Introduction – A Clear Compass in the Fog of Interpretations

Prophecy fascinates – and confuses. In Christian bookstores, on YouTube, and in discussions about world events, we encounter a flood of interpretations: Who is the Antichrist? Is Babylon a city or a system? Should apocalyptic images be understood literally – or symbolically?

Precisely because so many voices speak, it is essential to have a clear, spiritually grounded compass. The Bible is not a puzzle for speculators, but a revelation from God for seekers. And it wants to be understood – not through human brilliance, but through humility, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 1 invites us to explore five fundamental principles for understanding prophecy. These principles help us avoid confusion and instead approach prophecy with hope, clarity, and Christ at the center.

Because the Bible says:
“Let the one who reads understand!” – and that’s exactly what God is calling you and me to do.

Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy

1.1 Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand

A Call to Attentive Listening and Humble Understanding

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Introduction – A Book Like No Other

Walk into a Christian bookstore and take a look at the books about prophecy. You’ll find a wide variety of interpretations — from the Antichrist as a metaphor, to a future figure, or a symbol of the Roman Empire.

One preacher once said:

“The Bible is like an old violin — you can play any tune on it.”

But is that what God intended?
The Bible itself speaks against such arbitrariness. It invites us to read with alertness, humility, and a listening heart — trusting that God does not speak in vain, and that we can understand the truth of what He is saying through His Word.

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Bible Study – God Wants to Be Understood

Read the following verses:

• Matthew 24:15: “Let the reader understand.”

• Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear…”

• Matthew 11:29: “Learn from me…”

• Jeremiah 9:23–24: “…that they have understanding and know Me.”

These verses make it clear: God wants us to understand Him — not just intellectually, but with heart, mind, and spirit.
He doesn’t speak in riddles, but in a way that leads to life.

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Spiritual Principles – How to Read Prophecy Rightly

• God’s Word is clear and purposeful.
  It’s not meant to stir speculation, but to touch hearts.

• Attitude matters more than intellect.
  Without humility and obedience, the deeper meaning remains hidden.

• The Holy Spirit is the key to understanding.
  Prophecy must be spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

• The Bible speaks to a listening heart.
  Those who only search for contradictions will miss God’s voice.

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Application in Daily Life – Becoming a Listening Reader

• Don’t read the Bible like a critic — read it like a learner.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you before you read.

• Open not just your mind, but your heart.

• Be willing not only to understand — but to be changed.

• Don’t just ask, “What do I like here?” — ask, “What is God truly saying to me?”

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Conclusion – The Bible Speaks to Those Who Want to Hear

The Bible is not a book of myths or a playground for moral theories.
It is God’s Word to us today — full of truth, love, and clarity.

“Let the one who reads understand!” — this is not literary flair, but a divine call to be spiritually awake, to listen attentively, and to understand deeply.

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Thought of the Day

The Bible is not a book you judge — it’s a book that judges you. If you let it.

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Illustration – Between the Lines

The café was packed with young people typing on laptops, ordering hot drinks, and having conversations that usually started with philosophy and ended somewhere between pop culture and existential questions.

At the window sat Jonas — 34 years old, literature lecturer, critical thinker, sharp-minded, proud skeptic.
In front of him lay a Bible. Old. Worn. Full of dog-ears, scribbled notes, and question marks.

It wasn’t his.

He had inherited it from his late grandfather — a man of prayer, silence, and deep faith.
The exact opposite of Jonas.

“What are you doing?” asked Anna, his colleague, sitting down next to him with a steaming chai latte.

Jonas smirked.

“Looking for weak spots.”
“In the Bible?”
“Yeah. I want to see where this book falls apart — where it contradicts itself, where its grand moral claim crumbles.”
He pointed to Matthew 24:15.
“See this? What does that even mean?”

Anna was silent.
She knew him well enough to recognize: sarcasm was his armor.

Then she said softly:

“You know… maybe this isn’t just a book you dissect. Maybe it’s a place you listen.”

Jonas pulled a face.

“A place? Listening? Sounds like poetic nonsense.”

But after Anna left, something lingered.
Listening.
That’s what she’d said.

He flipped the pages.

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear…”

He listened. Not with his ears. With something deeper.

Then he read Jeremiah 9:23:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom… but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me.”

Something inside him quieted.

For the first time, he didn’t ask, “What’s wrong with this text?”
But rather, “What is this God trying to say?”

And in that exact moment — between mockery and unexpected wonder —
he heard an invitation.

“Let the one who reads understand…”

The words stood there.
Black on white.
And Jonas knew:

Some books aren’t meant to be spoken.
They’re meant to speak to you.

If you listen.
Really listen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-1-some-principles-of-prophecy-1-1-whoever-reads-let-him-understand-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

March 30, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Offenbarung Chapter 5

¹ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

³ And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

⁴ And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

⁵ And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

⁶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

⁸ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

⁹ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

¹⁰ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

¹¹ And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

¹² Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

¹³ And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

¹⁴ And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Revelation chapter 5 is one of the most moving scenes in the Bible. Amid the apocalyptic visions, a central secret of salvation is revealed: a sealed book—a symbol of God’s plan and judgment—can only be opened by one. The question of worthiness brings sorrow until attention is turned to the Lamb—Jesus Christ. This scene shows who holds history in their hands and who alone can offer hope and a future.

Commentary

1.The Scene in the Heavenly Throne Room (Verses 1–4)

John sees God sitting on the throne, holding a sealed book. This book is completely written on—a sign of a complete yet hidden divine plan. A mighty angel poses the decisive question: Who is worthy to open the book?
The silence in heaven and John’s sorrow indicate that no human, no angel, and no creature can reveal this plan. There is no human answer to the deepest need for salvation.

2.The Revelation of the Worthy Lamb (Verses 5–7)

An elder comforts John: “Do not weep!”—for the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed. Yet, instead of a mighty predator, John sees a Lamb—a seemingly weak, but sacrificed being. The Lamb is a symbol for Christ, the Crucified One. It bears seven horns (representing authority) and seven eyes (representing complete knowledge through the Spirit of God).
Only this Lamb is worthy to take the book and open its seals.

3.Worship of the Lamb by Heaven and Earth (Verses 8–14)

When the Lamb takes the book, the heavenly assembly falls into worship. The elders and the four living creatures present harps and bowls filled with prayers—a sign that our prayers are part of the divine plan.
A new song resounds: Christ is worthy because He redeemed people from every nation through His blood. Millions of angels join in this hymn of praise. Finally, all of creation raises its voice, giving God and the Lamb all honor, power, and glory—forever.

Summary

Revelation 5 reveals a crucial truth: only Christ, the Lamb of God, is worthy to reveal and implement God’s hidden plan of salvation. The scene starts in deep despair but ends in universal worship. Jesus is not only the Lion, the King, but above all the Lamb who sacrificed Himself—this is where His dignity and authority lie.

Message for Us Today

This vision speaks profoundly to our time. We too see a world that often appears chaotic and closed off—like a sealed book. Who understands its meaning? Who is in control?
The answer lies in the Lamb.
It is not power, violence, or human wisdom that solves the mysteries of life—but the sacrificed Lamb, who acts out of love. Jesus Christ shows us that true authority lies in serving, and that salvation comes through devotion.
For us, this means:

• We may trust that God has a plan—even if it seems hidden from us.

• We are invited to be part of this plan—through prayer, devotion, and praise.

• Our lives find meaning when they are centered on Christ, the Lamb.

  Today is a day to say, like the elders:

  “Amen! To you alone be the honor!”

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 11—The Privilege of Prayer
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Prayer is more than a religious duty or a fleeting cry for help in times of need—it is the bridge between the human heart and the throne of God. In chapter 11 we recognize that prayer is not only possible, but a grace-gift, an incomparable privilege, and a means of communion with the almighty, loving Father. However, this gift often remains unutilized—to the detriment of our spiritual life.

Commentary

1.The Necessity of Prayer (Paragraphs 1–4)

God speaks to us in many ways—through nature, word, providence, and spirit.
Yet without our personal response in prayer, this relationship remains incomplete.
Prayer is more than talking—it is opening one’s heart and moving toward God.

2.Jesus’ Example in Prayer (Paragraphs 5–6)

Jesus Himself—sinless and divine—felt the need for prayer.
He sought the Father in solitude, bore our weaknesses, and served as a model for intercession.
If the Son of God prayed—how much more do we need prayer!

3.God’s Willingness to Hear (Paragraphs 7–10)

God longs to bless us—and we pray so little!
The angels can hardly comprehend this restraint—for they experience prayer as the highest joy.
Without prayer, we lose the connection to heaven and become defenseless against temptations.

4.Conditions for Prayer Answering (Paragraphs 11–18)

An honest longing for God, repentance, confession, and forgiveness toward others.
Faith is essential—even when visible answers are absent.
God hears—and responds at the right time to the true needs of our hearts.

5.The Power of Personal and Constant Prayer (Paragraphs 19–25)

Prayer in the quiet inner room holds special value.
A continual heart-connection with God is possible—even amid everyday life.
Examples such as Enoch or Nehemiah show: true prayer is an uninterrupted way of life.

6.The Danger of Neglected Prayer (Paragraphs 26–30)

A lack of prayer leads to estrangement from God and weakens our spiritual life.
We should combine the fellowship of believers, devotion, and service.
Those who isolate themselves or only pray without acting lose the joy of prayer.

7.The Joy of Prayer and Praise (Paragraphs 31–End)

Thanksgiving should be a central part of the prayer life.
God desires our worship to be marked by joy, trust, and love—not by fear.
Praise and thanksgiving open the heart to new blessings.

Summary

Prayer is a sacred grace-gift through which we can stand in intimate communion with God. It is the “key in the hand of faith” that opens the treasure chamber of heaven. Prayer is indispensable for the spiritual life, yet its power unfolds only under certain conditions: humility, faith, forgiveness, and perseverance. Christ Himself was a perfect example to us—and invites us to find strength, comfort, and divine closeness in prayer.

Message for Us Today

In a world full of noise, distraction, and uncertainty, prayer remains our direct connection to heaven.
“Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7)
God is waiting to commune with us—not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father. Prayer does not change God, but changes us: our trust grows, our vision clarifies, our heart becomes quiet and receptive to the working of His Spirit.

What does this mean for you today?
Take time for quiet prayer. Not as an obligation, but as a source of comfort and strength.
Stay connected with God in everyday life. Let your heart speak to Him often—in thought, in whispers, in silence.
Trust in His response—even if it comes differently than expected.
Forgive others. How can we ask God for grace if we harbor unforgiveness ourselves?
Praise God! Thanksgiving transforms our hearts—and makes us receptive to further blessings.

Prayer is not merely talking with God—it is living with God.
Let us learn to live in the light of this grace-gift.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-03-2025-revelation-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/