"And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?”
So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Luke 17:37NKJV
What follows is a segment of a conversation about what Luke 17:37NKJV means, which contained scriptural thoughts, are beneficial to all.
Part of my response:
Be assured that I do not believe that the GB is the "disgusting thing" or the "man of lawlessness".
Please let me explain.
The GB is not working alone, even in the Bible's prophecies. There is an alliance between the "iron" and "clay", between the Beast and Harlot, and between the wicked stewards and the confirmed drunkards (Matt.24:49; Isa.5:22-23). Accurate interpretation is challenged, if we blur those two allies, together as one. We must see the distinction between them, for a sharper image of the genuine fulfillment.
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=iron+and+clay
If the GB are genuinely anointed, then they belong in the "Temple" as priests, even if unfaithful (1Cor.3:16; Rom.2:29). It is those who are "uncircumcised by spirit" ("Gentiles"), that do not belong serving in the spiritual Temple, performing **priestly duties (Eze.44:6,7,8,9; 2Chron.13:9; 23:6; Num.18:7; Ex.19:22; Rev.2:9; 3:9; Rev.11:2NKJV )(Heb.8:1-2,5; Rev.5:10; 1Pet.2:5,9-10) **(1Cor.6:1-3; John20:22-23; James 5:14-15; Rev.11:16), usurping and tramping the genuine priesthood into submission to them rather than to Jesus Christ, and whose presence over the "Temple" is considered by YHVH, as disgusting thing, causing desolation to God's Temple (2Thess.2:3-4; Rev.11:2NKJV ; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10,7).
https://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com
Just as the Roman-appointed "priests", replaced the chosen Levites, and were then accepted by the Jews; so too today. Anointed among "Jehovah's Witnesses" are accepting the non-anointed elders, to be over them as their spiritual heads, rather than Christ.
Just as the Romans then later destroyed "Jerusalem", so it has already begun and will finish taking place...all the way up to the Harlot... today. Anointed who refuse to worship the Image of the WT Beast, are "killed"/expelled (John16:2; Rev.13:15; 19:20; 11:7; 6:9-11; Mark 8:35). But soon, even the GB will be desolated by it's own Beast (Rev.17:16-17; Eze.16:37).
Those whom YHVH considers "Jews", are anointed ones...chosen priests (Ex.40:15; 2Cor.1:21; 1John2:20) (again, Rom.2:29; 1Pet.2:5,9).
So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Luke 17:37NKJV
Part of my response:
Be assured that I do not believe that the GB is the "disgusting thing" or the "man of lawlessness".
Please let me explain.
The GB is not working alone, even in the Bible's prophecies. There is an alliance between the "iron" and "clay", between the Beast and Harlot, and between the wicked stewards and the confirmed drunkards (Matt.24:49; Isa.5:22-23). Accurate interpretation is challenged, if we blur those two allies, together as one. We must see the distinction between them, for a sharper image of the genuine fulfillment.
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=iron+and+clay
If the GB are genuinely anointed, then they belong in the "Temple" as priests, even if unfaithful (1Cor.3:16; Rom.2:29). It is those who are "uncircumcised by spirit" ("Gentiles"), that do not belong serving in the spiritual Temple, performing **priestly duties (Eze.44:6,7,8,9; 2Chron.13:9; 23:6; Num.18:7; Ex.19:22; Rev.2:9; 3:9; Rev.11:2NKJV )(Heb.8:1-2,5; Rev.5:10; 1Pet.2:5,9-10) **(1Cor.6:1-3; John20:22-23; James 5:14-15; Rev.11:16), usurping and tramping the genuine priesthood into submission to them rather than to Jesus Christ, and whose presence over the "Temple" is considered by YHVH, as disgusting thing, causing desolation to God's Temple (2Thess.2:3-4; Rev.11:2NKJV ; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10,7).
https://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com
Just as the Roman-appointed "priests", replaced the chosen Levites, and were then accepted by the Jews; so too today. Anointed among "Jehovah's Witnesses" are accepting the non-anointed elders, to be over them as their spiritual heads, rather than Christ.
Just as the Romans then later destroyed "Jerusalem", so it has already begun and will finish taking place...all the way up to the Harlot... today. Anointed who refuse to worship the Image of the WT Beast, are "killed"/expelled (John16:2; Rev.13:15; 19:20; 11:7; 6:9-11; Mark 8:35). But soon, even the GB will be desolated by it's own Beast (Rev.17:16-17; Eze.16:37).
Those whom YHVH considers "Jews", are anointed ones...chosen priests (Ex.40:15; 2Cor.1:21; 1John2:20) (again, Rom.2:29; 1Pet.2:5,9).
All others not anointed, are considered spiritual "Gentiles"; including the vast numbers of elders which are now the substance and backbone of the Org.
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-jew-what-is-gentile-answers-to.html)
Again, I have gone into depth with hundreds of scriptures within the articles. You are welcome to examine them at your leisure.
So you see, -there is an alliance... the GB and it's organization.
When we wish to identify the "man of lawlessness" over God's Temple (2Thess.2:4) of anointed (1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:20-22)
and the "disgusting thing" standing "where it does not belong" (Mark 13:14);
we need to know if it is the unfaithful anointed steward, OR
the Gentiles/Beast, who serve the unfaithful anointed leaders/wicked steward/false prophet.
The Gentiles are the "man of lawlessness", the "disgusting thing"/"abomination", and the Wild Beast (from the sea).
The GB, is the false prophet/two horned beast (from the earth) which empowers the Image of the Beast (Rev.13:11,14-15; 19:20), the Harlot (Isa.1:21; Hosea 6:7; 4:12; Rev.17:1-2,6; 18:24; Matt.23:34-38), and Jezebel (Rev.2:20,14; 18:3; 13:7-8,14-15; 19:20).
https://pearl-kingsofearth.blogspot.com
When we see this circumstance (Matt.24:15-16; Mark13:14), we are directed to Flee (Rev.18:4; Luke17:30-32; 21:20-22,34-36).
Why would this, seemingly unjust test, come upon the Chosen and others who sought to serve God, inside the WT?
All anointed are subjected to Satan's testing. As with Job, Satan has demanded it (Luke22:31; Job 1:11,12; 14:13; Rev.9:5,6; Rom.8:17; 1Pet.4:13; Luke9:23). Would we expect any less toward those who are taking away Satan's reign, from him? (Rev.12:9-11)
Yet, not all permanently defeated Satan's end-time lying machinations (Matt.24:24; Rev.13:5,7,8,14; 19:20; 2Thess.2:9) (see: LINK), and as a result of their victory, are sealed (Rev.12:10,11; 6:10,11; 15:2; 20:4; 19:8).
"Jerusalem today" (Gal.4:25,26) is no longer (since the first Century) the place of true worship (John4:21; John2:19; Mark14:58). It is those who worship in spirit and truth who will comprise "Jerusalem above", and that are the Temple today (1Cor.3:16). The foretold destruction is also...not in literal Israel, but in the Israel of God (Gal.6:16).
For those who can examine things spiritually (1Cor.2:14), the detailed fulfillment of prophecy is being "exposed in a remarkable way showing divine power". But just as the great majority of God's people did not recognize these things being accomplished through Christ (because it didn't match their preconceived expectations), so too with the fulfillment of the end-time scenario (Luke 17:20). For these who seek a physical sign, and expect YHVH God to tailor truth to their own desires, it is as Jesus said, at Matt.16:4. They are spiritual adulterers, and therefore will not be granted recognition of these fulfilled signs of the Kingdom's arrival (Matt.13:11).
Jinn,
Jesus himself answers your question. His words are found in both Matthew and Luke. These accounts are supplemental. They combine to help complete the picture of that which you seek. Let me demonstrate...
Matt.24:15-18 --
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation', spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him use discernment), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes."
Chapter 17 of Luke continues...
31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”
(Now here is your question)
37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?”
So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
In order to understand what the "Body"/"carcass"/"slain" is, what that has to do with where to "flee", as well as who these "eagles" are (Rev.12:14); these are new questions which relate to your original one.
https://eagle-or-vulture-obadiah.blogspot.com/
The Bible clearly answers these questions as well.
But hopefully, as regards your original question....Where the discerning readers should flee to (Matt.24:15), you have recognized Jesus' answer, at Luke17:37NKJV and have discerned
that it is not a physical place.
By comparison, according to Matt24:16, that place where the eagles feed on the "body", is also called
"Judean Hills"/"mountains"/"wilderness" (Rev.12:6; Eze.36:8).
The simplest facts that can be discerned, is that this place is spiritual, and is no longer within the "City" of apostate "Jerusalem".
Luke 21:21,22,24 c
"21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." --(Rev.11:2; 13:7,8; 2Thess.2:4; Matt24:15)
Hopefully you can see that all these different scriptures are linked by the phrases they contain, ...linking them into a full picture of the end-time scenario involving the anointed "body"of Christ/"temple".
That full picture can not be discerned clearly unless we do combine the details of each piece;
and each piece is provided, within scripture.
I just realized that what you may be asking is...
If the "place" to flee, and the "place" from which one is fleeing, is not physical;
then why should people flee the Org.? Is that right?
Salvation does not depend upon location, but upon our heart's subjection.
Revelation makes clear, that we are marked as slaves of the Idol (Rev.13:8,16,17; 14:9),
or as slaves of God (Deut.6:6,8; 11:18; Rev.15:2; 7:3; 14:1; 20:4).
I'll leave a few scriptures here now, and maybe through your own reading and meditating, you will come up with the answer yourself...
(Rev.13:16,17 -- Can you see that one can have the mark on one's hand, by directing one's deeds according to the lies, even if it is not on one's forehead?) (Isa.44:20; Psalm144:8)
(I have written scripture based articles on what this mark of slavery means, and how the forehead symbolizes ones mental discipine and faith; and one's "right hand" is one's power, actions, and will.)
Here is one: (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html)
The Bible must direct our behaviour (Deut.11:18)...
We are commanded to "speak truth with our neighbor" (Eph.4:25);
Not sit with men of untruth (Psalm 26:4),
and to warn those who are headed for death (Eze.33:9).
Jesus tells us to "buy" gold from him (with the payment God seeks), refined by fire (Rev.3:18; Isa.55:1)...[devoted faith in God, cleansed by His Word of truth. (Psalm 22:25; Jer.23:29)]
We are not doing that, if we "buy from those who sell" (Matt.25:9; Isa.55:2) and therefore, do not get the "light" that we are shining in our "lamps" of understanding,
from Holy Spirit (Matt.6:22).
Our eye/lamp, must be "simple", or "clear"...only directed by Spirit and Truth (John4:24), not doctrines of men (Mark7:7), (which requires that we "pay" devotion/subjection to them, in order to receive).
What does all this have to do with the Org. and the decision to remain inside or leave?
If we obey any of these scriptural commands of God; then our "hand" is not marked with the "Beast" as it's master, but by YHVH's word and Christ as master.
Can we obey God, and still get away with remaining in the Org?
Can we remain inside and still practice these commands of God?
The demonstrated reality is found in scripture....
Rev.13:15-17 reads
15 "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
Can you see that, even if we refuse the mark on our foreheads (thinking)....if we submit to the Beast's rules of behaviour, we do not dodge the mark being put on our "right hand" of power?
If you do not submit...the scripture says...you will be "killed".
This shows that only those marked, remain inside.
This experience is being fulfilled, in any who do obey the scriptures
...by speaking up and proclaiming truth.
None of them who obey these scriptures and others, are able to avoid disfellowshipping.
If you decide to "lay low" and keep quiet?
Then you are not obeying the commands of the Bible (Ps.26:4; Eph.4:25),
as cited in the scriptures above...
and you are marked on your right hand, by the demands of the Org.
...If inside the Org., you are not permitted to buy "gold refined by fire" directly from Christ;
You may not sell (or dispense spiritual provisions/food)...without the stamp of approval of the "Beast". All provisions are under the oversight of the Org., and nothing but it's defiled waters (Rev.8:10,11), are permitted. (Isa.55:2). (see again Rev.13:15,16,17)
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/some-have-told-me-that-buying-and.html
All violators are expelled/"killed" (John16:2; Rev.11:7). It helps to remember that Revelation is symbolic (Rev.1:1).
The 5 virgins (anointed ones) "buy" from those who "sell" (Matt.25:9,10), rather than from Christ (Rev.3:18). This is where the light in their lamps comes from (Matt.6:22,23), which light Jesus does not recognize (Matt.25:10,11,12). This shows us, that the Beast is over spiritual provisions and worship, just as many verses in Rev.13 indicate.
More info:
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-jew-what-is-gentile-answers-to.html)
Again, I have gone into depth with hundreds of scriptures within the articles. You are welcome to examine them at your leisure.
So you see, -there is an alliance... the GB and it's organization.
When we wish to identify the "man of lawlessness" over God's Temple (2Thess.2:4) of anointed (1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:20-22)
and the "disgusting thing" standing "where it does not belong" (Mark 13:14);
we need to know if it is the unfaithful anointed steward, OR
the Gentiles/Beast, who serve the unfaithful anointed leaders/wicked steward/false prophet.
The Gentiles are the "man of lawlessness", the "disgusting thing"/"abomination", and the Wild Beast (from the sea).
The GB, is the false prophet/two horned beast (from the earth) which empowers the Image of the Beast (Rev.13:11,14-15; 19:20), the Harlot (Isa.1:21; Hosea 6:7; 4:12; Rev.17:1-2,6; 18:24; Matt.23:34-38), and Jezebel (Rev.2:20,14; 18:3; 13:7-8,14-15; 19:20).
https://pearl-kingsofearth.blogspot.com
When we see this circumstance (Matt.24:15-16; Mark13:14), we are directed to Flee (Rev.18:4; Luke17:30-32; 21:20-22,34-36).
Why would this, seemingly unjust test, come upon the Chosen and others who sought to serve God, inside the WT?
All anointed are subjected to Satan's testing. As with Job, Satan has demanded it (Luke22:31; Job 1:11,12; 14:13; Rev.9:5,6; Rom.8:17; 1Pet.4:13; Luke9:23). Would we expect any less toward those who are taking away Satan's reign, from him? (Rev.12:9-11)
Yet, not all permanently defeated Satan's end-time lying machinations (Matt.24:24; Rev.13:5,7,8,14; 19:20; 2Thess.2:9) (see: LINK), and as a result of their victory, are sealed (Rev.12:10,11; 6:10,11; 15:2; 20:4; 19:8).
"Jerusalem today" (Gal.4:25,26) is no longer (since the first Century) the place of true worship (John4:21; John2:19; Mark14:58). It is those who worship in spirit and truth who will comprise "Jerusalem above", and that are the Temple today (1Cor.3:16). The foretold destruction is also...not in literal Israel, but in the Israel of God (Gal.6:16).
For those who can examine things spiritually (1Cor.2:14), the detailed fulfillment of prophecy is being "exposed in a remarkable way showing divine power". But just as the great majority of God's people did not recognize these things being accomplished through Christ (because it didn't match their preconceived expectations), so too with the fulfillment of the end-time scenario (Luke 17:20). For these who seek a physical sign, and expect YHVH God to tailor truth to their own desires, it is as Jesus said, at Matt.16:4. They are spiritual adulterers, and therefore will not be granted recognition of these fulfilled signs of the Kingdom's arrival (Matt.13:11).
Jinn,
Jesus himself answers your question. His words are found in both Matthew and Luke. These accounts are supplemental. They combine to help complete the picture of that which you seek. Let me demonstrate...
Matt.24:15-18 --
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation', spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him use discernment), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes."
Chapter 17 of Luke continues...
31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”
(Now here is your question)
37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?”
So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
In order to understand what the "Body"/"carcass"/"slain" is, what that has to do with where to "flee", as well as who these "eagles" are (Rev.12:14); these are new questions which relate to your original one.
https://eagle-or-vulture-obadiah.blogspot.com/
The Bible clearly answers these questions as well.
But hopefully, as regards your original question....Where the discerning readers should flee to (Matt.24:15), you have recognized Jesus' answer, at Luke17:37NKJV and have discerned
that it is not a physical place.
By comparison, according to Matt24:16, that place where the eagles feed on the "body", is also called
"Judean Hills"/"mountains"/"wilderness" (Rev.12:6; Eze.36:8).
The simplest facts that can be discerned, is that this place is spiritual, and is no longer within the "City" of apostate "Jerusalem".
Luke 21:21,22,24 c
"21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." --(Rev.11:2; 13:7,8; 2Thess.2:4; Matt24:15)
Hopefully you can see that all these different scriptures are linked by the phrases they contain, ...linking them into a full picture of the end-time scenario involving the anointed "body"of Christ/"temple".
That full picture can not be discerned clearly unless we do combine the details of each piece;
and each piece is provided, within scripture.
I just realized that what you may be asking is...
If the "place" to flee, and the "place" from which one is fleeing, is not physical;
then why should people flee the Org.? Is that right?
Salvation does not depend upon location, but upon our heart's subjection.
Revelation makes clear, that we are marked as slaves of the Idol (Rev.13:8,16,17; 14:9),
or as slaves of God (Deut.6:6,8; 11:18; Rev.15:2; 7:3; 14:1; 20:4).
I'll leave a few scriptures here now, and maybe through your own reading and meditating, you will come up with the answer yourself...
(Rev.13:16,17 -- Can you see that one can have the mark on one's hand, by directing one's deeds according to the lies, even if it is not on one's forehead?) (Isa.44:20; Psalm144:8)
(I have written scripture based articles on what this mark of slavery means, and how the forehead symbolizes ones mental discipine and faith; and one's "right hand" is one's power, actions, and will.)
Here is one: (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html)
The Bible must direct our behaviour (Deut.11:18)...
We are commanded to "speak truth with our neighbor" (Eph.4:25);
Not sit with men of untruth (Psalm 26:4),
and to warn those who are headed for death (Eze.33:9).
Jesus tells us to "buy" gold from him (with the payment God seeks), refined by fire (Rev.3:18; Isa.55:1)...[devoted faith in God, cleansed by His Word of truth. (Psalm 22:25; Jer.23:29)]
We are not doing that, if we "buy from those who sell" (Matt.25:9; Isa.55:2) and therefore, do not get the "light" that we are shining in our "lamps" of understanding,
from Holy Spirit (Matt.6:22).
Our eye/lamp, must be "simple", or "clear"...only directed by Spirit and Truth (John4:24), not doctrines of men (Mark7:7), (which requires that we "pay" devotion/subjection to them, in order to receive).
What does all this have to do with the Org. and the decision to remain inside or leave?
If we obey any of these scriptural commands of God; then our "hand" is not marked with the "Beast" as it's master, but by YHVH's word and Christ as master.
Can we obey God, and still get away with remaining in the Org?
Can we remain inside and still practice these commands of God?
The demonstrated reality is found in scripture....
Rev.13:15-17 reads
15 "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
Can you see that, even if we refuse the mark on our foreheads (thinking)....if we submit to the Beast's rules of behaviour, we do not dodge the mark being put on our "right hand" of power?
If you do not submit...the scripture says...you will be "killed".
This shows that only those marked, remain inside.
This experience is being fulfilled, in any who do obey the scriptures
...by speaking up and proclaiming truth.
None of them who obey these scriptures and others, are able to avoid disfellowshipping.
If you decide to "lay low" and keep quiet?
Then you are not obeying the commands of the Bible (Ps.26:4; Eph.4:25),
as cited in the scriptures above...
and you are marked on your right hand, by the demands of the Org.
...If inside the Org., you are not permitted to buy "gold refined by fire" directly from Christ;
You may not sell (or dispense spiritual provisions/food)...without the stamp of approval of the "Beast". All provisions are under the oversight of the Org., and nothing but it's defiled waters (Rev.8:10,11), are permitted. (Isa.55:2). (see again Rev.13:15,16,17)
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/some-have-told-me-that-buying-and.html
All violators are expelled/"killed" (John16:2; Rev.11:7). It helps to remember that Revelation is symbolic (Rev.1:1).
The 5 virgins (anointed ones) "buy" from those who "sell" (Matt.25:9,10), rather than from Christ (Rev.3:18). This is where the light in their lamps comes from (Matt.6:22,23), which light Jesus does not recognize (Matt.25:10,11,12). This shows us, that the Beast is over spiritual provisions and worship, just as many verses in Rev.13 indicate.
More info:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please share below, your thoughts about this post.