Thoughts on "Supernatural" by Michael S Heiser - Chapters 6 and 7

 Chapter 6 - The Word, the Name, and the Angel

I think I knew that Jesus appeared to people of the Old Testament, but I didn't realize how often and that several saw him in human form. 

It occurs to me that I'm a lot like Gideon: I know God CAN do anything, but I'm often skeptical that he WILL do miraculous things for me or use me in miraculous ways. That's one of my major hang-ups and often a barrier to my sharing the gospel. I'm afraid of looking foolish if he chooses not to glorify himself in a particular situation, and fear that by putting myself out there, I'm not only looking foolish and presumptive, but hindering rather than helping the cause because I "misinterpreted" God's intent in the situation. I'm often hesitant and the opportunity passes. 

Chapter 7 - Rules of Engagement

I wonder about the nations under the rule of other gods during the post-Babel times. I can understand God relegating the original participants in the building of the tower to that fate, but what of their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. They were raised not knowing the one true God. So did they ever have a chance at salvation? Were there none who would have followed the God of Israel? Did some, but they aren't mentioned in the Bible except for a few? (Rahab and Ruth for example because they are Jesus' earthly ancestors.) 

I noticed that I had underlined and circled the passages showing that Moses, Aaron, the brothers, and 70 elders all saw God and ate and drank with Him. I had just forgotten about that part. 

The last part of the chapter brings to mind a nagging question I had about the end times. Followers of Christ will rule the nations when Jesus returns and we receive our glorified bodies. But who are we ruling over? I always thought those who rejected Christ were sent packing - separating the sheep from the goats so to speak. Paul says we are to rule over "angels" and it's implied the "lesser gods" as well, but didn't the lesser gods rebel and therefore also be sent packing? Do we rule over the animals and the rest of God's creation? - but that doesn't coincide with "nations." Do those still living on the Earth have the opportunity to accept salvation upon Christ's arrival, and are they the ones that those coming with Christ or are caught up with Christ are ruling? I've heard many different theories regarding this. It's a question for another time, however. 


Passages read: Jude 3-10 (again), Judges 6, Exodus 24.

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