In Philippi, Jews were treated as outsiders, a pattern we continue to see in many contexts throughout history. But tribalism has no place in the Family of God.

After Paul and Silas are jailed for being "not one of us," God opens the prison door, the jailer seeks to be saved, and he and his family are saved... Paul and Silas are released the next morning. Much like the Passover in Exodus, God swept over the jail in Philippi, and passed judgment, freeing Paul and Silas, and saving the jailer and his family!

As the spirit of Elijah once rested upon Elisha in 2nd Kings, so now it rests upon John the Baptist in Matthew 3. John says there are two kinds of people: those who belong to God, and those who will be judged. John baptizes with water for repentance; Jesus is far greater: He baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. With His baptism, we are one with God. As in Genesis, the Spirit of God brings new life! In Matthew 3, God's Son, His chosen servant, has arrived!

Once we've repented and turned our lives over to Christ, we are commanded as Christians to be baptized! In doing so, we partake in the life of Christ and His divinity. We declare to all humanity that it's our privilege to belong to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This passage in Revelation links back to the Old Testament. A strong case can be made that that in the end times, Israel, after a long period of rejecting the Messiah, will be restored. At that time there will still be hard-hearted doubters, but just the same, God gives us as believers a hardness/strength in our belief. We are to be faithful and preach God's Word giving no thought to rejection, leaving the outcome to Him!

The scroll in Revelation 10 is the Word of God, which is sweet to taste, but upsetting to our innards. We spend time in the Word to be conformed to it. Unlike entertainment media, once we've consumed it, we're better than we were before. If we lack wisdom, pray for it and God will give it. He loves us so much He's jealous of anything that would turn our attention away from Him. When we do fail, we repent and He will forgive!

This passage parallels several other parts of scripture that describe standing on a place as a sign of dominion over it. The mighty angel here may be the Holy Spirit, always pointing to another. God shows He has dominion over both Israel and the gentiles. Rather than delaying and focusing on the 7 thunders, God wants the contents of the scroll to be taught to those who haven't heard in the final days... this may mean a last-days revival for Jerusalem.

For Christians, this life may be filled with trouble. Though Satan may claim dominion over our lives and over this earth, only God truly has dominion! God's dominion means Satan's tyranny is limited; he's on a short leash. There will come a day when it must end. When this life is over, we'll live eternally in perfect communion with God!

As believers, don't let sorrow dominate our lives, but fight for joy! We are free to explore and enjoy life in Christ, not living in fear of sin. Our enjoyment is tempered by wisdom; when we cross the line into sin, it will be judged by God. Jesus lived this, enjoying everything the Father gave Him without sin, even with the knowledge that his life would end in crucifixion. He received from the Father and joyfully gave to those around Him. Our most effective witness: spread the gospel with joy!

As Herod's power grew, he became more and more narcissistic. It got so bad he ordered the killing of children, to eliminate the perceived threat of Jesus. Despite his best efforts, God outsmarted him at every turn. Joseph was a faithful father, obeying the Lord immediately (as should we!), keeping his family safe, and ensuring Jesus's survival. God prevailed over Herod's bad religion, and Jesus lived and died to save mankind.

All throughout scripture, we see that in the end, God wants us with Him, now and for eternity!