The Sign of the Prophet Jonah

May 23, 2023

During the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ the majority of the common people accepted His teachings and had faith in Jesus’ name. Not only did Christ heal the people of all their infirmities, but He also cast out devils and even forgave men of their sins. However, these miracles which Jesus performed were not enough to make believers out of the Jews who belonged to the ruling religious sects know as the scribes and Pharisees and the Sadducees. For on more than one occasion did the Jews of the ruling class ask Jesus to show them a sign from heaven in order that they might believe in Him as their promised Messiah. But the Lord replied unto them by saying that, “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:39-40). I would argue that the sign of Jonah spoken of by Jesus means that Jonah did indeed die, just as Jesus did indeed die. Lets us turn now and further examine this claim as we attempt to discern the sign of the prophet Jonah.

As the Bible tells us, the word of the Lord came unto prophet Jonah saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me” (Jonah 1:1-2). But instead of obeying the call of God, Jonah ran from his responsibility and hopped aboard a ship going to Tarshish in order to flee from the presence of the Lord. However, soon afterwards the Lord sent a great wind and a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was in danger of breaking. But while the mariners were afraid, Jonah was fast asleep in the sides of the ship (Jonah 1:5). This is reminiscent of the story in the Gospel where Jesus’s disciples were caught in a great sea storm and thought they might die, but Jesus like Jonah, was fast asleep in the hinder part of the ship. And just as Jesus once woken rebuked the wind and the storm settled, so too once the ship-master threw Jonah overboard did the sea cease from her raging. It was also at this time when the Lord, “prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17).

The Bible goes on to state that during Jonah’s imprisonment in the belly of the fish, did the prophet begin to pray unto the Lord. At the beginning of his prayer, Jonah says the following, “out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice” (Jonah 2:2). This reference to the belly of hell is crucial in understanding the situation that Jonah was in once the whale swallowed him. It is very probable that Jonah could have drowned by being cast into the ocean during a storm where the waves of the sea were so violent. In fact it might even have been a greater miracle for Jonah to have survived the waves rather than being swallowed alive by a whale. Additionally, it would be extremely difficult for a person to physically survive inside a whale’s stomach for a period of three days with no oxygen to breath and no fresh water to drink. So, I would argue that the Lord sent the whale to swallow up Jonah in order to preserve his body, so in turn Jonah would still be able to preach unto the Ninevites. It would seem that God prepared the great fish to not only preserve Jonah’s body, but to give Jonah space to repent.

More evidence to support the opinion that Jonah died is found as we continue reading the prophet’s prayer unto God. Jonah speaks: “For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me…The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever” (Jonah 2:3,5-6). So from these words it sounds like Jonah is describing his death by drowning. However, as we shall see from the later part of Jonah’s prayer that there is indeed a resurrection. Jonah continues: “…yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:6-9). It was after this prayer that the Bible states how, “the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land” (Jonah 2:10). So from these verses it is revealed that the sign of Jonah is truly one of resurrection, the very sign that Jesus said would be given to the unbelieving generation of the Jews who rejected Him as Messiah.

In conclusion the sign of the prophet Jonah as we have seen in relation to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is truly a fascinating typology of Biblical accounts from both the Old and New Testaments. Just as Jonah was preserved in the belly of the fish, so too was the immaculate body of Christ preserved in the tomb. Just as Jonah descended into the belly of hell, so also did Jesus Christ descend into the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:8-10). And just as Jonah was released from his captivity in the whale’s belly, so also was the Son of God triumphant over death and Hades. Now for many this may sound like a fish story and could also be a hard pill to swallow for some. But, speaking to the generations who don’t believe in Jesus the only sign given them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. “For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation” (Luke 11:30).

The Robe of Christ

May 23, 2023

The Seamless Robe of Jesus (also known as the Holy Robe), is the robe said to have been worn by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. Competing traditions claim that the robe of our Lord has been preserved even to this very day. One tradition places it in Germany housed within the Cathedral of Trier, another places it in France, where it resides at the Basilique Saint-Denys. In addition to these Roman Catholic claims, the Eastern Orthodox Church has also preserved a tradition regarding the robe of Jesus Christ. For according to the tradition of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the robe was acquired by a Jewish Rabbi from Georgia named Elioz (Elias), who was present in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion. The focus of this work will be centered around the Georgian claim which states that the robe of Christ rests in their country. That being said, let us now take a deeper look into the traditions of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s history, by presenting a certain historical document which describes how the robe of Christ ended up in the country of Georgia.

The following is the account of the Jewish priest Abiathar concerning the Tunic of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“At the time when Herod ruled in Jerusalem, there was a rumor that the Persians had captured Jerusalem. Because of this, there was sorrow and mourning among the Georgian Jews living in Mtskheta, the priests of Bodbe, the scribes at Kodi Spring and the interpreters of the law in Khoba. All of them wanted to go to the aid of the Holy City. But a few days later another messenger arrived with the cheering news that the Persians had not come to capture Jerusalem. Instead of weapons they were carrying royal gold, myrrh which quickly heals wounds, and fragrant incense. They were looking for a certain infant of the seed of David, born of a virgin. Then it transpired that they had found this child born of a virgin, who had been delivered unexpectedly, in a place unsuitable, as sometimes happens to people on a journey far from home. They came to the infant and worshiped him, and offered him their gifts and went away in peace. The Georgian Jews were delighted to hear this news.”

“Thirty years had passed by after this when Annas the high-priest wrote from Jerusalem as follows: to my ancestor Elioz – He to whom the kings of Persia came to bring gifts has grown up to manhood. He calls Himself the son of God. Come here to be present at His execution, which will fulfill the law of God and Moses.”

“So Elioz of Mtskheta went with Longinos of Karsani to be present at Christ’s Crucifixion. And when they were nailing our Lord on the Cross at Jerusalem, and the executioner was driving in the nails with an iron hammer, Elioz’s mother heard the blows and suddenly cried out – Farewell, kingdom of the Jews, for you have killed your Savior and Liberator. Henceforth you will be deemed the enemies and murderers of your Creator. Woe is me, because I am not already buried before His death. – When she had spoken these words, she expired.”

“Our Lord’s Tunic fell by lot to the Jews of Mtskheta, and Elioz took it to that city. His sister greeted him with tears an threw her arms round his neck. She took the garment of Jesus and pressed it to her bosom, and immediately departed this life. The cause of her death was threefold: Bitter sorrow at the killing of Christ, grief for her mother’s death, and regret that her brother had been an associate of those who denied our Savior.”

“This event caused a great sensaton in Mtskheta and reached the ears of King Aderc himself. Everyone, including the princes and King Aderc, tried to take possession of the garment. But the monarch was overcome with fright and alarm when he found that he could not draw it from her arms. So firmly did she fold the garment to her breast that her brother Elioz buried it with her.”

“Many years later the great-nephew of King Aderc, King Armazael, looked for the Tunic among the Jews, but failed to discover it or to learn anything about it, except that it was said to be buried near a cedar of Lebanon. But the Family of Elioz knew that it was to the east of the city, by the bridge of the Magi.”

In conclusion, though there are other traditions out there that differ from the Georgian account as to what happened to the robe of Christ, the purpose of the preceding presentation was intended to highlight a part of Church history which is not as well known to most, and even quite obscure to many. For this particular tradition concerning the robe of Jesus Christ is just one of the many of the Georgian Legends.

 

References:

Lang, D.M. Lives and Legends of the Georgian Saints. (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1976).

Why Moses is NOT One of the Two Witnesses

May 23, 2023

In the opening verses of the eleventh chapter of the book of Revelation, we come across two individuals who are referred to in scripture as the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3). However, the names of these two righteous and powerful persons are not identified, which in turn has resulted in much speculation over the centuries as to who or what the two witnesses may in fact be or represent. Some schools of thought believe the two witnesses to be Moses and Elijah, while others hold to the theory that the two witnesses are really Enoch and Elijah. Going further, some have even argued that the two witnesses symbolically represent the Old and New Testaments. Personally speaking, it is the firm belief of this author that the two witnesses are indeed Enoch and Elijah and NOT Moses and Elijah as many teach. This presentation will in turn attempt to outline the evidence found within the Bible which would support the notion that the two witnesses of Revelation chapter eleven are truly the two ancient prophets Enoch and Elijah. That being said, let us now take a deeper look into these claims by rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

Now one thing to note as to the theory of the prophet Moses being one of the two witnesses, is that God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land, due to Moses’ disobedience at the rock of Meribah (Numbers 20:7-12). Now from Mt. Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho, the Lord did indeed show Moses the Land of Promise of which the twelve tribes of Israel would inherit, but God did not allow Moses to enter. So if the two witnesses are sent to preach in Jerusalem during the Tribulation, then that would mean that God would have to one day change His mind and allow Moses to physically enter the Promise Land. However, nowhere in scripture is God’s change of heart expressed. And even though Moses was present during the transfiguration of Christ along with Elijah, I believe that the presence of Moses in this instance was a spiritual manifestation and not a physical appearance, as we shall see from what we find written in the last chapter of the book of Deuteronomy where it clearly states that Moses did indeed die (Deuteronomy 34:5).

So, for Moses to be one of the two witnesses then that would mean that God would not only have to break His promise of not permitting Moses to enter the promised land, but the Lord would also have to raise Moses from the dead. Also in Revelation, we see that the two witnesses are killed by the Antichrist and are then raised from the dead three days later. Again if Moses was one of the two witnesses then not only would Moses have to die twice, but he would also have to be raised from the dead twice, a trial that not even Christ went through! For as it is written, “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). So since the Bible tells us that Moses died, then the two witnesses must be Enoch and Elijah, the only two people recorded in the scriptures who have not as yet tasted of death.

From what has been stated in the preceding discourse I do believe that a strong case has been made which would eliminate Moses as being one of the two witnesses. We also know from scripture that Elijah was taken from the earth, and will return before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5). The Bible also informs us that Enoch was translated that he should not see death (Hebrews 11:5). So from these verses a strong argument can be established that states that since all people must indeed die one day, and because Enoch and Elijah have yet to die, then the appearance of these two powerful individuals known as the two witnesses who will be killed and resurrected must be the two prophets Enoch and Elijah who have yet to experience a physical death.

And even though the names of the two witnesses are not revealed, the spiritual stature of prophets Enoch and Elijah do fit the description of the two witnesses of Revelation which are identified as, “…the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth” (Revelation 11:4). So through the process of elimination we can confidently assert that Moses, though one of the mightiest of all the prophets, is not one of the two witnesses that preach in the Holy Land during the Tribulation.

Leviathan and Behemoth: Beasts of the Bible!

May 23, 2023

According to the book of Genesis, the Lord God created the entire universe in six days. Fox example, on the fifth day of creation, the Bible tells us that the Lord created great whales and other aquatic life (Genesis 1:20-21). And on the sixth and final day of God’s handiwork, did the Lord create the beasts of the earth (Genesis 1:24-25). Mankind was also created on the sixth day, but only after God brought forth all the animals. Now apart from whales and cattle the creation story does not mention the names, nor the types, of sea creatures and earthly animals which the Lord God created. However, further down in the Biblical narrative do we come across two very mysterious creatures that are named and signified. One beast is a mighty sea monster called Leviathan, and the other beast is a large land animal named Behemoth. Though these two creatures are believed to be mythological, there may in fact be some scientific evidence which supports their existence, or at least proves that they once existed. So, let us turn now and go in search of these strange and mysterious beasts of the Bible!

When reading through the Hebrew Bible, we first come across the beasts Behemoth and Leviathan as written in the book of Job. For during Job’s long dialogue with God, the almighty speaks of Behemoth as a creature that eats grass like an ox, who moves his tail like a cedar tree, and whose bones are like bars of iron (Job 40:15-18). Leviathan in turn is described as a strong sea creature whose scales cannot be pierced, and whose breath is as a flame of fire proceeding from his mouth (Job 41). At first glance one may scoff at the description of these two creatures as something out of ancient folklore and fantasy. But at the same time the fossil records indicate that at one time in earth’s history, dinosaurs did indeed walk the earth and also inhabited the sea. Behemoth could have been a brontosaurus or even a woolly mammoth, both of which were herbivores. Whereas Leviathan could have been a spinosaurus, a dinosaur that lived in water. And even though the book of Job was written around the 6th century BC, the validity of the existence of these creatures still holds ground. For in God’s discussion with His servant Job, the Lord speaks of things which happened from the very foundation of the world (Job 38:4). So in these Biblical passages spanning the history of creation, it is highly probable that all of the beasts mentioned in Job could very well have been actual creatures, even if they are now extinct.

In addition to the creatures Behemoth and Leviathan, the Bible also mentions an animal which we find in the world of medieval fantasy. And this mythological mammal is is none other than the unicorn. For as we shall see, scattered throughout the Old Testament, this mysterious beast raises its horn in the various books of the Hebrew Bible. For example, in the Torah (the five books of Moses) unicorns are mentioned three times. In the book of Job two verses speak of the unicorn. Also, in the books of Psalms unicorns are found in three separate verses. And in the book of the prophet Isaiah unicorns are referenced to in one verse. Now by finding yet another mythical beast in the Bible may lead many to disregard everything else found within the holy scriptures. However, in Hebrew the word re’em, which has been translated into English as unicorn, may also be used as a metaphor representing strength. So by applying the English word “unicorn” translated from the Hebrew word “re’em,” are we not only presented with an animal resembling a horse with a single spiraling horn projecting from its forehead, but we are also introduced to a strong and defiant creature. As a result of this double meaning, the Jewish Masoretic Text has translated re’em as “wild ox” instead of unicorn in all such verses.

Apart from the mythological or pseudo-animals written of in the holy scriptures, the Bible also demonstrates how the Lord used other life forms to establish His holy will. And these life forms are in fact genuine creatures that we know of today, and not the invention of folklore. For example, when the Lord God afflicted the land of Egypt with the ten plagues, many of these plagues involved creatures such as frogs, flies, and locusts. So here we see God using animal and insect life to execute His judgments. And moving from the natural world and entering into the spirit realm, we see that God also uses supernatural creatures to punish unrepentant sinners. For in the ninth chapter of the book of Revelation do we witness demonic entities arising from the bottomless pit, who had the appearance of locusts. However, these supernatural locusts are also described as having the faces of men, hair like women, teeth like a lion, and tails like unto scorpions. Now whether or not these verses are allegorical or literal, it still goes to show how the Bible uses the imagery of animals and strange creatures to convey deep spiritual concepts and mysteries.

In closing I would like to mention one more creature which pops up in both the Old and New Testaments, namely the dragon. The Psalms, the Prophets, and the book of Revelation all mention dragons. In the Old Testament, whenever dragons are spoken of, the Bible may in fact have been referring to dinosaurs. Even in the Common Era do we posses the story of St. George slaying a dragon, an event which is believed to have occurred in the third century AD. However, in the book of Revelation each verse where we see the word “dragon” is symbolic of the devil. So, from what has been outlined in this presentation concerning the Biblical beasts Leviathan and Behemoth, the conclusion that we come to may lead us to support the belief that these two creatures did indeed live in the material world at one time. But if they never did actually exist physically, then they must be symbolic of a deeper spiritual truth which has been veiled in mystery.

 

References:

The Jewish Publication Society of America. The Holy Scriptures, According to the Masoretic Text. (Philadelphia, PA: The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1917).

Zondervan. The Holy Bible, King James Version. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2009).

The Apostle Thomas and the Evangelism of India

May 23, 2023

Ancient Christian writings prevalent among those found within the literary corpus of the Orthodox Church, and which are classified as “Holy Tradition” tell us that St. Thomas (one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ) went on to fulfill the great commission of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, by traveling all the way unto the subcontinent of India. On top of preaching Christ to the peoples of India it is also believed that the Apostle Thomas died there in this far away land by martyrdom. However, before his execution this doubting disciple managed to plant many spiritual seeds in the country and as a result of St. Thomas’s selfless spiritual labor, an Oriental form of Christianity has settled and survived in India for nearly 2,000 years. Though the Church in India which traces it’s origins to Thomas is called Orthodox, it is not however in communion with other Orthodox Churches such as the Greek and Antiochian Orthodox Churches. Instead it shares similarities in theology with that of the Coptic Church of Egypt, which along with the Indian Church are classified as Oriental Orthodox. Now that we have briefly acquainted ourselves with the Apostle Thomas and his mission in India, let us eagerly peer into this fascinating story in greater detail.

Now before we cover his mission in India, I do believe that it is proper to present Thomas’s back story as found within the Biblical narrative. For the Gospel testifies, that immediately following His resurrection from the dead, the Lord Jesus Christ began to appear unto His disciples. But in the twentieth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John we see that when Jesus first appeared to his disciples Thomas was not with them when Jesus came. When the other disciples told Thomas how they had seen the risen Lord, Thomas famously said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now after eight days had past Jesus appeared to His disciples again and this time Thomas was with them. Upon seeing the wounds of Jesus, Thomas not only believed in the resurrection, but also confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and his God (John 20:28). However, even though Thomas believed in the resurrection of Christ by seeing Him, the Lord explained to Thomas that even more blessed are those who believe in the risen Jesus who have not seen Him. Thus with these doubting thoughts which St. Thomas demonstrated, do we derive the saying of someone who is lacking in faith or in confidence as a “Doubting Thomas.”

The most ancient written account of Thomas’s travels in India comes from an early Christian document titled: The Acts of Thomas, which was originally compiled around the year 200 AD. The story begins in Jerusalem shortly after the ascension of Jesus Christ, where we see the Apostles casting lots to determine which part of the world each would travel to in order evangelize all nations. Thomas’s lot assigned him to India, but in good old doubting fashion, Thomas initially refuses. However, through a vision and the efforts of the risen Jesus, Thomas comes around and agrees on his mission to India. According to Indian tradition, St. Thomas traveled to India by sea, initially setting foot in Cranganore on the Kerala coast, around the year 52 AD. Shortly thereafter, Thomas managed to convert many high cast Hindu families to Christianity and went on to establish seven church communities in Kerala.

Later Thomas traveled to southern India, preaching and performing miracles, until he was imprisoned by king Misdaeus. As it would happen (during his incarceration) Thomas ultimately suffered a martyrdom by the king’s guards, who pierced him with spears. Thus Thomas experienced a form of karma, for this doubting disciple went on to share with Jesus a spear wound in his side. Just as the spear wound of Jesus made a believer out of Thomas, so too did his own spear wound make a martyr and saint out of Thomas.

Though it is not exactly clear how St. Thomas was able to successfully convert the Hindus of India to the faith in Jesus of Nazareth, I would propose the theory that Thomas used the identity of the Hindu holy man or sadhu to better express the holiness found in the person of Jesus Christ. For the Hindu sadhu is a religious ascetic who renounces a worldly lifestyle, and who also detaches himself from material possessions in order to lead a more spiritual life instead. These religious beliefs and spiritual disciplines of the sadhu strikingly mirrors that of the way Jesus lived His life while here on earth. It also reflects the teachings of Jesus which He gave to all those who would strive to follow Him. Emphasizing the point of how the sadhus renounce money and possessions is voiced by Christ Himself when He said, “…a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15). So if Thomas saw these similarities between Hindu and Christian spirituality, he may have discovered the key which opened the hearts of the people of India to the love found in Jesus Christ.

Now during the time Thomas spent in India, did the mother of Jesus die back in the Holy Land in the Garden of Gethsemane. All of Christ’s Apostles were caught up on the clouds of heaven, translating them from the various lands where they were preaching in order to be present at the Dormition or burial of the Mother of God. However, Thomas was not initially included with the other Apostles who witnessed the burial of the Lord’s mother. Yet three days after the burial of the Blessed Virgin, the clouds of heaven did indeed bring St. Thomas all the way from India to Gethsemane, transporting him to a place in the air directly above the Virgin’s tomb. As we shall see this delay in Thomas’s arrival at the Blessed One’s funeral was by divine provenance. For from where he was positioned in the heavens, did Thomas witness the translation of the Virgin Mary’s body into heaven. Upon seeing this oracle Thomas cried out to her, “Where are you going O’ all-holy one?” And removing her belt, Mary gave it to Thomas, saying, “Receive this, my friend.” And then she ascended up to heaven, and Thomas descended down to earth. And that belt which the Virgin Mary gave to St. Thomas has been preserved to this very day, housed in the holy monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, where it is safely kept in a silver reliquary.

From all the stories that have come down to us concerning the life of St. Thomas and of his evangelical journeys in India, are we presented with a script which would be sure to produce the next Bollywood blockbuster! For without a doubt, the life of St. Thomas is indeed legendary. From the parallels between Christ and the sadhus, to the martyrdom of Thomas which corresponded to the death of Jesus, are we left with a saga that testifies to the weakness of man and the almighty power of God. For even though Thomas had doubting thoughts the Lord was able to help His disciple’s unbelief, and transformed a man lacking in faith into an Apostle of God, who went on to instill faith in the hearts of others. Thomas may have doubted, but he was not disobedient. A trait that those of faith can learn from. So, may the story of the Apostle Thomas serve as a springboard for all of us who would dare to take a leap of faith!

 

References:

Catholic Encyclopedia, by Herbert Thurston; For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein

Holy Apostles Convent. The Life of the Virgin Mary, The Theotokos. (Buena Vista, CO: Holy Apostles Convent, 2000).

Kurikilamkatt, J. First Voyage of the Apostle Thomas to India. (Bangalore, India: Asian Trading Corporation, 2005).

Thomas, Christine. The Acts of Peter, Gospel Literature, and the Ancient Novel: Rewriting the Past. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003).