Truth of Scriptures
The Third Day: What the Shadows Reveal                           Issue 3  Copyright 1993, P.S.O.R. Inc.                         

     God allows us see the natural, which explains the events                  and happenings to expect in the Spiritual.  

      All Scripture is the King James Version and Scripture in Italics.  What do the Scriptures actually communicate? (Galatians 4:30). When reading the Bible it is crucial to understand what it is relating Spiritually.  The Bible has many mysteries that have been hidden for ages, but God is now revealing them through His Spirit.  God is a Spirit and He communicates with us Spiritually.  He provides natural-carnal situations and stories for us to use as our guidelines in revealing these mysteries.
 
     In this writing I hope to convey how the events and happenings, of the Bible, cast shadows and patterns.  Their purpose is for us to use as our examples.  By utilizing this system of guidelines we discover what God is communicating and revealing through the Spirit in Scriptures.

     The shadows of the Bible operate just as a natural shadow does.  When a form or figure is positioned between the light and what it shines on it causes the image to be reflected and it appears in the form of a shadow. A shadow is not identical to the form but a reflection, which is similar. However, examining the shadows allows us to determine what cast it and what it does.  Then we are able to recognize the reflection, or shadow, as it is intended to be Spiritually.  To read more about shadows and how they operate throughout the Bible read "Shadows of the Bible".

     The third day tells a story in reflection.  The substance moved and it formed and cast a shadow. We interpret the movements caused by the substance to determine what the shadow will also be doing.  The third day discloses what once happened and allows us to understand what will happen once again in a similar way.  The next Scripture relates more about shadows, images, metaphors, and allegories.

     Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us. 

     Solomon plainly states the events that have been done and the very things they did will be repeated once again.  There is nothing new or different, unprecedented, or original under the light of the sun. Everything that has been preformed upon this earth, since the beginning of mankind, will be repeated once again.  Apostle Paul explains how shadows and images operate through the Bible in this next Scripture.

     1 Corinthians 15:44-49, … there is a natural body and there is a Spiritual body.  And so it is written, the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a Quickening Spirit.  Howbeit that was not first which is the Spiritual, but that which is the natural; and afterward that which is Spiritual.  The first man is of the earth, earthly; the second man is the Lord from heaven.  To verse 49, As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

     Paul tells us about two different bodies.  One is a natural body the other is a Spiritual Body.  However he makes a plain distinction about who was first and natural and who was second and Spiritual.  His focal point on this chapter is to when these two people arrive.  The first one to be presented was Adam and he is the natural body (verse 47), which God made into a living soul.  The second one to be presented was the Last Adam or Second Adam (verse 47) who God made into Quickening Spirit, or Quickening Spiritual Body, and that second One was the Lord Jesus. 

     He points out the first one to be established was not the Spiritual but rather the first one presented and positioned in place was the natural.  As we continue it will become apparent that the first and natural is always presented so it can cast a shadow, image, or likeness which points to and reveals the Second and Spiritual, which is established at a later time. 

     Watching the movements of the natural one allows us to understand what will be happening with the Spiritual one.  This is an Established Order of God and will not change.  Jesus Christ declares He is the same, yesterday, today and forever (Hebrew 13:8). Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-55 to learn more detailed facts of this natural and Spiritual declaration.

     Psalm 91:1, He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

     David proclaims the Most-High God has a secret place. This secret place is abiding under or covered by His Shadow.

     Exodus 13:21-22 explains how God led the children of Israel out of Egypt, or out of their place of bondage.  God led them by day in a pillar of a Cloud or Shadow.  He led the way by night with pillar of Fire or another shadow.  Scripture discloses that God did not remove the Cloud (shadow) or Fire (shadow) from the people.  Therefore, they were continually abiding or remaining under the Shadow of God which, is in His Secret Place.  Scriptures also communicates that God was leading them to the land He had promised them (Exodus 12:25; Joshua 23:5; Nehemiah 9:23). 

     Scriptures often describe God's form, shape, or figure as a Cloud.  We use the information of likeness of images, shadows, and metaphors to determine what Scriptures once disclosed, the first and natural, and how it once again reveals this same similar information, from the shadow the first and natural cast, to understand the events of the second and Spiritual.  God uses this combined information to reveal His mysteries.  We can then take hold and grasp that what God once did, the first time-naturally, He is doing again, the second time-Spiritually (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

     God still leads and directs His people just as He did the children of Israel.  God, once again, uses the very same method He used before.  He uses clouds, images, figures, parables, or shadows.  These natural figures actually tell a story so we can visualize the second and Spiritual. Through the movements and actions of the natural we can understand what God is now revealing spiritually.

     God was leading and directing the children of Israel, the first and natural, into the land of promise.  God is, once again, leading and directing His people into their land of promise, which is the second and Spiritual--heaven.  Once we distinguish and recognize how God operates, by using these likeness of images, clouds, or shadows, He increases our Spiritual understanding.  Scriptures become distinct and obvious in their complete revelation and plan. 
  
     There is something special and significant about the third day and what it represents.  Searching and probing the Scriptures will disclose information about this special day.
  
 
     In Genesis 2:2-3, God is speaking to Abraham.  He tells him to take his only son Isaac, born from his wife, not from one with whom he was unmarried to, and sends him to a specific place where he was to offer him as a burnt offering sacrifice.  God instructed Abraham to go to the land of Moriah.

     Young's Analytical Concordance To The Bible tell us: Moriah as the hill on the North West of Jebus, which was afterward called the City of David, on which Solomon built the Temple of God.  The City of David is now known as Jerusalem in Israel.  Therefore, God instructed Abraham to take him to Jerusalem. 

     Strong's Concordance defines Moriah with #04179: The mount on the eastern edge of Jerusalem on which Solomon built the temple.  This allows us to distinguish and recognize the shadows of Abraham and Isaac and where Abraham was to offer up his son. They were the first and natural. From their movements we comprehend the second and Spiritual place where God offered up His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for the sins of the world. They were both offered up in the same place!
     
     In the Old Testament God gave instructions for animals to be used in numerous sacrificial offerings to the Lord.  However, I want to focus on two of them the burnt offering and the sin offering sacrifice's, which specifically pertains to the next Scripture.  It tells about Abraham and Isaac the first and natural who formed the shadow.  Abraham was to offer up Isaac for a burnt offering.  Their actions allow us to comprehend the Spiritual side.  We see the Sin Offering, Jesus Christ, whom God offered up for the sins of the world.  It reveals how they correlate and connect.

     Leviticus 6:25, Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, this is the law of the sin offering: in the (same) place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the Lord: it is most Holy.

     Remember these actions are casting shadows so we can understand what will happen Spiritually.  Moses writes this is the Law of God concerning the sin offering.  In the place, Moriah, where the burnt offering is killed so shall the Sin Offering be killed.

     The shadow discloses the place of Moriah, is the City of David, the place of Solomon's Temple, or Jerusalem.  This is the place where Abraham offered up Isaac and was prepared to kill him as a burnt offering.  They were the first and natural and their shadows reveal what was to happen afterward with the second and Spiritual-literally. This same place of Moriah or Jerusalem is where the Second and Spiritual Sin Offering (Jesus Christ) was literally offered up and killed before the Lord; because He is Most Holy (Galatians 1:4; 1 John 2:2).

  The events of the first and natural form and cast shadows, which repeat themselves by happening again in the second and Spiritual.  However, they were not literally alike.  Remember, that which was done shall be done again (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

     The first and natural: Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid Isaac, his son, upon it.  When Isaac saw there was no lamb for an offering Abraham informed him that God would provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering (Genesis 22:8), and He did when Jesus was crucified.

     When they arrived at Moriah or Jerusalem Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the altar on wood (Genesis 22:9).  By faith in God Abraham offered Isaac, his only begotten son, realizing God was able to raise him up from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).  Scripture states Isaac was a forerunner or example.  He was the first and natural who was a figure, likeness, or similitude of Him to come, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:19).
     The second and Spiritual: Jesus Christ, was physically bound and lifted up on a cross, which was made of wood (a tree Galatians 3:13).  It happened at the same place Moriah, Jerusalem the City of David.  However, Abraham knew God was able to raise Isaac from the dead, and God literally raised Jesus from the dead on the third day (Matthew 16:21, Acts 10:40).
     These are shadows, allegories and likeness of images.  They will not be literally alike but similar enough to recognize they are allegories of each other.  We can distinguish from looking at the first and natural and the shadows they cast, to recognize and understand what is happening again second and Spiritually.

     Genesis 22:4, Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

     Strong's Concordance defines afar with #07350: 1) remote, far, distant. 1a) of distance, time.  From #07368: 1) be removed; go far away, to remove.  It was during the third day that Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place he was journeying to.  God did not reveal the place where Abraham was journeying until the third day.  It states he saw this place afar off. This reveals that Abraham was seeing the place, through the Spirit, through an obscure shadow of time, afar off or in the distant future.
     
     John 8:56 & 58, Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it, and was glad. … Before Abraham was, I am.

     Abraham saw the days of Jesus and he was delighted.  He saw future events as they were taking place.  Since he did not live to physically see Jesus he was allowed to see Him in a different way, through the Spirit. 
 
     The event with Abraham is similar to what happened to Apostle John in Revelation.  He stated he was carried away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and was shown the Great City, the Holy Jerusalem, (Revelation 21:10), which is the second and Spiritual.  John never physically left the earth, but the Spirit of God allowed him to see this coming event in a vision, in another dimension in time.  The Spirit revealed events to him, which would take place afar off or in the future. He was able to comprehend and understand as if he were standing upon a great, high mountain looking down upon it.  A view from a mountaintop allows us to see great distances and depths. This is also how it happened to Abraham.  He was seeing future events.

     1 Corinthians 13:12, For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

     Paul speaks of looking through a glass and what he sees appears clouded, obscure, and dark.  He explains he is not seeing a clear and distinct image, but rather he sees a dark shadowed outline.  In shadows we do not literally see what stands between the light, which creates the shadow, instead we see the reflected image it produces.

     Paul states when he first sees the image he partially sees and understands it.  However, he states afterward, when Spiritual understanding enters, it comes into focus and he recognizes it for what it truly is.  He is now able to look at it as though he were looking directly at it.  It no longer appears as an outlined image or shadow, but rather he sees it in its complete and entire form.

     We use these reflected images, or shadows, from the Bible to comprehend and understand the hidden mysteries of God.  Paul tells us, "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden Wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory" (1 Corinthians 2:7). Additional Scriptures which speak of God's hidden mysteries are Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:26-27 & 2:2-3.

     Exodus 19:10-11, And the Lord said unto Moses, "Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon the mount Si'-ani."

     These are allegories of future events given by images, which cast their shadows. The Lord gave instructions for the people to sanctify themselves today and tomorrow, this displays two (2) days, or Spiritually two thousand years, which will be explained later.  They were to wash their clothes, making themselves clean.  He alerts them to be prepared and ready against the third day.  He emphasizes that on the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people.

     Strong's Concordance defines Sinai with Hebrew #05514: mount where Moses received the law from Jehovah (God) located at the southern end of the Sinai peninsula between the horns of the Red Sea; exact spot unknown. It also uses #02722: Horeb "desert" another name for Mount Sinai.  However, it cast a shadow onto a Spiritual place as this next Scripture relates.

     Hebrews 12:18-24, For YE ARE NOT come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touched the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and quake:) BUT ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

     It clearly tells us that this is NOT the same mount that Moses went to, the first and natural, which could literally be touched.  The mount Moses went to burnt with fire.  The people audibly heard the voice of God and pleaded for Him not to speak to them again.  They preferred that Moses relay the instructions from God, because they could not conform to and obey the God's ordinances.

    The writings are unmistakable.  It tells us about the second and Spiritual Mount.  It tells us we have reached Mount Sion, the Spiritual City of the Living God for this place is the heavenly Jerusalem, which points out there is a natural and earthly Jerusalem.  The second and heavenly Jerusalem contains the spirits of just men (no gender) who have been perfected; made perfect.  It contains the gathering of the Church of the Firstborn (Jesus).  And He is the Head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).

     Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 12:24).  He is the One who stands between God and us (1 Timothy 2:5).  He is the Mediator of a Better Covenant, which is the second and Spiritual.  The New Covenant is established on better promises than the old covenant (Hebrews 8:6).  Jesus is the Mediator of the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15).

     The first and natural old covenant, was the one God made with Moses about the flood Genesis 9:12, and the one He made with Abram when He promised to multiply his seed exceedingly and changed his name to Abraham (Genesis 17:2-5).  Jesus' Blood is now, symbolically, sprinkled on the people, which is the second and Spiritual.  It expresses the shed blood of Abel was the first and natural, which points to and tells us about Jesus.  The Blood of Jesus expresses greater things than Abel's did.

     
     Leviticus 7:17, But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

     Scriptures state anything remaining of the flesh, which is the sacrifice, will be burnt with fire on the third day, also read Leviticus 19:6.  These are the first and natural and they form shadows, which give an example of our dying out to our carnal fleshly ways.  Paul stated he died daily (1 Corinthians 15:31).  It was a daily battle for him to overcome his flesh, his carnality.  He was destroying the first and natural man so he could replace it with the second and Spiritual man, having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). So with the mind I myself serve the Law of God; but with flesh the law of sin (Romans 7:25).  Flesh or carnal thinking is serving the law of sin.  However, with our Spirit we serve the Law of God with our minds and actions.

     We are to convert our fleshly will and be totally submissive to the will of the Father.  He proclaims if there is anything remaining of our fleshly sacrifice, our flesh, which we have not died out to and submitted to God, will be burnt with fire on the third day.

     Esther 5:1, Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the King's house, over against the King's house: and the King sat upon His Royal Throne in the Royal House, over against the gate of the House.

     If you study the Book of Esther examine what the first and natural is doing for it tells us about the second and Spiritual.  You will learn the King ordered His Queen Vashti to come before Him wearing her royal crown to show the people and princes her beauty.  However, she refused to come at the King's commandment (Esther 1:11-12).

     Further reading will reveal after the queen refused to come to the wedding the crown was taken from her and given to another, which would be the new queen (Esther 5:1).  Queen Vashti formed and cast a shadow, which tells of God's original calling of the Jews.  They were invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God, and they refused the invitation.  This relates how the Jews were the first one's asked to attend the wedding supper of the Marriage of the Lamb.  Since they refused the invitation they were found unworthy for the wedding.  These are the Jews who have not accepted Jesus Christ.

     Compare how this agrees with the writing in this next Scripture.  To establish it was the Jews to whom Jesus was speaking it is necessary to read Matthew 21:33-45.

     Matthew 22:3-10, And sent forth His servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.  Again, He sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them, which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared My dinner: My oxen and My fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.  But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took His servants and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.  To verse 8, Then said He to His servants, The wedding is ready, but they, which were bidden, were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.  So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

     This tells how the Jews refused to come when invited to the wedding. They were again ask and they made light of it.  The rest of them took His servants and spitefully killed them.  The shadows of Queen Vashti and that of her losing her crown are parables, which tell a story.  She represents the Jews who were the first and natural.  The Queens place and crown was taken from her (the Jews) and given to another, the new queen, which is the Gentiles, the second and Spiritual (Acts 13:46).
     
     This shadow also reveals a specific time concerning the second and Spiritual.  It states on the third day the new queen or new bride will put on her Royal Apparel or Wedding Garment (Esther 5:1).  This shadow discloses when the second and Spiritual New Queen or Bride of Christ will put on her Royal Wedding Garment--the third day.

     While reading the story of Queen Vashti and Esther keep in mind how they are forming and casting shadows.  Queen Vashti's crown was removed from her and given to another Queen Esther and these agree with the Scripture from Matthew 22.

     Jesus explains Matthew 22 by using a parable.  What He is literally saying is God sent forth His servants, the prophets, and bid the Jews, the first chosen, the shadow cast from Queen Vashti, to come to the marriage and they would not come (Acts 13:46).  Jesus explains how God, again, sent His prophets to summon the Jews to the wedding, but they still would not come.  He explains they made light of it and went on their way.  He also communicates how the Jews took the remaining prophets and treated them spitefully, and killed them.
     
     God informed His prophets the wedding was ready.  He states the Jews (shadow of Vashti), which were first invited were not worthy of this marriage (Acts 13:45-46).  God then sends them out to look for other guests.  Their instructions were to invite as many as they find to the marriage.  They gathered both good and bad and the wedding was furnished. This Spiritual Royal Wedding will take place the third day. The next Scripture tells how the Jews were against the things, which Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles, was teaching.
     
     Acts 13:45-46, But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things, which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first (displaying the first and natural), have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and (you) judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles (the second and Spiritual).

     Paul states the Jews judged themselves (this they did, not God) unworthy of everlasting life.  Therefore, Everlasting Life-Jesus (John 3:36), was given to the Gentiles.  Other accounts of Jesus - Everlasting Life may be found in John 17:2-3, Romans 5:21 & 6:23, and 1 John 5:20.,
     Another interesting third day event concerns Lazarus.  It begins in John 11.  It states Lazarus's sisters came to Jesus telling Him that Lazarus was sick.  Jesus told them the sickness was not to death, but rather was for the glory of God (John 11:3-4).

     John 11:6, When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith He to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea again.

     After Jesus was informed of Lazarus's sickness He did not immediately go to him.  He remaind for two days in the same place where He was prior to that (Luke 13:32).  It was not until the two days were past that Jesus went to Lazarus who had since then died and was buried (John 11:21-42).  After two days Jesus told His followers He was ready to go to Judea, again.

     John 11:43, And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

     Again this tells the events of the first and natural, which tell us about the second and Spiritual.  On the third day Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, "come forth."  This reveals by likeness of image, or shadow, when the resurrection will take place.  It will be on (during) the third day.  The dead will resurrect from their graves and those who are alive and remain will be called together to meet Him in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

     Joshua 1:11, Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord you God giveth you to possess it.

     Keep in mind there are not literally alike for they are allegories and parables.  It relates that Joshua would pass over Jordan, within three days, and go in to possess the land which the Lord gave them for possession.  Joshua is the first and natural, which points to and discloses the second and Spiritual.  His movements reveal that in the third day the second and Spiritual will also pass over the Spiritual Jordan and go in to possess the place Joshua, who represents Jesus, has prepared for us.  This is also described in the next Scripture. 
     
     John 14:2-4, In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

     Jesus proclaims in His Father's house (the heavens are My throne) are many mansions and that if it were not the Truth He would have told us.  He will return and receive us to Himself.

     John 2:19 & 21, Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up. To verse 21, But He spake of the Temple of His Body.

     Jesus stated that if they destroyed the Temple in three days He would raise it up again.  Although He was speaking about His physical body, which was resurrected on the third day, He was also speaking another shadowed parable.  He is revealing a specific time when the second and Spiritual Temple will be established.  It will be raised up in the third day, or established on the third day just as the patterned shadow of the Temple of Jesus reveals.

     Luke 2:46 & 49-50, And it came to pass, that AFTER THREE DAYS THEY FOUND HIM IN THE TEMPLE, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. To verse 49, And He said unto them, "How is it that ye sought Me?  Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. 

     After three days Jesus was found in the natural temple.  This allows us to envision when we will find Jesus in the second and Spiritual Temple; on the third day.  Therefore, He was in the temple before they found Him, just as this shadow reveals His whereabouts now.  I go to prepare a place for you and will receive you to Myself that where I am, there ye may be also.  He’s in the temple in heaven.  He asked why they were searching for Him for they should have realized He would be carrying out His Father's business.  However, they did not understand what He was Spiritually saying to them for it was not the time of unveiling to reveal this shadowed mystery.
     
     2 Kings 20:5, … Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up: unto the House of the Lord.

     When this is done He will hear the prayers.  He sees the tears we have shed and the struggling we came through.  He makes it known that on the third day is when we shall go up into the House of the Lord--Heaven.

     Luke 13:32, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

     Jesus was speaking of Herod (that fox) who desired to kill Him. However, this is an example for us to follow as we follow the steps and examples of Jesus.  We are to cast out devils and do cures today and tomorrow (for two days) before the third day arrives for on the third day we shall also be perfected.

     John 6:44, No man can come to Me except the Father, which hath sent Me, draw him: and I will raise Him up at the last day.

     John 6:54, Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

     John 6:38-39, For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath give Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

     The previous three Scriptures proclaim Jesus will raise us up in the last day, which is a specific period in time.  As we continue it will be explained. However, they differ for the last Scripture states He will raise it up again at the last day.  This is speaking of our second resurrection. Our first resurrection is when Jesus raised us up from our carnal life wherein we were considered the living dead to God. When we come to Jesus we are lost and without hope in the world. Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that LIKE (similar) as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the LIKENESS (similar) of His death, we shall be also in the LIKENESS of His resurrection (Romans 6:4-5).  For more on this topic read:  "Likeness of His Resurrection".  When He raises us up again it will be to meet Him in the Clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

     Hosea 6:2, After two day's will he revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

     Scripture proclaims after two days He will revive us making us alive. In the third day He will raise us up and we will live in His sight and in His presence.  Strong's Concordance defines revive with #02421: to live, remain alive, live forever, be quickened, be restored to life.

     John 13:1, Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father…

     Apostle John discloses the first and natural.  He points to a specific time, which is before the Feast of the Passover. This was when Jesus understood His time had arrived when He would depart from this earthly world and go to the Father.  Examine these shadows. They are not literally alike, but similar. Around or before the second and Spiritual Feast of the Passover arrives we shall also depart from this earthly world and go to a place the Father has prepared for us.
     
     Matthew 26:2, Ye know that after two days is the Feast of the Passover…

     Mark 14:1, After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of Unleavened Bread…

     The two previous Scriptures agree that after two days it will be the Feast of the Passover.  It speaks of the first and natural and discloses the timetable of the second and Spiritual.  After two days, a specific period in time, is the Feast of the Passover.  It allows us to envision what happened previously and when it will happen again (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

     Matthew 26:17, Now the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto Him, "Where wilt thou that we prepare for Thee to eat the Passover"?

     The disciples ask Jesus where He desired they prepare that they may eat the Passover of the Unleavened Bread (Mark 14:1). To read more about Unleaved Bread read: "Leaven & Unleavened Bread".

     Luke 22:8, And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat".

     Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare a place where the Passover would be eaten.  After the next few Scriptures we will come back to Luke 22.

     1 Corinthians 5:7-8, … as ye are unleavened, for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with … but with the Unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth.

     Paul tells us to keep the feast by eating Unleavened Bread.  He explains this Unleavened Bread (Jesus) is the honest truth of the Bible. The Passover and the Unleavened Bread we are to feast on is the unadulterated Truth from the Word of God as this next Scripture also states.

     John 6:53-54, Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed".

     Jesus tells us we will have no life in us except we eat of His Flesh and drink of His Blood.  The Bible is a Book which is written about Jesus (Psalm 40:7, Hebrews 10:7).  The Bible is our Spiritual Life and it provides us with Spiritual food to eat and drink.  Jesus proclaims, "I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).

     Luke 22:9-10, And they said unto Him, "Where wilt Thou that we prepare"?  And He said unto them, "Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in".

     The Apostle's were told that when they entered into a city a man would meet them carrying water and they wer to follow him into the house he entered into.  Remember this expresses the movements of the first and natural and their shadows reveal the second and Spiritual.

     Luke 22:11, And ye shall say unto the Goodman of the house, The Master saith unto Thee, "Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples".

     When they enter the house they are to speak to the Good-Man of the house.  And He said unto him, "Why callest thou Me good? There is none Good but One, that is, God (Matthew 19:17).  By examining the natural we determine the Spiritual Good-Man is God.  They were preparing the guest chamber where the Passover would be eaten with Jesus and His followers. Through this obscure shadow we see the second, Spiritual guesthouse where the Lord will once again eat the Passover with His followers - in heaven.

     Luke 22:12, And He shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

     The Good-Man (God) will show them a large upper room, which is already furnished.  This is the place where the Passover will be prepared.

     John 14:2-3, In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

     Jesus describes the second, Spiritual and heavenly home.  He proclaims there are many mansions in God's House.  Jesus went away for the purpose of preparing a place for us where we may be with Him.

     2 Peter 3:8, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

     Peter does not want us to be ignorant concerning this matter of time. He reminds us one day with the Lord is equal to a thousand years, and a thousand years is equal to one day.

     Joel 1:7, He hath laid My vine waste, and barked My fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away;…

     The Lord is describing Israel (the nation), and He refers to it has His fig tree.  He makes the comparison of the people, the children of Israel (of Jacob), as His Vine, which is cast away and barren.

     Matthew 24:32, Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

     Learn and understand this parable concerning the fig tree, Israel the nation, for it is important.  When the branch is tender and puts forth leaves you know that summer is near.  So (the shadow) likewise (also) understand when you see all these things taking place know and comprehend the time is near; it is even at the door! 

     What was once will be again (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). Israel was re-established (again) as a nation in 1948. It has been almost two thousand years, or two days, since Jesus Christ left this earth.  No man knows the exact time, but Jesus desires we understand the sign relating to the time frame.

     Christians estimate the year 2,000 A. D. will be the approximate end of the two thousand years (two days) since the death of Christ.  This same time frame also encompasses the end of six thousand years (six days) since Adam.  Both of these days are coming to a close and the closing of these days will bring us to the beginning of the new day.

     First, the ending of the second day (two days) will bring the beginning of the third day.  Jesus Christ will raise us up in the third day.

     Second, the end of the sixth day (six days) will bring the beginning of the Seventh Day, God's Sabbath Day of Rest. For more reading on this topic read: "The Sabbath".

     In addition, every fifty years is the Hebrew Year of Jubilee.  This is a very special time of celebration, which lasts for one full year.  What better time to celebrate the marriage feast and wedding of the Son of God, Jesus Christ?
     The American College Encyclopedic Dictionary defines jubilee: 4) among the ancient Hebrew's a year to be observed every fifty years (Leviticus 25: and to be announced by the blowing of trumpets.  Hebrew ram's horn used as trumpet.  Strong's Concordance defines jubilee with #03104: by blowing of cornets - trumpets. It defines fifty with #02572: literal fifty.
     
     Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines jubilee:  1.) Jewish History.  An institution (Leviticus 25:8-17) to be kept every fiftieth year by the liberation of all slaves who were Hebrews, the restoration of alienated lands, and omission of sowing and reaping of any kind.  2.) Of rejoicing, an anniversary (extraordinary jubilee).

     Webster's New World Dictionary defines jubilee: ram's horn used as a trumpet to announce the Sabbatical year.  1.) Jewish History a year long celebration held every fifty years in which all bondmen were freed, mortgaged lands were restored to the original owners, and land was left fallow: Leviticus 25:8-17.  2.) time of celebration.  3.) a time or occasion of rejoicing.  4.) jubilation; rejoicing.  5.) a year of plenary (full-complete) indulgence or remission of punishment for sin on certain conditions.

     1 Thessalonians 4:16, For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

     Paul tells how the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel.  He acknowledges that it will be announced with the trump of God.  Compare this to the Hebrew Year of Jubilee also being announced by the blowing of trumpets.  These are shadows, similar but still allegories.

     Israel the nation was again established in 1948.  This date is the foundation for the new beginning of the newly established fig tree-Israel the nation.  Using the date of 1948 and including the most festive Hebrew celebration which only happens every fifty years and lasts for a whole year, the Year of Jubilee, will bring us to the closing of our last day. People the last days are UPON us.  This is also the end of two days or two thousand years.  This Year of Jubilee also discloses another time.  The one year of Jubilee (one day) or the one thousand year reign with the Lord (Revelation 20:6).

     Jesus tells about what we should look for before the coming of the Son of Man.  He announces a time of that coming day, midnight.  No man knows the exact day not even the angels of heaven, only our Father (Matthew 24:36).  He does not want us ignorant concerning what the Scriptures are relating or He would not have given us a sign to watch for. Matthew 24: tells about signs and events, which will happen before the end of the world or age.
     
     Our eyes and ears tell us the world gets more corrupted every year. It's spiraling down hill fast for sin is progressive.  We can see the end time is near.  It's a lot closer than many may think; it's knocking at our door. The midnight hour is quickly approaching.  What happens at the midnight hour?  In a split second of time one-day ends and a new day begins!

     I pray that you are ready and prepared for this coming new day, which is dawning.

Blessings from our Lord Jesus,
D.S. Mattingly

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