Title: A Way Forward, Part 2
Topic: Second Coming
Summary: An important first stage in moving from hell to heaven, whether individually or as a cultrure, is to cry out to the Lord, even if we seemingly get no response. That is actually the Lord planting and building a desire in our hearts for something better than our current situation. This desire is a gift-much needed fuel for out journey.
References:
Exodus 2:23-25
2 Samuel 22:4-7
Psalms 30:1-3; 34:4-7; 107:17-22; 120:1-2; 130; 142
Lamentations 2:18-19
Jonah 2:1-2
Matthew 20:29-34
Luke 11:5-11
Revelation 1:7
Matthew 24:30
Zechariah 12:10
Daniel 7:13-15, 28
Isaiah 6:1-5
Genesis 42:6-7; 1:1-3
Hebrews 4:12-13
Matthew 5:26
This video is a part of the Spirit and Life Bible Study series, whose purpose is to look at the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible through a Swedenborgian lens.
323 - A Way Forward, Part 2 of 7
Nga Jonathan S. Rose
Arcana Coelestia #883
883. 'The dove returned to him at evening time' means that these started to show themselves a little; and 'evening time' is similar to pre-morning twilight. This in like manner becomes clear from that has been stated already at verse 8, and also from the fact that here it is called 'evening time'. Concerning 'evening', see what has been stated in Genesis 1, where six times the statement is made 'there was evening and there was morning'. 'Evening' is a word that has to do with regeneration and indeed with that state when a person is still in near-darkness, or when there is still only a tiny quantity of light showing itself to him. Morning itself is described in verse 13 below by 'he removed the roof from the ark and saw out'. Because 'evening' meant the pre-morning twilight, mention of the evening is made so many times in the Jewish Church. This also is why sabbaths and festivals began from evening onwards, and why Aaron was commanded to light the sacred lamp 'in the evening', Exodus 27:21.
Matthew 20:29-34
29
As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30
Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!"
31
The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, "Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!"
32
Jesus stood still, and called them, and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"
33
They told him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened."
34
Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.