“Write the vision and make it plain, so that those who read it may run with it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, and at the end it will speak and not lie; even though it may tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come. (Hab. 2:2, 3)

Although the appointed time of which Habakkuk speaks remains a mystery, it seems to be of singular significance, as the following verse from Mathew suggests. – “But of that day and time, no one knows; not the angels in Heaven, nor even the Son, but only the Father.” (Matt. 24:36-44) But, by way of contribution, I would also offer that the apparent reason for its inferred ambiguity is that while it seems to be a work in progress, dynamic and contingent upon many factors, God apparently has it covered, as the prophet Isaiah affirmed: “God has declared the end from the very beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying: My counsel will stand and I will do all my pleasure.” (Is. 46:10) I would offer, that what Habakkuk may in effect be describing is the lull before the storm, a seemingly interminable time of waiting, of testing countless generations, faith, for the fateful day to come. And while prophetically it’s a given, only for those alive on earth at that time will live to see it, and suffer through the prelude to the day of wrath. Apparently, it’s concurrent while being preparatory to the “The Day of Wrath,” that day when God’s enduring patience finally gives way to judgement.

Yet, while the Church is quick to read: “God has not appointed us to wrath, but salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thes. 5:9), for the vast majority of Christians it may only be a “stay of execution,” as their faith, like the baptismal water they were immersed in remains somewhat tepid. As the Apostle Paul quered “Into what then were you baptized?” – John’s baptism of repentance by water, or by fire through the baptism of Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit? In consideration of the fact, the preceding reference might better be read as – God has not appointed us as servants to suffer the wrath to come, as we have been called and gifted to work according to His purpose in leading many souls to salvation and service before that awful day.

Yet, what about Habakkuk’s vision? While we’ve touched on its intended audience, Last Days believers, I believe that the vision will not only be informative and instructive, but compelling, a test of faith, requiring a direct response, through personal action. Interestingly the scenario he described reminds me very much of a vision I had back in 2000.

Having been asked to preach at a little Indian church on a reservation somewhere in the outback of Nevada, I had only just begun when an elderly Indian woman jumped straight up out of her pew while at the same time raising her arms, dancing in place and praising God in her own language. Apparently, those who knew her well and could understand what she was saying were dumbstruck, until that very moment, she had been mute and a near invalid for years. Yet that was only the beginning, as astonishment and thankfulness soon gave way to what one might call a reverential fear as to who would be next. Nothing short of a pandemonium ensued, as individuals broke for the open door, while others were being healed right and left, leading to what might be best described as a pop-corn revival – they went down only to pop back up again, transfixed and somehow transformed. To say it was “off the hook” might be a misnomer, as the cell-phone began to chime in.

Not surprisingly, word was getting out, and as the afternoon wore on and people began arriving by the bushels full, with the sagebrush soon becoming a makeshift parking lot, filled with Indians in pickup trucks, yet not as observers, but participants in what was occurring.

As the spiritual groundswell began to build, one could sense as well as see that there was something going on here that was out of bounds. As a result, traffic began to back up on the old two-lane which stretched off into the distance. And at some point, I heard someone shout: “They’ve called out the State Troopers!” But to what effect was anyone’s guess, as the powers that be had only the worn out repertoire of the past to draw upon. What to do, arrest the agitators and throw them in jail; corral them again on reservations, and forbid them to speak their own language or practice their native religion; bus their kids to Christian boarding schools for another round of “forced assimilation?” They did all that and more, yet the Indian remains, and necessarily so, as the Red Man has a supernatural purpose in Creators plan. – “If Native America ever awakens to the vision that God placed within them as a people, they will run with it, and when they do, a multitude will follow, stirring up the dust for a revival that no power on earth can stop.”

“Life without war is impossible, either in nature or in grace. And whether physical, mental or spiritual, the fact is that the basis of all life is antagonism.” (Chambers)

In following the warriors road, many of our Veterans have become its victims, attested to by the simple fact of the rising number of PTSD cases and suicides. And whether physical or mental, trauma knows no bounds, displaying symptoms ranging from the commonplace to the more complex. Often central to questions of “moral injury,” when it comes to just cause and mortality in terms of mortal combat, it follows then that something other than standard practice is required to effect recovery. Hozho, a Navajo (Dene) word, referring to walking in balance and harmony, connotes to just such a process, one which recognizes that recovery must necessarily include the agency of the spirit. Routinely overlooked in modern medicine, “spiritual-wellness” remains of significant importance in Native American healing traditions, most of which still retain purification rites and ceremonies to cleanse the human spirit, which is seen as foundational to recovery. Interestingly, a similar emphasis can also be found within Asian traditions, as seen for instance in the historical Bushido Code of feudal Japan. Apart from being instrumental in the development of the Samurai class, Bushido served not only as a code of ethics for the warrior society of Japan, but a spiritual treatise which promoted “inner work” as required to remain “fit-for-service.” Additionally, we also find parallels in Sun Tsu’s The Art of War, with one commentator observing: “What is notable throughout this work and what raises it far above that of a simple military manual is not simply the elegance of its prose, but the underlying Taoist principles; the depth and meaning of which serve to impart an element of mysticism which is no doubt responsible for its continuing and universal appeal.”

Yet that said, the wisdom of the ages seems to eluded the U.S. Military and the majority of its Allies. After more than twenty years engaged in the Global War on Terror (GWOT), with a disproportional number of veterans having suffered the compounding effects of multiple deployments, not to mention the often catastrophic personal toll to themselves, as well as their families. And while many Vets do seek help in readjusting to civilian life through the VA, the services provided often fall short in helping them deal with mental or physical complications that can often arise. Yet due to the nature of combat itself, and the service’s overwhelming emphasis on the physical over that of the spiritual, is it any wonder that similar parallels can be found within the Veterans Administration itself? And in that regard it raises and even greater concern for vets seeking additional help – the VA’s seeming lack of confidentiality when it comes to the reporting of mental trauma cases to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). A systemic issue that not only serves in adding further complexity to a process that already begs for simplicity, but one which has left veterans so disillusioned that they are actively seeking other alternatives. And they’re out there!

Whether found in Native American healing traditions, through clinically administered psychotropic programs in foreign countries, or the increasingly popular wilderness experience, where the natural world is often found to be the best clinician. Of particular interest then is the fact that these alternatives all have one thing in common, an emphasis on spiritual solutions for mental disorders, which begs the question. If the common remedy for the creature we call man can be found in the realm of the spirit, it follows then that restoring a connection between one’s own spirit and the God of creation should be of interest to anyone seeking recovery and restoration.

The question of moral duplicity often arises in relation to war, particularly when it comes to the end-game. The debacle concerning the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 serving as a prime example. Apart from leaving an untold number of Afghan allies literally hanging, not to mention the lives lost and the trust of our NATO allies, the billions of dollars wasted had a lasting effect on Americans, as the nation was personally invested. Ultimately playing out in direct contradiction to its intended purpose, Accordingly, potential recruits now pause to consider just what they might be getting themselves into?

Yet, while there may remain an undercurrent mistrust regarding force-projection without a logical rationale and a certain degree of confidence regarding a favorable conclusion, America’s faltering legacy reveals a problem that provides a unique opportunity for leadership. As a result, many believed that they would be better served by choosing the path calculated risk and honor rather than remaining shackled to executive incompetence. Not only that, but the very fact that a nation comprised of every race, culture and creed could be fashioned into a singular people is not only worth celebrating, but defending. Yet in going a step further, when we also take into consideration the select few within our military that have closed ranks to uphold and defend those very principles, they have become not unlike the advance guard of the Lord’s host itself, preparing the way for the main event. A scenario which has a biblical foundation, for – “…From the days of John the Baptist there has been war in Heaven, while on earth the Kingdom advances, albeit violently, as violent men lay hold of it. (Mat. 11:12) 

And yet, while it may be said that ‘the best defense is a good offense,’ many of our military personnel return home only to find increasing divisions and indecisiveness concerning the future of our country. The question arises, how then can hard men stand idle when necessity demands an appropriate response? In response, it was probably Churchill who said it best: “We shall fight them on the beaches and on the landing grounds; we shall fight them in the fields, we shall fight them in the streets and in the hills; we shall never surrender!”

And, although the Hydra has many heads, its nature hasn’t changed. Its origins are of the Pit, and the agent of chaos is the false pretender and not the natural heir. And, while God may have brought us home, it was not for nothing that we survived. And so stand, and with a sword in one hand and a plowshare in the other, defend this ‘land of the free and home of the brave’ until the winnowing begins.

“When the Most High divided mankind, he set the boundaries of their lands according to the number of those in his heavenly court.  (Deut. 32:8 NLT) 

Regarding the above reference, some may find it of interest to note that while the majority of biblical translations regarding Deut. 32:8 are consistent with the Hebrew translation, which reads: “When the supreme one gave the nation’s their inheritance, when He separated the children of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the Children of Israel,” (Deut. 32:8 / Chumash, Stone Ed.), there are exceptions, such as that found in the NLT, or New Living Translation. This can be problematic, as it not only sows confusion in the minds of many as to the purported innerancy of the Christian Bible, but can serve to compromise our willingness to contend for the Faith “sola scriptura,” or by scripture alone.

Additionally, further attempts at clarification can become quite convoluted, which is the case with both of the preceding translations. Essentially, the context of Deut. 32:8 is in reference to the the survivors of the antediluvian saga, Noah and his sons, Ham, Shem, Japheth and their families, who in turn became the new progenitors of the human race. And, while the Hebrew translation describes the distribution of mankind according to their appointed territories, it renders the verse somewhat obfuscate by virtue of emphasis on: “the children of Israel,” making it appear as if they only beneficiaries, when actually they are only one of the beneficiaries, as decedents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Gen. 11:10), through the lineage of Shem, a son of Noah. Again, while at first glance, Deut. 32:8 seems to be referring to humanity as a whole, when it comes to the division of the territory in question, it not only appears vague, but is somewhat misleading. And, while the general consensus maintains that the verse is in reference to “The Table of Nations (Origines Gentium), which are seventy in number, it appears that the author(s) of the Hebrew translation have reached a different conclusion.

Compounding the problem, there remain alternate explanations, such as that found in the Jewish Midrashic literature, which attributes this division of mankind and, the number of territories in question to the Tower of Babel epic, as recorded in Genesis 11:1-9. In response to the tower’s architect, Nimrod, and his apparent motive: “(it was)…to ascend to heaven in order to wage war on God. (Midrash / Sages) Accordingly, “Hashem came down to look at the city and tower which the son’s of men had built, saying: Behold, they are one people, and with one language for all. And now, should it not be withheld from them all that they proposed to do? Come, let us descend then and there confuse their language, that they should no longer understand one another.” (Gen. 11:5-8) It is said then that Hashem had asked for assistance from seventy angels, each to be appointed as overseer over the individual territory appointed to each of the original seventy nations. Yet, it didn’t quite turn out that way, as these so called “ministering spirits” ultimately succumbed to their own sense of self-importance, in turn contending among themselves for hegemony, through territorial expansion and power, but increased recognition of their exalted status and worship from their earthly admirers.

Interestingly, in defense of this somewhat novel explanation, we find confirmation in the book of Daniel. “For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I was dispatched from heaven in response. Yet, the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days, until Michael, one of the chief princes (Elohim) came to my aid. Saying: now, having completed my mission here, I must return to contend with the prince of Persia (again), after which the prince of Greece will also come.” (Dan. 10:12-13, 20) This in turn leads us back to the initial subject at hand, the apparent contradiction between the NLT translation of (Deut. 32:8) and that of a number of other translations.. Apparently the NLT version, in attempting to render the passage more accurately, utilized the Midrashic literature, in reference to the Babel narrative, which is consistent with the passages noted in Daniel. And yet, while somewhat unorthodox, this interpretation makes perfect sense, as many scholars agree. The point being that scholarly consensus aids in bringing greater clarity to the subject at hand, even if it comes at the expense of tradition. Which in turn in brings up an interesting point. The Hebrew translation of (Deut. 32:8) in the Chumash, would appear to be rather anthropocentric in its translation of: “…according to the Children of Israel.” Rather, it appears to be a joint inheritance, distributed among the descendants of Noah and not to Shem exclusively. Which, in and of itself is quite understandable, as the Hebrew Bible, as the name implies, is a historical narrative of the descendants of Shem, Israel.

In either case, two things become readily apparent. One. Non-Jewish readers due to their lack of familiarity with the depth and breadth of Hebrew literature, are constrained by conclusions which lack foundational support. Two. In contrast, the vast majority of Jewish readers are better informed, even in regard to the early Christian church, as this passage from Acts 17:10-12 (NRSE) would sees to indicate: “…the believers in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea, who upon arriving, went to the Jewish synagogue. They found the Jews there much more receptive than those in Thessalonica, as they welcomed the message eagerly, even as they searched the scriptures daily to see if these things were true.” (NRSE) To add emphasis, while the Jewish community of Beroea (Ber-ea) appear to have been more open to inquiry, they were also better informed, as the scriptures referred to were from their own Hebrew Bible and not that of New Testament, as most Christians believe.

Regardless, as Christians, having been grafted into the same spiritual branch as that of Israel, we have become not only “believers,” but brothers in arms so to speak, “ …wrestling not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers in high places; against the rulers of the darkness of this age and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies.” (Eph. 6:12) Even so, it would appear that mankind has become somewhat of a pawn in this epic struggle of celestial proportions, unwittingly conscripted into a supernatural proxy war, and for good reason. As believers, we have become far more than just expendable board-pieces in an inter-dimensional game of chess. As a consequence, the elect now find themselves not only entrenched behind enemy lines, but functioning as the rear-guard in a heavenly pincer-movement. And, considering the current geopolitical crisis, believers may soon find themselves with little option but to actively contend for the faith, or simply abandon the proposition altogether. In view of that, it might then be worth asking: Is our personal faith just a passing fancy or are we in it for the long run? Not surprisingly, God himself has something to say: “I am God and there is none other like me; declaring the end from the very beginning and from ancient times those things not yet done, saying, my counsel will stand and I will do all that I have proposed.” (Is. 46:10)   

“…For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.” (Ex. 20:5)    

While we find echoes concerning the doctrine of “original sin” in the preceding verse, note that the object of the sentence is directed to “those who hate me,” not those who love me. An important point, as it suggests that free-will has been and will continuesto be a primary factor concerning an individual’s relationship with God. And from that perspective it challenges elements of Christian tradition, not only the doctrine of “original sin” itself but “the atonement,” as in popular Christian polity they are invariably interlinked. Begging the question, are we missing something here, or has the church read something into the the biblical narrative that is clearly inconsistent with the Hebrew Bible? To provide clarity and for the sake of consistency we must first acknowledge the Old Testament’s foundational credentials regarding “the word of the Lord.” Not only is it fundamental for a closer reading of the New Testament, but remains the primary source and therefore essential for sound Biblical theology: “Think not that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets; I have come to fulfill it.” (Matt. 5:17)

And standing upon that “Rock of Salvation,” the words of Jesus himself, I would offer this. The phrase remission of sins pertains to a debt past due and not what might be accrued, post-salvation. As the apostle said: “…who God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in the shed blood of Jesus, to declare his righteousness, for the remission sins (past debt) and through the forbearance of God.” (Rom. 3:25) The crux of the problem is that sin remain’s a hurtle for most, a bar too high, if you will, regardless of the cost paid or unmerited favor vouchsafed to believers. Obviously, and in most cases, despite assistance from the Holy Spirit, sin remains a problem which can only be remedied by a willful turning away; as Jesus said: “…go and sin no more!” It may be worth asking then, has anything changed that would alter the fundamental sin equation? Yes, one might say, everything has changed since the advent and resurrection. Will true, we cant sidestep the essential contradiction; if the sacrificial the Lamb rendered the corporate debt of accrued sins null and void, while providing believers with a clean sheet, so-to-speak, why does the stain of sin remain? And, in consideration of the fact that the New Testament Epistles abjure believers from turning back to sin after having once been saved, the common understanding of “once saved, always saved” becomes nothing more than an oxymoron for repeat offenders.

Are we tracking? “For if by one man’s disobedience many became sinners, so also by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” (Rom. 5:19) Note the emphasis on many, and will be made righteous, indicating that salvation from sin is a process, one through which believers will be made righteous. As the apostle said: “…we are being saved.” (1 Cor. 1:18) Again, “… brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, …whosoever brings a sinner back from wandering will save that sinners soul from death, and in so doing, cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20) While this verse may seem to suggest that salvation can be lost, and even restored, it remains obvious that salvation is something that must be actively pursued by avoiding sin.

In the same token, but on a completely different track, we read from the scriptures: “…As Jesus was passing by, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. His disciples then asked him, who did sin, this man, or his parents that he was born blind? And Jesus answered. Neither did this man sin, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”( Jn. 9:1-3) Interestingly, the Lord’s response to the disciples’ inquiry brings into question once again the doctrine of “original sin.” To parse this out, let us turn once again to the Hebrew Bible, and the specific passage wherein the Lord God of Israel is arguing that very point with the prophet Ezekiel, saying: “Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father, you say?” “Simply because the son has done what is lawful and right in My eyes, keeping all of my statutes and observing them–he shall surely live. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked man turns from all his sins and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live and not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him because he has turned to righteousness and therefore shall live.” “Do I take any pleasure in the fact that the wicked should die and not turn from their evil ways and live saith the Lord?” “Yet, if a righteousness man turns away from righteousness…shall he live? All of the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered because of his unfaithfulness and iniquity which he has committed, because of them he shall surely die.” (Ez. 18:19-24) There is a lot to unpack here, so let us focus on one particular question. How is it then that “The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself,” if not by works, right thinking and a through a contrite heart?

Quite interestingly, the preceding dialogue between the Lord and Ezekiel seems to infer that there was no need for a priestly intermediary, or even a substitutional sacrifice as a propitiation for personal sin. Not to say that the Levitical priesthood was a human fabrication. On the contrary, it was instituted by God as a means of corporate restitution, as the nation of Israel was not yet conformed to the precepts of the Law. IE. It was a work in process, as we can see for example in “The Binding of Isaac.” (Genesis: 22) The knife of obedience was already at Isaac’s neck before the Angel of the Lord stayed Abraham’s hand. The fact that God intervened serves to illustrate that his ultimate intention was not for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, which would have only served to validate the need for a substitutionary blood sacrifice for a remission of sins. Instead the Lord used the ordeal to demonstrate Abraham’s unwavering faith and obedience to God. In addition, the event also served as a signatory for the future in which animal and human sacrifices would no longer be acceptable to God. And regarding that particular point, what He was really driving at was a willful transformation of the human heart, resulting in, not only voluntary conformance to the dictates of the Law, but the spirit of the Law.

From that perspective then, Christians should be able to draw a parallel between the previous event and the following passage: “Although he was a son, it was meet for him that he learn obedience through those things which he suffered, and being made perfect, became the author of eternal salvation for all those that believe and obey. (Heb. 5:8-9) Even so, this passage is typically misconstrued by insisting that Issac was but a type and shadow of the sacrifice to come. — “Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” (Jn. 1:29) Although Christ suffered, and by doing so demonstrated obedience, much like Abraham, but a king that could overcome even death itself, while at the same time founding a priesthood of believers that would follow in his footsteps, even unto the cross itself. In any event, there is nothing in either the scenario of Abraham and Issac or the willful suffering of Jesus that might suggest a “scapegoat” theology. Rather “the buck stopped there!” In turn, placing the weight where it rightfully belongs, on the shoulders of the individual believer. Yet, in truth, it is no longer a solitary endeavor, as Emmanuel is with us: “Behold, I am with you always, even until the end of the age.” (Mk. 16:1-8)

While the scriptural continuity between the Old and New Testament is a given, the Christian doctrine of original sin and the atonement have become substitutionary for a requisite personal accountability that in turn produces fruit after righteousness, earning for New Testament. As for those who take issue with the fact, scripture is quick to remind us. — “The Lord remains the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Mal. 3:6, Heb. 13:8) That said, don’t think that Christians are the only ones who have the goods on salvation, as Jesus said: “Salvation is of the Jews!” (John. 4:22) In other words, while God may have revealed himself to the world through His creation and to Israel through His miraculous interventions and revelation through Moses, God’s standard remains as it has always been, a stretch for the casual adherent. Likewise, putting Jesus in the archetypal position as a “fitting sacrifice” for Christian and Jewish indiscretions is not going to cut it. Unfortunately, it seems that humanity itself continues to be something of an exercise in futility. As Jesus said: “If you believe not in me, at least believe in the miracles you’ve seen, which in themselves testify to the fact that the Father is in me and I in Him.” (Jn. 10:38)

“Pride is the deification of self, and among the majority of Christians this is not along the line of a Pharisee, but that of a publican.” (Chambers)

What does faith demand? When asked, most Christians will respond by saying–”Oh, I’m no saint!” And yet, while the life of a saint need not be a crucifixion per se, our immersion into the life of Christ is, for all intents and purposes, a progressive immolation of the ego for the sake of the spiritual. As Paul said to some believers he happened upon: “Unto what baptism were you baptized with? And they said: unto John’s baptism. Then Paul said: “John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, yet it was John himself that said that they should follow him who would come after”. (Acts 19:3,4)”- ”…For he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire….” (Mat. 3:11; Lk. 3:16). In the same token, the New Testament makes it abundantly clear that Jesus willingly sacrificed his life, not for the sake of a false sense of security and a lukewarm salvation, but to produce a radical change and transformation of the self that would ultimately produce saints–”…For those who are in Christ are called to be saints…” (1 Cor. 1:2); again, ”…For this is the will of God, your sanctification…(1 Thes. 4:3) Which in turn raises the question, are not all who respond to the Gospel called“…to be conformed to the image of His Son…the firstborn among many, the progenitor of a holy family, that they too might be glorified, with Christ?” (Rom. 8:28-30). If so, how can the church continue to discount sanctification and the scriptural demand for holiness, in that believers are called to follow Jesus through fire, and in turn be transformed into his very image?

What are we to say then? What about all those who seem to be running in place, almost as if in a state of suspended animation, neglecting the demands of faith to —“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Mat. 28:19-20) How can one remain idle when so many are lost? Are we to believe that the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ is of no effect, that God is unable to perform through us that which he proposed through Christ? How can those who are called by His name believe that the life of a saint is only for a select few, or the elect as it were, as if any can be counted superior? “For all have sinned and fallen short of the grace of God? (Rom. 3:23) If that is one’s perspective, they have their spiritual wires crossed — ”For it was fitting, in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, that God should make the founder of their salvation (Jesus), perfect through sufferings.” (Heb. 2:10). Do we really think that we, as recipients of the eternal reward, are justified in receiving it without ever lifting a finger? Christian sedation masquerading as salvation is an affront to God himself, even as our reticence to get out of the religious boat negates the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to do so. As it’s written: “While…all manner of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven mankind, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Mat. 8:31) In other words, when the spiritual agency that equips us to be saints is routinely impeded by our own reticence to respond, we are not only mocking God, but placing our own souls in jeopardy by demonstrating the pattently obvious. — We have no greater interest than that of our own self-interest in becoming Christians. Friends, that is not the gospel Jesus preached! As he said: “There is no greater love than this, that a man would willingly lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

“After Thirteen Heavens of Decreasing Choice and Nine Hells of Increasing Doom, the Tree of Life will blossom with a fruit never before known in The Creation — The New Spirit of Man.” (Zapotec prophecy)

Having spent most of my young-adult years living on a Rez. in the inter-mountain region of the American west, I availed myself of frequent excursions into many of its more remote areas, seeking answers to questions that most would never ask? The answers came, but ultimately at the cost of of a normal life. Of these, and there were many, one remains paramount, as it had to do with a progression of events that would determine the future of America.

And so, as has often been said, I found myself “taken up in the spirit.” And no sooner had I realized the fact when I was confronted with another reality; I wasn’t alone, in the company of two angels, one on either side of me, and the fact that we were flying, as I could see the earth far below. As soon as that thought had registered, the angel on my right spoke to me, saying: “Son of man, what do you see?” The instant he said it, my sight would zoom in on an event happening down below. And while there were many, each manifesting in the sequence in which I saw them, over time, the last event would be the result of all those leading up to it, and decisions made, or not made.

The first two events I would mention are of particular relevance, as they not only confirmed the angelic testimony of my companions, but in turn served to erase any lingering doubts I might have had as to the veracity of this vision.

The first event, referred to commonly as “The First Shock,” was the Oil Embargo of 1973-1974. Initiated by our Arab exporting friends of OAPEC, which had targeted nations who had supported Israel during The Six Day War of 1973. And while the embargo was lifted in 1974, the damage had already been done. This was especially true in the US, where oil import prices at one point soared to over 300%.

“The Second Shock” would soon follow, as a direct result of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which resulted in widespread labor strikes throughout the Iranian oil industry. Essentially doubling the price of Crude overnight, it was in turn exasperated by the Iran-Iraq war, which prolonged it well into the 1980’s. The result on the American population was two-fold, not only were they unprepared (again), but soon realized that the nation itself was more vulnerable to adversarial intentions than anyone had previously believed. While both events affected me deeply, the latter, in 1979, left a much greater impression on me, as I found myself back in suburbia once again, standing in line with countless others, wondering in fact whether I would be able to get gas or be shot in the process.

In hindsight, when you stop consider the Middle Eastern origin of each crisis, it’s little wonder that something more ominous would be in the offing. And it was, as we later discovered, with the Al Qaeda attack on the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001. It was not only a wake-up call for the entire nation (I was without cell-service for the better part of a month), but set in motion a series of events that would ultimately result in The Global War on Terror, or GWOT. Yet, it wouldn’t end there, as both prophetically, as well as tangibly, our entanglement with the Middle East is far from over.

Even though caught off guard by the general malaise of a post-Cold War mind-set, the shock of 9/11 galvanized the U.S government into doing something. With no immediate recourse but to adopt an altogether different perspective regarding the nature of our enemies, “both at home and abroad,” national security soon came to the forefront. Unfortunately, in pursuing that objective one could say that the government over-reacted a bit, with “renditions” on American soil becoming a common occurrence. Rumors of “Black-sites” soon surfaced, not only that of Guantanamo Bay (GITMO) in Cuba, used as a maximin-security prison for “suspected terrorists, but the Abu Gharib scandal in Iraq, which made the headlines for its use of “extrajudicial” torture techniques.

The fact that not only foreign nationals, but American citizens were now seen as potential threats, helped fuel a growing paranoia within the country, and an increasing distrust of the federal government. Such suspicions were soon confirmed in the minds of many with the creation of The Department of Homeland Security on November 25, 2002. And if there remained any doubts as to its purpose, that was put to rest by it’s first appointed director, the honorable Tom Ridge. In his first public address, he noted, and I paraphrase: “While our attention remains focused on the “Axis of Evil” abroad, we needn’t remind ourselves that the terrorist attack of 9/11 took place on American soil. And while ‘Islamic radicals’ were parcel to the fact, there remain other concerns here at home that are worth watching, particularly among Native American groups and Christian organizations. Talk about smoke-signals! And as if that weren’t enough, it was soon followed by a virtual tsunami of legal precedents, which to serve to form a cage of compliance for American citizens, with the expressed purpose of restraining remonstance.

Yet, if we consider the governments often lopsided attempts at social reform, an appropriate response may in fact be warranted. If so, perhaps the historically repressed in this country can serve as a vanguard, as they’re about the only ones left that can say with some confidence what the lessons of history may tell us. For that reason, one could offer that not only are Native Americans more disposed to elaborating on the deterioration of the public trust – confidence in our own government. And, by way of example, their actions might not only serve to reacquaint the public with the genesis of liberty itself, but to in fact preserve it. American freedom is not simply a historical phenomenon, but a contemporary ideal, serving to remind us that freedom is not yet free! Which in this particular vein was made abundantly clear by former Aim leader, Dennis Banks, who said: “Our past, as Indians, will give you direction for the future.”

Returning to the vision at hand and its latter place in time, my angelic host on right said to me once again: “Son of man, what do you see?” At his utterance, I immediately had an up close and personal front seat perspective, along side the passengers of the car now stopping at the Truckee border crossing between California and Nevada. To my surprise, even though I was an invisible passenger in the car, I not only saw the station attendant approaching, but say to the driver of the car. “ID’s, permit and papers, please.” Proffered as requested, minutes passed as I felt a growing unease among the passengers. Abruptly the attendant returned and with a smile returned the necessary permits, saying: “All in order…you’re free to go now.” As the car pulled away, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, even as I listened to the driver vent: “This is total BS; America the f…g Gestapo. Give me a f..g break; I need some kiss-ass”s approval to go on a vacation with my family now!” “Approval my ass!”

Yet, no sooner had the implications began to register than my sight returned to normal and I was once again in the presence the angels. The one on my left then spoke to me, saying: “Son of man, what did you see?” In response to my reply, he said: “Write it down and remember, so that when these things come to pass you”ll know that our word was true.” And so it’s been, every word, for many years now, with the sequence of events playing out exactly as I saw them – one major event every ten years, with a secondary precursor event occurring, alternately, every fifth year. And while this particular episode didn’t occur until near the end of these revelation, it remains of utmost importance, as it appeared to be the turning point for what was soon to follow – “public surveillance and the emergence of the police-state.” Although the process had been going on for years, this single event was to become indicative of an eventful out-migration of people from the “burbs” what was later described as the “wastelands.” These “outlanders” would in turn become the remnant, the multi-colored seed corn of generations to come – Indian maize.

And he spoke to him as if to a knight embarking on a holy quest, saying: “…Make every effort in adding virtue to faith; for with it your spiritual knowledge will increase, as well as self-control and steadfastness, which in turn will produce godliness.” (2 Pet. 1:5)  

For those who have set their sights on following Jesus, his life is an illustration of the fact there is a marked difference between belief in God and the conviction that arises from a heart-felt conversion, through faith, that there truly is a God. For it is through faith in God that compassion arises, which in turn compels one to act, and in doing so, forms the image of Christ, in us. For it is not the sepulcher of religion where Christ may be found, but in action through which the life of Christ may be seen. As the angel at his tomb said: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen! (Pet. 24: 5,6) With Christ before us, and the world behind us, we follow Jesus until his saintliness is realized in us!

Contrary to what many believe, the transformative work and mystery of the cross does not come about through election, with some being destined for salvation and others are not, but salvific grace is for anyone “…who loves God (and responds in kind to the light of his gifting), according to his purposes, so that all things might work together for good.” (Rom. 8:28) Yet, as He said: “You will only find me when you seek for me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13) An important consideration for many professing Christians, as true faith is not a normative in the Christian experience; it is the miracle of God, supernaturally endowed and nurtured through works of faith that are pleasing in His sight.

Unfortunately, from the time of the Advent until today, the written ‘Word” inevitably supplanted that of the lived experience; an intellectual construct devoid of direct contact with “Kingdom reality” or any involvement in its expression here on earth. The truth is that faith can only be apprehended and confirmed, supernaturally, through the lived experience. The initiate of faith then is left with little choice but to express the supernatural by through his actions – Your either believe what Jesus said or you don’t! And it is through this process of actualization that you become not only an initiate, but a friend of God and Jesus-like; one who speaks with authority and “…not as the scribes.” (Mat. 7:29)

That said, it might be worth noting that many Indigenous peoples around the world today still consider direct experience as the only valid criteria for one who has acquired spiritual knowledge. As can be seen for instance in the “…Hawaiian concept of Ma ka Hana ka ‘ike (knowledge comes from direct experience), and Ma mum ka hana, ma hope ka wala’au (direct experience comes first, discussion comes second.” (UH. Manoa) In contrast, the mainstream’s inveterate dependence on the written “Word,” to the exclusion of direct experience, has resulted in making “The Living Way” little more than an interpretive exercise. – “…forever learning, but never coming to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 2:7) Ultimately, and tragically for many Christians, an internalization of truth through direct revelation has become nothing more than academic inference and rote memorization of the biblical narrative. As if by some miracle, a simple digestion of information can replicate The Last Supper, and the apostolic sustenance of His eternal grace.

“The foundation of totalitarianism is an ideology made of lies.” (Solzhenitsyn)

“The problem with people is that they will do anything which serves their own best interests, whether out of fear or greed.” For example, in the years preceding the rise of Nazism in Germany one thing was certain, the Church of Luther had become but a shadow of its former self, with the true message of the gospel replaced by a tepid acquiescence–the salt having lost is Savior if you will! In the process, the cost of discipleship had been replaced by what Diedrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace. As he described it, placing an emphasis on God’s abounding love and forgiveness for believers at the expense of a clear conscience and certainty which inspired them to hold the line when confronting evil. Interestingly, this was something that the vast majority of German congregants at that time had altogether but forgotten. Promoting instead the absolutism of God’s direct and perfect will in human affairs not only gave believers a false sense of security, but a relevant disposition that no longer continenced what it meant to be personally responsible for the very thing in which they believed – an active faith in a living God and consequently, a risen Christ. Tragically, the river of faith which had once flowed so abundantly throughout Germany society had slowed to only a trickle, easily diverted and then dammed to become little more than a backwater of religious pollution.

“First they came for the socialists, and I didn’t speak out–Because I was not a socialist.”

“Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn’t speak out–Because I didn’t belong.”

“Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak out–Because I wasn’t a Jew.”

“Then they came for the Christians, and I didn’t speak out–Because I wasn’t a Christian.”

“Finally they came for me, and I was silent–Because there was no one left to speak for me.”

(Martin Niemoller)

Protestant conservative and Lutheran pastor, who at the beginning of the Reich was a supporter of Adolf Hitler, Niemoller eventually came to a conviction of conscience, in turn becoming, along with Diedrich Bonehoeffer one of the founding members of the Confessing Church. Yet Bonhoeffer, unlike Niemoller, was convinced from the beginning that both would ultimately be left with little choice but to join the resistance. And they did, with Bonhoeffer eventually paying the ultimate price. A lesson from history that can be applied today, as we find ourselves being drawn into a similar set of circumstances, where the Christian faith is politicized to the point that freedom is found wanting. Ironically, faith itself will become the gold-standard in not only determining how things will play out, but the currency of a life well-lived. Yet, as we still have time to mount an appropriate offensive, we need to stretch a bit before exercising our ethical muscle. As we’ll not only need strength, but the endurance to see it through and so reap the benefits of our compound interest and mutual conviction – Christ died that we might become the servants of freedom. As professing Christians, we must needs rediscover that fact, rising as those of Bonhoeffer’s generation, becoming once again the “salt and light” of the Rhema Word, which has the power to transform turtle-doves into shrikes.

“It was fitting for God, in whom and through whom all things were made, that in bringing many sons to glory He should therefore make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Heb. 2:10)

“Ave Imperator, morituri te salutano.”

I see before me the Gladiator lie:

He leans upon his hand–his manly brow

Consents to death, but conquers agony.

As his droop’d head sinks gradually low–

And through his side the last drops, ebbing slow,

From the red gash, fall heavy, one by one,

Like the first of a thunder shower; and now

A the arena around him swims–he is gone. 

Ere ceased the inhuman shout which hail’d the wretch who won,

He heard it, but heeded not–his eyes

Were with his heart, and that was far away; 

He reck’d not of the life he lost, nor the prize he’d won,

As all rush’d with this his blood.

Shall he expire…and unavenged?

Arise, ye brothers-in-arms and whence?

Toward the distant sound of thunder,

for glory and honor of a life well-lived! 

(Lord Byron)