March 25: BAD DOGS

But outside are the dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. Revelation 22:15

The Holy Spirit is prompting John, for the third time, to cite a list of those who will not be allowed to enter the New Jerusalem (see also 21:8 and 27 for similar lists). In our Western culture, we tend to look with great favor upon dogs. They are viewed affectionately and considered as loyal family pets. But in the older Eastern culture, dogs were usually without masters. They would roam about in packs; in the cities or around camps, annoying and often dangerous, dirty and smelly. They became a symbol for ungodly people. Sadly, there were many times when Jews – even leaders – habitually referred to Gentiles as dogs. Paul turned this around onto Jews, saying Beware of dogs, when he warned the church at Philippi against Judaizers who were false Christians, trying to force new Gentile believers to be circumcised (Philippians 3:2). When Jesus used the term little dogs (Matthew 15:26), it was meant to shock His disciples into recognizing how belittling and derogatory it sounded, knowing it would create an opportunity to praise a Gentile woman for her great faith! In the context of today’s verse, God wants people to understand that those who rejected His word considered it as the aroma of death (2 Corinthians 2:16). Therefore, by their own choice they became like smelly dogs with no Master.

The use of sorcery is closely associated with other abominations in the sight of the Lord. Scripture indicates that it is enmeshed with divination, magic, witchcraft, consulting mediums, inquiring of the dead, casting spells, chatting with demons (perceived as “spirits”) and false prophecy. Biblically, it is seen as an effort to circumvent the sovereignty and the knowledge of Almighty God (as are the acts of pagan idolators). These things constitute the worship of Satan. One of the worst consequences is on par with child sacrifice. The rejection of God’s divine and very practical instructions often means that children are adversely affected and grow up to commit the same acts. The Greek for sorcery is pharmakeia, pointing to the use of mind-altering substances, i.e., alcohol and illicit drugs. Such are usually presented casually, but Satan’s intent is deadly. Satan has worked relentlessly to bring all of these elements directly into the church. The warnings against sexual immorality, the assassination of the character of others – equated with murder (see Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15), loving anyone or anything more than God (idolatry), and latching onto false doctrines (thus misrepresenting God) which line up with loving and practicing a lie are things that Christ’s offer of His own righteousness can free us from. But we must want to be free of these things! When the Holy City descends onto the earth from heaven and the unrighteous dead are resurrected, there will be a short period when every person who has ever lived will be alive. This is the context of today’s opening verse. Here is a daily prayer from the heart of King David for everyone who desires to surrender entirely to the Lord:

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

For further study: Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-13; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 8:19-20; 19:3-4; Ezekiel 13:6-23; Daniel 2:27-28; Micah 5:12-14; Romans 1:28-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1,9,11; 6:18; Galatians 5:16-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4