#Deuteronomy 28:10

[walkswithmyfather]

Matthew 7:15 (NIV). “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

Matthew 10:16 (NIV). “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Proverbs 28:1 (NLT). “The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (CEB). “Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you.”

“The enemy likes to hide wolves inside sheep's clothing but that's okay, Jehovah hides lions inside of lambs.” Amen! 🙏🕊🙌

[bojackson54]

Spiritual Life a Little Cold? Try Sitting Closer to the Fire

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God with reverence and awe, for “Our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 10:28-29, NIV) Playing With Fire? This whole verse seems hopelessly out of date in some ways. It claims that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, when it seems like Christianity is less accepted and more…

[martyschoenleber]

Finding God in the Cracks and Corners

[rabnerd28]

Chronicling the Cats Broadway Revival Lifts

Hey, you know how we joke that you could make a drinking game out of all the lifts that they do in the Broadway Revival? Don’t do it. You will die of alcohol poisoning before the Jellicle Ball.

4:54 Electra, Victoria and Tantomile are all lifted during the "Heaviside Layer" line of Jellicle Songs for Jellicles Cats (3)

9:20 Electra and Tantomile during Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats. (2)

9:28 Not a lift, but Tanto, Victoria and Electra are swung forward across the floor. Doesn’t count but I’m marking vaguely lifting actions.

14:41 Sillabub is lifted in the background at the start of Invitation. There might be more cats being lifted but my bootleg is mostly focused on the main cats for each number. (1)

14:50 Not even a full 10 seconds later, Sillabub and another cat (I think it’s Tantomile) are lifted again. (2)

18:45 Coricopat and Skimbleshanks lift Jenny so that a ball can go under her (1)

19:39 Bomba and Demeter grab Jenny and slide her across the large sports balls. (Side note: I really fucking hate the balls. Why are they in this number???)

23:28 Tumble and Plato lift Victoria and Tugger walks under her. (1)

22:36 Rumpleteazer, Demeter and Victoria are all lifted (3)

23:40 Victoria and Tanto are flung forward and then flung back.

24:05 Electra, Tantomile, Victoria and Rumpleteazer are held on at their armpits as they drop so that they would be flat on their faces if their partners weren’t holding them, followed by said partners lifting them off the ground and spinning them. I’m counting it. (4)

24:32 Tantomile and Victoria are spun on the ground and then lifted by cats right after. (2)

26:08 Sillabub, Victoria and Electra are mid cartwheel when their partners (Mungojerrie, Plato and Pouncival (?)) grab them and slow them down. Tantomile is then lifted by Coricopat. (1)

All lift adjacent behaviors are forgiven for Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer. What’s not forgiven is how literal the choreography is.

39:25 We went almost a full fifteen minutes. Coricopat lifts Tantomile when they first sense Old Deuteronomy. (1)

39:34 Once again, Tanto is lifted by Cori. (1)

40:14 Tanto climbs on Cori’s back and Victoria climbs on Plato’s and they are lifted. (2)

43:15 Victoria is lifted by Alonzo, Tanto is lifted by Cori (?). (2)

45:07 Mungojerrie lifts Rumpleteazer onto the stage, same for Cori and Tanto. They then lift them both again to go behind Old Deuteronomy. Followed by another lift after those. (6)

45:22 Munkustrap carries Victoria out to the front of the stage, then hand her to Plato, who lifts her, alongside Sillabub being lifted by Tumble (3)

46:23 Tumble lifts Sillabub (1)

46:40 Victoria, Electra and Tanto are all lifted by multiple cats. (3)

47:06 Several cats are supported during their arabesques

48:20 Teazer, Tanto, Sillabub and Victoria are all lifted, followed by Victoria being lifted a second time (5)

49:40 Electra, Demeter, Victoria, Tanto and Teazer are all lifted pretty much upside down (5)

50:18 Plato picks up Victoria for a little run lift thing, followed by carrying her as she does a cartwheel. (2)

50:29 Tanto, Teazer, Sillabub, Bombalurina (her first lift) and Victoria are lifted. Everyone but Vicky gets lifted a second time. (9)

51:33 Vicky gets lifted twice for the Pas de Deux (2)

52:58 Tanto is lifted (1)

54:16 Sillabub and Electra are both lifted twice (4)

55:16 Tanto and Tori are lifted…twice in a row (4)

55:50 Tanto, Tori, Teazer and Sillabub (4)

56:09 Tori, Tanto, Sillabub (3)

56:23 You know, Victoria’s big lift would be really impressive if we didn’t just see 100 of them before it (1)

I’m surprised they didn’t work a lift into Memory

At intermission we have 79 lifts…I am loosing my goddamn mind. I am actively crying from how funny this is.

1:36:48 Victoria and Electra were flung forward

1:49:25 Victoria is lifted. I thought we were going to make it through the whole second act without one, but nope. (1)

We end with a total of 80 lifts.

[statisticalcats2]

Seven Cat Calls fandom event

What is this event about?

This event is for celebrating your favorite Cats performers!

What types of works are allowed?

Anything you'd like! Gif-sets, fanart, meta posts or essays, anything! Anyway you'd like to share your love for your favorite performers!

When does this event start and end?

This event will begin the week of May 11th and end the week of October 26th (treat these dates as the beginning of their respective weeks.)

General rules/info:

This event is for any and all productions of Cats!

Each prompt/character gets a week and you can post at any time during that week.

Don't worry about being late! I mean for this to be a fun, casual event. If you miss a certain week, you can still make a post for it!

Please tag your event posts with #sevencatscalls2024 Since tumblr can be glitchy with tags at times, also feel free to tag me @statisticalcats2 in your posts!

I will not reblog from people who are anti-fiction/anti-ship.

If you have any other questions, my ask box is open!

Event schedule (below the cut):

Week 1 (May 11-17) - Grizabella

Week 2 (May 18-24) - Bill Bailey/Tumblebrutus

Week 3 (May 25-31) - Rum Tum Tugger

Week 4 (June 1-7) - Coricopat

Week 5 (June 8-14) - Asparagus/Gus the Theatre Cat

Week 6 (June 15-21) - Jellylorum

Week 7 (June 22-28) - Rumpleteazer

Week 8 (June 29 - July 5) - Bustopher Jones

Week 9 (July 6-12) - Bombalurina

Week 10 (July 13-19) - Carbucketty/Pouncival

Week 11 (July 20-26) - Alonzo

Week 12 (July 27 - August 2) - Old Deuteronomy

Week 13 (August 3-9) - Victoria

Week 14 (August 10-16) - Mistoffelees

Week 15 (August 17-23) - Demeter

Week 16 (August 24-30) - Admetus/Plato

Week 17 (August 31 - September 6) - Jemima/Sillabub

Week 18 (September 7-13) - Cassandra

Week 19 (September 14-20) - Jennyanydots

Week 20 (September 21-27) - Tantomile

Week 21 (September 28 - October 4) - Macavity

Week 22 (October 5-11) - Mungojerrie

Week 23 (October 12-18) - Munkustrap

Week 24 (October 19-25) - Skimbleshanks

Week 25 (October 26 - November 1) - Rare characters/swings/production specific characters

[nerdygaymormon]

Are you willing to condemn the racism the Mormon church has taught you?

The church has been wrong on Racism, Patriarchy, Misogyny and Anti-queerness.

One message that is given in scriptures in different ways is that God loves us all and treats us the same, and we should do likewise.

Deuteronomy 10:17 - For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

Mark 12:31 - The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

John 13:34 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Acts 10:34 - Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

Romans 2:11 - For God does not show favoritism.

Romans 10:12 - For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:11 - Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

2 Nephi 26:33 - ...black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God

Furthermore, the Book of Mormon can be seen as a cautionary tale about a group of violently racist misogynists who wound up getting annihilated explicitly because they would not stop being violently racist misogynists. It also teaches that pride and wealth inequality doom civilizations. Too many Mormons view the Nephites as the heroes of the Book of Mormon and want to be like them, but D&C 38:39 warns us, "lest ye become as the Nephites of old."

[dilutedh2so4]

Book of Ruth: Is it Gay? (part two yay)

image credit: jw.org (lol)

(continued from part one)

I can already see your objections: "But then Ruth married Boaz [her male relative]! Naomi told her to do it!"

Again, let us consider Naomi and Ruth's social standing. They were both women, both widows, both poor and starving. Ruth had to go foraging in the fields, collecting scraps of grain left behind so they could eat! (see Ruth 2:2-3, referring to Leviticus 23:22)

These women needed a male relative to survive, a "guardian redeemer." This was the practice, highlighted in Leviticus 25:25-28 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man had the duty of restoring the land and marrying the widow of a kinsman who had died without an heir.

"Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, taking her in marriage and performing the duty of a husband’s brother to her, and the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed to the name of the deceased brother, so that his name may not be blotted out of Israel."

Deuteronomy 25:5-6

This union of Ruth and Boaz was a matter of survival. Naomi may have seemed excited and insistent in Ruth 2:20, but this was only after she realised Boaz was their kin and could 'redeem' Ruth. She was relieved they would not have to scavenge, starve, and suffer for much longer. She says this herself in Ruth 3:1, "My daughter, I must seek a home for you!"

Her use of "daughter" when referring to Ruth may irk some of you, but it is only a term of endearment. Boaz himself uses the same phrase for her, in Ruth 3:10, where it is then implied they subsequently had sex.

Soon after, they are married, and Ruth bears a son. He is named Obed, and he will be the grandfather of King David. Here is the passage in full:

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. 

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 

Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom and became his nurse. The women of the neighbourhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.”

Ruth 4:13-17

That final line, "a son has been born to Naomi," is particularly interesting to me. It is probably referencing how this firstborn will carry on her son Mahlon's legacy, but I like to think this is a subtle nod to Ruth and Naomi's relationship. I like to think it solidifies their "marriage," which began with those vows in Ruth 1, and ends here with the birth of a child they will raise together. A child not said to be born to Ruth's husband Boaz, but to Naomi - her true lover.

*thank you so much for reading this! **there may be others to come... (if i can find the time lol) ***BTW this is just an interpretation from an ex christian lesbian lol

image credit: philip h. calderon // walker art gallery, liverpool

BONUS: According to Ruth Zuta (4:3), Boaz died the day after their wedding, so that left Naomi and Ruth to raise Obed alone! It's unfortunate for Boaz (to say the least), but - if we take this interpretation - it means our two little lesbians could finally live out their dreams (perhaps).

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Tower of Babel

1 And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass as they journeyed from the east that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick instead of stone and slime instead of mortar. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the sons of the man built. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people are one, and they all have one language; and they begin to do this, and now nothing will be restrained from them which they have imagined to do. 7 Now, let us go down and there confound their language that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there upon the face of all the earth, and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore the name of it was called Babel because there the LORD confounded the language of all the earth, and from there the LORD scattered them abroad upon the face of all the earth. — Genesis 11:1-9 | The Jubilee Bible (JUB) The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010. Cross References: Genesis 1:26; Genesis 6:4; Genesis 10:10; Genesis 10:32; Genesis 14:1; Genesis 14:10; Genesis 18:21; Genesis 42:23; Exodus 1:14; Exodus 19:11; Deuteronomy 1:28; Psalm 55:9; Psalm 92:9; Jeremiah 50:1; Amos 4:7; Luke 1:51

[artsymumof5]

A LETTER FROM YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER! The following words come from the heart of God. After all God loves you, and He is the Father you have been looking for all your life. This is His Love Letter to you! My Dear Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me, you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you when I planned the creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. (John 8:41-44) I am not distant and angry but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) So, Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11) One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4) I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26) And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19) His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (I John 4:10) I gave up everything I loved so that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32) If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23) And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-29) When it’s time for you to Come home I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15) My question is….Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13) I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32) With Love, Your Father, Almighty God

[walkswithmyfather]

“12 Promises of God to Lean On” By Instaencouragements.com:

“Leaning on the promises of God means relying on the assurances that He has given us through His Word, the Bible.

God's promises are trustworthy and provide comfort, guidance, and hope to believers.

When we lean on these promises and trust in God's faithfulness, we find peace. Peace that passes all human understanding. Peace that sustains us in the midst of difficult circumstances. Peace that assures us that God is in control.

It's important that we read and meditate on God's Word regularly. When we do, we will be reminded of His promises and to deepen our trust in Him.

​Today, let's look at 12 of His promises and meditate on the Scripture where they are found.

12 promises of God we can confidently lean on today:

1. God will fight for you: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” —Exodus 14:14

2. God will go before you: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” —Deuteronomy 31:8

3. God will be with you: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9

4. God will renew you: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:31

5. God will strengthen you: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

6. God will be your Shepherd: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” —Psalm 23:1

7. God will deliver you: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” —Psalm 34:17

8. God will counsel you: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” —Psalm 32:8

9. God loves you: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16

10. God will make all things work for your good: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28

11. God will never leave you: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

12. God will guard you: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7

[apilgrimpassingby]

Demons of the Hebrew Bible

Since today is also the day for Lord of Spiritsposting, I've decided to make a post I considered yesterday - the demons of the Hebrew Bible. This will be a long post, so I'm inserting a "Keep Reading".

Azazel: Appears only once in Leviticus 16, as the being in the wilderness to whom the goat with the people's sins laid on it in the Day of Atonement ritual is given (this isn't sacrifice, because the animal isn't killed or offered on an altar, among other things). Becomes a Devil figure in some later Jewish literature like the Book of Enoch, and is associated with deserts, sin and goats - the name literally means "the goat that goes away" (an archaic translation gives us the word "scapegoat"), and the seemingly-random reference to goat demons in Leviticus 17:7 comes just after Azazel's appearance.

Deber: The most prominent of the gang, appearing (usually in conjunction with other figures on this list) in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Habakkuk and the Pentateuch a total of 49 times, usually unleashed as punishment for some sin by Israel (compare "handing people over to Satan" in St. Paul's letters - 1 Corinthians 5:5, 1 Timothy 1:20). A nocturnal demon of pestilence and destruction associated with the underworld in Canaanite mythology.

Hereb: Rendered as "the sword" in English; the next most prominent one, appearing 29 times and, like Deber, in conjunction with the others. A demon of violence and destruction associated with blood-drinking (Isaiah 34:5, Jeremiah 46:10) and flesh-eating (Deuteronomy 32:42, Jeremiah 12:12) and probably the rider on a red horse from Revelation 6:3-4.

Lilit: Appears just once, Isaiah 34:14, where she's dwelling in some ruins. Usually translated as "screech owl" or "night bird", but some use "Lilith". In Mesopotamian mythology, the lili are a class of nocturnal female demons associated who kill babies and are associated with owls, so the translation as "screech owl" is acceptable. The Songs of the Sage from the Dead Sea Scrolls refer to liliyot (feminine plural) as a class of demons: "And I, the Instructor, proclaim His glorious splendour so as to frighten and to te[rrify] all the spirits of the destroying angels, spirits of the bastards, demons, liliths, howlers...

Livyatan: Usually anglicised as Leviathan, and appears five times: Job 3:8 and chapter 41, Psalms 74:12-14 and 104:26 and Isaiah 27:1. Based on those appearances, he's a multi-headed fire-breathing sea serpent immune to weapons who battles with Yahweh and (of course) always loses. The myth of a god fighting a sea serpent is a staple of world mythology. Likely correlates to the beast from the sea of Revelation 13:1-10, since Leviathan is paired with a beast from the earth (Behemoth; Job 40:15-24) - also compare Revelation 13:4 ("Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”) to Job 41:33-34 ("On earth there is not his like, a creature without fear. He sees everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride").

Nephilim: Famously appear in Genesis 6:1-4 as the warriors born of the sons of God and the daughters of men, understood in Second Temple Jewish texts such as the Book of Enoch and the Septuagint to be giants born of fallen angels and human women. They appear by the name Anakim or Rephaim in Genesis 14:5, 15:20, Deuteronomy 1:28, 2:10-11, 2:20-21, 3:11, 3;13, 9:2 and Joshua 11:21-22, 12:4, 13:12, 14:12, 14:15 and 15:8 and war with giants appears in 2 Samuel 21:16-22, 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 and, of course, 1 Samuel 17 (the David and Goliath story).

Qeteb: Appears just 4 times (Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalm 91:6; Isaiah 28:2; Hosea 13:14), together with Deber in the Psalms and Hosea appearances and together with Resheph in Deuteronomy; if there's any lesson from this post so far, it's that plague demons hunt in packs. A diurnal plague demon whose name is rendered in English as "destruction"; nothing more to be said.

Ra'av: The third most prominent one, appearing 35 times; a famine demon whose name is rendered in English as "famine" or "hunger" who is unleashed on Israel as punishment together with (surprise!) Hereb and either Deber or Resheph. Probably the rider on a black horse from Revelation 6:5-6.

Rephaim: The spirits of dead kings who dwell in the underworld not doing much, translated in the ESV as shades and appearing in Isaiah 14:9 and 26:14; the same imagery and concept is being used by Ezekiel 32:20-30.

Resheph: A demon of plague and conquest worshipped as a god in Canaanite and Egyptian culture, depicted as a bearded archer on a white horse. Appears just 6 times in the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 32:24; Habakkuk 3:5 Psalm 78:48; Job 5:7, Song of Songs 8:6); the name is rendered as "plague" or "pestilence" or occasionally "fire" or "sparks" because the name literally means "burning". Probably the rider on a white horse from Revelation 6:2.

Sources and Further Reading

"Before Him Went Pestilence (Hab. 3:5) - Biblical Lexis and Semantic Field of Epidemics" by Jozef Jankovic for The Old Testament Society of South Africa

"A Land of Giants" by Frs. Andrew Stephen Damick and Stephen DeYoung on The Lord of Spirits

"War, Famine, Disease, Death and Hades" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung on The Whole Counsel of God

"Who is Azazel?" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung on The Whole Counsel of God

Who is Lilith - Ancient Development and Origins of the Demon Queen by Dr. Justin Sledge on ESOTERICA

Or in short - stop making it all about Lilith. Use some other Hebrew Bible demons.

[apocrypals]

Previously, on Apocrypals part 5: The Fifth One

As we begin our sixth (!) calendar year of Apocrypals, here is a list of the texts we have covered so far on the show in case you want to read along or catch up. They’re arranged in a way that appeases my systematic nature.  

Tanakh/Old Testament:

Genesis (episodes 16-20)

Exodus (episodes 33 and 35)

Leviticus (episode 59)

Numbers (episode 62)

Deuteronomy (episode 65)

Joshua (episode 73)

Judges (episode 80)

Ruth (episode 45)

1 Samuel (episode 89)

2 Samuel (episode 90-91)

1 Kings (episode 99)

2 Kings (episode 106)

Esther (episode 37)

Job (episode 101)

Ecclesiastes (episode 52)

Song of Songs (episode 34)

Isaiah (episode 4)

Jeremiah (episode 43-44)

Lamentations (episode 48)

Ezekiel (episode 55-56)

Daniel (episode 2)

Hosea (episode 108)

Jonah (episode 31)

Micah (episode 74)

Nahum (episode 74)

Deuterocanon/capital-A Apocrypha:

Tobit (episode 13)

Judith (episode 22)

Greek Additions to Esther (episode 37)

1 Maccabees (episode 27)

2 Maccabees (episode 28)

3 Maccabees (episode 53)

4 Maccabees (episode 78)

The Prayer of Azariah aka the Song of the Three Holy Children (episode 2)

Susanna (episode 2)

Bel and the Dragon (episode 2)

The Prayer of Manasseh (episode 6)

New Testament:

Matthew (episodes 8-9)

Mark (episode 7)

Luke (episode 10)

John (episode 11-12)

Acts of the Apostles (episode 1)

Romans (episode 5)

1 Corinthians (episode 25)

2 Corinthians (episode 42)

Galatians (episode 72)

Ephesians (episode 81)

Hebrews (episode 104)

1 John (episode 49)

2 John (episode 49)

3 John (episode 49)

Revelation (episode 50)

Pseudepigrapha (Jewish apocrypha):

The Testament of Solomon (episode 24)

The Story of Ahikar (episode 14)

The Ascension of Isaiah (episode 6)

1 Enoch (episode 39-40)

2 Enoch (episode 61)

3 Enoch (episode 86-87)

Jubilees (episodes 82 and 83)

The Letter of Aristeas (episode 70)

The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (episode 71)

Joseph and Aseneth (episode 93)

New Testament apocrypha:

The Protevangelium aka Infancy Gospel of James (episode 29)

The Acts of Pilate/Gospel of Nicodemus (episode 23)

Mors Pilati/Death of Pilate (episode 23)

The Acts of Paul and Thecla (episode 22)

The Acts of Peter (episode 3)

The Acts of Peter and Paul (episode 3)

The Acts of Andrew and Matthias (episode 60)

The Acts of Thomas and His Wonderworking Skin (episode 66)

The Life of Xanthippe, Polyxena, and Rebecca (episode 57)

Questions of Bartholomew (episode 41)

Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Bartholomew (episode 41)

The Book of Bartholomew (episode 67)

Acts of John (episode 46)

The Acts of Andrew (episode 97)

Syriac Infancy Gospel (episode 47)

Infancy Gospel of Thomas (episode 54)

Infancy Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (episode 79)

The Adoration of the Magi (2020 Christmas bonus episode)

The History of Joseph the Carpenter (episode 103)

The First Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Second Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Third Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Apocalypse of Peter (episode 75)

The Apocalypse of Paul (episode 95)

The Gospel of Philip (episode 92)

The Gospel of Mary (episode 92)

The Gospel of Jesus’s Wife (episode 92)

The Gospel of Judas (episode 100)

The Greater Questions of Mary (episode Secret 69)

The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine:

The Life of Saint Nicholas (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Lucy (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Christopher (episode 15)

The Life of Saint Benedict (episode 15)

excerpts from The Passion of the Lord (episode 23)

The Life of Saint Sebastian (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Blaise (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Agatha (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Roch (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Barbara (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Dunstan (episode 85)

The Life of Mary Magdalene (episode 94)

The Life of Saint Martha of Bethany (episode 102)

The Life of Saint Margaret of Antioch (episode 102)

Other:

Historia Trium Regum/The Legend of the Three Kings by John of Hildesheim (episode 30)

Muirchu’s Life of Saint Patrick (episode 36)

The Life of Saint Guinefort (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Pelagia (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Martin by Sulpicius Severus (episode 76)

The Life of Saint Columba (episode 84)

The Life of Saint Wilgefortis (episode 94)

Lives of cephalophoric saints (bonus episode cephalo4)

Stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 96)

More stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 107)

Solomon and Ashmedai (bonus episode double chai)

Listener questions (episode 32)

Bible trivia questions (episode 38)

Halloween-themed Chick tracts (episode 51)

Christmas-themed Chick tracts (episode 98)

Bible Adventures and the Wisdom Tree catalogue of video games (episode 64)

The Da Vinci Code, the movie (episode 88)

Guess the Bible character from Persona 5 (bonus episode Persona 5)

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (episode 105)

You can find links to all these episodes with show notes and more on the Apocrypals wiki

[albertfinch]

FREEDOM FROM THE PAST

We are entering a new season of a fresh start! We are in a divinely appointed time of refreshing and restoring:

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame" (Joel 2:25-26).

This is a new day in which you may boldly declare, "Old things have passed away!" (see Isaiah 48:6-7).

GOD FORGETS YOUR PAST

Through our repentance, God always makes a way to free us from our past. We take this encouragement to heart -- not letting our past failures keep us from experiencing our future victories!

We remember this vital promise:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2 KJV).

The Lord has already lavished us with abundant, extravagant forgiveness and grace to empower us to leave behind:

every single past sin and failure, which includes -- the days of regret,

doubt and fear,

the many missed opportunities and failed relationships,

the seasons of backsliding and passivity,

the detours of the works of the flesh.

As we believe His Word of forgiveness and set our heart to seek the Lord, we will find overwhelming grace and mercies for each day (see Jeremiah 29:12-13).

AFFIRMATIONS:

I never give up.

I ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7) until I understand and implement God’s purpose for my life.

I never give in again to a mindset of guilt and failure (see Hebrews 10:35).

I was created to carry His glory and presence into a lost and dying world.

God has confidence in me as I advance His Kingdom by equipping others in the ascended life in Christ.  (see Deuteronomy 28:13, Matthew 6:33)

I am His choice (see Ephesians 2:10), chosen for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

GOD REDEEMS YOUR WOUNDS

Truly, it was by the stripes of Jesus Christ that we were healed (see Isaiah 53:5).

Even the wounds that we have suffered will become great avenues of healing. Since we are healed from our wounds -- then we receive grace for healing others! We bring Christ's healing and comfort to others in the areas in which we ourselves have been afflicted (see 1 Thessalonians 5:11). This may include wounds from bad preaching and teaching that we have endured over the years that has not helped us understand our Christ identity, therefore, not being equipped for life. As a result we are sure to properly equip today’s generation of Believers.

GOD BRINGS BREAKTHROUGH

God is even now releasing divine favor to us for accomplishing great exploits for His glory. In Psalm 84:11 (NLT), we learn how He lavishes His blessings of grace and glory:

"For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."

Matthew 7:8 AMP -- "For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened."

Even if you have not had revelation of God's CALLING on your life, do not lose heart! God is saying, "Try again!" It is time to regroup and try again, knowing that failure is never God's plan (see Jeremiah 29:11). You will see doors open that were closed to you previously. God is granting breakthrough.

You experience the overwhelming love and favor of God as you leave the past behind and boldly take hold of your Christ calling and begin bearing fruit that remains for His Kingdom.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[takeheartdaughter]

He is . . . 

Elohim (God, Judge, Creator) Genesis 1:1

Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah) Genesis 2:4

El Elyon (The Most High God) Genesis 14:18

Adonai (Lord, Master) Genesis 15:2

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) Genesis 17:1

El Olam (The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days) Genesis 21:33

He is . . . 

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Genesis 22:14

The Shiloh (The Peace-Maker) Genesis 49:10

)Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Exodus 15:26

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle) Exodus 17:15

He is . . .

Qanna (Jealous) Exodus 20:5

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who Makes Holy) Exodus 31:13

He is . . .

A Star (Numbers 24:17)

A Sceptre out of Israel (Numbers 24:17)

The Accursed of God (Deuteronomy 21:23)

The Captain of the Host of the Lord (Joshua 5:14)

Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) Judges 6:24J

ehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Powers) 1 Samuel 1:3

The Rock of my Salvation (2 Samuel 22:47)

He is . . . 

The Light of the Morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds (2 Samuel 23:4)

The Daysman (Job 9:33)

The Interpreter (Job 33:23)

The Anointed (Psalm 2:2; Acts 4:27)

My Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14)

Crowned with a Crown of Pure Gold (Psalm 21:3)

The Most Blessed for ever (Psalm 21:6)

He is . . .

The Forsaken (Psalm 22:1)

A Worm, and no Man (Psalm 22:6)

Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) Psalm 23:1

My Restorer (Psalm 23:3)

The King of Glory (Psalm 24:10)

He who sitteth King for ever (Psalm 29:10)

He is . . .

 A Stranger and an Alien (Psalm 69:8)

My Strong Rock (Psalm 31:2)

My Rock and my Fortress (Psalm 31:3)

Fairer than the Children of Men (Psalm 45:2)

The Rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2)

The Rock of my Strength (Psalm 62:7)

A Rock of Habitation (Psalm 71:3)

He is . . . 

As Rain upon the mown grass. As Showers that water the earth (Psalm 72:6)

The Rock of my Heart (Psalm 73:26)

The Shield (Psalm 84:9)

The Rock of my Refuge (Psalm 94:22)

A King and Priest after the Order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110:4)

A Brother born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17)

A Friend that loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17)

A Stone of Grace (Proverbs 17:8)

A Friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)

He is . . .

 As Ointment poured forth (Song of Solomon 1:3)

My Well-beloved (Song of Solomon 1:13)

A Bundle of Myrrh (Song of Solomon 1:13)

A Cluster of Henna Blooms (Song of Solomon 1:14)

The Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1)

The Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)

The Chiefest among Ten Thousand (Song of Solomon 5:10)

His Countenance is as Lebanon (Song of Solomon 5:15)

Yea. He is altogether lovely. He is my beloved and my Friend (Song of Solomon 5:16)

He is . . . 

Holy, Holy, Holy (Isaiah 6:3)

A Sanctuary (Isaiah 8:14)

A Great Light (Isaiah 9:2)

A Son given (Isaiah 9:6)

The Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)

The Father of Eternity (Isaiah 9:6)

He is . . . 

A Child Born (Isaiah 9:6)

The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

An Ensign of the People (Isaiah 11:10)

A Nail fastened in a sure place (Isaiah 22:23)

A Strength to the Poor (Isaiah 25:4)

A Strength to the needy in distress (Isaiah 25:4)

A Shadow from the Heat (Isaiah 25:4)

A Refuge from the Storm (Isaiah 25:4)

He is . . . 

The Rock of Ages (Isaiah 26:4)

A Crown of Glory and Beauty (Isaiah 28:5)

A Sure Foundation (Isaiah 28:16

)A Stone (Isaiah 28:16)

A Tried Stone (Isaiah 28:16)

A Covert from the Tempest (Isaiah 32:2)

He is . . . 

As Rivers of Water in a dry place. As the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary land. As a Hiding-place from the wind (Isaiah 32:2)

The King in his beauty (Isaiah 33:17)

My Leader (Isaiah 40:11)

The Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28)

Mine Elect, in whom my soul delighteth (Isaiah 42:1)

He is . . . 

A Light of the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6)

A Covenant of the people (Isaiah 42:6)

A Polished Shaft (Isaiah 49:2)

Glorious (Isaiah 49:5)

The Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 49:7)

He is . . . 

A Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)

Despised (Isaiah 53:3)

Rejected (Isaiah 53:3)

Stricken (Isaiah 53:4)

Smitten (Isaiah 53:4)

Wounded (Isaiah 53:5)

Bruised (Isaiah 53:5)

Oppressed (Isaiah 53:7)

He is . . .

My Portion, My Maker, My Husband (Isaiah 54:5)

The God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5)

A Witness to the People (Isaiah 55:4)

A Leader (Isaiah 55:4)

A Commander (Isaiah 55:4)

The Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20)

Mighty (Isaiah 63:1)

He is . . . 

My Physician (Jeremiah 8:22)

Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) Jeremiah 23:6

David their King (Jeremiah 30:9)

My Resting-place (Jeremiah 50:6)

My Feeder (Ezekiel 34:23)

A Plant of Renown (Ezekiel 34:29)

Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) Ezekiel 48:35

He is . . . 

The Prince of Princes (Daniel 8:25)

The Messiah, the Prince (Daniel 9:25)

The Strength of the children of Israel (Joel 3:12-16)

The Hope of Thy people (Joel 3:12-16)

A Ruler (Micah 5:2)

King over all the Earth (Zechariah 14:4, 5, 9)

He is . . . 

A Refiner’s Fire (Malachi 3:2)

Fuller’s Soap (Malachi 3:2)

My Refiner (Malachi 3:3)

My Purifier (Malachi 3:3)

The Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)

He is . . . 

Jesus (Matthew 1:21)

Emanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23)

Born as The King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2; 15:2)

A Governor (Matthew 2:6)

The Nazarene (Matthew 2:23)

The Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15)

Meek, Lowly (Matthew 11:29)

He is . . .

The One of whom the Father says, “My Beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased” (Matthew 12:18)

The Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:20)

The Rock (Matthew 16:18)

The Builder (Hebrews 3:3; Matthew 16:18)

The Prophet of Nazareth (Matthew 21:11)

He is . . .

Betrayed (Matthew 27:3)

Mocked (Matthew 27:29)

Crucified (Matthew 27:35)

The Holy One of God (Mark 1:24)

My Brother (Mark 3:35)

The Carpenter (Mark 6:3)

And His Life is A Ransom (Mark 10:49)

He is . . .

The Son of the Blessed (Mark 14:61)

He is . . . The Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32)

God my Savior (Luke 1:47)

A Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)

The Day-spring from on High (Luke 1:78)

A Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11)

The Salvation of God (Luke 2:30)

He is . . .

The Glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2:32)

Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5)

My Healer (Luke 9:11)

The Christ of God (Luke 9:20)

My Servant (Luke 12:37)

The Chosen of God (Luke 23:35)

Risen (Luke 24:6)

A Prophet mighty in deed and word (Luke 24:19)

He is . . . 

The Word (John 1:1)

The Word that was with God (John 1:1)

The Word that was God (John 1:1)

The Light of men (John 1:4)

The True Light (John 1:9)

The Word that was made flesh (John 1:14)

He is . . .

The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18)

The Lamb of God (John 1:29)

My Teacher (John 3:2)

The Gift of God (John 3:16, 4:10)

The Messiah (John 4:25)

The Bread of God (John 6:33)

The Bread of Life (John 6:35)

He is . . .

My Meat(John 6:55)

My Drink (John 6:55)

The Light of the world (John 8:12)

The Door of the Sheep (John 10:7)

The Good Shepherd – that laid down his life (John 10:11)

The Sent of the Father (John 10:36)

He is . . . 

The Resurrection (John 11:25)

King of the daughter of Zion (John 12:15)

The Corn of Wheat (John 12:24)

The Light (John 12:35)

My Lord, Master (John 13:13)

My Example (John 13:15)

He is . . . 

The Way (John 14:6)

The Truth (John 14:6)

The Life (John 14:6)

The Vine (John 15:5)

My Keeper (John 17:12)

Scourged (John 19:1)

Crowned with a Crown of Thorns (John 19:2)

Crucified as The King of the Jews (John 19:19)

He is . . . 

Exalted (Acts 2:33)

Glorified (Acts 3:13)

The Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14)

The Prince of Life (Acts 3:15)

Anointed (Psalm 2:2; Acts 4:27)

A Prince and a Savior (Acts 5:31)

He is . . .

Lord Jesus (Acts 7:59)

Lord of all (Acts 10:36)

The Judge (Acts 17:31)

Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 22:8)

The Mercy-seat (Romans 3:25)

Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21)

He is . . .

The First-Born among many Brethren (Romans 8:29)

Over all, God blessed for ever (Romans 9:5)

Lord over all (Romans 10:12)

The Deliverer (Romans 11:26)

Lord both of the dead and living (Romans 14:9)

The Minister of the Circumcision (Romans 15:8)

He is . . . 

My Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My Righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My Sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30)

My Redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30)

He is . . . 

The Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)

My Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7)

That Spiritual Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4)

The Head of every Man (1 Corinthians 11:3)

The First-Fruits of them that slept (1 Corinthians 15:20) 

He is . . . 

The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45)

A Quickening Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45)

The Image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4)

His Unspeakable Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)

My Peace (Ephesians 2:14)

He is . . .

The Offering (Ephesians 5:2)

The Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2)

The Head over all things to the Church (Ephesians 1:22)

He that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:23)

A Servant (Philippians 2:7) who humbled Himself unto death (Philippians 2:8) even death upon a cross

He is . . .

The Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:2)

The Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15)

The first-born of every creature (Colossians 1:15)

The Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16)

The First-Born from the dead (Colossians 1:18)

The Head of the Body, the Church (Colossians 1:18)

The Head of all Principality and Power (Colossians 2:10)

He is . . . 

My All in All (Colossians 3:11)

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

Lord of Peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

My Hope (1 Timothy 1:1)

God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16)

He is . . . 

The Justified (1 Timothy 3:16)

The Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)

The Righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8)

The great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)

Obedient (Philemon 2:8)

And His throne is for ever and ever (Hebrews 1:8)

He is . . . 

The Upholder of all things (Hebrews 1:3)

The Express Image of his Person (Hebrews 1:3)

The Brightness of his Glory (Hebrew 1:3)

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever (Hebrews 13:8)

The Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13:20)

The Great Shepherd – that was brought again from the dead (Hebrews 13:20)

He is . . .

The Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle (Hebrews 8:2) and His flesh is The Veil (Hebrews 10:20) which was rent in two

The Altar (Hebrews 13:10)

The Offerer (Hebrews 7:27)

The Forerunner – for us entered, even Jesus (Hebrews 6:20)

He is . . . 

the Priest (Hebrews 5:6)

The High Priest (Hebrews 3:1)

The Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

The Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25)

The Surety (Hebrews 7:22)

The Covenanter (Hebrews 9:16, 17)

He is . . . 

The Captain of Salvation (Hebrews 2:10)

The Author and Finisher of Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

The King of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:2)

The King of Peace (Hebrews 7:2)

Crowned with Glory and Honor (Hebrews 2:9)

He is . . . 

The Tempted (Hebrews 4:15)

The Merciful (Hebrews 2:17)

The Faithful (Hebrews 2:17)

Holy, Harmless (Hebrews 7:26)

Undefiled (Hebrews 7:26)

The Separate (Hebrews 7:26)

The Perfect (Hebrews 5:9)

He is . . . 

My Helper (Hebrews 13:6)

A Lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19)

A Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4)A Chief Corner-stone (1 Peter 2:6)

A Precious Stone (1 Peter 2:6)

He is . . . 

Guileless (1 Peter 2:22)

Reviled (1 Peter 2:23)

The Chief Shepherd  – that shall again appear (1 Peter 5:4)

The Day Star (2 Peter 1:19)

My Savior (2 Peter 3:18)

The Word of Life (1 John 1:1)

The Life (1 John 1:2)

That Eternal Life which was with the Father (1 John 1:2)

He is . . . 

Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 John 2:1)

The Savior of the World (1 John 4:14)

The True God (1 John 5:20)

The Advocate (1 John 2:1)

He is . . . 

Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5)

The First-Begotten of the dead (Revelation 1:5)

The Prince of the Kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5)

The Almighty, which is, and which was, and which is to come (Revelation 1:8)

The Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8)

The Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8)

He is . . . 

The First and the Last (Revelation 1:17)

He that liveth (Revelation 1:18)

The Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7)

The Hidden Manna (Revelation 2:17)

The Faithful and True Witness (Revelation 3:14)

The Amen (Revelation 3:14)

He is . . . 

The Beginning of the Creation of God (Revelation 3:14)

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)

The Lamb that was slain (Revelation 5:12)

The Lamb in the midst of the throne (Revelation 7:17)

The The Lamb Slain (Revelation 13:8)

He is . . . 

The King of Saints, King of Nations (Revelation 15:3)

Lord of Lords (Revelation 17:14)

Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)

Crowned with many Crowns (Revelation 19:12)

The Word of God (Revelation 19:13)

He is . . . 

The King of Kings (Revelation 19:16)

The Temple (Revelation 21:22)

The Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)

[dilutedh2so4]

Biblical Book of Ruth: Homoerotic undertones? (full)

image credit: helene rogers (i think)

“Ruth said, ‘Do not press me to go back and abandon you! Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. Where you die I will die, and there be buried. May the Lord do thus to me, and more, if even death separates me from you!’”

Ruth 1:16-17

You may expect this declaration of devotion to be made between two enamoured lovers. It does sound quite similar to wedding vows, especially "until death do us part" or even "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health." In fact, the YouCat (the Catholic Catechism designed for young people) quotes this exact passage in its section on marriage! (see end of post for sources)

Yet these words were not made as a promise between husband and wife, but instead between two women.

The story of Ruth and Naomi can be found in the aptly named "Book of Ruth." In summary, Naomi's family move from Judah to Moab because of a famine. There, they meet Ruth and her sister Orpah. Naomi's sons marry the two women, and they live in peace for a time. Then, a sudden illness strikes, and both the boys (Mahlon and Chilion) and their father (Elimelech) die.

With nothing left, Naomi decides she must return to her homeland of Bethlehem (in Judah). Ruth and Orpah object, and offer to go with her, but Naomi tries to dissuade them. She says doesn't have any more sons for them to marry, giving them no financial or social security - to her, it seems, she is now useless and worthless. Orpah comes to accept this, remaining in Moab, but Ruth will not relent. It is here she makes her heartfelt speech stated at the start of this post, vowing her entire life to Naomi. Just normal friendship things! This causes Naomi to realise Ruth's love for her, so she finally accepts the offer.

Some of you may be thinking, "This is just platonic! This is just friendship! This is what any woman would do! Why do you have to make everything gay?"

Well, ask yourselves this: is it gay to leave behind your country and all the people you've ever known (including your sister) just to accompany another woman to her homeland?

...A homeland which you have never been to, and where the people there are your enemies? (Numbers 21, Judges 3)

...Travelling across a hostile desert environment, on your own for all we know? (see a map of Moab to Bethlehem)

...Despite your lover insisting you stay, and your sister deciding to stay, but instead you dedicate your life and soul to your lover? (Ruth 1:14-18)

Makes you think.

I can already see your objections: "But then Ruth married Boaz [her male relative]! Naomi told her to do it!"

Again, let us consider Naomi and Ruth's social standing. They were both women, both widows, both poor and starving. Ruth had to go foraging in the fields, collecting scraps of grain left behind so they could eat! (see Ruth 2:2-3, referring to Leviticus 23:22)

These women needed a male relative to survive, a "guardian redeemer." This was the practice, highlighted in Leviticus 25:25-28 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man had the duty of restoring the land and marrying the widow of a kinsman who had died without an heir.

"Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, taking her in marriage and performing the duty of a husband’s brother to her, and the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed to the name of the deceased brother, so that his name may not be blotted out of Israel."

Deuteronomy 25:5-6

This union of Ruth and Boaz was a matter of survival. Naomi may have seemed excited and insistent in Ruth 2:20, but this was only after she realised Boaz was their kin and could 'redeem' Ruth. She was relieved they would not have to scavenge, starve, and suffer for much longer. She says this herself in Ruth 3:1, "My daughter, I must seek a home for you!"

Her use of "daughter" when referring to Ruth may irk some of you, but it is only a term of endearment. Boaz himself uses the same phrase for her, in Ruth 3:10, where it is implied they subsequently had sex.

[The inferred age gap between Ruth and Naomi might also irk you, but according to Ruth Rabbah 6:2 (a 6th century commentary on Ruth), Boaz was 80 and Ruth was 40 years old.]

Soon after, they are married, and Ruth bears Boaz a son. He is named Obed, and he will be the grandfather of King David. Here is the passage in full:

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom and became his nurse. The women of the neighbourhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.”

Ruth 4:13-17

That final line, "a son has been born to Naomi," is particularly interesting to me. It is probably referencing how this firstborn will carry on her son Mahlon's legacy, but I like to think this is a subtle nod to Ruth and Naomi's relationship. I like to think it solidifies their "marriage," which began with those vows in Ruth 1, and ends here with the birth of a child they will raise together. A child not said to be born to Ruth's husband Boaz, but to Naomi - her (very hopefully possibly definitely) lover.

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Thank you for reading! This was just me waffling, trying to prove a point to one of my friends. I hope it made sense.

I will repeat, THIS IS JUST AN INTERPRETATION. I don't think this is what the writers originally intended, however - as a lesbian raised Catholic - I think it's fun/interesting to explore different possibilities: possibilities that I'm not wrong, I'm not evil, I've always been here, I'm not alone.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN LOL

Fun Fact: Bethlehem translates to "House of Bread," which is ironic considering Naomi's family had to flee from there because of famine.

SOURCES: YouCat, page 141 of 274 - YOUCAT (wordpress.com) Book of Ruth, chapters 1-4 - Ruth 1-4 NRSVUE Ruth Rabbah, 6:2 - Ruth Rabbah 6:2 with Lexicon (sefaria.org)

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly. 3 The LORD's eyes are everywhere, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's correction, But he who heeds reproof shows prudence. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, But the income of the wicked brings trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools. 8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But he loves him who follows after righteousness. 10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: Whoever hates reproof shall die. 11 She'ol and Avaddon are before the LORD -- How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; He will not go to the wise. 13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; But an aching heart breaks the spirit. 14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouths of fools feed on folly. 15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, But one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. 16 Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases strife. 19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, But the path of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding keeps his way straight. 22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they are established. 23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, To keep him from going downward to She'ol.

25 The LORD will uproot the house of the proud, But he will keep the widow's borders intact. 26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones. 31 The ear that listens to the reproof lives, And will be at home among the wise. 32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, But he who listens to reproof gets understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. — Proverbs 15 | Hebrew Names Version (HNV) The Hebrew Names Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Genesis 13:8; Leviticus 7:18; Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 32:22; Judges 8:1; 1 Kings 1:12; Nehemiah 2:2; Psalm 59:7; Proverbs 1:2; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 1:25; Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 17:1; Proverbs 18:15; Proverbs 22:5; Proverbs 25:25; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Ecclesiastes 7:5; John 9:31; Acts 1:24; Ephesians 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:9; 1 Timothy 6:11; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 3:15; Revelation 2:7