JORDAN & THE RED SEA KEY

(WHO ARE THE 144,000? - APPENDIX A)

A study of the Jordan River leads to some interesting speculations. It is mentioned numerous times throughout the Word of God, in both the Old and New Testaments. Maybe we should begin by reviewing some of these passages to see how they might draw us to a unified intent that underlies the superficial meaning.

In roughly 1716 B.C., Jacob speaks of the Jordan River. We find the reference in Genesis 32:7-11. In this passage, he faces what appears to be potential destruction at the hand of Esau. (This is significant in itself, but it is addressed in our other writings). He then divides his "company" into two groups, so that if one is destroyed, the other will be saved alive. The last portion of verse 10 states, "I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands." Thus he decisively links the Jordan River to this division of his people. As Jacob is often acknowledged to be a type of Christ, we see here a possible foreshadowing of a future division of God's people at this location. To pull this into perspective, we will look at some other passages that preface this river.

The next text of interest centers around events of 883 B.C. when Elijah was told by God to seek refuge at "the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan", I Kings 17:3. He was told in the next verse that he would be sustained there by the hand of God, via the ravens God would send. So we find here the supernatural provision of God associated with this river.

II Kings also references this body of water in verses 6-14 of chapter 2. It is about 868 B.C., and Elijah and Elisha are together when Elijah states, "the Lord hath sent me to the Jordan". With his mantle, he is able to divide the waters, and they are able to cross over on dry ground. From here Elijah is taken up into heaven by a chariot of fire in a whirlwind. Maybe it is significant that God sent him to this particular location for the transfer to occur! Elisha refers to this chariot as the "chariot of Israel", and is overwhelmed by it. He is also apparently utterly dejected to be left behind and unable to go with Elijah when he is taken away, as he cries out to God, and rents his clothing. However, he quickly collects his thoughts, and proceeds to take up where Elijah left off. It is significant here that Elisha inherits the mantle left behind by Elijah, as well as a double portion of the spirit (power) Elijah had been given. In fact, we see that Elisha too is able to part the waters of the Jordan via the mantle he has been given. Note now that Elijah was taken home and the power of his ministry was reassigned to one left behind at the Jordan River.

About six years later, II Kings 8:10-14 tells of a messenger sent by Elisha unto a certain leper telling him to wash himself seven times in the Jordan in order to become clean (free of his leprosy). The man (typical of us today) decides he can change what was told to him, and do it his own way (using the waters found in Damascus). Then he is confronted again with God's way, and chooses to go that route instead. Upon being obedient to the ways of God, he is healed. Again, we note that the healing occurs specifically in conjunction with the waters of the Jordan River.

Moving now into the life of Yeshua, we find in the Book of John, another reference to this river. Luke tells of John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River. Verse 28 of chapter 3 says that "these things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan". Matthew 3:13 mentions Yeshua likewise being baptized in the Jordan by John. It is important to note here that Bethabara means "house of passage". Indeed one passes into a different phase of their walk with God at baptism, but maybe there is even a more interesting aspect to the meaning of "passage" here, and its conjunction with the Jordan River.

All of the above are the results of a research that stemmed from a portion of text found in chapters of Amos. As I introduce this passage at hand, I must digress a bit in order to pull into the scope of the picture a bit more information, then I will attempt to tie all of this together.

Chapter 5, verse 6 says, "Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel." The text here is rather stilted, and difficult to understand until the Hebrew is consulted. Then it becomes quite clear. We see that "break out like" can be translated "send mightily", and we find that Bethel means "the house of God". Now if the fire is real, and it is sent mightily by the hand of God (possibly via nuclear attack?), and if it utterly devours the house of Joseph, and that none from the "house of God" would be able to stop it, then it stands to reason that the way in which God intends for us to LIVE during this time is to be removed from it prior to it's outbreak. This is not a new concept, in fact, we are told that these end days would be "as the days of Noah". Each time God was ready to judge the Earth, He made provision to spare those who find grace in Him. It appears that He will likewise do so here before this fiery judgment. Genesis 6:8-9 tell us:

Noah took a select few people and an assortment of animals aboard the ark that God had instructed him to build. It then floated above the destruction that occurred on the Earth in the rising waters beneath the Ark. Only those aboard this vessel would survive the holocaust below.

Though the fire of Amos 5 would not be worldwide, it might be nationwide. It might engulf the entire country we know as the USA, which might indeed be the "house of Joseph" spoken of here. Joseph is often correlated with the "body of Christ" at large, and the vast majority of the body is here in America. Maybe Amos 5:15 refers to a select group similar to those aboard the ark when it says that "the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the REMNANT of Joseph." Indeed verse had shown us that in order to LIVE (survive the fire to come) we must seek the Lord! "Seek" here denotes both "inquire" and "follow". Maybe we will have to be hearing from God and be obedient to what we hear in order to know how to be a part of the remnant who receive His grace and LIVE at that time!

It would seem that Enoch was a type of First Fruits Rapture, in that he walked with God, and was not, for God took him. Then came Noah, and he rode out the Tribulation, howbeit, he rode it out ABOVE the trouble below him. Revelation 12:1-6 tells of a woman who gives birth to a man child, then must flee "into the wilderness" where she "hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." We would take note that shortly after the catching up of the First Fruits Harvest, the body of Christ should be looking at going into hiding and seeking God's wisdom regarding her place of shelter.

Matthew 25:1-13 tells of ten virgins who are watching and waiting for the Lord's return. Many want to write this off as Israel, but these virgins have oil (the Holy Spirit) in their lamps (hearts/spirits) and thus, it is a certainty that they are Believers. Of these ten, half of them had oil not only in their lamps, but their vessels (bodies) also. (Their flesh was in subjection, so the fruit of the Holy Spirit was evident in their lives). They were ready. The ones with oil in only their lamps were not ready, and were sent to "buy" (secure) the oil they needed. They must have oil (the Holy Spirit) in their vessels also! This oil can only be secured as we yield to Christ who purchased us with a price, so the Holy Spirit can fill our entire being (including soul and body) with the resurrected power of Christ rather than having it all bottled up in our heart, but inoperable in our lives.

In the Matthew 25 passage which tells of the ten virgins who go out to meet their Bridegroom, we might surmise that the first five (who are ready) will be taken home as the First Fruits Harvest when the door is opened in Revelation 4:1. They will be in heaven throughout the events of the Tribulation Period, as shown in Revelation 14:1-5. The second group of five virgins, however, will be closed out. Yeshua cannot identify with them because they were not FILLED with the SPIRIT, as we are instructed to be filled in Ephesians 5:18. Now there is a riveting truth to be faced here. People who do acknowledge that this is the body of Christ want to say that this 10 virgins represents the ENTIRE body of Christ, thus the implication would be that half of the body of Christ would go home at this time. Not so! These ten virgins represent only a very small part of the body of Christ. They are those who are WATCHING AND WAITING, as they had GONE FORTH TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM (verse 1). The vast majority of the body of Christ is either asleep or in total denial that the BRIDEGROOM is ready to receive His BRIDE! Thus, we see here that only half of those who go in expectation to meet Him are ready and able to go. The others need a bit more attention to their fruit (not quite ripened unto harvest).

Thus we see that the first application of this Matthew passage occurs at the open door of Revelation 4:1, but maybe there is a second application as well. If our First Fruits Rapture is prototyped by Enoch, then those left behind must be divided into two groups also. In our Noah shadowing, Noah boards the ark with some, and those who do not go with him are destroyed. Regarding our five virgins who were left behind, they will know what has happened, as they went forth to meet the Bridegroom, but were denied entrance. At this point, they will earnestly seek to redeem unto themselves the oil they need in order to be saved. Our Amos passage might say they "seek the Lord" so they can LIVE! While the rest of the body of Christ yet slumbers, these five virgins will be attentive and repentant, and seek to set things right - to turn from their complacency with the ways of the world, and restore their right relationship with their GOD. They will begin to embrace His ordinances rather than the code of ethics established by man, and they will reach out to God to guide them safely to their fortress to ride out the Tribulation to come. It is amusing that God uses ten (the number which represents His governmental order) here, as we are to be found observing His commandments in order to be seen as fruitful, and as a proof that we love Him as we say we do! He then divides this group of ten into two groups of five (His number of grace). Indeed, even the second group of five is saved alive by His grace (Amos 5:15). However, only a few can board the "Ark" of safety. Thus, the next division into two groups: those who are allowed to board, and those who are forbidden entry.

This may not be a FIGURATIVE Ark. Just as it must have been foreign to people of Noah's day to see this monstrosity that would float on water when they had never seen rain, so it might be to our generation to contemplate the "Ark" which may be provided for those who are selected to board it. We won't have to construct this Ark, as Noah had to do. Revelation 12:6 says that it is "a place prepared of God". The Old Testament is full of references to the "chariots" of the messengers of God. If they are good enough to transport Elijah, maybe we'd better not laugh at them! ExtraBiblical sources indicate that it was also the mode of transportation by which Enoch was taken up. People are also becoming more aware of portals (DOORS [as in Revelation 4:1]) which rend the veil into other dimensions of the heavenlies!! However, both GOOD and FALLEN angels (with or without chariots) can utilize these portals or doors at specific times, so beware to test all spirits via I John 4:3.

Let's resume our study of Amos by going to 6:14. It says, "But, behold, I will raise up against you nation, O house of Israel, saith the Lord the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness". First, we would note that Joseph (the USA) is a part of Israel, (as Believers, even this gentile blend has been grafted into the olive tree), and it is obvious that a heavy portion of the wrath to be unleashed by this "nation" as directed by the hand of God is aimed directly at Joseph (the USA). Now we would seek the Hebrew in order to understand the portion of the text that reads "afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness". It is obvious that we are being told something important here, but, again, it is veiled due to the stilted nature of the English translation. The Hebrew indicates that "afflict" can be rendered "oppress"," distress"," thrust", "force"; "from" is variable, and can also be translated "into", and it connotes "your apportion or part of"; "Hemath" means "fortress" or "enclosure" as is related to "wrath"; and "wilderness" can mean "heaven", "the lower regions", and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance references "wilderness" as being ASSOCIATED WITH THE JORDAN RIVER AND THE RED SEA. The meaning of the Jordan River is "rapidly descending". We would also note that, geographically, it ends at the "DEAD SEA". When we look up the RED SEA, we find (strangely enough) that one of its meanings is "WHIRLWIND"! The implications of these findings could be quite critical!!

We find that this passage may hold a very special message for those who comprise the portion of the body of Christ who finds themselves here after the First Fruits Rapture. It would be about three and 1/2 years prior to the time when the "Ingathering" Harvest Rapture will occur (per Revelation 12:6). Those who were watching and waiting, but not quite ready would have their vessels filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit now, and will be directed by Him to their place of safety. At this time the nation who God would raise up against us will thrust or force them through distress and oppression to enter into the fortress or enclosure which will secure them FROM THE WRATH. It is their due apportionment as Believers who have now properly secured the filling of the Holy Spirit to be spared the wrath of God about to be poured out. We find this not only in the Hebrew rendering of our Amos passage, as noted above, but also in I Thessalonians 5:9, which speaks of those who are SOBER and who have donned the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation as not being APPOINTED to wrath. Thus we see that the apportionment or APPOINTMENT OF WRATH or the SALVATION FROM IT are in the hands of the Believers, who must determine the manner in which they will walk with (or without) God. This fortress will then depart to the lower regions of heaven (most likely into a different dimension) to ride above the judgment of fire to be unleashed upon mankind. Just as in the days of Noah, when the door is closed, nobody else can enter. The voice of God may be heard (as in Matthew 25), clearly announcing, "I never knew you!" The Holy Spirit will determine who He knows, and who He does not - who is allowed to board the ark, and who is turned away! (Sadly, most Believers still won't realize that there is even an Ark to board, much less want to board it!)

Now let us complete this picture by pulling in our initial references to the Jordan River. It was the place where:

• 1) Jacob (a type of Christ) divided the people.
• 2) God sustained through the supernatural provision of food at His command.
• 3) Elijah was taken into another realm by the "Chariot of Israel" after the waters were divided.
• 4) the leper was healed when he turned to the way prescribed by God.
• 5) remission of sin was dealt with in the baptismal fount at the "house of passage", and the Savior of mankind was immersed in this stream and visited by the dove of the Spirit to announce to the world that He was the Son of God.

In God's Word, the term "sons" denotes a title of worthiness, whereas "children" does not. As Believers, we are all children of God, and heir to His eternal promises. However, we are to grow from merely being seen as His children to being recognized as His SONS. It is the purpose of our existence to PLEASE God. When we succeed, we are seen as His sons. When we fail to do so, we are simply seen as "children of disobedience", who are not deserving of the title of sons.

Now let us begin to piece all of this together. It is entirely feasible that those who are seen as First Fruits will be taken to the River Jordan, and divided from those others who would choose to go but be left behind. These First Fruits would be the first to be proclaimed to be sons of God who have pleased God, just as THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON was identified when the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased". Then they would be transported through the portal/door (house of passage) through what might appear to be a whirlwind (as denoted by the Red Sea inference mentioned previously and foreshadowed in II Kings 2:11) by a Chariot of Israel into the next dimension to be waived before the Father. (The glorious purpose and status of this exclusive group is designated in our other writings, and will not be repeated at this time.)

A short time later, those who had become compliant and were earnestly seeking their security through God would be transported here in like fashion, be proclaimed to be sons, then thrust aboard the Ark of safety which would hover above the storm and be divinely sustained for 3-1/2 years as indicated in Revelation 12:6, and as foreshadowed by I Kings 17:3. They would reside here until they are taken on home in the "Ingathering" Harvest Rapture. It is worthy of mention that it was right after Yeshua was pronounced Son of God by the Holy Spirit in the Jordan River that He went into the WILDERNESS. That is the same wording used here, where these sons will be sent by the Holy Spirit for their protection during the time of Tribulation)!! Though the inference is for two different types of settings, they are both applicable for the same word WILDERNESS. (Only God could so intricately design the language to accommodate both scenarios with one word!!) Again the people of God would be divided here, and when the door was closed, destruction of those left behind would be imminent. All leprosy (sin stain) would be cleansed here and the healing would be completed to restore these sons to their rightful position to God (their appointed place).

Those who are left behind this time would be destined to the high probability of fatality as it relates to the human body. Remember we said that the Jordan River means "rapidly descending", and that is exactly what will occur after this Ark is removed. The force of the waters descending will culminate in the DEAD SEA. Only the parting of these waters by God will enable the survival of humanity. The mantle of God parted them for Elijah first, then for Elisha shortly thereafter. This may well represent the two transports for end time Believers from this location!

There seems to be extreme significance for the children of Rachel, the one most desired by Jacob (a type of Christ). Jacob's children by her were Benjamin & Joseph. We find in Genesis 48:5-6, however that Joseph is subdivided in representation between his two sons, Ephraim & Manasseh.

We will first look at Benjamin. His name means "son of the right hand". This might indicate those portrayed as Benjamites might be among the first (designated by "the right hand") to be deemed the title of "sons". His relationship with Joseph (another type of Christ) was so special, that Genesis 46:22 tells us he was given five times the portions received by his siblings in addition to payment they did not receive. Here, we might see that Benjamin represents the First Fruits, as prefigured by Elijah (taken home when the waters were first parted by the mantle of God) and by Enoch (who walked with God and was not, for God took him). This is the first five virgins of Matthew 25, who were filled with oil (Holy Spirit) in both their lamps (heart) AND vessel (as evidenced by His fruit in their bodies) when it was time to meet the Bridegroom. Because they were a "living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God" while they were here, they would be "caught up", in their living bodies, unto God, and to HIS THRONE" (Revelation 12:5) where they would be waived before the Father by the Son (our High Priest after the order of Melchisedek) as His "living" First Fruit offering/sacrifice (Romans 8:3) - the First Fruits of His Wheat Harvest.

Next, we would turn our focus upon Ephraim. His name means "double fruitful". He would designate those who are taken into the "Ark" (place of safety of Revelation 12:6). He would be prefigured by Elisha, who was also able to part the waters with the mantle of God. This parting of the waters is indicative of the opening of the portal which would enable them to board the ark and be taken to safety within it. It may not be coincidental that Elisha was given a DOUBLE portion of the spirit of Elijah, and Ephraim is DOUBLE fruitful! Those of the Ephraim shadowing here will need this double portion in order to navigate the rough roads put before them during the initial stages of the Tribulation before they are able to board the Ark! They were also prefigured by Noah, who boarded the Ark as these will do. They represent the five virgins in Matthew 25 who were initially closed out (when the First Fruits were taken home). However, Deuteronomy 4:29-31 says: "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him WITH ALL THY HEART and WITH ALL THY SOUL. When thou art IN TRIBULATION, and all these things are come upon thee, EVEN IN THE LATTER DAYS, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and SHALT BE OBEDIENT UNTO HIS VOICE; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, ...." These virgins will seek God (Amos 5:6) as they have never done before. They will adhere to the sobriety of the Word, and hush their voices, and cease their celebrations, and be silent before God, seeking His face. Amos 5:21-23 says that God will hate and despise their feast days and assemblies, and will command that they cease their songs and melodies before Him. Verse 13 of this chapter says that the prudent shall keep silence in that time, for it is an evil time. They will adhere to Zechariah 2:13 which says:

They will be still and know that He is Lord (Psalm 46:10). Because they begin to reevaluate and conform to His laws, ordinances, judgments, precepts, commandments, and statutes, they too will be deemed to be sons, and will receive God's grace, though a bit later, and in a slightly different form. They will be taken to a place of safety and provision prepared for them of God (Revelation 12:6) which is the Ark. When THIS door is closed, all hope is lost for those who remain behind. It is too late, God's grace is spent, and His fury is to be unleashed.

Now, we must look upon those poor Believers who remain behind after this division is made. They are representative of Manasseh. His name means "forgetful". They were not even among the ten virgins denoted in the first two groups, and are not prefigured with any Biblical character who offers hope of reprieve. They are among those who are cut asunder and appointed their portion with the hypocrites where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51). When the Lord delayed His coming, they forgot their stance of obedience to His ways, and reverted to their old habits. They forgot all about presenting their bodies a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God", which was their "REASONABLE SERVICE" per Romans 12:1. They forgot that they were "bought with a price", and that they owed it to God to glorify Him in their body and their spirit, which belong to HIM (I Corinthians 6:20). They were sidetracked and bedazzled by the materialism of our day, and seduced into an adulterated state of infidelity toward the God whom they were created to please. They have failed to please Him, and the price they must pay now is quite severe.

In closing, let's address the issue of evil vs. good that seems to determine our standing in Amos 5 & 6. Chapter 5, verse 7 seems to clarify the evil that we are to contest here. It says:

Which side of the fence will you be on? Will you be: 1) a Benjamite - son of the right hand - First Fruits offering who will receive five times the blessings of the other brothers, 2) an Ephraim son - double fruitful - who will ride out the bulk of the Tribulation on an "Ark" above the turmoil below, or 3) of Manasseh, a child of disobedience - forgetful - whose body is destined for destruction? Only your walk with God will determine your fate. Choose ye this day whom you will serve. Time may be very short indeed!