March 15, 2003(17)
IN THAT DAY. A day of great gladness and rejoicing or a day of utter confusion and sorrow depending entirely on which Jerusalem one is involved with. Isaiah 4:1, belongs to the events of the previous chapter. Where the prophecy relates to natural Jerusalem and the result of its warfare. It is depicted by seven women. A number which foreshadows these last days. This is a word picture of the last day, amalgamated religion, which will embrace all the religions of this world. Its formation is very evident in our time. The one man is the antichrist. Note they will eat their own bread, (doctrine, belief). What a hodgepodge of teachings and ideas that will be. There can be no real unity under such conditions. We will wear our own apparel. The false church, each member will maintain its form of worship, its liturgy and all its religious practices while worshipping the antichrist. They desire to be called by his name. Acquiring a name is necessary for it shows association and relationship, which they desperately need. They are seeking a covering for their reproach. Be assured it is a false covering.
AT THAT TIME. What a great contrast. The true Jerusalem, the bride of Christ and her experiences in the last days are then prophesied. Our attention is first of all, focused on the Branch, the Lord Jesus Christ. The growth of His kingdom, the grand culmination and the introduction of the finished product will take place. It is this man, the Branch, who is to build the temple of the LORD. The temple receiving the attention of the Lord is, this temple, which He is now in the process of completing. Rest assured this is the only temple that can or will be acknowledged by the LORD. It is the work of His hands and not something which is brought about by man. This MAN, the BRANCH is to sit and rule upon His throne while at the same time acting as the only High Priest upon His throne. He is delegated a dual office, creating an atmosphere of absolute harmony. Zech. 6:12-13
THE BEAUTY AND GLORY OF THE BRANCH. To be revealed in its completeness in the end of the age. Isa. 4:2 As the great high priest, the eternal, the everlasting, He is clothed in the supreme glory and beauty of the Priesthood. Ex. 28:2 Not temporal man made robes but eternal, spiritual garments which scintillate and glow with the light of the Almighty. Their glory and beauty excel in brightness and color. They are the very maximum, the apex, of all that is glorious and beautiful. THE FRUIT OF THE EARTH. The product of the tree of life. The tree that will bear twelve types of fruit twelve times a year. So, we note that the number one hundred forty-four is associated with this tree of life. This gives us a hint that the tree is something other that what we would usually classify with a tree. It has the strange capability of becoming fruitful every month of the year. Identification is given by the virtue of the leaves which become a healing element for the nations of the world. This tree is the source where by the Gospel is carried to the world. It is fruitful now and will be in the eternity to come. Rev. 22:2