When the Curtain Is Pulled Back

Thru the Bible in a Year

Walking through Revelation 12–16 feels like stepping behind the curtain of history and being allowed to see the spiritual forces at work beneath the surface of world events. These chapters are not given to satisfy curiosity or fuel speculation, but to strengthen faith, anchor hope, and steady believers who must live faithfully in a conflicted world. As I read these chapters devotionally, I am reminded that Revelation was written first to suffering churches, not to armchair analysts. Its images are vivid because the struggle is real, and its message is urgent because faithfulness matters.

John first presents what can best be described as a cast of six personages, each revealing something essential about the spiritual conflict that spans heaven and earth. The woman clothed with the sun, crowned with twelve stars, evokes God’s covenant people and the long, painful expectancy that preceded the coming of the Messiah. Her labor reminds us that redemption entered the world through suffering, not triumphal ease. Opposing her is the dragon, clearly identified as Satan, whose violence, deception, and rage are on full display. His attempt to destroy the child underscores a truth Scripture consistently affirms: evil cannot create, only corrupt and destroy. Yet the child—Christ Himself—is not overcome. He rules, He reigns, and He is caught up to God’s throne, beyond the dragon’s reach.

The conflict escalates as Michael the archangel enters the narrative, waging war in heaven and casting Satan down to the earth. What strikes me here is the shift in Satan’s fury. Once expelled, his rage intensifies because his time is short. The beasts that emerge—one from the sea and one from the earth—represent systems and powers that oppose God while masquerading as objects of loyalty and worship. Their influence is deceptive, coercive, and hostile toward the saints. The infamous mark and number, 666, symbolize counterfeit authority and allegiance. These images call believers in every age to discern where their loyalty lies and to resist the subtle pressure to compromise faith for security or acceptance.

Revelation 14 offers a necessary pause—a series of five visions that remind us God is neither absent nor silent. The vision of the 144,000 standing with the Lamb reassures us that God knows His own and preserves them. An angel proclaiming the eternal gospel reminds us that even in judgment, God’s invitation to repentance is extended. The fall of Babylon is announced before it fully occurs, emphasizing that corrupt systems built on rebellion are already doomed. One angel warns of the consequences of receiving the mark, while another announces the harvest of the earth. Together, these visions frame history not as chaos, but as movement toward accountability and restoration.

Chapters 15 and 16 intensify the narrative through the pouring out of the seven bowls of divine wrath. Before judgment falls, worship rises. The faithful sing, reminding us that praise is not silenced by hardship. As each bowl is poured out—boils, blood, scorching heat, darkness, and devastating storms—we are confronted with a sobering pattern: suffering does not automatically produce repentance. Repeatedly, humanity responds with blasphemy rather than humility. G.K. Beale notes that these judgments are “measured responses to persistent rebellion,” not arbitrary acts of cruelty. God’s justice is portrayed as righteous, proportionate, and long-delayed, underscoring His patience even in wrath.

Devotionally, these chapters ask searching questions of us. Where do we place our trust when pressure mounts? How easily are we shaped by systems that promise safety but demand silence or compromise? Revelation does not call us to fear the future, but to live faithfully in the present. It reminds us that evil is loud but limited, powerful but temporary. Christ remains sovereign, and history remains under God’s rule.

Thank you for continuing this journey through the Word of God. Scripture assures us that “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and that it will not return empty. As you remain faithful in study, may these difficult chapters deepen your discernment, strengthen your hope, and anchor your life more firmly in Christ.

For further reflection on interpreting Revelation devotionally and faithfully, consider this article from Crossway:
https://www.crossway.org/articles/how-to-read-the-book-of-revelation/

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Cult of the Holy Spirit

Also known as: The Cult of the Empire of the Holy Spirit. In Portuguese, it’s called Culto do Divino Espirito Santo.

This is a religious sub-culture, inspired by Christian millenarian mystics. It’s associated with Azorean Catholic identity. It consists of iconography, architecture, & religious practices that have continued, in many communities of the archipelago, as well as the broader Portuguese diaspora.

Beyond the Azores, the Cult of the Holy Spirit is alive in parts of Brazil (where it was established 3 centuries ago) & in pockets of Portuguese settlers in North America.

Devotion to the Holy Spirit is a part of classical Catholic dogma & is the inspiration of several Catholic religious institutes, including the Spiritans. The Spiritans, a.k.a. the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, is a religious congregation for men in the Catholic Church. Members are often known as Holy Ghost Fathers or, in continental Europe & the Anglosphere, as Spiritans, & members use the postnominals “CSSp.”

The primary inspiration for this unique devotion comes from the writings of the medieval monk Joachim of Fiore. Joachim of Fiore was a millenarian prophet who, based on his interpretation of the Book of Revelation, put forth that the history of the world into 3 distinct ages:

• The Age of the Father (Old Testament): Characterized by law, fear, & servitude.
• The Age of the Son (New Testament/The Church): Characterized by grace, faith, & discipline.
• The Age of the Holy Spirit: A coming “3rd Age” of history that Joachim predicted would start around 1260. This age would be characterized by universal love, spiritual understanding, & a society governed by the Holy Spirit. This leads to an “eternal Gospel” & the spiritual governance of the world, in which Orthodox Christians & Jews would re-unite with Catholics in 1 faith.

These “theories” became associated with the Fraticelli sub-group of the Franciscan Order, & were later condemned by Pope Alexander IV in 1256. This was after a so-called scandal of the Eternal Evangel caused by Gerardo of Borgo San Donnino.

While Joachim’s doctrines were suppressed by the mainstream Church, they experienced a significant revival 2 centuries later in the Azores Islands (the Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic). Franciscan spiritualists, who helped colonize the islands, heavily influenced the local religious practices, bringing traditions that were being extinguished on the mainland.

Starting between 1356-1360, there was a rebirth of these doctrines in the Azores that persisted until today. The origins of the modern celebrations can be traced back to Queen Elizabeth of Portugal (St. Elizabeth of Aragon).

In the early 14th century Queen Elizabeth is believed to have introduced the 1st celebration of the Imperio do Divino Espirito Santo (Empire of the Holy Spirit). This is likely influenced by Franciscan spiritualists. It became a major tradition in the Azores.

The main center of devotion was in the city of Tomar. Also known in English as Thomar. This is also the location of the priory of the Order of Christ, which is charged with the spirituality of newly discovered lands (including the Azores).

From there, the “cult” spread in Portugal, such as Aldeia Galega, Alenquer, Sintra, Tomar & Lisbon. It later came with Portuguese during their Atlantic discoveries.

The existence of the Irmandades do Divino Espirito Santo (In English: Brotherhoods of the Divine Holy Spirit) was 1st noted in the 16th century. The 1st hospital built in the Azores (1498), under the Santa Casa da Misericordia of Angra, got its current name, the Hospital do Santo Espirito. The distribution of food (meats, bread, milk) was already an important part of the charity common in the middle of the 16th century.

With Azorean emigration, the cult was transplanted to Brazil, where by the end of the 18th century there existed feast days in Rio de Janeiro, in Bahia, & other places where Azorean immigrants settled. Such as Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, & Pernambuco.

In the 19th century, the traditions spread to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Connecticut, & California in the United States. As well as Ontario, Quebec, & British Columbia in Canada.

The Feast of the Empire of the Divine Holy Spirit was also celebrated on board of the nausea on their way to Brazil & to India, during the 16th century.

The “cult” is known for its peculiar characteristics that set it apart from classical Catholics dogma & has been a powerful unifying force for the Azorean population:

• Autonomy from the Church: The cult is largely independent of the formal Church organization. Clergy aren’t needed to participate in the central practices.
• Charity & Solidarity: A core practice is the distribution of alms (esmolas). Traditionally, these included meat, soup, & bread, often called the Sopas do Espirito Santo (Soups of the Holy Spirit).
• The Imperio: This term refers to the festival itself, often celebrated around Pentecost & the small, crowned structure (or “chapel”) where the crown, scepter, & banner of the Holy Spirit are kept during the feasting period. The Crown of the Holy Spirit is a central piece of iconography.
• Brotherhoods (Irmandades): The organizational nucleus of the cult is the Irmandade, or Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Spirit. Members are considered equal.
• Vengeful Spirit: There’s a belief is that the Holy Spirit is vengeful (O Divino Espirito Santo e vingativo). This shows the importance of keeping holy vows/promises to God & avoiding offenses.

The rituals of the cult include different objects, that are symbolic, that are usually integrated during ceremonies. The objects include:

• Crown, Scepter, & Orb: These are the 3 most important symbols of the Imperio. These 3 take a central place during celebrations. The crown is of an imperial design, in silver. Normally, the crown has 4 arms that meet at the top with a golden orb surmounted by the dove of the Holy Spirit. Each crown comes with a silver scepter, again, surmounted with the dove of the Holy Spirit. The crowns & scepters are decorated with ribbons of white, & mounted on a silver plate with a tall rest. The size of the crown varies. In general, each irmandade may have 1 large & 2 smaller crowns, used to represent the Imperio of the Holy Spirit. In addition to being used in crowning ceremonies, it’s considered to transport the crown or let it stay in your home. This happens routinely with the brotherhood. Throughout the years, the crown will circulate, remaining in a place of honor in a household, where nightly prayers would happen.
• Flag: The pennant of brilliant red color, is a double-sided quadrangular dimension (5 palms on the side), knitted with a relief of the white dove of the Holy Spirit & rays of gold & white radiating from its center. The flagstaff, made of wood, is 2 meters (or 6ft. 6in.) in height (Some may be shorter or taller), surmounted with the dove of the Holy Spirit in tin or silver. The flag will accompany the crown & is always present in the liturgical ceremonies & crowning. It’s an honor to be chosen to carry the flag during the ceremonial cortege. (A cortege is a solemn procession, especially during a funeral.) A smaller is usually raised near the location of the crown, wherever it stays. It’s common to see white flags lines the squares during the ceremonies.
• Hymn: The Hino do Espirito Santo (Hymn of the Holy Spirit), composed at the end of the 19th century, is used by the bands & sung during the crowning ceremonies. Although primarily used in these ceremonies, some of its chords have been inserted into the Hymn of the Azores (the regional national anthem).
• Mace & Ribbon: These were inspired by the ceremonial maces carried traditionally by municipal judges or officials, the ceremony & length. Sometimes include a base for a candle, or surmounted with a tin or silver dove. During the cortege, the mace-bearers surround the crown-bearer. In some cases, the mace is joined together to form a rectangle, & the crown-bearer walks within the space. In some irmandades an extra mace (sometimes painted in white) will be provided to an individual who will be responsible for maintaining the procession in good order. It’s occasionally, referred colloquially as the “enxota porcos” (pig incentive). The organization would normally select people who needed a position of honor: mostly young people.
• Folioes do Divino: A small group of about 5 musicians that sing hymns. Accompanied by drum, cymbal, & tambourine, who visit the homes of the brotherhood. They’re also included in the transference of the crown, at the collection of donations, during the procession, the rituals, & the distribution of offerings.

On the inland of Santa Maria, as well as the area of Beira on Sao Jorge, the folioes are part of more complex rituals that have disappeared from other islands, involving the liturgy of the Holy Spirit.

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#1256 #1260 #1356 #1360 #1498 #14thCentury #16thCentury #18thCentury #19thCentury #5Musicans #5Palms #AgeOfTheFather #AgeOfTheHolySpirit #AgeOfTheSon #AldeiaGalega #Alenquer #Alms #Anglosphere #Azores #AzoresIsland #BookOfRevelation #Brazil #BritishColumbia #BrotherhoodsOfTheDivideHolySpirit #California #Canada #CatholicChurch #CatholicDogma #CongregationOfTheHolySpirit #Connecticut #Crown #CrownOfTheHolySpirit #CultOfTheEmpireOfTheHolySpirit #CultOfTheHolySpirit #DoveOfTheHolySpirit #EmpireOfTheHolySpirit #EnxotaPorcos #EternalEvangel #Europe #FeastOfTheEmpire #FeastOfTheEmpireOfTheDivineHolySpirit #Flag #FolioesDoDivino #FranciscanOrder #Fraticelli #GerardoOfBorgoSanDonnino #HinoDoEspiritoSanto #HolyGhostFathers #HolySpirit #HospitalDoSantoEspirito #Hymn #HymnOfTheAzores #HymnOfTheHolySpirit #ImperioDoDivinoEspiritoSanto #ImperioOfTheHolySpirit #India #IrmandadesDoDivinoEspiritoSanto #JoachimOfFiore #Judaism #Lisbon #MaceRibbon #Massachusetts #Millenarian #NewTestament #NorthAmerica #ODivinoEspiritoSantoEVingativo #OldTestament #Ontario #OrderOfChrist #OrthodoxChristian #Pentecost #Pernambuco #PigIncentive #PopeAlexanderIV #Portuguese #PortugueseArchipelago #PortugueseDiaspora #Quebec #QueenElizabethOfPortugal #RhodeIsland #RioDoJanerio #RioGrandeDoSul #SantaCasaDaMisericordiaOfAngra #SantaCatarina #SantaMaria #SaoJorge #Scepter #Sintra #SopasDoEspiritoSanto #SoupsOfTheHolySpirit #Spiritans #StElizabethOfAragon #TheChurch #Thomar #UnitedStatesOfAmerica

I had an epiphany. Just replace 'sea' with 'abyss' (because for the Hebrews the sea was the abyss, the unknown), 'dragon' with 'greed and evil', 'first beast' with 'international banking', 'second beast' with 'tax administration', 'number of the beast' with 'tax number', in Revelation 13 and it will make sense.

"The dragon[greed and evil] stood on the shore of the sea [abyss]. And I saw a beast [international banking] coming out of the sea [abyss]. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast [international banking] I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon [greed and evil] gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast [international banking]. 4 People worshiped the dragon [greed and evil] because he had given authority to the beast [international banking], and they also worshiped the beast [banking] and asked, “Who is like the beast [bankers]? Who can wage war against it?”

5 The beast [international banking] was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months [every three and a half years]. 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7 It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast []international banking]—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

...

11 Then I saw a second beast [tax administration], coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercised all the authority of the first beast [international banking] on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast [international banking], whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast [international banking], it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast [international banking] who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 The second beast [tax administration] was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast [international banking], so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark [tax number] on their right hands or on their foreheads , 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark [tax number], which is the name of the beast [tax administration] or the number of its name [tax number].
18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast [tax number], for it is the number of a man. That number is 666."

note:
Vav (ו) is the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Numerical value: 6
Sound: "V," "OH" and "OO"
Meaning: 1. hook 2. the word “and” 3. in front of a word, transforms past into future or future to past

#BookofRevelation #Revelation13 #greed #evil #money #internationalbanking #taxadministration

Who Are the #144000 in the #BookofRevelation?

A mysterious group of 144,000 people, sealed on the forehead, appear in the Book of #Revelation. But who are these people?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOs87cklWvQ

#religion #apocalypse #cult #mysticism #gnosticism #christianity