Chapter 4

The Observer's Gaze

I try to dissect the dream, jotting down details in a worn notebook, well several notebooks. The storm, the fire, the unyielding ocean – they feel like symbols, personal yet universal. Especially the color of the fire, then calling the fire three times and me not being consumed by the fire. But their true meaning remains elusive, like a word on the tip of my tongue. 1. THE STORM 2. THE FIRE 3. UNYIELDING OCEAN PLEASE NOTE this biblical occurence of fire: When God expelled Adam and Eve to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life, he places cherubim and a "Flaming Sword" that turned every side or flashed back-and-forth to guard the entrance. This moment carries profound layers of meaning, regarding justice , mercy , human limitation and theological history. By cutting off access to the tree of life, the expulsion is paradoxically an act of mercy. It establishes mortality, ensuring that human suffering and sin would not be permanent. It OPENED THE(white) DOOR, (pun intended, unintended) for future redemption. To dissect: every detail of the barrier carries theological weight symbolically speaking. (The east in biblical geography, moving "east", away from Eden, is consistently associated with exile and wandering further from God's presence.) Cain , for instance , wanders to the land of Nod east of Eden) The sentries are placed facing outward , signaling that the separation is absolutely from humanity side. Cherubim, which, by the way, are not chubby renaissance cherub, but fierce, multi-faced celestial guardians of God's holiness. In some instances associated with the throne of God. They mark the place between the sacred space of God's presence and the profane world. The Flaming Sword, the Hebrew phrase (lahatha-cherebha-mithappeket) points to a flashing whirling blade of fire. Fire in the bible routinely represents God'sq consuming holiness and judgment (as we see at Mt. Sinai in the pillar of fire), The sword is "self-turning" acting as an autonomous, unbreakable barrier. No human cleverness, strength or even righteousness could sneak pass it. (Genesis 3:24) This FLAMING SWORD image is echoed throughout Biblical History, the architecture of Israel's worship. The Tabernacle and Temple: when Moses builds the Tabernacle and later when Solomon builds the Temple with controlled access. In my life I have abhored that which is evil and clung to that which is good as a result of this recurring dream of WHITE FIRE. The story of the flaming sword found in Genesis 3:24, sets up a dramatic problem that the rest of the Bible seeks to resolve. I have sought revelation for this recurring dream of WHITE FIRE since it's inception. I did not and currently do not want to miss what God has for me to learn. The dream has in return, kept me near the cross in addition to other things. Here is a pretty amazing note: In the Book of Revelation, the Tree of Life is reintroduced, stating that those who overcome are once again given the right to eat from it, signifying that the exile is ultimately reversed and the way back to God is reopened. (Feeding on Christ) " To the one who overcomes (remain faithful) , I will grant the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the paradise of God. --Revelation 2:7 In context , this is spoken by Christ at the start of the Book of Revelation during the letters to the churches. It serves as a direct counter promise to the Book of Genesis chapter 3. In this chapter , where humanity was once blocked from the TREE of LIFE by the Flaming Sword , those who remain faithful (overcome) are explicitly granted legal access the right back to the tree of life to partake of it. Glory! Hallelujah! What a great thing to read and now know. Then again, in Revelation 22:2, it notes that the Tree of Life is standing on both sides of a river flowing directly from the throne of God yielding fruit monthly with leaves for the healing of the nations. Ministry Note; Keep receiving and sharing food "monthly" for the healing of families.