A METHOD OF COMMUNICATION
God gave many prophecies in visual form. Daniel and John saw visions. A "vision" is a method, or a form, of communication. We often think of a "vision" as a dream, but that is not the best definition. Much more accurate is "visual message." Think of a message, delivered one silent scene at a time. Imagine a mural, 17 rows of 107 individual scenes, painted on a wall.

If we saw such a mural, we may find it difficult to comprehend the message conveyed by the whole of the mural. It would be necessary to first examine each scene and figure out its message. After understanding each scene, the message conveyed by the whole mural would be easier to comprehend. However, the problem may be more difficult if the mural is broken into pieces and mixed into a pile. We would then be faced with a real puzzle.

THE BEST WAY TO ASSEMBLE A PUZZLE
What method do we use to put together the pieces of a puzzle to see (comprehend) the message? What method do we use to sew together pieces of a garment to get the suit of clothing intended by its designer?

For the puzzle, we dump the parts onto a table and turn them right side up. Each piece has clues on it. Besides the shapes, there are colors or line details which are recognizable clues. We sort the pieces into groups according to the recognized details, then put them together. We usually start with the pieces which show the beginning and ending (edges) of the message. (Get the picture?)

We treat the garment in the same way. First we examine each part to locate the tailor's marks (signs). Then we know where and in what sequence to sew the parts. Not only must we sew each piece to the correct piece at the correct place, but they must be sewn in the intended sequence. If they are not, the finished suit may not be what its designer intended. (Get the picture?)

ALL THE PIECES GIVE THE MESSAGE
With either the puzzle or garment so much effort could be put into examining each part that we may never finish the job and see the results. On the other hand, formulating theories from each piece (without putting them all together) cannot result in understanding the message communicated by all the pieces.

GOD GAVE US THE MESSAGE
The visions given by God, as recorded by Daniel and John, may indeed seem like puzzles. God did not, however, intend to confuse us. He gave them to us so we could understand events which would occur in our lifetime. Dan. 12:9-10, Rev. 1:1, 10:7-10.

VISIONS CONVEY A MESSAGE
The visions which Daniel and John saw are visual communications. We need to consider the concept of "visual communications" carefully.

What is a "pictograph?" The literal meaning of the term is "a picture expressing an idea: an Icon or Ideogram." An Ideogram, Icon or Pictograph is used to convey a message. The stylized boy and girl on public bathroom doors is a familiar example.

GOD'S METHOD
This is one method God used to give information to the Kings of Israel, and the King of Babylon. God also used this method to communicate with many prophets. And this is the method He has used to record information for us about events which will occur in our future. Gen. 46:2, Eze. 1:1, Dan. 2:1. Mic. 3:6. Joel 2:28, Luke 1:22, Acts 2:17.

A SAMPLE PICTOGRAPH
As an example, we can use the time and place of this writer's birth. We could express this information phonetically or alphabetically in a verbal or written message. But if we didn't want to use words, we could use pictures. After composing the mural, if we did not want anyone else to "get the picture," we could cut it into many pieces. Then, to increase our margin of safety, we could show the icons to different messengers and require them to deliver the message parts by verbally describing the pictures. The recipient would then reproduce the picture parts, reassemble the whole and "get the picture." (Get the picture?)

Imagine a mural having three scenes. First is Hitler's invading armies. The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and France have fallen; and Hitler knocks on Moscow's doors. The second scene is of a tent in the woods in winter. In the background, an ornate gateway and a resort hotel; and El Capitan, Half Dome and Mirror Lake. In the third scene Japan has joined the Axis, and the Japanese fleet is on the horizon behind Pearl Harbor. The bombs have not yet begun to fall.

What is the solution to this sample puzzle? What is the message conveyed by our sample Mural? Ahwahnee, the gateway to Yosemite National Park, was the place of this writer's birth. The time was after World War II had begun in Europe, but before the war had begun in the Pacific. For a modern historical example, see THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY, by Sir David Wilson. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1985.

NO EXACT DATES OR TIMES
Although a historian may decide the time, in general, of this writer's birth was the winter of 1940-41, could he know the month? Could he figure out the exact day or hour? No. That is a very important fact to remember.

In transcribing written descriptions of Daniel and John's visions back into pictographs we may be able to recognize an approximate date for past events, but we will not be able to figure out any exact days or hours for future events.

GOD'S WORD CONTAINS THE CLUES
Both Matthew and Luke list signs of the times (tailor's marks) and a sequence in which these events will occur. Most of the Old Testament Prophets gave hints and clues about the Lord's coming. Many of the New Testament Letters, not just John's Revelation, have recognizable details (tailor's notches) in them which will help us sort out, fit together and understand the End Time Prophecies. Our God wants us to "get the picture," which is why He gave the End Time Visions and Prophecies to us. He wants His children to understand His plan and purpose for us as His will unfolds in our lifetime. Amos 3:7.

KEY WORDS
"Tailor's notches" and "Signs" can also be called "key words." These key words can be used in searching for clues which show how the visions fit together. For example, the vision describing the Seventh Trumpet depicts events named "resurrection" and "judgment." Look up the terms "Seventh Trumpet," "resurrection" and "Judgment" in your concordance. Compare all the scripture which include them, then look up the key words included in those scriptures. Follow the trail of key words until you have located all scripture which describe the events which will occur when the last trumpet is sounded.