful than I have ever heard anyone sing before. The melodies and harmonies of praise are far more glorious than I have words to even express. I hear the phrase, “Glory to Elohim in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men” repeated several times in their songs of praise. I have no words for what is before me.

Then, just as suddenly, the sky goes dark—from the brightness of the sun to pure darkness. It takes a while for my eyes to adjust. Even the beautiful stars now appear dull in comparison to what I have just witnessed.

We each stare at each other unsure what to say.

I speak first. “What did we just witness? It did happen, right? You all saw that, didn’t you.”

They each nod but no one says a word, still too in shock to speak. The words I heard finally sink into my brain and I stand to my feet. “We need to go see what the angels told us. They said our Messiah has been born.”

The others look at each other and slowly nod like the realization is starting to come to them.

“Where do we go?” one asked.

“Well, to Migdal Eder,” I say. “It seems pretty clear that is where the angel told us to go.”

“Why would he be at our watchtower?” one of the other shepherds asked.

I shrug. “I don’t know, but let’s go and find out.”

We hastily agree who will stay and watch the sheep. The two chosen are unhappy about it, but the safety of the sheep is still important. After the two reluctantly agree, we look at each other and then start running and laughing all the way to our watchtower.

Once near, we stop and look. A small campfire can be seen within the tower. Someone is definitely there. The others push me to the front and then walk slowly behind me. Once at the tower, I slowly enter and stop with the others looking over and around my shoulders.

The woman is rocking her infant in her arms. She stops singing a sweet lullaby and stares at us who have entered. She then smiles, motioning for us to enter as she places the infant in the manger, now filled with clean hay.

I kneel before the manger and look at the infant who is now stretching and cooing. I then look at the woman. “Angels told us he was here—you were here.”

Joseph speaks. “I am Joseph and this is my wife, Mary. And this,” he brushes his finger gently against the infant’s cheek, “is our son, Yashua.”

“The Messiah,” I whisper.

“Yes,” Mary says, “he will take away the sins of his people.” Mary takes the baby and holds him out to me. “Would you care to hold him?”

I am hesitant. Me hold the Messiah, the greatest gift Yahweh has given to his people? I’m not worthy of such an honor. Who am I to be given such an honor? But I did not refuse the offer. I hold the baby in my arms and look into such a tiny face. It is hard to believe this is the face we’ve waited for all our lives, even for generations. He is finally here. What an awesome moment to experience. I smile and hand the infant back to Mary.

“Thank you for that. I will treasure this moment all my life,” I say. “Now, we must go and tell the priests. They certainly will want to know about this.”

Another shepherd looks from Mary to Joseph. “And how is this one, your son, to save us from our sins?”

Joseph shakes his head. “Only he knows.”

Mary gives a small smile. “He will fulfill the plan as Yahweh has designed for him.”

We shepherds nod and quietly leave them and begin returning to our camp site.

Neither Mary nor Joseph nor the shepherds understand the significance of this shepherd’s question. Baby Yashua is lying in the shepherds’ manger where they inspect the lambs destined for sacrifice. He came in this manner to identify with mankind and to become the sacrifice that all past animal sacrifices pointed toward all these past generations. He is the one who will restore all back to Yahweh.

They didn’t know this at this happy time, but there will be consequences coming to this little one and to all in this watchtower. While innocent now like a little lamb, Yashua is yet most powerful in what his sacrifice would bring.

Eliab looks at the others as they walk back. “Maybe we shouldn’t tell the priests. Will they even believe us?”

“I don’t know,” one of the others said. “But we can’t keep this to ourselves. I mean, our Messiah is here. At first light, let’s go into town and tell everyone. I’m sure the priests will eventually hear and then we can tell them what we know. Then they can’t tell us to remain silent because all of Bethlehem will already know.”

We again run, laughing all the way back to our campsite to tell our two comrades the good news. Their Messiah is finally here.

And what about you? Have you encountered the Messiah, the one who was born to die to save the world? Do you desire to be as excited as these shepherds about what he has done for your life and for all those to whom you share him? Their message of his coming is just as timely today as it was back then.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

A knock is heard at the door. Joseph opens it revealing a man giving him an accusatory look.

“Well, don’t hide your feelings, Benjamin. Want to come in?”

Benjamin barges in, brushing past Joseph, and then turns. “What were you thinking?”

“You mean about whether to let you in or just shut the door in your face?”

“Now is not the time to be funny, Joseph. We have been friends for what, basically, our entire lives, right? So, as a close and best friend, I must tell you that you are committing suicide.”

“Suicide? Wow. Well, that’s a little extreme.”

“No. No, it isn’t. You’re going to have the whole town reject you. This is a small town, Joseph. You won’t get any business here. You must at least divorce her. I know you won’t go through with your right to have her stoned to death. But you’ve got to consider your reputation. Right now, the gossip is that she was forced by a Roman soldier on her way to see her cousin Elizabeth. But if you go through with this, they’ll accuse you of the impropriety.”

“Not only can I not have her stoned, I can’t let her be destitute with a child. No one else is going to marry her now. How would she ever survive without any support from a husband?”

“Is that really your concern? Joseph, you must think about your own livelihood. By taking her into your home, you will be admitting that the child is yours—yours before your marriage is legally finalized.” Benjamin shakes his head. “The risk is just too great.”

Joseph places his hands on Benjamin’s shoulders and pushes him down to sit. “Let me tell you what Yahweh told me.”

As Benjamin sits his eyes go wide and his tone sarcastic. “What? Yahweh himself talked to you?”

“Well, it was through one of his angels. I had confronted Mary and told her how disappointed I was in her and that I was so deeply hurt that I even considered exercising my right to cause her demise. But once I looked into her eyes, I knew I couldn’t do that. Her beautiful eyes were one of the first things that attracted me to her. Then, the more I learned about her character, the more I desired to marry her. So, I told her I would divorce her privately. I moped home and just fell into bed, too sorry for myself to do anything else. When I slept, an angel appeared to me.”

“But that was only a dream, Joseph. Just your subconscious trying to make sense of what you had just went through.”

“No, Benjamin, no. This was beyond any dream I have ever experienced before. There was something so real, so vivid about it that went beyond what any dream is capable of. No, this was something else entirely. Words of wisdom directed from Yahweh himself to me.”

“Delusions of grandeur, you mean.”

Joseph chuckled. “Yes, I guess it may sound that way. Look, I don’t know why Yahweh chose me—chose Mary. But Yahweh’s angel said for me not to be afraid to take Mary home as my wife because the baby inside of her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and I am to name him Yashua because he will save his people from their sins.”

“Wait, you’re saying that Mary is going to birth the Messiah?” He waved his hands. “That goes well beyond any delusions of grandeur.”

“Think about it, Benjamin. What did the prophet Isaiah say about his birth. He would be born of a virgin.”

“Well, yes, but . . . here? Here in Nazareth? Why would someone who is to become king be born in Nazareth? What makes the two of you so special?”

“Nothing, Benjamin. Absolutely nothing. I don’t understand it. All I know is what I was told. I either believe it to be true or ignore the most wonderful thing Yahweh has done.”

Benjamin stood and started to pace. “Well, this certainly changes things, but only if everyone believes you.” He shakes his head. “I don’t see many people doing that. They’ll say you’re just using it as an excuse to hide your sin.”

Joseph chuckles. Benjamin gives him a stare.

“Sorry. That just struck me as funny. You’re saying I’m using Yashua to hide my sin when he’s the one who will take away my sin.”

“Oh, don’t start getting philosophical with me, Joseph. You know what I mean. Even if you’re doing the right thing, your reputation will be ruined. Maybe one day everyone here will realize you were right, but that won’t be for many years. You’ll be shunned until then.”

“Well, it’s all in Yahweh’s hands now. I’ve yielded to his will. Mary will come into my home next week for her protection and for everyone to get used to us being together.”

Benjamin put his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “Well, I’ll still be your friend, but don’t count on many others.”

“It’s interesting that everyone believes in a coming Messiah, and everyone believes Isaiah’s prophesy that he will be born of a virgin, but no one believes it when it finally happens.”

“That’s because no one believes it can happen in Nazareth.”

“And why is that, Benjamin? Does one truly believe in a prophecy if one can’t believe it will occur in their lifetime, in their village, in them themselves?”

“I guess Yahweh does work in mysterious ways. And I’ve seen nothing more mysterious than this. That’s for sure.”

Suddenly, a commotion is heard outside. Both Joseph and Benjamin follow the noise and see a Roman officer with a contingent of other soldiers rallying people together.

“Everyone,” the officer announced, “gather around. It has been decreed by Roman Emperor Agustus that everyone will give a census of their birthright. Everyone must be counted in the city of their ancestors to know from which clan you are of.”

“What if we’re from a different district than here?” Someone in the crowd shouted.

“Then I suggest you get you affairs in order quickly and comply. There will be no exceptions to the emperor’s decree.”

With that, one of his men tacked a pamphlet, written in Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and Hebrew to one of the buildings, and they all rode out of town. This left everyone in quite a panic about what to do and how they were going to do it. Many stood around while someone read the words of the pamphlet out loud. There were many groans and a few choice words by a few.

Benjamin looked at Joseph with raised eyebrows. “See, your decision has just increased your hardship.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I know you’re a descendant of King David because you have teased me forever saying I’m just a peasant.”

Joseph pushed Benjamin’s shoulder giving a laugh. “Indeed, you are, my friend.”

“Yes, but us peasants can register here. You now have a pregnant wife to take to Bethlehem. That’s a little over 90 miles travel over rocky and mountainous terrain.”

“Hmm. That’s true. At least I have a cousin there with whom I can stay.”

“Maybe.”

“What do you mean, ‘maybe’?”

“Well, it will be fine if Mary doesn’t deliver while there. Think about all the impurity laws that Mary will have to abide by if she delivers. Can your cousin accommodate those?”

“I think so.”

“Well, maybe not. Think about the number of people who will descend upon Bethlehem, which is not much larger than Nazareth. Delivering a child could prove difficult in such crowded conditions.”

“I had not thought of that, Benjamin. I need to go talk to Mary’s family. We have a lot of preparation to take care of, and many prayers to pray.”

“And I will also pray for you, my friend. But the most you will get from others is just dirty looks, I’m afraid.”

“Dirty looks from others are not my concern, as long as I get a smile from Yahweh for my actions in following his will for me and for Mary, and for our soon to be son, Yashua.”

And what about you, my friends? Do you also trust God for the outcome of your life? Has he become more important than anything else in your life? Only then can the outcome you truly desire be guaranteed as only he controls our future and our destiny.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

As newscasters would say: we interrupt this previous scheduled program for the following. Since this is December, I will switch to the topic of Christmas and then complete our discussion on dimensions in January.

There will be five posts about the Heroes of Christmas. I hope you enjoy.

It was just another ordinary day, but something made me restless inside. I sit up. The bright yellow of the sun now chases away the beautiful orange and pink colors of the sunrise. Chores and duties of life come early in our small town of Nazareth. Today is butter day, so I find a somewhat secluded spot to do the churning and be in my own thoughts and what-if scenarios. Other women usually churn with others as they socialize, or as some call it: gossip. Nazareth is not a very large village and almost everyone knows everyone. Invariably, Ima would learn of some slight transgression I made long before I ever reached home to try and explain the circumstance. “Mary,” Ima would say, “whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” At that point, I could only confess and not explain. Explaining had to come before preconceived notions had been made. I love all my neighbors, but sometimes . . . sometimes my mind chooses another word for my feelings about them. I keep that to myself, of course. Yet, life here in Nazareth is nearly impossible without such a close nit community. Quick to help and support, but just as quick to gossip and reach unfounded conclusions.

Afterwards, I sit with Ima to add herbs to the butter I just made and talk with her about all that is on my mind. I am in my mid-teens and just became betrothed last week to a man named Joseph. Now I’m considered married even though it will be a whole year before we are officially together. It feels somewhat surreal. I mean, it occurred so abruptly—at least for me. Ima tells me that Abba had been talking to Joseph’s family about my potential marriage for some time. Apparently, Joseph had talked to his father about me, so Joseph’s father approached my Abba. I’m not sure how I really feel. I mean, I barely know him. I’ve seen him periodically and he would smile at me as we passed, but that was about it. Apparently, he felt that was a good enough impression to ask for me. Ima tells me I’m blessed because not all marriages occur on such good terms. I have heard stories, so I know I should feel blessed, but that is not how I’m feeling right now. I know all of this is quite common. It’s been this way for centuries. Ima says Abba has ensured Joseph is a good man with a good reputation. Many people know him because he is a carpenter and has built things for many in this village and elsewhere. Joseph is already several years older than me. Yet I’m not sure how I feel about marrying someone who is a practical stranger. But Ima says that was true for her as well when she and Abba married and that it didn’t take long for her to start to love him. She pats my arm telling me it will be the same for me. Still . . . hearing about such things and experiencing them are two different things. So, you can see, I have a lot to think about.

In the afternoon, Ima asked me to pick some olives for something she wanted to make for dinner. The grove is just outside the village, so this will give me more time to myself. I try to look determined in my gait until I reach the outskirts of the village so no inappropriate gossip gets back to Ima even though I would be innocent of whatever gossip happened to be imagined in the minds of the women in the village. I sometimes think they need more chores to occupy their time.

I pick a large basket full and then decide to take a break and eat a couple of them. The air suddenly turns. What occurred is hard to describe. The air temperature didn’t change. It just felt . . . different. I see a flash out of the corner of my eye. Turning, I see nothing. Then from around one of the trees comes a man. I say “man”, but I know it isn’t a man. I’m not sure how, but I’m not frightened at all. He seems to exude peace. I have never heard of anyone possessing such a presence about them. But this one did. I kneel, waiting to hear what he has to say.

“Greetings, Mary. I am Gabriel sent by El Elyon. I am to tell you that you are highly favored by Yahweh for he is with you.”

I wasn’t sure what I expected this one to say to me, but this certainly wasn’t it. His words, while praiseworthy, puzzled me. I’m just a young girl, with humble aspirations, in a village of no consequence. Maybe he has the wrong village, the wrong girl. His words make no sense, or no sense to be spoken to someone like me.

“Don’t be afraid or let your thoughts betray you, Mary. You, yes you indeed, have found favor with Yahweh. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Yashua. He will be great and will be called the Son of El Elyon. Yahweh Elohim will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Needless to say, my mind spun. Not only about me having a son who would somehow become a king of Israel, but that I would have any child at all. It is impossible. Although betrothed, my marriage to Joseph will not be consummated for quite some time. This I could not speed up. I did not understand how any of this could come about.

“I hear your words,” I said, “but how can any of this happen? I’m still a virgin.”

“The Holy Spirit will come on you,” Gabriel said. “The power of El Elyon will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of Yahweh. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from Yahweh will ever fail.”

I had heard about Elizabeth, and many were saying her pregnancy was indeed a miracle. But I will become pregnant before being with my husband. Would anyone believe such a thing? But everyone in Israel is taught their entire life to expect a coming Messiah, and the prophet Isaiah did say he would be born of a virgin. What would those who gossip about trivial things say about this? Well, it is all about faith, isn’t it? I either believe in the prophecy or I don’t. And if I believe the prophecy, then I must believe that I can be part of this prophecy. So, I trusted and said something I never contemplated in any of my what-if scenarios.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” I said. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

As quickly as Gabriel appeared, he disappeared. I glanced around. No one. Not even a gossip-ridden villager. I am alone. I must admit that I wondered if what had just occurred actually did occur. But this had been no daydream. I mean, I could never have dreamed such an event. There is dreaming and then there is the impossible. I had just entered the impossible.

I pick up my basket of olives and head back to the village. Who should I tell? I shake my head. No one. Not even Ima. Not yet anyway. Right now, it is a secret between me and Yahweh. Yet, I knew such a secret would not remain a secret indefinitely. I have some time. I’m not sure how or when what the angel said would happen will happen. I need to come up with an explanation before the village gossip comes up with their own explanation which could lead . . . I gasp. The realization hits me; I stumble, drop my basket, and fall to my knees once more. The punishment for someone in my condition is a public stoning! Surely someone will believe me. Will Joseph? My life will be in his hands. Prayers are needed; and lots of them.

And what about you today? Do you have a what or how that seems impossible? Do you, like Mary, feel overwhelmed by what is being asked of you? Perhaps the answer is to do as she did. She didn’t conquer the what or the how, but she did conquer the who for she knew he was far greater than her impossible assignment. Can you let your who be greater than your what or how? If you can, that’s good. Because that’s where the impossible possible lives.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

So far, we have talked about the eleven dimensions in general and those which define our existence here on the Earth. Now let’s look at the next three dimensions that are related to time.

Dimension       Defined                            Spiritual Significance
5                          Fluid Time                       Time Travel
6                          Multiple Worlds            Potential Decisions
7                          Multiple Worlds            Sheol / Tartarus
                           with Each on a
                           Different Timeline

While the fifth dimension is believed to be where time itself is fluid, meaning one can travel backwards and forwards in time, there may be some restrictions to it. While this dimension seems to imply that idea, the higher dimensions seem to imply that going back in time may not be possible. The thought is that the past represents decisions that have already been decided and enacted. Therefore, those decisions cannot be reversed. However, the future represents the choice of innumerable decisions that may be made but have not yet been made. The present is the fulcrum between the past and the future. Once a decision is made, it becomes part of our past and therefore unchangeable. It is no longer a series of options.

You may think time travel is not possible, but the Bible does give us several examples:

Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading (Jn 6:21).

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:26).

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (Ac 8:39-40).

The transfiguration may have been a time-travel event for Moses and Elijah (Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:2-10; Lk 9:28-36; see the post Time Travel in the Bible?). But let’s remember that only God can do time travel or allow time travel by others—at least as far as we currently know.

The sixth dimension tells us there are multiple worlds—other Earths—that exists. They are formed due to the different decisions that individuals can make which puts them on a different course for their future. One can travel between these parallel worlds, but only at the same time stamp within each world. So, what would this mean from a spiritual point of view? Because this dimension is where all decisions are made available, this sounds very much like one having free will to make any decision available to them. Our future is based upon today’s decisions and is not set until decisions become our past.

The seventh dimension allows parallel worlds to exist that are on a different timeline from our own world with experiences that may be different from our own reality. From a spiritual perspective, this could be referring to Sheol. It is considered part of the Time Realm because this will also come to an end and has partly done so already. Up until Christ’s crucifixion, this dimension was connected with dimensions (0-4) where everyone’s souls dwell. After Christ’s crucifixion, the righteous in this dimension were taken to the 8th dimension and going forward, souls who were considered righteous go to the 8th dimension while all others still go to the 7th dimension.

Travel to the 7th dimension (Sheol) is only one way with a few exceptions:
Samuel returning from Sheol to speak to Saul (1Sa 28:3-19)
Those whom prophets resurrected (1Ki 17:17-24; 2Ki 4:18-37; 13:20-21)
Those whom Christ resurrected: widow of Nain’s son (Lk 7:11-17), Jairus’ daughter (Lk 8:49-56), and Lazarus returning from Sheol to this life (Jn 11:1-44)
Those resurrected at the time of Christ’s resurrection (Mt 27:50-54).

Before Christ rose again, it was a place for both the righteous and unrighteous: In Hades [Sheol], where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side . . . Between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us (Lk 16:23).

The righteous were removed from Sheol by Christ: When you ascended on high, you took many captives, you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious – that you, LORD God, might dwell there (P 68:18), and This is why it says, “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (Ep 4:8).

In addition, this is also the dimension where Christ created Tartarus as a sub-dimension within Sheol. It contains angels who left their 9th dimensional form to transfer into a 4th dimensional form and married the daughters of men to form the Nephilim (Gn 6:1). The apostle Peter also references this action: For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tartarus, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment . . . Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment (2Pt 2:4,9). This dimension may likely become the Lake of Fire after the Great White Throne Judgment (Rv 20:11).

Next time we will look at the higher dimensions which form the spiritual realm. Please join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In my last couple of posts, we talked about the need/requirement for eleven different dimensions. The first four of those (including the zero dimension) encompass our existence—not only physical but our eternal spiritual existence as well. Let’s look at this further.

Dimension       Defined             Spiritual Significance
0                          Point                   Soul
1                          Line                     Spiritual Existence
2                          Plane                  Spirit
3                          Cube                   Physical Existence
4                          Tesseract           Time

As we discussed earlier, the zero dimension is represented as a point which has location but no length, width, or height. Yet, it seems this dimension has a hint of eternality with it as well, as some believe our universe as we know it came from this dimension which some refer to as the Big Bang. This seems to suggest a type of circular phenomena as the eleventh dimension has all the quantum building blocks of nature and it seems these came through the zero dimension to create our known world with all its laws of nature. While this is not how the Bible describes creation, it is consistent in that it came from God, who would be represented by the eleventh dimension.

From a spiritual point of view, it would seem the zero dimension has traits that are consistent with the traits of our souls. They have location but no physical characteristics. And they have eternality as well and are connected to the eleventh dimension as that dimension represents God himself. The soul also exists even when one’s physical body no longer does.

This then brings us to the first dimension, represented as a line. It starts at a point and has infinite length. This ties in well with the trait of a soul because this means the soul exists forever. The line then represents the existence of the soul and the transfer of the soul from one location to another. Once one’s physical existence is no more, the soul then travels this line to either the seventh or eighth dimension. We’ll discuss why that is once we discuss those dimensions.

The second dimension, represented as a plane, is a good analogy for one’s spirit. One’s spirit adds this secondary dimension to one’s soul and is also eternal and will exist when one’s physical nature is no longer.

The third dimension, represented by a cube, is easy for us to envision because we live in a world with length, width, and height. This is the physical world in which we live.

The fourth dimension, represented by a tesseract, is time. This is the dimension in which we live since we experience time in a linear fashion. Time is ever moving forward. This is evident because we age. We live in a 3-D world that moves through time.

There is a spiritual element to our fourth dimension as well. Although there are angels all around us who are God’s messengers, this is not the dimension in which they dwell. Yet, for Satan and his fallen angels, they are confined to this dimension with us.  God transferred them from the 9th dimension after Lucifer’s rebellion. Because they are not originally from our dimension, we cannot see them in their pure form. Yet, time is a linear dimension for them as well as for us. Satan (Lucifer) still has limited access to God: One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD , and Satan also came with them (Jb 1:6), but is confined to Earth otherwise: The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Jb 1:7).

Satan also has possession of the earth: Again, the devil took him [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me” (Mt 4:8). Because of this and his influence on Adam and Eve to cause them to disobey, death came into existence. Because he now has reign over the kingdom Adam was to lead, he also has reign over death which is now part of this kingdom. This is tied to the seventh dimension which we will talk about later.

Satan also has direct influence on people: Then Satan entered Judas, called Isariot, one of the Twelve (Lk 22:3). While we still have authority over him and his fallen angels, he can have control over us if we let him or if we don’t exercise the authority which God has given to us because of his death, burial, and resurrection. We have been told we have the same power in us that raised Christ from the dead (Ep 1: 19-23). So, let’s use that authority we have!

Next time, we’ll look at the dimensions related to time. I hope you join me for that discussion.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In my last post, we talked about the different dimensions that define our universe and even parallel universes to which we may, someday, have access. I think to put all of this in a proper perspective is to understand our worldview on such a topic.

Which of the following statements would you consider true:
Science is Fact, or
Science is Truth?

The first is true. With what we can know, sense, test, measure, and interpret, science gives us facts for us to know. Yet, the issue is often not the fact itself but our interpretation of that fact. Our interpretation depends upon our worldview. That is, do we believe there is a God or not? Our worldview gives us a biased interpretation of the fact we observe. No one can have an unbiased worldview.

The second statement is false even though we try to justify that it is true. Why do I say that? Well, science is ever evolving and changing. We can only produce fact, or what seems factual, based on the sensitivity of the instruments we use to understand that fact. What we learn today is often something that could not have been known many years prior. Oftentimes we must modify what we thought of as a fact because our new way of measuring or detecting the phenomena around us has led us to new conclusions. So, science always points us toward truth but can never be truth in and of itself.

And what about Scripture? How does that fit into the two statements above? Well, if you ascribe to the dogma that there is no God, then you will likely believe that Scripture and Science cannot coexist together. Yet, if you ascribe to the belief that God does exist, then you likely believe that Scripture and Science will not contradict each other because Scripture is the ultimate source of truth. As I stated above, science points to truth but cannot be truth. Yet, Scripture is truth. Therefore, science points, supports, and acclaims what Scripture teaches.

So, one’s worldview is very important to understand. One needs to be aware of their own bias. Whether you believe in God or not, does not make you bias free in either case. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is biased. So, your biased worldview will dictate how you interpret what science is telling you. It’s never really about the fact, but the interpretation and application of what that fact means.

Also, what you believe about truth does not change or alter truth. Which bias is truth? Well, even if you believe in God, you can still miss the correct interpretation of the fact that has been discovered. In other words, if Scripture cannot support your interpretation, then maybe you need to look for a different interpretation. Now, the Bible isn’t a science textbook for sure, yet it contains all truth. Therefore, can the Bible support your interpretation or not?

Let’s look at our last post about the eleven different dimensions that science, according to M-Theory, tells us exist. Can the Bible support such as assertion? At face value, one may say no, that’s preposterous. But is it? Is it really?

Over the next several posts, I want us to explore what I said in my previous posts about these dimensions in more detail. Over the last one-hundred years or so physicists have attempted to unify the fundamental forces of nature (general relativity) and the atomic and subatomic forces of nature (quantum physics) in our universe into a cohesive whole by suggesting everything can be defined by “strings” (vibration frequencies) and branes (i.e., membranes connecting dimensions), and these two entities connecting to each other. Almost seventy years after Albert Einstein put his theory of relativity together in 1910, scientists began to come up with ways to combine his work and the work on the quantum scale into a generalized theory in an effort to come up with the so-called, “Theory of Everything.” Various versions were made over the next decade to try and achieve that. In 1995, Edward Witten, came up with what he called M-Theory which combined the five versions of string theory in existence at that time and quantum gravity into a model that could describe how we can understand our universe. In this model, he needed 11 different dimensions to make his theory tenable.

From a Scriptural perspective, I think the eleven dimensions can be divided into three categories: those defining our physical existence, those defining time, and those defining spiritual existence. Join me next time as we delve further into this line of thought.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The idea of various dimensions different and above (or below) our own is a concept that has existed for a long time and has given the science fiction genre loads of ideas for various stories, novels, and sagas that have entertained us for decades. Yet is that all it is, a way to provide stories for entertainment? Is there any reality to other dimensions? Can we really know the truth of their existence if we can’t actually observe them? I thought we’d explore this concept. I don’t claim to be an expert in this area, but I have always been intrigued by it. I will provide my interpretation of what many scientists say about dimensions and then discuss what spiritual and biblical interpretation can be gleaned from this. These are my thoughts and reasonings, so take them with a grain of salt. Yet, I think the biblical perspective can surprise you and help us all to realize that there really is nothing new under the sun (Ec 1:9).

First of all, what is a dimension? It is simply a stage of reality where one higher dimension includes all the reality of the previous dimension but adds another. According to string theory, a scientific framework to try and unify the fundamental forces of nature (general relativity) and the atomic and subatomic forces of nature (quantum physics) in our universe into a cohesive whole by suggesting everything can be defined by “strings” (vibration frequencies) and branes (i.e., membranes which connect dimensions) which connect with each other. Five versions of string theory have been developed, each requiring 10 dimensions to explain our universe. Then, another version was discovered which unites all five of these versions and quantum gravity into a cohesive whole, called M-theory, which requires 11 dimensions to explain our universe. So, that produces eleven stages of reality. Some may describe these slightly differently than I do here. Describing them can become very complicated so I have tried to simply as much as possible. Each higher-level dimension adds an additional reality to the previous dimension:

As we discuss and understand these dimensions, it will, hopefully, become clear how one cannot go back in time and change things but can go forward in time to multivariate experiences because the past is composed of decisions already made and the future is a possibility of various events based upon decisions made. The present is the fulcrum between the two.

Also, I want to address the question of how does our understanding of these dimensions lead to anything biblical? Well, first we need to understand that science points to truth but is not truth itself. After all, science can change as we test new theories and have better and more specialized equipment to measure and view things not previously possible. So, science keeps evolving and giving us new information which helps to refine what truth looks like but never defines truth itself. It supports truth. Truth has no bias. We can’t say the same thing about science.

So, with that introduction, let’s dive into the 12 dimensions which, supposedly, defines our universe—or our universes as the case may be.

0 Dimension
We are taught this represents a point. That means it has a location but does not have length or height or width. Yet, it seems to have extreme potential connected with the infinite. Some believe this was the genesis of the Big Bang which brought all our known world into existence. So, it seems to have some kind of mystery surrounding it. Although being something so primitive, so simplistic, it has infinite implications. Could anything about this be biblical? Well, spiritually, one could think of this as one’s soul. It has a location within us but has eternal significance. It is important. We couldn’t survive without it. It is part of our makeup that has been gifted to us by our Creator. It dwells within the physical but survives beyond the physical into the eternal. Its property of location survives. It’s just that its location changes when the physical is no longer relevant for it.

1st Dimension
We are taught this represents a line. It has length, but that is all. It does not have width or height. What would that represent spiritually? It represents our existence. We exist because we are. A line also starts with a point and ends with a point. Our soul has a location within us and is moved to another location once our physical existence is no more. The final point of this line depends upon the life of our existence.

2nd Dimension
Width is now added to length. This forms a plane. We call this the plane of existence. This could be represented by our spirit. Our spirit adds dimension to our existence and to our soul. Both are in existence with and without the physical. It is connected to the soul, and as the soul changes location, so does our spirit as well when the physical ceases to exist.

3rd Dimension
Height is added to the mix. We exist in three planes: length, width, and height. So, this adds in our physical existence. Our body cannot operate in any dimension less than three dimensions. So, we have moved from soul, to spirit, to physical being. These are three separate entities that are entwined into one being. These three represent, and complement, our existence.

4th Dimension
Time is now added to the previous three. Time marches on in a linear fashion. This is the dimension in which we live. Our aging is proof of this fact. We live in a three-dimensional world that moves through time which cannot be stopped or reversed. So, our physical being is altered by time, but not our soul or spirit.

5th Dimension
Now, what about the 5th dimension? This goes beyond our current experience. In this dimension, it is thought that time becomes fluid. Some have referred to this as time travel. Just like if you get in your car and travel from New York to Phoenix, you can also drive back to New York. So, in this dimension, it would allow one to travel forward or backward in time without restriction. Yet, as we will see, some of the higher dimensions may put restrictions on this concept. Yet, this dimension holds the realization of fluid time in which the other higher dimensions can operate in and manipulate further. What about biblically? Well, perhaps this is the basis for how many prophets saw and reported on visions which God allowed them to see. Since our future is the result of many individual decisions we make, how could these prophetic visions be accurate? Well, God operates in a higher dimension, so he is the one guiding these prophetic visions of the future. That is the only way these prophets’ visions can remain accurate across all future timelines. Perhaps that is also why they are often provided somewhat in vague detail so that they incorporate many decisional scenarios that mankind can make.

6th Dimension
Once we reach the 6th dimension, we discover that there are other worlds—other Earths—that exists. They are formed due to the different decisions that individuals make which put them on a different course for their future. One can travel between these parallel worlds, but only at the same time stamp within each world. While the 5th dimension allows one to travel through time in their own universe, one is restricted in the 6th dimension to travel between parallel worlds only at an identical time in each parallel world. Perhaps this would explain why time travel in the past is not possible but in the future it is. Since our past is made from decisions already experienced, our past cannot be altered. Yet, our future is composed of countless choices that individuals can make and, thereby, alter the course of their future and even the course of mankind itself depending upon the importance of that decision. Therefore, there are endless futures available with the present being the fulcrum between the unchanging past and the endless possible futures. Perhaps this represents our free will—our ability to choose our decisions which sets us down on one of many paths that are open to us.

7th Dimension
Now, we come to the 7th dimension. This dimension allows parallel worlds to exist that are on different timelines from our own world. So, what worlds, or dimensions, would have an alternate timeline than ours here on the Earth? Perhaps this dimension would explain Sheol. Sheol was created in three parts (righteous Sheol, unrighteous Sheol, and Tartarus) with each created at a different time with one part already ceasing to exist (righteous Sheol). These are spiritual worlds that are beyond us in our present physical state. Yet, they are real from a spiritual perspective. Before Christ came, everyone went to Sheol when they died. Tartarus was a place built within Sheol for the angels who disobeyed God and took human wives producing the Nephilim (Gn 6; 2Pt 2:4). At some point after Christ’s crucifixion, he brought those in righteous Sheol to Paradise (Ps 68:18), the 8th dimension, which is discussed next.

8th Dimension
In the 8th dimension, there are parallel worlds operating on physics principles different from here on this Earth creating different natural laws and experiences: maybe silicon-based life forms, worlds where other species are the dominant lifeform, or where time dilation fields exist, or other phenomena we have never experienced in our reality, just to name a few. Travel between any and all worlds are allowed, but only at a designated time. Some have designated this dimension as the multiverse. From a biblical perspective, this would allow the spiritual reality and our reality to bleed into each other. However, we need to understand that those in higher dimensions can travel to lower dimensions, but typically not vice versa without the assistance from someone living in a higher dimension. Perhaps this dimension also represents Eden, or Paradise because it operates on different physics principles than here on this Earth. This would be higher than Sheol because Christ brought the righteous from Sheol to Eden, or Paradise (Ps 68:18; Ep 4:8), so that we can now be with Christ once we die (2Co 5:8).

9th Dimension
The 9th dimension is like the 8th dimension except time is no longer a restriction. One can travel between any and all parallel worlds and at any time in either parallel world. Some have called this dimension the super multiverse. From a biblical perspective, this is the angelic realm and would explain the visitation of angels as God’s heavenly messengers to specific individuals on Earth.

10th Dimension
In the 10th dimension, not only can one travel between any and all worlds, but at any time between any world thereby understanding the past, present, and future of all worlds simultaneously. From a biblical perspective, it shows how God or other spiritual beings can tell humans about their future because, for them, it has already occurred. It supports the Christophanies presented in the Old Testament and allows the visions God gave the Apostle John about future events. This is also likely the dimension in which God’s council operates as they are above all and everyone except God himself (Ps 89:7) as well as the special angels like cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures who operate in the presence of God (Ek 1, 10; Is 6; Rv 4).

11th Dimension
It seems the 11th dimension is the dimension from which all the other dimensions originated. This would likely also be the dimension in which God himself dwells and operates as he is above all and all things originate with him. Perhaps this is the realm where God would appear as one and all lower dimensions show him to be three-in-one as lower dimensions cannot completely display him as he exists in this highest dimension. The lower dimensions do not dilute his character or his power, just how he is revealed to them.

We could likely go on and on about this topic, but I hope this gives you a least a taste of how science and the Bible can go hand in hand. As stated earlier, science points to truth, but never is truth. Yet, the Bible is the source of all truth. And I think using scripture and our imagination, we can see how the topic of dimensions can also be supported from a biblical perspective, just maybe not in the same way that some scientists may describe them. After all, they have not been to these dimensions either, so our spiritual interpretation can be just as valid as their non-spiritual interpretation. That’s my view anyway.

I hope this has helped you see a vision of the Bible in a unique way to show you that God is never ignorant about what science tells us. After all, he was there when it all unfolded because he made it so. Our findings never surprise him.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the last post, we talked about the possibility of an event I call the Revival of Unity to be at our doorstep. If this is indeed true, it means we are on the verge of something unprecedented, exciting, and beyond our current comprehension. And if so, what does this mean for us?

We should not assume restrictions upon God or assume he will work in a certain way. We need to be open to what God will do without limiting our mind on what he will do. We need to be on his page and not expect him to be on ours. Only then are we free to be in his will and be a part of his ultimate plan for us and for the world.

And how do we then prepare for this? Well, whether one believes it is time for the Rapture or time for a Great Harvest of Souls, our response should be the same. We need to lift our fellow believers up to God in prayer and ask God to empower all his children. We need to pray within the armor of God, resist the devil, and pray for God’s favor. We should remind ourselves that our battle is a spiritual one and fight on our knees. We should pray for God’s will to be done and not what we wish to have done. We need to let our hearts be open to however he desires to work and whatever character of his he wishes to express. Bottom line: Armor up and yield yourself to the Holy Spirit.

Here is a poem that expresses these thoughts and wishes:

Armor Up

Heavenly Father, our world has become a confusing place.

Yet, your Word has told us of the coming of such a thing.

We believe a paradigm shift is coming, and at a feverish pace.

Similar to that at your first coming – this truth in our heart does ring.

Many were unprepared for your first arrival and what they had to face.

We want to operate with you during this time and what you will bring.

Help us not to hinder in how you will work to extend your grace.

May all darts of our enemy fail and allow your truth through us to sing.

Let us rest in you and allow our shield of faith against those darts to brace.

May the helmet of our salvation cause our minds to focus on you, our king.

And our breastplates of righteousness forge ahead battling for truth in our race.

May our shoes, the gospel of peace, bring knowledge swiftly of you as if on a wing.

Allow us to battle with the Sword of the Spirit, your very words we embrace,

Which stand the test of time and their truth for eternity will ring.

Keep our hearts and minds open to you as we grow in love and grace.

Causing our faith to deepen despite the enemy from all sides pressing.

Your peace dispels the darkness even in the valley giving it no space.

Your light abolishes despair and anguish for your brilliance is so piercing.

In you there is no darkness; none at all – not even a trace.

All becomes clear if we rest in you and to your truth we cling.

Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness, your Word, and your Son

Who gives us relationship which for us you have forever won.

--Randy C. Dockens--

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In my last post I showed how the church has gone the same route as did Israel in creating disunity within its ranks and structure. Because of this disunity, and because of the increased persecution of Christians around the world, some look forward to the Rapture as a means of rescue. Yet, it may be that God is setting us up for something more foundational: unity with him.

There are two ideas that are currently prominent about what event should occur next according to biblical thinking. One is a Revival of Unity. This makes sense as Christ came to make unity of Israel’s disunity and the unity between himself and us. Now, Christ will make unity of the church before he receives her as his bride. Paul stated that he wanted to present Christ’s church to him in unity in the faith (Ep 4:13) and as a bride without blemish (Ep 2:27). There are things mentioned in Daniel chapter 7, Joel chapters 1 and 2, Habakkuk 2;14, Matthew 24:14, and other places that speak of things happening where things will look and become extremely bleak and almost hopeless, then the Lord steps in suddenly, power is given to his followers, and restoration of many things occur with one of these being unity between God and his church. This allows a revival, a harvest of souls, before Christ finally comes for his own, because these verses state than after these things occur, “then the end will come.”

The other event is the Rapture which we find in 1st Thessalonians 4 and in 1st Corinthians 15. This is a snatching away of those who believe in Jesus Christ so that he can then deal with Israel as a nation and deal with those who have chosen to reject him.

Both events are in Scripture. We should pray for revival and at the same time prepare for his coming. We should never put God in a box and assume he will work a certain way but be prepared to operate in the direction he leads. The order of Revival of Unity and then the Rapture makes sense as it will make a stark contrast between the outcomes before and after this event so people will know the Lord was involved in the disappearance of so many people. Also, this will allow the different beliefs in the Rapture Event to coalesce into one.

There are four different views of the timing of the Rapture: (1) before the Tribulation Period where believers are saved from God’s wrath which has been termed the seven-year Tribulation Period. What defines the timing of God’s wrath is what defines the other views regarding the timing of the Rapture; (2) mid-way during the Tribulation Period, as some believe the second half of the Tribulation Period, termed the Great Tribulation, is God’s Wrath because it is more severe than the first half of this time period; (3) three-quarters during the Tribulation Period, as some believe that the Tribulation is broken up into Man’s wrath, Satan’s Wrath, and God’s Wrath, and only the very last part is considered to be God’s Wrath from which believers will be protected, and (4) no Rapture Event at all. It is possible for these views to collapse into one.

Now if we look at the Time of the Gentiles, that is, the Church Era, it can be divided into four sections:

(1) The Early Church. This was when the Holy Spirit was first given and was allowed to work miraculously causing many to accept Christ as their Savior and they could then replicate what they had seen, heard, and experienced.

(2) The Decline of the Church. Unfortunately, this started not too long after the expansion of the Church throughout the Roman Empire. Greek, Hellenistic, and Gnostic thought processes began to infiltrate biblical interpretation and Church structure. The Church became hierarchical in structure which created an environment for those at the top of this hierarchy to crave power more than Christ. This inhibited the working of the Holy Spirit because those in influential seats of power were not allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them. Anyone who spoke out against them and their hypocrisy revealing that individuals had the power of the Holy Spirit to bring others to Christ rather than relying on the Church organization itself to achieve such a feat were suppressed by those in power, their validity attacked and made out to be heretics, and Church officials had many of these individuals put to death. Therefore, the gifts of the Holy Spirit became suppressed without people now seeking them or even knowing about them.

(3) The Reformation of the Church. This was a reawakening of the Church to many aspects of the Early Church but still with many weights and flaws of the previous hundreds of years by misguided leaders. Satan was quick to jump on this bandwagon to cause doctrinal disputes which split the church into an ever-increasing number of factions. With no one willing to listen to those trying to counter their waywardness and being unwilling to listen to correction or warning, it created more and more factions until, today, there are hundreds of various denominations which cannot get along and which bicker with each other rather than seeing how to unite under Christ.

(4) The Revival of Unity. This is a true reawakening of the Church to the Early Church beliefs and practices. Some call this the Kingdom Age, but I believe it is not so much a new thing, but a returning to something the Church once was. It is believed we will see the Holy Spirit being outpoured in significant ways that will likely jar many as we may again see signs and wonders by the Holy Spirit as a true testament to his power. As in the Early Church, this will lead many to put their faith in Jesus Christ. I can’t say with certainty this is true, but we should not limit what God can, and will, do. What he has done in the past, he can certainly do again. We live in unprecedented times, and I’m sure God will work in unprecedented ways.

The Jewish leaders during the time of Christ had to come to grips with things not going as they believed. We must do the same. By adding in this fourth part of Church history, it becomes obvious as to when God’s Wrath will start, so the three Rapture beliefs coalesce into one timing of the Rapture. Of course, those who do not believe in a Rapture at all would see this fourth part of Church history to move directly into Christ’s second coming. But there is still much prophecy in both the Old and New Testaments that must be fulfilled between the Rapture and Christ’s second coming.

If all of this is true, and it does seem to be supported by Scripture, how are we supposed to prepare for these events? Stay with me, and we’ll discuss this next time.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In our last posts, I went over why there was so much disunity within Israel at the time Christ arrived on the scene. Because of this disunity, Jesus came on the scene as a prophet.

Jesus fulfilled the role of a prophet because the religious and ruling forces were not focused upon what God wanted them focused on. His teachings appeared so radical because Israel and its leaders had drifted so far from the original intent of the Law that God had given to Moses. It is likely Moses himself would not have thought Jesus to be so radical because Moses understood God wanted a relationship with his people (Dt 7:6-8) and the laws given were for that purpose and not just something to be followed to appease God.

Many compromises had been made by the Jewish leaders to make the Jewish religion more convenient for them to live in their world. It went from a religion about relationships to one of keeping rules and traditions which redefined their definition of righteousness. To them, obeying the rules and traditions of the Law is what imputed righteousness to them rather than seeing their shortcomings (Mt 23:23) and inability to follow all the laws and, therefore, needed their Messiah to come to impute his righteousness to them.

The Jews’ physical oppression led them to ignore all else Scripture said about the Messiah’s coming, and they believed he would rescue them from their Roman oppression. Yet Christ focused on something more foundational: their unity with him.

Unity is the key upon what Christ focused. While he said he came to create division (Lk 12:51), he was talking about the division between the falsehood being taught and the truth of Scripture. Yet, in him and through him he desired unity for all. Jesus said, My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (Jn 17:20-23).

In almost every one of Paul’s epistles, especially Ephesians and Colossians, he also focused on unity because unity focuses on relationship; religion focuses on mankind’s obedience which Satan can weaponize.

Church history shows us that the church has taken the same route as did Israel. With power came corruption. The relationship between God and his church was turned into a religion which Satan was able to weaponize by creating disunity which caused God’s people to turn on each other. The church became more secular with less reliance on the Holy Spirit and thus a decline in gifts of the Holy Spirit, or even what they were and how to use them correctly. Differences became new denominations which created further disunity and created animosity even between Christians themselves. Christians have also become oppressed – some places more so than others. We, too, are looking for a rescue, but perhaps Christ wants us to focus on something more foundational as well: our unity with him.

Tune in next time as we explore this idea further and how God may restore his unity within his church.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In our last post, I presented several examples of how God had presented himself to many people, in person, through Christophanies, through angels, and through the Holy Spirit. The Jews and their leaders had all these examples as well, so why was Israel not ready for the Messiah? Because of disunity. Anytime a God-human relationship is turned into a religion, disunity develops because Satan can exploit humans and their desires. Satan created distractions so they could not focus and accept the paradigm change they actually taught and believed. The Messiah’s coming was key to their belief system, so what happened to cause them to miss it?

From the time of Malachi, the last prophet and last book of the Old Testament until the announcement of the birth of Christ by the angel Gabriel to Mary, was what has been termed the 400 years of prophetic silence where, as far as we know, there was no prophetic word from God. That’s a long time – about twice as long as the United States has existed.

Yet a lot happened during this timeframe. Daniel did prophesy about this time period long before it arrived, and his prophecy about these events were fulfilled during this time. Alexander the Great came upon the scene and captured the known world in record time. He was only a few years over the age of 30 when he became ruler of the known world. Yet, his reign was short-lived, and his kingdom was divided into four parts with the Seleucid Kingdom becoming one of the most dominant ones for the nation of Israel.

One of its rulers, Antiochus Epiphanes, desecrated the temple altar in Jerusalem which led to the Maccabean Revolt. This was a priestly family who led the revolt and, because of their eventual success in obtaining freedom from the Seleucids, was given the role of being military leaders of the Jewish people. The only problem with this was that they were now both priests and military rulers simultaneously. One of them eventually proclaimed himself king which led to the Hasmonean Dynasty which lasted a little over one-hundred years. So, you had a king being both king and high priest. We saw previously that when this happened and was not God-ordained as was the case with Saul and Uzziah, it led to unwanted consequences. The problem with something wrong being perpetuated for so long is that what is wrong becomes normalized and eventually is not seen as wrong at all.

There were now no longer God-ordained checks and balances between these two offices. The high priest became a political position which led to all sorts of greed and atrocities. This led to the rise of Herod the Great, an Idumean force-converted Jew, who expanded the Jewish temple but also sided with Rome who held the priesthood captive by maintaining control of the high priest’s vestments and ephod. The high priest had to come to the Roman prefect before he could perform any of his duties on given Jewish festivals or any holy days.

So, how did this disunity creep into Israel? The main culprit was the positions of high priest and king held by the same person under Hasmonean rule. This prevented the spiritual check and balance between the king and the high priest. This crowded out the purpose of a prophet who was despised, ignored, and/or killed if such a one did arise (Mt 23:37). Certain Scriptures were ignored while others were over emphasized. Only those prophecies that were understood and agreed to by Jewish scholars were widely taught. This led to the Jewish belief that the Messiah would be a conquering king to relieve them of all oppressors. This led to some Jews becoming militant and the leaders becoming afraid for their positions and their nation if such a one came and fought against Rome. This made them more exclusionary to non-Jews and increased their animosity for those not like them. This thought process prevented them from fulfilling one of their main mandates from God which was to bring all people unto Himself.

Not only was there a distraction from the way Jews worshipped and the Roman empire which held sway over their governance, there was also a lot of theological and philosophical debate between Jewish leaders which created division and left most people unsure of what to truly believe.

Pharisees followed both the oral and written law strictly and tried to apply it to every aspect of life. While they believed in all books we have in our Old Testament, they had oral interpretation which they also treated just as strongly as the Word of God itself. Emphasis was on obedience, not relationship. Then there were some Pharisees who were more conservative in their beliefs and practices and others who were more liberal in their interpretation of Scripture.

Sadducees rejected the oral law and any other sources of authority besides the written Torah, i.e., the first five books of the Old Testament. They ignored historical books, like Joshual and Judges; poetry books, like Psalms and Proverbs; and Prophetic books, like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. There was always much theological and philosophical debate with the Pharisees.

Essenes were known for their celibacy, fasting, meditation, and communal sharing of goods, but they were also criticized for their isolationism and sectarianism. They believed the Pharisees and Sadducees to be hypocrites and traitors to their Jewish religion. They felt they were the better arbiters and keepers of Scriptural teachings.

Herodians believed that Herod and his successors were the best option for the Jewish people under the Roman rule, and that they fulfilled some aspects of the messianic prophecies. They took their current world as being scriptural so they could justify their lifestyle and their current world view.

Zealots were militant Jews who advocated armed resistance against the Roman occupation of their land. They ignored all prophetic scriptures expect those which supported their belief that the Messiah would come as a conquering king, defeat all their foes, especially Rome, and set Israel up as the ruling nation of the entire world.

As we can see, dissent arose not because Scriptures were ignored but because different aspects of Scripture and prophecy were emphasized more than others or even completely ignored. So, what did this mean for Jesus as he came upon the scene? Stay turned and we’ll discuss this topic next time.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the past posts, we have seen how God is a God of unity and desires a relationship with us and has used the positions of king, priest, and prophet to help establish that. To do that, God has communicated to mankind in various ways. He did not do it in just one way but adapted to what was needed at the time. This also helps to show us that God is versatile in what he does as he keeps his character consistent. This also helps us to recognize that we cannot predict exactly how God will accomplish something, but we can rest assured in his character.

God can speak to us directly as Father, as his Son, or as the Holy Spirit. He can also speak to us through angels and through his Scripture. There are many examples of each of these forms of communication in Scripture.

God has appeared to many individuals in person. God spoke to Cain after he killed his brother Abel (Gn 4:9), spoke to Noah about the plans for the ark (Gn 6:13-22), to enter the ark (Gn 7:1), to exit the ark (Gn 8:15), and gives his blessing on them after they leave the ark (Gn 9:1-17). God told Abram to leave Ur (Gn 12:1-3) and promised him the land of Canaan (Gn 12:7). God appeared to Abram in a vision to make a covenant with him (Gn 15:1-19) and spoke aloud three times to announce Jesus Christ as his Son (Mt 3:16-18; Mt 17:5; Jn 12:28).

God has spoken as the Angel of the Lord which is likely Christ in his preincarnate form, and these manifestations are called Christophanies. He appeared to Hagar, the servant of Sarai, Abram’s wife (Gn 16:9-11), spoke to Abraham from heaven (Gn 22:11-15), appeared to Moses in a burning bush (Ex 3:2), spoke to Israelites during their journey to Canaan, their Promised Land (Nu 20:16), spoke to, and reprimanded, Balaam who had been hired by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites (Nu 22:22-35), reprimanded the Israelites for them not following him (Jd 2:1-4; 5:23), appeared to Gideon to raise him up as a deliverer for his people (Jd 6:11-12), appeared to the wife of Manoah announcing the birth of Samson (Jd 13:3) and to Manoah himself (Jd 13:13-21), appeared to Elijah to have him speak for him (2Ki 1:3-15), slew 186,000 Assyrians who had come against Jerusalem (2Ki 19:24; 2Ch 32:21; Is 37:36), punished Israel for David disobeying and numbering the Israelites which was against God’s wishes for David (1Ch 21:12-30), appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him to take Mary as his wife (Mt 1:20-24), appeared to Saul (Paul) on his way to Damascus (Ac 9:3-4), and appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos (Rv 1:9-20).

The Holy Spirit speaks to and through individuals. He spoke through prophets (Ne 9:30) as well as the following: David (2Sa 23:2; Mk 12:36), Gideon (Jd 6:13), Jephthah (Jd 15:1), Samuel (1Sa 14:18), and Saul (1Sa 10:10, 11:6). The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ (1Co 12:3), communicated with Jesus (Mt 4:1), and will speak to and through us (Mt 10:20; Lk 12:12).

God speaks through angels, often through dreams and visions, but not always. Angels appeared to the following in this way. Angels appeared physically to Lot (Gn 19:1) and to Jacob (Gn 28:12, 32:1). They appeared in a vision to Isaiah (Is 6:1-3). The angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel (Dn 8, 9), and to Mary (Lk 1:19). An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream (Mt 1:20, 2:19). Angels appeared to shepherds at Christ’s birth (Lk 2:9), attended to Christ’s needs (Mt 4:11), and appeared to women at Christ’s tomb (Mt 28:5). An angel appeared to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, to Peter in jail (Ac 5:19, 12:8), to Deacon Philip (Ac 8:26), and to Cornelius, a Gentile Roman officer who sought knowing God (Ac 10:4).

God definitely speaks to us through his Scripture. Here are a few verses saying that:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2Ti 3:16).

For the word of God is alive and active . . . (Hb 4:12).

Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path (Ps 119:105).

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for what I sent it (Is 55:11).

Although we have seen how God adapts over time to help mankind understand him, God cannot change his character (Ml 3:6; Hb 13:8) and his plan cannot be altered (Pr 19:21; Ep 1:11). God can change his methods, but he does not limit them (Jb 9:10; Ps 115:3; Is 46:9-10). His gifts and calling are irrevocable (Ro 11:29). God will speak through us once again similar to how he did with the prophets of old (Jb 33:14-18; Jl 2:28) and we should test what is spoken to be sure it is from God and aligns with Scripture (1Th 5:20-21 1Jn 4:1, 2Pt 1:20-21). How God has spoken and whatever he has done in the past, he can do again.

Of course, the Jewish leaders knew all of this as well, so why were they not ready for the Messiah’s coming? Well discuss this topic next time.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In previous posts we have talked about how God’s unity is tied to the roles of king, priest, and prophet. Under the leadership of Moses, he transferred these roles to certain individuals within Israel. Let’s see how God expected them to operate on his behalf.

God sets earthly kings up as being his agents to the people. God gave kings a divine mandate (Dt 17:5-20). Israeli kings were to be chosen by God (Dt 17:15), were not to be a foreigner (Dt 17:15), were not to amass horses or wives or silver and gold (Dt 17: 15-17), should write a copy of the law and read it all his days (Dt 1:18-19), was to ensure covenant observance by the people (Dt 17:20), was to rule with justice and righteousness (Is 32:1), and have military leadership (1Sa 23:2).

Let’s look back at the mandate requiring a king to write a copy of the law and read it all his days. As king, he should know the law as well as, or even better than, the priests as he was to have it read daily and consistently. He can’t lead as God would expect unless his own words were like those God himself would speak. He was representing God to his people and needed to have the mind of God to do that. Reading and studying God’s words was the only way for him to accomplish that. A corollary to this is what Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians: we are to have the mind of Christ (1Co 2:16).

Priests were seen as ministers of God. They were to guard God’s covenant by carrying out the duties of the tabernacle/temple required by the law (Dt 33:8-11), make atonement for Israel as God commanded (1Ch 6:29), and were to teach the difference between the holy and common and show how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean (Ek 44:23).

Prophets were seen as God’s enforcers to ensure and maintain alignment between kingly leadership and religious observances and teachings. They were to be messengers of God tasked with conveying his words to the people, were to remind Israel of their covenant with God, advocate for social justice often condemning the exploitation and oppression of the poor and vulnerable, foretold future events, both immediate and distant, acted as intercessors between God and the people, and were to be instruments of God’s miraculous power, performing signs and wonders to validate their message and mission.

While this was set up for Israel to follow God so they could have and maintain a relationship with him, God has done the same for us. Yet, our relationship with him is even more intimate because of Jesus Christ coming and fulfilling what the law required. He speaks to us in several different ways. There are many examples in Scripture about this. How he has communicated before, he can do so again. This is what we’ll be exploring next time. Pease join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In our last post, we stated that the roles of prophet, priest, and king can be linked to how God’s trinity works since how earthly government works is reflective of how heavenly government works. These roles were not always distinct, and at times this was within God’s will, but often it was not.

Sometimes, serving in more than one capacity leads to consequences. For example, Saul offered sacrifices at Gilgal and Samuel reprimanded him which ultimately led to Saul’s kingdom being taken from him (1Sa 13:10-14). This was not the only time Saul had disobeyed God as Samuel instructed, for Saul had been disobedient to God several times (1Sa 15:9-10). Another example is King Uzziah offering incense in the temple and Azariah, the priest, reprimanding him for this because it was a duty only for priests, and Uzziah developed leprosy as a consequence for his actions, and he remained leprous until his death (2Ch 26:19-21).

In these instances, both Saul and Uzziah were not trying to draw attention toward God but to usurp him and his wishes for them due to their own selfish egos.

Yet, sometimes God blessed the actions of some who served in more than one capacity. In one example, king David built an altar and offered burnt offering and fellowship offerings to stay a plague sent due to his sin. He did this at the bequest of God through a prophet, however. It was a way for David to accept the responsibility for his actions going against God’s wishes (2Sa 24:16-25). In another example, king David wore a linen ephod and danced before the LORD when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (2Sa 6:14). In these instances, while some saw David, like his wife, Michal, drawing negative attention to himself, he was actually drawing the people’s attention toward God.

At times, some typified a type of Christ and served in all three roles. Samuel (judge, priest, prophet) was the last of the judges but the judges before him did not serve as a priest. Judges did serve as a type of prophet at times. Samuel became not only a prophet but a priest from that time going forward. He was a Levite, being a descendant of Kohath, a son of Levi.

David (king, priest, prophet) we know was a king. He sometimes acted as a prophet because many passages in Psalms are prophetic in nature. And he sometimes acted as if a priest, as just noted, to draw everyone’s attention toward God. These examples helped the people better understand the character their coming Messiah would possess.

Christ would also fulfill each of these roles, just not in the way the Jewish leaders thought he would. He came physically to Israel as a prophet (Mt 21:46; Jn 4:44), he now serves as a high priest for us (Hb 4:14), and will one day return to reign as king (1Ti 6:13-16).

Throughout biblical history, we see how God adapts his methodology at the same time his character remains unchanged. As God revealed more and more of his character, he also introduced other ways of communication to those who listened to him.

The Bible speaks of God talking to many of the patriarchs from Adam all the way through Moses personally. God walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gn 3:8-9), he spoke directly with Noah (Gn 7:1), he spoke to many of the patriarchs personally (e.g., Jacob; Gn 32:24-30), in visions (e.g., Abram; Gn 15:1), dreams (e.g., Joseph; Gn 37:5), and through angels (Abraham; Gn 18:3), and he spoke to Moses face-to-face through his Shekinah glory as a friend would talk with a friend (Ex 33:11).

God originally fulfilled all three roles of King, Priest, and Prophet as he led and taught Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden, he later had patriarchs function as priests for their families, and as prophets to the people. After the Flood, he had Melchizedek (Gn 14:18) function as king and priest to better portray how God expected these roles to function when they would be held by humans. Under Moses, God brought these functions under human leadership so they could better understand God and his role in their lives.

God appeared on Mt. Sinai in an awesome way: in clouds, smoke, and lightning (Ex 19:16), revealing his ultimate authority. Moses became the spoke piece for God to the people (Ex 20:18), and God spoke to him face-to-face through his Shekinah glory (Ex 33:11). This revealed Moses’ authority to the people and made them more inclined to listen to him as they looked to him as they would look to God as their leader—a type of kingly authority, if you will.

God appears to Moses, Aaron and his sons, and the seventy elders of Israel and eats and drinks with them (Ex 24:9-11); likely a type of communion as we would recognize it today – it would be symbolic of his future death for their reconciliation as his priestly role. God gives instructions to Moses as to exactly how the Tabernacle was to be constructed and ceremonies conducted. All aspects of the Tabernacle pointed to Christ, their coming Messiah and what he would do for them – a fulfillment of the promise God has given to Adam and Eve.

The Holy Spirit fills the seventy elders who are to lead the people. The elders assist the people to help them align God’s words into their daily living. Although the filling of the Holy Spirit was temporary during this time, it was prophetic of how he would one day indwell his followers permanently so they, too, can align with his words in their daily living.

Next, we will see how God now expected those individuals with these duties to now act and live so they can represent him to the people. I hope you join me for that.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In our last post, we discussed how our perception of God is likely influenced by us living in a different dimension than where God resides. He also has unity between his three components of unity, and they can be represented by our human understanding of the positions of prophet, priest, and king. Let’s explore this topic further.

A king is someone who has ultimate authority. This is akin to God the Father who has ultimate authority over all. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:6 – One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. There is no one higher than God the Father and all things work according to his plan which no one can thwart.

A priest has spiritual authority. This is akin to God the Son who enacts God’s plan of reconciliation and will become the ultimate judge of mankind because everyone will be judged according to one’s response to Jesus Christ and his work of redemption and reconciliation. John tells us, in John 5:27 – And he [the Father] has given him [the Son] authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

The term “Son of Man” had a more profound meaning to the Jewish leaders than did the term “Son of God.” Jeus is referred to as “Son of God” 46 times in the New Testament and as “Son of Man” 81 times. The term “Son of God” was applied to angels, pious men, and the kings of Israel. Yet, the term “Son of Man” became symbolic of the coming Jewish Messiah. Well known to Jews, and especially to the Jewish leaders, was this term used by the prophet Daniel: In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence (Dn 7:13).

The prophet Ezekiel was called “son of man” because he typified as a type of the coming Messiah, acted as a divine messenger and mediator between God and humanity, offered hope to the exiled nation of Israel, served as a watchman calling Israel to repentance, acted as a shepherd providing guidance, and as a priest interceding for their reconciliation with God.

This term “Son of Man” became known to refer to their coming Messiah who they believed would bring about an everlasting kingdom where righteousness and justice would reign. The term wasn’t only a title for the Messiah but represented him being both human and divine identifying and sympathizing with the human condition yet possessing the power and authority of God (Title Son of Man). This is why the Jewish leaders got to upset when Jesus referred to himself as Son of Man because he was stating he was both human and divine. They could not accept this because Jesus did not fit the mold for which they had envisioned for their Messiah.

A prophet helps to ensure alignment between the king and the priest so they both give a consistent message to the people about God. This is the working of God the Holy Spirit. Jesus stated in John 15:26 – When the Advocate (i.e., Holy Spirit] comes, whom I [i.e., Christ] will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me (i.e, Christ, the Son of God].

These ways in which God works is for the purpose of creating Unity: both within himself and between himself and mankind.

These roles were not always distinct within the Godhead or within human presentation. Sometimes an individual fulfilled, or tried to fulfill, more than one role. Next time, we’ll go further into this topic. Please join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

God is a God of unity. How does he communicate such a characteristic? He does this through the offices of prophet, priest, and king. This is a trinity of a sort where each serve as a check and balance for the other. We’ll explore this more as we go over this topic in the next several posts.

The Bible tells us that God is a God of order (1Co 14:23). What does that mean? For one, it means that God is about unity which means he is about relationships. And this unity and relationship starts with God himself. The Bible clearly states that God is one: “Hear O Israel, the LORD our God the LORD is one” (Dt 6:4). How does this verse align with God being Trinity? Although not directly stated in the Bible, we do see a Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We experience these as three separate individuals, but they are of one will and work in harmony with each other. So, how do we have a Three-in-One God? Is he really one, or is he three? Perhaps it is a matter of our perception and not a matter of who he is.

Our perception of God can be partly explained by thinking about dimensions. In the book Flatland by Edwin Abbot, originally written as a piece of political satire, it has become more famous about an understanding of dimensional perceptions than it has about politics. Abbott speaks of how someone who lives in a two-dimensional world (i.e., with only length and width—no height) would experience a three-dimensional object, like a sphere. From a Flatland—2-dimensional—perspective, the sphere will at first look like a point which grows as a circle in size until the diameter of the sphere is reached and then shrinks in size until it appears again as a point. Therefore, what is observed is a perspective of the sphere but not the sphere as it really exists in its own dimension. Those in Flatland can only observe the character of the sphere but never the sphere itself.

Maybe a more complex 3-D structure can help us better understand our perception of God: perhaps something like a tetrahedron. In a 2-D world, this object will appear as a progression of different diameter circles going from one circle and ending as three circles. And depending on orientation, it may appear different each time it passes through their dimension. So their experience is different each time if the object’s orientation changes. This is similar to how we experience God. He does not change, just as this object is the same each time, but how we experience him can be different each time, just as the Flatlanders experienced the object differently due to the orientation of the object.

So, if God is a God of order, does that mean we can answer the nagging question, “Is God predictable?” Some, who may look at God as the sphere, say we can see what he has done in the past and then know how he will respond going forward. Others, who may see God as the tetrahedron, say that no one can know what God will do in any given situation. I think there is a better way to look at this. We can observe how God has worked in the past which lets us know how he could work in the future but not how he will work in the future. Why do I say this? Because there are two things to consider: God’s character and God’s methods. His character is consistent. This is equivalent to the object itself which never changed. In Malachi, it states, “I the LORD do not change” (Ml 3:6). This same sentiment is expressed in other Scriptural passages as well. Yet, his methods of working are adaptive. This is similar to the object’s orientation changing. This reminds us of the words of the apostle Paul: “Who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has been his counselor?” (Ro 11:34).

We don’t have the time to go into how God’s heavenly council works, but we do know that how God works on the Earth is patterned after how he works in heaven (Hb 9:24). The trinity can be seen in the earthly duties of a king, a priest, and a prophet.

This is what we will look at in my next post. I hope you join me as we discuss this topic further.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

So far in this miniseries, we have seen how the love of God and the wrath of God are inseparable in God’s character and how that has helped to explain some of our misconceptions about the worldwide flood and the command by God to have Israel wipe out many of the Amorites in their Promised Land when they went to conquer it. Now, let’s look at the New Testament in this same light.

In the New Testament, we see the love and wrath of God are even more intertwined than we saw in the Old Testament. This is because God’s love for us has taken away God’s wrath from us because God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus Christ rather than onto us. We perceive that as his love for us, which it is, but it was also an act of God’s wrath against sin. His ultimate wrath on the earth is postponed until after he comes for his church, his bride.  Therefore, it is something we have not yet seen because it is still part of future prophecy, but it is something that will come to pass.

Also, God is still inclusionary but requires a reality check. As with most countries, you are happily included with them—if you have a passport. He paid for our sins, but action is required on our part. Just because someone has bought you a gift does you no good unless you accept the gift. Why? We are not in His Kingdom until we agree to be in His Kingdom. Contrary to popular belief and song, we are not all God’s children. Why do I say that?

We are born into Satan’s Kingdom. It is in a time dimension. That means there will be an end to it one day. It can be compared to a sinking ship. It requires action to get out of a sinking ship. Jesus said: … whosoever does not believe stands condemned already … (Jn 3:17, NIV). In other words, without making a decision, although it is really a decision of ‘no,’ we go down with the ship. What ties us to this sinking ship is our sin, which is disobedience, or rebellion. Rebellion sounds harsh for disobedience, but it is saying no to anything God has asked us to say yes to. By disobeying, you are actually rebelling against what was asked of you.

We don’t automatically try to get out of the sinking ship because we are blinded by the owner of the ship we are in that there is nothing wrong with the ship. Paul stated the following: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1Co 2:14, NIV). Therefore, action must be taken to become unblinded to Satan’s lies and get out of his kingdom.

We are transferred from the sinking ship (Satan’s Kingdom) to the Lifeboat (God’s Kingdom). However, action is needed on our part. Just because the boat is supplied doesn’t help us unless we get in it. Faith is needed to be transferred from Satan’s Kingdom into God’s Kingdom. Paul tells us the following: “For he (i.e., Jesus Christ) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness (i.e., Satan’s kingdom, the sinking ship) and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (i.e., God’s Kingdom, the Lifeboat), in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Cl 1:13, NIV).

We find ourselves on the sinking ship of Satan’s Kingdom. When we realize we need and want to be on Christ’s rescue boat and accept his invitation to join him, the Holy Spirit becomes our life preserver which we receive from him. Then he transfers us from our sinking ship, Satan’s Kingdom, into the lifeboat, into God’s Kingdom, where we are now saved from destruction and we can have rest. We use the term “saved” because we have been rescued from destruction, rescued from a sinking ship which is Satan’s Kingdom because his kingdom is this world, and it will come to an end and be destroyed along with all those a part of it. We are transferred into God’s Kingdom which is not of this world, outside time, and therefore will last eternally as will we.

Choice is something God has graciously ensured we possess. The Flood occurred to preserve our God given right of choice. Many of the Amorites were destroyed because of the consequences of their choice. That was true for the captivity of Judah and Israel as well. Christ died on the cross to pay for the sin (disobedience, rebellion) so that choice can be tangible to us once again.

God has given us choice, something Satan does not want us to recognize. He wants us to see choice as something bad, something that infringes upon our rights and makes God look vengeful. Yet, without choice we would be mere robots. Choice comes with obedience and disobedience and comes with consequences. What will you choose with your right of choice? Are you prepared for the consequence? Choose Christ = Everlasting home with Christ where wonderment and joy abounds. Choose our current state (which many look at as not making a choice) = Everlasting home with Satan where regret, chaos, and turmoil abounds.

Bottom line: We need to Choose Wisely.

I trust you do choose wisely if you have not yet done so. Today is the day of salvation (2Co 6:2). The lifeboat is waiting. All you have to do is get in.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens