Throughout Scripture, we see numbers repeated again and again and again. What most folks miss is that these numbers are metaphors in Hebrew with pictures that go well beyond the surface.   When John wrote, “And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” the angel of the Lord was showing him the same thing that Ezekiel had seen in a vision. It was not a city in the sense of a physical or geographical place; it was the ensample of a principle: a principle which strikes at the very heart of all that the Lord has been doing in our midst.  

Let’s see if we can wrap us this series today and talk about the blessing of tribulation. Can’t think of anyone I’ve ever talked to over the years who suggested that tribulation was an absolute blessing, but it is. No affliction, no trial, no false accusation, no trouble of any kind seems to be joyful at the moment you are going through it, and when all hell breaks loose around you, you often look for a hole so you can crawl into it and hide. Doesn’t seem to work that way, does it?

It has been a pleasure, thus far, to see the responses of readers who’ve taken this series to heart – especially those who’ve been through a lot, not really understanding what it is all about. So many folks have been programmed with the religious mentality of the so-called “Great Tribulation,” believing that it is something the Lord is going to snatch them out of so they don’t have to suffer.  

It has always been a marvel to me how the Table of the Lord – that which we commonly refer to as the Communion Table – is treated as an “ordinance” – a ritual, if you will; something we just have to do because Jesus commanded it. Many Christians just don’t get it!

Beginning in 2008 and into 2009 Holy Spirit instructed me to begin sharing Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday on the Table of the Lord. Just when I thought we'd about gotten the full revelation of what takes place, the Holy Spirit would download a whole new picture.

eginning in 2008 and into 2009 Holy Spirit instructed me to begin sharing Sunday after Sunday after Sunday after Sunday on the Table of the Lord. Just when I thought we'd about gotten the full revelation of what takes place, the Holy Spirit would download a whole new picture.

We wrapped up last week with my comments concerning the medical profession. Guess I need to clarify a bit. Two of our daughters work in health care. Our oldest son was born under the care of one of my cousins, who was a medical doctor.

And away we go for today. There is a lot of territory to cover, so let’s get started.   Hebrews 4:15-16: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We were blessed to have Bruce Allen in our home a couple of weeks ago. He came to spend a few days "just to take a break" from his busy traveling schedule.

We could very well run long again today, but I need to connect all of the dots for you as we wrap up this discussion on the cup, so let’s get started. Let me cover some of the same ground that I did last week in order for you to see the connection.