Voyage | Book of Revelation & Genesis | Shalom World

Chapter 7 of the Book of Revelation is a pause between the first wave of tribulation and the second; here Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan looks deeper into the text about the sealing of the saints. Through this seal, they are protected from the tribulation that is yet to come. St. John uses the Old Testament to tell us about the realities of the current church. 

The saints were standing in front of God wearing white robes - a symbol of victory, holiness, and priesthood - and they were carrying palms in their hands. This is still the same vision from Chapters 4 and 5 where the crowds of people are worshipping the Lamb. “These are the people who have come through the great persecution.”

St. John shows us the destiny of the people of God before we can see the more terrible aspects of tribulation. God offers His seal to us but the mark of the antichrist will be forced; God gives us the choice. Anyone who has the seal of the anti-christ must face the wrath of God. The saints in Heaven experienced hell on earth but they experience the glory in Heaven. Need, suffering, and want are all gone; they have joy, peace, glory, and never again, any enemy.

The Good Shepherd has a plan for His church: to have one fold and one shepherd.

Bible References:

• 2 Cor. 1:22 - Sealed using Baptism and Confirmation
• Rev. 7:5-8 - The tribes of Israel
• James 1:1 - The 12 tribes…
• 1 Peter 1:1, Matt. 19:28 & Luke 22:30 - The people of God are called the tribes of Israel
• Rev. 7:9 - Where the sealed saints will go
• Rev. 7:10-14 - The crowds are praising God
• Rev. 7:16-17 - The promise to the saints
• Ezk. 37:27, Exo. 40:34-38 and John 1:14 - Jesus tented among us
• Is. 4, Is. 6, and Is. 49 - The promise of Heaven
• John 10 - “I am the good shepherd”

Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

When we read Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelations, it may seem like the end of the world but that is not true; there has to be another way to read the Book. In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, explains how St. John takes all his imagery from the Prophets of the Old Covenant. 

Jesus prepared the church for the “Judas factor” - a defector who has all the graces from God and holds a prominent role - and the effects of the defection will be massive. So, what brings down the wrath of God on the earth is the corruption of the church - heresy, apostasy, and immorality. We are given two choices: run toward God or run away from Him. Sinners will run and hide from the wrath of God and the saints will have no fear.

In the Bible, the land usually is the Jewish territory, the sea is the Gentile territory, and the trees are the chosen people of God. In Chapter 7, Frances Hogan explains who survives the wrath of God; those in the company of the saints will be saved and those who aren’t will be in grave danger. St. John repeatedly emphasizes that God is in control. We see God’s restraining hand over the forces of destruction and God wants to protect His church; judgment is delayed until the church is safe. 

The road to redemption is through the road of suffering

Bible References:

• Rev. 6:14 - “The sky disappeared…”
• Is. 34.4 - “The Heavens are rolled up like a scroll…”
• Lev. 19:2 - “You shall be holy…”
• Rev. 6:16 - “Hide us from the anger of the Lamb”
• Rev. 7:1-4 - Who will survive the day of the Lord?
• Dan. 7:2 and Jer. 49:36 - The four winds represent the destructive forces of the earth
• Jer. 4:11-12, Jer. 18:17, Jer. 49:36, and Jer. 51:1-2 - The desert winds
• Is. 41 - The desert winds represent the destructive enemy
• Zec. 6:1-8 - Winds are powers of destruction; also described as horses of white, black, etc…
• Dan. 6:17 - Sealed by God
• 1 Tim. 2:4 - God wants everybody to be saved
• Dan. 7 & Dan. 8 - Ferocious, destructive empires
• Jer. 49 - The destroying nations
• Matt. 16 - Those who want to follow Christ must carry their cross

Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explain Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation; here we read about the 6th seal that Jesus opens. Frances Hogan explains that the events following the opening of the seal is the justice that the martyrs are seeking. We begin to see the wrath of the Lamb which terrifies everybody.

The Scriptures tell us that through the justice of God, He wants to release us from sin so that we can find our way back to Him. The Lord is both justice and mercy and it is entirely up to us whether we expose ourselves to His mercy or leave ourselves to His justice.

Frances Hogan gives us a comparison between Revelation Chapter 6 and Matthew Chapter 24 showing us that St. John tells us things that were already known. The sun in this passage represents the father, the moon represents the mother, and the stars represent the whole family. One of the signs of the end times is the downfall of the family. If the father, the sun, has lost all senses and the mother, the moon, who is the life-giver becomes the death dealer, then the family won't survive; the children, the stars, will not know family life. This is the death of the church.

Bible References:

• Rev. 6:12-17 - Opening of the 6th seal
• Rom. 1:8 - The wrath was already at work
• Mark 13:7-9 - Wars, rumors of wars
• Mark 13:24-25 - Cosmic signs in the Heavens
• Matt. 24 - All the signs that St. John gives us
• Rev. 6:1-2 - The white horse and its rider & Matt 24:4-5 - False Christ
• Rev. 6:3-4 - The red horse that represents war & Matt 24:6 - Wars
• Rev. 6:5-6 - The black horse & Matt 24:7a - Famines
• Rev. 6:7-8 - The pale horse & Matt 24:7b-8 - The plague of death
• Rev. 6:9-11 - The Martyrs & Matt. 24:9 - The Martyrs
• Heb. 12:26-27 - The Lord will make the Heavens and Earth shake
• Is. 24:17-18 - The Lord begins to deal with the evil on Earth
• Rev. 11:18b - “I will destroy the destroyers of the Earth
• Is. 2:9-11 - The reason the Lord does what He is doing
• Gen. 37:9-10 - Joseph, the dreamer’s dream
• Acts 2:19-21 - The first Urbi et Orbi
• Matt. 24:29 - The powers of heaven will be shaken

Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Frances Hogan, the Irish Scripture Scholar, continues to explain the representations of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and what it means. She suggests that the white horseman is a sign of deception because it is the very first sign that Jesus gives to us in Matthew 24. 

The 20th century was a time of deception, a time of disinformation, and misinformation; lies about God and the Truth were all over the place. The deception of the New Age movement spread like wildfire throughout the world; this white horse of deception continues to rule the earth. He had a bow with no arrows because He was very clever and could get into hearts and minds. 

The red horse was also all over the 20th century; we not only had wars and rumors of wars, but we also had 2 World Wars. As a result of the white horse and the red horse, famines, diseases, and disasters follow. We have also seen a rise in apostasy during these times. Some of the global disasters of the 20th century show us that the four horsemen have been running things on the earth. The earth is in rebellion against humanity which is in rebellion against God.

When Jesus breaks the 5th seal, we see the souls of those who were killed for witnessing the word of God; the martyrs have stopped being lambs and they too want to be lions. Their sacrificial death is very powerful to expiate the sins of people on earth and to reconcile human beings to God.

Bible References:

• Rev. 6:1-8 - The four horsemen of the apocalypse
• Matt. 24 - Beware of deception
• 1 John 2:18-19 - Anti-Christs had turned up during St. John’s time
• Rev. 6:9 - Breaking of the 5th seal
• 2 Macc. 7:37, Mark 13:9-13 and Matt. 23:32-36 - Regarding the martyrs and their martyrdom
• Rom. 12:19 - Do not avenge yourself…
• Zech. 1:12-13 - Martyrs are told to wait because the college of martyrs needs to be filled up

Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

We look into Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation with Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan in this episode. Jesus begins opening the seals while He is being adored by all of creation at the Liturgy. When a seal is broken, the 4 animals call out to a horse who is then given a duty. The consequence of opening the seal is the action we witness in Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation.

We see a grim picture of war, famine, conquests, etc… but the origin of these is on earth. We see that God is in control of the events - the first rider is given, the second rider is told… We are about to see the testing of the nations; suffering is also a part of God’s providential care lest we self-destruct. 

The white horse was given victory; he was allowed to do it. Though it looks like the rider is Christ, it isn’t. We often see references to someone or something that looks like Christ, this is an introduction to the anti-Christ - the one who pretends to be Christ. Now it makes sense that it was followed by war, death, famine, destruction, etc…

The red horse, called by one of the four animals around the sanctuary, is a representation of war. The black horse of famine always follows the red horse of war.

This is not the end of everything… it is the beginning.

Bible References:

• Rev. 5:4 - Lion of the tribe of Judah
• Amos 1:2 - When the Lion roars who cannot help feeling afraid
• Jer. 25:30-32 - The Lord roars from on high
• Jer. 25:34-38 - An introduction to Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation
• Rev. 6:1-8 - Breaking of the seals
• Zech. 6:1-6 - The imagery of the horses used in Chapter 6
• Matt. 24 & Luke 21 - The final discourse of Jesus

Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan gives us an overview of the text in Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of Revelation. She explains the symbols and imagery used by St. John in these chapters.

In Chapter 4, we explored the worship of God the Father in eternity, and in Chapter 5, we saw the worship of Jesus, the Redeemer. There is a massive connection between the events here and the events in the Book of Exodus. We see that God worked many miracles to release His chosen people from Egypt and bring them into the wilderness where He would train them to become His people. Here they signed the covenant with God which was ratified by Moses. 

Moses was given sight of the worship in Heaven to build a tabernacle on earth; this is the pattern that is always followed to build churches - the tabernacle, the sanctuary, and the nave. In Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation, we the liturgy in Heaven which is reflected on earth as Holy Mass. St. John was given the vision of the Book of Revelation on a Sunday, the Lord’s day. On a Sunday, we go through the Book of Revelation at Holy Mass: 

Chapter 1: We enter the presence of God on a Sunday

Chapters 2 and 3: The Word of God is preached by the priest to the church

Chapter 4: We have the Sanctus, the intercession, and the consecration 

Chapter 5: The Lamb comes to the Altar and we have the adoration of the priests and the congregation

The more we go into adoration of the Lamb, the more powerful it is! The Kingdom of God will come as it is in Heaven.

This message is given from the church to the church for the church and it's all about the church.

Bible References:

• Heb. 8:5 - According to the pattern shown at the mountain

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

The future of the world is handed to the Lamb who was sacrificed. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explain Chapter 5 of the Book of Revelation where Jesus is given the scroll that contains the future of God’s creation. The Lamb that was sacrificed is an image of Jesus that is both priest and victim; it is symbolic of His worthiness and Kingship. A new song is sung to adore the Redeemer; the first song to God the Son.

Jesus was the Lamb, a victim of sacrifice, and now He is the Lion, a symbol of majesty, strength, leadership, and judgment. St. John reminds us 29 times that Jesus, the Lion, is the same slain and triumphant Lamb that gave His life for us. We find that the Lamb is adored, we’re told that He bought us with His own blood, the earthly Kings will run in fear from the anger of the Lamb, He is the Savior, Leader, Shepherd, He is judge, He stands triumphantly over Zion, He is victorious in His warring with the human race, He is the temple and He is the One who shares God’s throne with us.

Jesus is coming to collect His people from the powers of darkness. St. John wants us to see that in the chastisements which are coming, we are governed by the One who was slain for our transgressions; nothing will stop Him from saving us. St. John shows that Jesus is continually worshipped in Heaven by thousands upon thousands.

Bible References:

• Rev. 5:6-8 - The future of the world is handed to the Lamb
• John 3:35 - The Father places everything in His Son’s hands
• John 17 - The Father places everything in Jesus’ hand
• Col. 2:2 - Full riches of complete understanding
• Sir. 47:25 - Jesus is the root of David
• John 1:29 - The Passover Lamb
• Ps. 33:3 - Sing to the Lord a new song
• Ps. 96:1-2 - Sing to the Lord, all the earth
• Matt. 19:28 - Sharing the throne of God
• Rev. 5:11-13: The worship of the Lamb
• John 5:23 - The Son would be honored in the same way as the Father
• Ps. 22:25-31 - The suffering, death, and the prophecy
• Phil. 2:6-11 - The story of the slain Lamb
• Ps. 150 - Standing ovation of the human race

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

The 24 elders worship the one who lives forever and ever! Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explain the eternal worship of God as explained in Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation by St. John. The elders throw their crown before Jesus because it came from Him and He paid for everything on the cross. 

In Chapter 4, we saw the worship of God the Creator and in Chapter 5 of the Book of Revelation, we see the worship of God the Redeemer. The Lamb with the wounds of the sacrifice is the only one who is worthy of the scroll from the one on the throne. The scroll comes from God the Father who holds the future of His creation. He gives the scroll to the one who is worthy and paid the price for our salvation, Jesus Christ. Jesus loves His Father and will see the will of the Father to fruition so that the His creation can back to Father.

The elders tell the congregation that Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David, has triumphed over death, sin, shame, and everything! He will take the Kingship and He is the Messiah! The King of the Jews has triumphed! The seven horns on the sacrificial lamb represent the fullness of power and the seven eyes represent His omniscience. The Lamb crosses the sea of glass and arrives at the sanctuary; when He arrives at the throne, He receives the scroll from the Father. When Jesus receives the messages, the elders bow down before Him. Jesus is being worshipped as God with God sitting on the throne; St. John is making sure that the church understands that Jesus is divine.

Bible References:

• Rev. 4:9-11 - The eternal worship of God
• John 15:5 - Without Me, you can do nothing
• Phil. 4:13 - I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me
• John 5:23 - The Son would be honored in the same way as the Father
• Rev. 5:1-5 - The scroll is given to Jesus because He is the only One who is worthy
• Is. 20:11 - The word of God was considered a sealed book
• John 14:31 - “I want the world to know that I love God the Father…”
• Rom. 8:19 - True sons of God will enable Him to restore creation
• Is. 11 - He must come from the House of Jesse
• Gen. 49 - Until He comes to whom it belongs
• John 16:33 - “Take heart, I have overcome the world”
• 1 John 5 - We overcome through our faith in Jesus

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues reflecting on Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation in this episode. Through St. John, God is revealing Himself as the infinitely just and holy one. The Emerald is particularly emphasized here; it represents the tribe of Judah from which Jesus came. This could mean that a person from the tribe of Judah is going to reveal their true nature. 

When combining the precious stones, Diamond and Ruby, we get the color of fire; fire is how Ezekiel describes God. God is the fire of love! Around the throne of God in Heaven, there is a rainbow that represents His mercy. He is surrounded by 24 elders in white robes and golden crowns. While there are many commentaries on who the 24 are, Frances Hogan concludes that the best suggestion is that they are the 24 classes of priesthood - a role of service.

The seven burning lamps signify the 7 powerful angels of God who ensure God’s will on earth. The sea made of glass leads up to the sanctuary. We are also told that were 4 animals present among the 24 elders; the first one was like a lion, the second one was like a bull/ox, the third one had a human face and the fourth one was like a flying eagle. They had 6 wings and eyes all around and day and night they never stopped worshipping the Lord - these may be seen as the people of God.

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, Almighty!

Bible References:

• Rev.4:2-4 - A just and holy God
• 1 Pet. 4:7 - A warning about the end times
• Ezk. 1:4 - The color of “fire”
• Dan. 7:9-10 - God is described as fire
• Gen.9:12-17 - Rainbow: A symbol of God’s mercy
• Luke 22:28 - 30 - The apostles would sit on thrones and judge the 12 tribes of Israel
• Rev. 4:5 - The seven spirits of God
• Ps. 18:7-14 - The Lord communicates using nature
• Ps. 29:1-11 - The Lord makes sure that His voice is heard
• Rev. 4:6 - The sea made of glass
• Ex. 24:10 - The elders in the presence of God
• Is. 6:1-5 - An extraordinary vision of God

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

In Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation, we explore God’s Throne in Heaven. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explain St. John’s message to the people of the end times. We are told that the only way we can see reality is through God’s perspective - we are called to put our eternal destiny before our security now.

St. John takes us to the “Palace” in Heaven and shows us that God receives representation from the whole world. God’s throne is the power center of the universe so whatever is happening on earth does not matter until God permits it. It is our destiny to be with the Lord in eternal glory as He reigns as the King of the Universe. It is only in the presence of God that anything on earth makes sense.

The Book of Revelation is about opening everything up for humankind; it is a revelation of what is to come for those who obey and heed the words of the King of the universe. Time and again, we are shown that the head and the mystical body have to be in perfect sync. Trials and tribulations are sure to come when the Lord is calling His bride to be with Him in His Kingdom.

Our God is a person and not a thing; He is a spiritual person Who has been communicating with His creation. St. John describes God, using precious stones, in terms of beauty, order, light… Jasper or Diamond represents the holiness of God, Carnelian or Ruby represents the justice of God… God reveals Himself as a holy and just God. He always comes in mercy first showing us His love, beauty, compassion, and forgiveness. If we won't take that and repent, then we face the Holy and Just God

Bible References:

• Rev. 4:1-11 - The Sovereignty of God
• John 14 - Many rooms in my Father’s house
• Rev. 11:9 - The Sanctuary of God is opened
• Rev. 15.1 - Heaven is opened
• Rev. 16 - A voice from the Sanctuary
• Rev. 19 - A sound of a great crowd in Heaven
• Rev. 19.11 - A white horse comes from the throne in Heaven
• Rev. 20 - An angel comes down from Heaven
• Rev. 21 - A New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven
• Rev. 22 - The river of life and the tree of life
• Ps. 115 - Our God is no thing
• Ezk. 1 - The fire of love

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/