Month: February 2015

According to CNN, today February 18, 2015 marks the first day of Lent for 1 billion Christians worldwide.  Traditionally Lent is supposed to be a 40 day period in which Christians prepare themselves for the celebration of Easter.  It is intended to be a time marked with prayer and fasting, a time of reflection, repentance and a time to draw closer to Christ.  Though the observance of this season is not found in Scripture it is a tradition which has evolved and is based on Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, when he was tempted by Satan (Mat 4:2 ).

Fasting from food can be interpreted in many different ways.  In the medical field it can be interpreted across a broad spectrum.  For example, fasting can be mandated by treatment provider as a course of healing or it might be necessary prior to certain diagnostic tests.  But excessive fasting for no apparent reason can also be seen as anorexia, a pathological condition.  As a religious observance it can be welcomed or dreaded.  Sometimes believers and nonbelievers alike are willing to go along with the Lenten season.  I’ve even heard it said that fasting is a good way to justify a change in dietary habits, to improve one’s figure or just shed a few pounds.

But in Matthew 17:21 Jesus made a specific reference to the need for fasting. Recall his disciples returned to him complaining that there were certain spirits that they could not cast out.  Jesus responded “this kind comes out not but by prayer and fasting.”  Moreover, this passage has NOT gone unnoticed among many in the Christian world.  In some circles where exorcism is a public spectacle the need for dietary fasting is often stressed, presumably so that the intercessor can successfully exorcise the evil spirit.  I know of one well-known Christian minister who openly boasts that she fasts at least one day a week.  She alludes to this calling so that she can be prepared to do battle against the devil.

But the practice of fasting is not just found in the New Testament or among a minority of religious groups or individuals today.  Jehoshaphat called for a solemn fast in 2 Chronicles 20 when it seemed that the kingdom of Judah would be destroyed by invaders.  Again a solemn fast was proclaimed by Nehemiah and Joel to call God’s people to repentance and to invoke God’s blessing around specific events.

However, in Acts 19:15 we read one of the strangest episodes of demonic activity recorded in the Bible.  Apparently there were these 7 sons of Sceva who considered themselves exorcists but were not necessarily believers in Christ.  It seems that they attempted to cast out an evil spirits using the name of Jesus, believing, I suppose, that his name alone carried with it some type of magical power.  In any event these 7 brothers were far from successful.  For in this passage it is recorded that the evil spirit leaped onto them, and overcame them.  The result was that these brothers fled out of the house naked and wounded.  Given the previous exhortation mentioned in Matthew’s gospel one might conclude that perhaps these 7 brothers had not properly prepared themselves through sufficient prayer and fasting?  But this assumption was clearly not the case.  Reading from Scripture we discover that the evil spirit spoke to the 7 brothers and explained, “Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you?”  So here we see that a personal relationship with Christ is imperative when casting out demons.  Indeed, abstinence from food or “fasting” was not even mentioned.  So what exactly did Jesus mean when he said “this kind comes out not but by prayer and fasting?”

But perhaps before we offer an alternative explanation for fasting as a prerequisite to exorcism let us consider carefully the words of the evil spirit. Indeed, the evil spirit’s response is quite revealing.  That is, the evil spirit suggests that even the demons of hell were terrified of Paul because his “knowing Christ” had brought him into complete union and intimacy with our Lord.  Essentially, to this evil spirit Jesus and Paul were synonymous or one in the same.  If fasting from food was sufficient, a Lenten season should produce enough champions in the faith who are well-equipped to rid the planet of all evil.

Instead, let us examine an altogether different fast that is mentioned in Isaiah 58:9-10.  It’s a fast that has nothing to do with food whatsoever.  We read:
“IF THOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE MIDST OF THEE THE YOKE, THE PUTTING FORTH OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING VANITY; AND IF THOU DRAW OUT THY SOUL TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE AFFLICTED SOUL; THEN SHALL THY LIGHT RISE IN OBSCURITY AND THE DARKNESS BE AS THE NOON DAY.”  In fact verse 6 of the same chapter reads: “IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN TO LOSE THE BANDS OF WICKEDNESS, AND TO UNDO THE HEAVY BURDENS, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND THAT YE BREAK EVERY YOKE?”

Essentially this fast which is called THE FASTS OF THE LORD has nothing to do with food and everything to do with prejudice and a judgmental posture towards others.  Of course fasting from food can be valid especially when led by the Holy Ghost.  But, without the leading of the Holy Ghost fasting can be nothing more than a ritual and a work of the flesh.

Consider for a moment Jesus and fasting.  Aside from his 40-day wilderness experience we read nothing of Jesus observing ritual fasting prescribed by Jewish law.  In fact his enemies even falsely referred to him as a glutton and a winebibber (Luke 7:34).  Instead consider Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-26).  Recall how his disciples criticized him, complaining that the Jews were to have nothing to do with Samaritans.  Indeed, his disciples tried to scold Jesus for his LACK OF BIGOTRY.  And recall his words to the woman who is caught in the act of adultery, “Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more” (John 8:1-11).  Despite every opportunity to do so Jesus offered no prejudice, no bigotry, and no judgmentalism.  When feasting at the home of a rich man a prostitute came in unannounced, washed the Masters feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.  Of course this DID NOT GO UNNOTICED and Jesus was criticized for not judging this “disreputable woman” (Luke 7:36-47).  Fellow believers, the lists of individuals that Jesus could have rightfully judged according to the law are seemingly endless, but instead we read that He repeatedly demonstrated compassion and mercy everywhere instead of judgment.

If you are a believer that acknowledges the season of Lent consider the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12) which are more meaningful to God than the outward activities of fasting from food or going to church for ashes.  “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart” 1 Sam 16:7.  As the corporate Body of Christ let us together examine our hearts and see if there yet remains some form of prejudice, judgmentalism, or a critical spirit that looks down on others.  If you call yourself a Christian and feel the need to criticize Communists, Muslims, homosexuals, child molesters, heroin addicts, prostitutes, those filled with lust or greed, those you think are involved in the cult, or even those who say they worship Satan, I urge you, do not argue or contend with them.  Love them even if you despise their behaviors or beliefs, “for against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23).  It is not for us to judge (Matt 7:1).  Even the Archangel Michael when contending with Satan over the bones of Moses “Durst not bring railing accusation against him but said only the Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9).

Beloved, let us resolve as his Body to “take away from the midst, …the putting forth of the finger.”  In other words, we should not be pointing fingers at others, we should not judge others, but we should keep our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2).  As his Body let us walk in love and fast from judging others.  Leave judgment to God.  Join with me in the FAST OF THE LORD not just for this Lenten season but for all time.

Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit.  Empower us to walk in love toward our fellow man.  We confess our pride, arrogance and our bigotry.  We place these beliefs and attitudes at the foot of the cross and look to you for healing and deliverance.  We desire to be the expression of your will and instruments of your love.  All this is committed to you in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.  Thank you Jesus that your word does not return void.

http://youtu.be/HU9Pi4g_3No

“YET NOT I”

I am pretty much a literalist when it comes to Paul. If you do not believe literally what the Bible says about Paul, then you will probably wrestle with this message. But if you believe the testimony of Paul to be true, then you may be open to this word that I feel burdened to share with you. If the Bible says that Paul was thrown to beasts at Ephesus, then I believe that he was given over to lions in that city. If scripture says a viper leaped from a fire and bit Paul and he lived instead of died, then that is literally what happened. If Paul says he was in “deaths oft,” then it means that he was in death more than once and came back to continue the Lord’s work. And if Paul says, “nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me,” then this too I take to mean exactly that.

“OH WRETCHED MAN”
I have noticed that many churches today are beginning to take a very subtle position that suggests that Paul had a sin problem. Paul’s credibility seems questioned in some places. For example, some preaching will point to Romans 7 when Paul says, “Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?” and interpret this to be Paul’s personal cry. Here is Paul in Romans 7, they say, complaining that he is in bondage to sin. (“That which I would, I do not; and that which I would not, that I do.”) It must mean that Paul still had a sin problem. This has almost become an accepted doctrine. Beloved, Paul did not have a sin problem. That is not the truth. In speaking to the Romans, Paul became all things to all men, presenting to that church the universal wretched condition of mankind, the state of every man who is not totally the bondslave of Jesus Christ. Why did Paul present this dilemma in Romans 7:24? So that he could answer his own question by saying in the next verse, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord,” going on in the eighth chapter to expound the law of the Spirit. Are we really to believe that this man Paul, who survived stonings, lions, the bites of vipers, who considered whether he should go to be with the Lord or stay behind to preach the gospel; that this man who was recognized by the demons of hell as having authority over them had a sin problem (2 Cor. 11:25, I Cor. 15:32, Acts 28:3-6, Phil. 1:21-26, Acts 19:15)? You see, the Body of Christ has difficulty in coming to grips with the apostle Paul. Everyone accepts that Jesus had no sin because after all, He was God incarnate. But Paul was completely human; human mother, human father, just like you and me. So this is the problem: it is a hard thing for us to admit to the fact that Paul was REALLY filled with all the fullness of God, because if we admit that it could happen to one totally human being, then we are obliged to ask ourselves if it is possible for US to be filled with the fullness of God as well. Rather than face this question, it is easier to say that maybe Paul had a sin problem. It is easier to scan the scriptures looking for some error he made or some contradiction or some fault. That would let us off the hook. Then we wouldn’t need to feel uncomfortable about the lack in our own relationship with the Lord.

“TEMPER TANTRUMS”
I will offer you another example which has gained support among born again ranks that suggest that Paul was not quite on target. It has to do with the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, about whether John Mark should accompany them to visit the brethren. The disagreement was severe enough to cause Paul and Barnabas to go separate ways (Acts 15). Later, in II Timothy 4:11, Paul requests that John Mark come to him, explaining that he was now profitable to Paul in the ministry. Paul, according to this fable, had a temper tantrum with Barnabas over John Mark and later saw the error in his judgment. Therefore, Paul was incorrect in his earlier dealings with John Mark. But as we examine the scriptures again, we see a different series of events. In Acts 13:13, Paul and Barnabas were in Pamphylia with several of the brethren, including John Mark. John Mark apparently abandoned the work without the leading of the Lord or the blessing of the apostle. It is clear that he deserted his brethren by leaving Pamphylia. Two chapters later, in Acts 15:38, Paul was therefore reluctant to allow him to rejoin the journey because of John Mark’s earlier instability and unfaithfulness in Pamphylia. Paul’s later statement in Timothy declaring that John Mark was now profitable to the ministry is simply a testimony of how the Holy Ghost had worked with John Mark and established him in the faith over a period of time. It is in no way indicative of a sin or temper problem with Paul. But here again, it is easier to believe that Paul was in error than to believe that God can fill all in all (Eph. 1:23). This is a subtle error crept into the church today in order to subvert your faith in God and to keep you from pressing on to the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:13).

“THORN IN THE FLESH”
Or what about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (I Cor. 12:7)? This has produced some interesting speculations and fables as well. Some say it was blindness, some say sin. But the Bible leaves no mystery, for it clearly states in the same verse that the thorn was a messenger of Satan (an evil spirit) sent to buffet Paul. It really does not matter what the evil spirit was. Some get caught up trying to figure this out. The point, as Paul went on to explain in the next verse, is that after his third petition to God to remove this thorn, he realized that God’s strength is PERFECTED in weakness, and that the weaker Paul was, the MORE PERFECT Christ was in him (I Cor. 12:9). And that is precisely the whole point of all Paul’s writing and his very ministry: that he became nothing and of no reputation that ONLY CHRIST SHOULD REMAIN. Therefore, he even gloried in this buffeting, for when he was weak, then Christ in him was stronger than ever.

“THE PROBLEM WITH WOMEN”
And still yet, some would rob you of your faith would tell you that Paul was in error because he was prejudiced against women (I Cor. 14:34). Paul was not a social reformer any more than Jesus was. By the time Jesus went to the cross, the Romans were still in power, which was a disappointment even to the disciples. The gospel addresses something much deeper than social reform. It addresses the transformation of the heart by the Holy Ghost. We know, for example, that in the Old Testament there is much discussion about a reference to a birthing-type experience, which we know is the birthing forth of Christ (Gal. 4:19). You and I are called to bring forth Christ as a woman brings forth a child (See Is. 21:3, 6:17; Jer. 22:23, 48:41, 49:22, 50:43; Mi. 4:9 for a few references to a birthing experience). Shall women say to men that they cannot bring forth Christ in the Spirit because they are incapable of childbearing in the natural? Of course not. But why is this ridiculous? Because we know that in the things of the Spirit THERE IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE and that ALL are called to bring forth Christ, man and woman alike. There is a natural order and there is a spiritual order, of which Paul was aware. We must not confuse the two orders. The spiritual order SUPERCEDES the natural order. God is not and never has been a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). This is clear. Esau should have had the blessing, but Jacob received. Reuben was entitled, being the firstborn of Jacob, but Joseph became ruler over Egypt and received his father’s blessing. David, the youngest of Jesse, was anointed king of Israel. THE SPIRITUAL ORDER SUPERCEDES THE NATURAL ORDER. The very fact that God sent Paul to the Gentiles, by which grace we are saved today, proves magnificently that God is no respecter of persons. This includes male and female in the things of the Spirit. God does not care whether the earthen vessel is black, or Puerto Rican, or female. It is always the way of flesh to pigeon-hole people into higher and lower categories. It is the way of carnality (Ja. 2:1-4). But the call of God is to WHOSOEVER WILL. It is not related to anything of the outward appearance, but it is completely related to the heart, which knows no color, no nationality, and no gender (I Sam. 16:7). Paul spoke to the Corinthian church about women. This was the most carnal flock of the day and surely Paul recognized this. The Corinthians were still having trouble with very fundamental truths. They were still involved with fornication, incest, and idol worship (I Cor. 5:1). And so Paul ministered to them on a level they could understand. He shared with them the milk of the Word, being babes in Christ (Heb. 5:13). But meat belongs to them that are of full age (Heb. 5:14). Therefore, to another body, he had the liberty to share the truth: in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female (Gal. 3:28). They could receive this truth.

“ONE OUT OF SEASON”
Why have we elaborated so long on these questions about Paul? Do we worship Paul? God forbid. Paul said he was one born out of due time or season (I Cor. 15:8). When apples are in season, then all the trees bear their fruit at that time. It would indeed be a strange thing for only one apple tree to bear fruit in a whole orchard. Yet this is what Paul said about himself. Another way of saying out of season would be, “before the appropriate time.” Paul would not have spoken of being out of season unless there was coming a season of similar fruit at a later time. Through the eye of the Spirit, Paul knew that the “season” for others like himself was coming (Eph. 1:10). This is why it is so important that your faith should not be robbed by those who tell you that Paul, an apostle to this generation, had fallen short of the mark. Paul knew that others would come who, IN THEIR NATURAL LIFETIME, would surrender their wills, their ambitions, their desires, and die daily to win Christ. He knew that others would come who, IN THEIR NATURAL LIFETIME, would have the treasure of complete Christ in earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:7) ; who would bruise Satan under their heels (Rom. 16:20); who would pull down strongholds and be recognized by the powers of darkness because it was only Christ that was seen in them. In fact, he knew that an ENTIRE GENERATION would come forth, in season, who would be the revealing of the Lord in the earth, who would be the mouth of the Lord to speak only His words, the arm of the Lord mighty in battle, the feet of the Lord who bring good tidings, who jointly fit together as Christ, His Body; not separated from the Head, but completely and perfectly controlled by the Head. One Christ, many members; He who fills all in all. That season is upon us for the rest of this orchard to bear fruit. That season is upon us for the remnant who are willing to go the way of the cross to become the manifested presence of the Lord Himself, who have given up everything so that ONLY CHRIST REMAINS in an earthen vessel. Many people followed the ministry of Christ, they pressed in for healings and deliverance and blessings. People got what they needed. Praise God, He meets our needs. So too today, thousands press in continually to have their needs met. But have you noticed who the Holy Ghost chose to tell us about? Those who went beyond receiving blessings to also lay down their lives – their SELF-LIVES – that they might receive the prize of the high calling, that Christ should be allowed to express Himself through them without hindrance.

“BUY OF THE LORD”
Isaiah 55:1 says, “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters and he that hath no money; come ye, BUY, and eat; yea, come, BUY wine and milk without money and without price.” A widow who met Elijah “bought” for herself a never-ending supply of oil by her obedience to the prophet’s command to give (I Ki. 17:10-16). Five virgins were instructed to go and BUY oil for their lamps (Mt. 25:8). In Matthew, a man sold all that he had to BUY a pearl of great price. And in Revelation, we are counseled to BUY of the Lord gold tried in the fire (Rev. 3:18). How can this be, if Christ paid the price, that we should need to buy anything of the Lord? Before Christ, it was not possible to “buy” anything of the Father at any price. The veil was not yet rent in twain making His presence and His life unavailable to us. The sacrifice of Christ makes available to us what was never available before; the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19). When you get saved, you “buy” with your repentance what Christ has made available by the blood; you accept your salvation. As you go farther and farther in your walk with the Lord, He shows you more of what is available to each individual what and how much they will “buy.” You can buy a little, or you can buy a lot, or you can buy EVERYTHING. You can have a thirty fold, a sixty fold, or a hundred fold increase. It is up to you. The hundred fold increase speaks about the total fullness of God in a totally surrendered life. We cannot buy with our money. We cannot even buy with our time and labors, for we know that our works are insufficient (Eph. 2:8 & 9). But we can buy God’s fullness with our hearts. Each time you humble yourself to know the Lord, you are BUYING of Him (Ja. 4:6-10). Each time you ask for forgiveness or forgive another, you are BUYING of Him. Each time you come to a Gethsemane in your life and choose God’s way instead of your own, you are BUYING gold, wine, milk, and oil which are in the Spirit representatives of more of the Lord. You purchase this fullness with the laying down of your self-life. It is the narrow way Jesus spoke about. Jesus did it. Paul did it, being totally human. The point is, IT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU BY CHRIST. Any teaching that tells you it is not available is sponsored by a spirit of unbelief that limits God by not confessing that with God all things are possible (Heb. 3:19). The powers of darkness would love you to believe that Paul had a sin problem. They would love you to believe that you are not really joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). They would love you to believe that it is not possible for us, being human, to be only earthen vessels containing nothing but Christ. I declare to you by the Spirit, it is not only possible, but the hour is at hand when the prayer of Jesus in John 17 that we should be one in Him shall become a reality. That remnant shall declare that the works they do are the works of the Father. They shall declare as Jesus declared that whoever has seen them has seen the Father because Christ is ALL THAT REMAINS IN THEM. You can buy of the Lord as much as you want. But, as the man considered the cost of the house before he built it, consider what you are willing to buy (Luke 14:28). Let God arise in you and all His enemies – not a few, but ALL – shall scatter (Ps. 68:1). Who are His enemies? Not the prince of this world, for he is already cast down (Jn. 12:31). The enemy of God is the flesh that yet remains IN US, resisting the work of the Holy Ghost. As you buy of the Lord, He will increase more and more, and you will decrease (John 3:30) until, if you buy enough, He is all that is left: that pearl of great price (Mt. 13:46). There is no glory to the shell the pearl comes in. It is cast out and forgotten. But the pearl is that for which a man will SELL AND BUY.

Before we can discuss the Body of Christ, two points must be made exceedingly clear. First, the term “Body of Christ” is used so often and with so little thought or explanation that it has become relatively meaningless among believers in this day and age. Like the person who has heard the gospel all their life and never gets saved because the heart has become hardened to the rhetoric, believers tend to be dull of hearing about the Body because it is such an often-used expression. It is used so generically that by now it has little more meaning than to designate a group of people who believe in Jesus. Generally, believers put their hearts on “auto pilot” when the topic comes up because they seem to believe that they already understand whatever there is to know about it. As we shall see, the present results of this lack of understanding have been disastrous.

I.
The true understanding of the Body of Christ is really by revelation, and when once we see the mystery of the Body, our spiritual lights go on just as when we first recognized Jesus as Lord. Perhaps we heard about Jesus for many years, but not until the moment of personal revelation did He become a Living Reality. So too, we have heard about the Body for years. Open your hearts. Do not assume that there is no further understanding to be gained. Read as though you have never heard before, and pray for that precious and only Illuminator to speak to you.

The other point which must be made is that the revelation of the mystery of the Body is one of the most essential and critical understandings in the Spirit. There comes a point in our walk when we must grasp this truth and walk in its reality or we cannot go on. This is as fundamental to the faith as the blood is to the remission of sins. I cannot impress upon you enough the importance of pressing in for this truth. As always with the things of the Spirit, him with an ear will hear.

II.
In I Corinthians II, Paul recounts the Lord’s Supper. He quotes our Lord as distributing the bread saying, “this is my body which is broken for you.” But curiously enough, if we read the gospel accounts of the Passover feast between Jesus and His disciples, Jesus nowhere said His Body was broken. He said “given” (Mat. 26, Mk. 14, Lk. 22). He who had emphatically stated that He was the Bread of life (Jn. 6) was among His disciples just before He was betrayed and broke bread with them, requesting them to do likewise whenever they came together in His memory.

We know that Jesus is the Bread of life, the main Substance and the life-giving Force of all who partake. His body was given and His blood was shed for the remission of sins. But the bones of the body of Jesus of Nazareth were not broken. When the Roman soldiers came to the cross to break His legs, they did not do so, seeing He was already dead. That none of His bones were broken, in fact, was the fulfillment of Scripture. Psalm 34 tells us plainly that no bones were broken.

Strange then, that Paul, writing by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, was now apparently misquoting the Lord by saying that His body was broken. It is clear from other scriptures that Paul could not have been referring to the literal body of Jesus of Nazareth. To what then, was he referring? Paul was telling us that the body of our Lord was broken, but not broken down, or broken apart, or broken asunder. This body is now broken AMONG a many membered body.

The body of Christ is no longer the bones and muscles and ligaments of Jesus of Nazareth. His Body, in which His Spirit dwells, is now WE who partake of it. Have you not read that even Jesus said that greater works we would do than even He? How could we do greater works than Jesus Christ? Why did He say this? Greater, because now, being broken among many members instead of confined to one earthen vessel, the world would be turned upside down.

III.
The lack of revelation about this comes as a result of seeing the Body of Christ as some kind of poetic idea or philosophical concept so that we can strive to achieve what we consider so-called unity of the faith. We are forced to acknowledge the Body of Christ because it is plainly scriptural, but we have lost the understanding because we have not taken it literally.

We speak often of being filled with the Spirit, yet curiously refuse to recognize that this spirit filling LITERALLY makes us the actual Body of our Lord. There is rhetorical religious lip service to Christ being the Head of His body, and yet this has sunk to the shameful state of theory as well. Lost in the man-made power structure of the church. Christ has become the FIGUREHEAD rather than the LITERAL HEAD of His body. Small wonder then, if we will not even permit Him to be the real Head of the Body, that we should also disregard and trample under our feet the reality of the Body. If we will not allow the Head to do as He wills in our midst, surely we will never receive the Body!

There is much endless talk about body ministry these days. What a grand idea, that every one of us should have a psalm, a song, a doctrine, a revelation, a prophetic word. What a marvelous concept that the Body should edify itself in love. But just try to act upon this! Step out of your church pew and offer to pray for the sick, or walk to the front of the church and declare that you have a prophecy. Better still, tell the pastor you have a teaching to share from the Holy Ghost and see what happens.

You will most likely be pulled aside and informed that you are out of order. You will probably be told that if you are a faithful church worker for a few years, then perhaps you might minister some small thing with the pre-screening of the higher-ups.

Can you see how the Body of Christ has become only a theoretical concept when it is intended to be a day to day living reality? Do you see how the hand has said to the foot, “I have no need of thee?” We acknowledge that we are all filled with the same Spirit, but only a select few are allowed to minister on certain occasions.

This dangerous and fleshly practice of respecting persons has left the Body of Christ torn apart, suffering and wasting away. God has given gifts by His Spirit severally as He will, not as man wills, so that the entire Body may profit.

You do not earn gifts of the Spirit. You can earnestly desire or be zealous for spiritual gifts, but you can no more earn them than your salvation. God decides. God chooses. God distributes, not the presbytery. And once distributed, that gift is resident within that part of His Body and He will NEVER take it back. Whether your walk is carnal or committed, the gift remains resident. This may baffle our darkened unloving minds, nevertheless it is true that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance.

However, since we cannot fully seem to accept this idea, we seem to feel that we must decide who is spiritual enough to operate in a gift. WE will decide when, where, and how. If you are fortunate enough to be recognized as having a spiritual gift, then you will be allowed to minister.

But this recognition is precisely the problem. The Church has long taught the evil of exalting man or glorifying a member of the Body. And this is a true teaching and scriptural. However, in our ardent zeal to stamp out this evil, we have also refused to recognize Christ in our members.

We are afraid that it might go to Mary’s head if we acknowledge that she has a gift of healing, and since we don’t want Mary to get puffed up, we never ask her to pray for the sick. We will not acknowledge the gift or the Giver, and we do not understand that if Mary gets puffed up, the Holy Ghost will deal with that. Hence, the Body remains sick because we have had respect of persons, judging her to be too weak to flow in the Body without falling into pride.

God never asked us to evaluate whether so-and-so is worthy to have a gift resident. We are asked to recognize that Christ is in His Body. We are asked to humble ourselves and partake of the Body. Whether we like Mary or not, we will recognize Christ in His Body. Many are sick, the Bible says, and even sleep (dead) because there is a refusal to discern the Lord’s Body.

There is a maturing that takes place with the operation of a gift, but how will it ever grow except that it is exercised? Why is the hand deciding when the foot shall be used? The HEAD should be deciding where each part is placed, how it responds, when it is needed. Christ is the Head, not church leaders. Church leaders are members of the Body as well, and not the Head.

IV.
Now, we must also put into perspective that these spiritual gifts in the Body are temporal. There will eventually come a day when they will not be needed. When we have all come unto A PERFECT MAN, these manifestations of the Spirit will no longer be necessary.

Likewise for the so-called five-fold ministry. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are given a temporary space in the Body for this purpose and this purpose alone: the edification of the saints and the perfecting of the Body. These offices are to actively support, strengthen, and encourage the spiritual growth of the Body. They are really the servants of the Body, not lords. They are to under-gird, intercede and assist the Body. They are to groan and travail for Christ to be formed in the Body, not to make decisions about who has worked hard enough for the gifts and when they should operate.

Letting everything be done decently and in order is a simple exhortation meaning that we should not interrupt one another in the corporate flowing of the Body, which would naturally cause confusion. But as the human body moves with perfect synchronicity and coordinated movements, so we too know that EVERY joint supplieth, each in his turn, forbidding none.

As we have said, this gross failure to recognize Christ in our members and to allow its flow has often quenched the Spirit to the point where church consists of a religious routine of two or three songs and some preaching (always from the same person). This false teaching, that only a few special ones have operational gifts of the Spirit has given the church the idea that God is a respector of persons.

Unfortunately, it has also caused some to associate the anointing of God to minister with some kind of magic, or randomness. Body of Christ, there is no magic. Every one of you has a psalm, a hymn, a revelation. God has been liberal with the distribution of His gifts.

If you are aware that God has given you a gift, then you must allow it to come forth from you. If you are aware that God has given a gift to another, then you must submit to it. For it is not the man you are submitting to, but Christ. He did not give gifts to you so you could pack it away in your mind until “the right time.” He did not give them to hide under a bushel. The Body is in need NOW.

You see, if we truly recognize that it is only CHRIST in us that heals, or performs miracles, or has a revelation, then how am I boasting to declare that it is resident in me? I can take no credit. It is His gift to profit withal, so that those who are sick, those who are broken-hearted, those who need to hear from God may be fed, until we all come unto a perfect man.

Press into God and find out what He has given you. I did not say “if,” I said “what.” Stop letting one or two members of your church bring the spiritual feast. Ask God what He wants you to minister that will edify His Body in spiritual matters. You are members one of another. Everyone is vital and necessary. Get a psalm! Get a song! Get a teaching! Ask the Head of the Body how to flow in His Body. You are really, literally, actually the Body of Christ. You are really, actually the mouth and the feet and the hands of God.

Even as Jesus was moved and directed in His earthly steps to this person or that one according to the Father’s will, so too we who are now His Body can receive the direction of the Head about where to go, who to speak to, who is sick, who is cast down.

God, who is a Spirit, desires to express Himself to the world through a body, and WE ARE that Body. There is no magic; there is only yieldedness. We are all called. The chosen are simply those who have answered the call. And that call is simply this; to be led by His Spirit so that the works you do are nothing more and nothing less than the outward manifestation of the very will of God.

You are that Body, filled with the Spirit, speaking only the words of your Father and doing only the works of your Father; whose steps are under the complete direction of the Head. If you are completely filled with the Spirit, how could it be otherwise? It is for this Body that all creation groans, and is through this Body that creation will be set free.

V.
Why do we press on? Why should we edify each other? What possessed Paul, who had such fullness of the Spirit, to groan and travail that Christ be formed in the Body? Surely Paul had it all in the Spirit, even the power of an endless life.

Just after the children of Israel crossed the Jordan River, the land was divided up each according to his inheritance. But the book of Joshua says that no one actually settled his own land or entered into his own inheritance as long as his brethren had Philistines or Hittites on their land. As long as one child of God had an enemy in his territory, no one could enter into the reality of his inheritance, though it was already possessed by faith. (Joshua 1)

Paul found himself in a similar dilemma: longing to pass from this life to be with the Lord (to enter his inheritance), or to stay behind and continue with the Body. Why did he stay behind? Certainly it would be far better to go on to be with the Lord. But Paul knew that while the Body of Christ still wrestled with its enemies, he could never fully enter into his inheritance.

In the race we run, there is only One winner, who is Christ. Paul stayed behind, encouraging the Body to go on to the finish line, anxious for the birthing of that one perfect man so that he, with his brethren, could enter into the inheritance. That is why you feel burdened for others, why you intercede in the late night hours for your brethren. For though we are many members, we are the one Body. And though we are one Body, we are many members.

If you are led by the Spirit, you will NOT be out of order. You may be out of MAN’S order, but you will not be out of God’s. If you are led by the Spirit, you need not fear the rebuke of man, though you will certainly receive it. It has become easier for our church leaders to control rather than to comfort; to give orders rather than to encourage; to rule rather than to serve. And the Body of Christ has allowed this, not understanding that if you are led by the Spirit of God, YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD.

VI.
Jesus stood accused of blasphemy because he would not deny that He was the Son of God. The church leaders of His day fell into horrible offence at the idea that this man said He could be filled with and led by the Spirit. He declared Himself to be one with the Father (Jn. 10). And yet, is this not what “led by the Spirit” really means? Are we not saying that we are under the direction of God Himself? And if under the direction of God Himself, then are we not one with God? And if one with God, are we not the sons of God?

But, like “Body of Christ,” this phrase “led by the Spirit” has become anemic, watered down and meaningless. It has become the religious talk of our day to speak of being led by the Spirit. It is ordinary, loose jargon and high sounding rhetoric.

Body of Christ, know this: when you say you are led by the Spirit, you are declaring that your mind and purpose and will are under the direction of God. You are declaring that you are one with the Father. You are declaring yourself to be a son of God. If you mean this, then say it unashamedly, for truly this is His purpose. If you don’t mean this, then don’t say it. But it is not loose religious conversation to convince others of our spirituality. It means something very specific. And if you are willing to press on and pay the price to be led by the Spirit, then know what you are really saying, for you will be accused of blasphemy by those whose understanding is not enlightened. You may TALK about being led by the Spirit, they say, but you may not really be serious about it to the degree that you believe yourself to be an actual son of God.

This Body of Christ of which we now speak is even now under the careful instruction of the Holy Ghost who is causing us to grow up into Jesus, the Head of the Body. He is causing us to be filled with His very Spirit. He is bringing us to a place of total surrender so that this literal Body will be led by and directed out of the Head.

VII.
I was recently in a Christian bookstore glancing through some of the books, something I rarely do. I was amazed at the number of cookbooks and exercise manuals available. I came away astounded to realize that to some, being the temple of the Holy Ghost has taken on this very natural meaning: don’t eat too much sugar, join an exercise class, stay away from caffeine, and wear your seatbelt. Amazing! This profound spiritual truth that we are to be the holy habitation of God has been watered down to mean “take care of your physical body,” despite the exhortation that bodily exercise profits little indeed.

Jesus said He would build His temple in three days. Three days speaks of a completed and perfected work. In this day of completion, God will dwell in a temple not made with hands, not made by might or power or programs to preserve the flesh. God will dwell in the temple of His Body. He has chosen, ordained, decided, and set His face to create an eternal dwelling place for Himself. Not a box, not a temple as glorious as Solomon’s, not even any longer in one earthen vessel called Jesus of Nazareth. But it has pleased Him to make His habitation a many membered body, whose voice is the sound of MANY WATERS (Rev. 1:15; Rev. 14:2)

John was not the only one who saw the glorious vision of this many membered body, for Daniel’s vision was equally magnificent. Listen:

“Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words LIKE THE VOICE OF A MULTITUDE.” (Dan. 10:5, 6)

Do you see? This is clearly a dramatic vision of Christ, a many membered body containing His Spirit – a multitude!

Yes, some will say, but Jesus is the only BEGOTTEN son of God. Therefore, He is a son in a different way than we are sons. We are adopted, and not begotten, they say.

There is a ten year gap between my birth and my brother’s. For ten years, I was the only begotten child of my parents. But after David was born, I was not the only begotten, but I was then the first begotten, even as Jesus is the firstborn among MANY BRETHREN.

“Begotten” means born out of. We confess we have experienced the second birth; we admit He is our Father; but we refuse to acknowledge that we are “being born again, NOT OF CORRUPTIBLE SEED, BUT BY THE WORD OF GOD.” (I Pet. 1:23) We are born of, or begotten of, His Spirit. There was a time when Jesus was the only begotten of the Father.

But as the kernel of wheat fell into the ground and died, and thereafter a mighty harvest (Jn. 12), so we ARE that harvest. Each kernel in the exact likeness of the first. Is the harvest the exact same kernel as the one which fell into the ground? Who could differentiate? Who could tell one from the next? No one, for each kernel of the harvest is in the EXACT IMAGE AND LIKENESS of the first. The first had to die. Jesus, the Sinless One, had to die so that there could be any harvest at all. That is why we worship Him. That is why we exalt Him: because His sacrifice made the harvest possible.

Without the death and resurrection of Jesus the Firstborn, there could never be the harvest of the sons of God. But do not be mistaken: there IS a harvest. They have been begotten (born) by the Father in the second birth just the same way Jesus was begotten of the Father: by the word of the Father.

This business of being adopted, by comparison, is simply understood because the Bible states clearly, “we ourselves do groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies.” (Rom. 8:23) When we get saved, our SPIRIT is instantaneously quickened (made alive) and joined with the Holy Spirit. Thereafter, the long process begins of being saved “from glory to glory,” which is the redemption of the soul, the restoration of the SOUL to its proper alignment of obedience to the Spirit. Our SPIRIT is immediately made alive; but our SOUL, which is the seat of emotion and self-desire and sin, must be continually dealt with until it is in obedience to the Spirit.

Although our soul is corrupt, God will redeem it as we yield to Him. However, your mortal body is simply so corrupt that it can never inherit the kingdom. God will one day give you a new and glorified body. Your spirit is begotten of His Spirit, but never so with your physical body. This can only be “adopted” so to speak, by one day giving you a new one.

And now, begotten of the Father, they are become the literal holy habitation, the actual tabernacle, the eternal dwelling place of the most High. It is not robbing God of His glory to declare that we, the sons of God, are His holy habitation. He Himself has chosen this habitation! He Himself is raising it up! The real blasphemers are those who deny it!

It is ALL THE MORE to His glory that He has chosen to take up His abode in us, to be made flesh and dwell among us, to give unto the sons of God a NEW NAME (Rev. 2:17) which is discerned only in the Spirit. And that new name is JESUS, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, HE DWELLS IN THEM. Hallelujah! These are the sons of God, those who are led by the Spirit, those who are filled with the Spirit, those who have received HIS NAME AS THEIR OWN. These also, who have overcome, have been made pillars in this temple of God. (Rev. 3:12)

The Body of Christ is the COMPLETENESS of Christ. We know we are complete in Him, for Scripture tells us exactly this: “And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.” (Col. 2:9, 10) But can we begin to also understand that He is complete in us?

Ephesians says this startling thing: “God has put all things under His feet, and has appointed Him universal and supreme head of the church, which is His body, the COMPLETENESS OF HIM who everywhere fills the universe with Himself.” (Weymouth). The King James says, “God hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head of the church, which is His body, THE FULNESS OF HIM that filleth all in all.” (Eph. 1:22, 23)

The Body of Christ is the completeness of Christ, the temple that Jesus promised to build again by the third (complete) day. And in its ultimate unity of the Spirit, the sons of God become the Son of God, for in one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.

The experience we call “born again” is what Paul refers to as “the common faith.” (Tit. 1:4) But there is a prize of the HIGH CALL, which is more than that you should be saved from eternal separation from God. The prize of the high call is that you should be a Son of God, a holy habitation of God Himself, the Body of Christ. What amazing love this is indeed, that in the fullness of times He will gather ALL THINGS in Christ in ONE, the Head not being separated from the Body, but one with the Body. (Eph. 1:10)

The Body of Christ is what Jesus called “my Father’s house,” the place prepared for us with many mansions which is likewise His dwelling place in us. Jesus prayed that we would be one in Him IN THE SAME WAY that He was one with the Father. (Jn. 17) Read it again for yourself. We are the Father’s house, and this is the REAL communion: that we partake of Christ the Bread IN EACH OTHER, for he who would see Jesus must (not might, or should, or ought to), but MUST see Him in His Body, for these two have become one.

And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end (Hebrews 3:5-6).
http://youtu.be/YcUuxPBg2f8

Often Christians are confused about the difference between the earth and the world. Jesus made a clear distinction. “The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof” (Ps 24:1) and “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5). That’s you and I believers.

But the world is worldly. He calls us out of worldliness to a life of holiness. He says we are to “be in the world but not of it” (Jn 17:14-15). In John 18:36 He says “My kingdom is not of this world.” But when God created the earth He said it was good (Gen 1:25). I fact, later on the 6th day He said it was very good (Gen 1:31). Just think of it. One day soon “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isa 11:9).

— with Sandi Hanson.

I. The Anointing of Power

1. God Sees the Heart

In the Old Testament, we read how King Saul’s heart had grown callous and indifferent to the leading of the Spirit. (I Sam. 15:23) And so God instructed the Prophet Samuel to anoint one from the house of Jesse. Having exhausted all of Jesse’s obvious sons as candidates, the prophet entreated the old man, “are here all thy children?” (I Sam. 16:11)

Jesse’s eyes dimmed with age then agreed that his youngest and smallest be fetched from the sheep pastures. However, before anointing the unsuspecting shepherd boy with oil poured on his head, the Lord had advised the prophet, “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Sam. 16:7)

Then one day the dynamic power of this anointing became evident to all of his fellow countrymen. The Philistine army having laid assault to Israel, bid challenge to God’s finest as the giant, Goliath, strode from their ranks.

All Israel cowered in fear as their enslavement seemed imminent. Who would accept the challenge? None other than the anointed of the Lord. David, the shepherd boy, came forward and asked, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the Living God.” (I Sam. 17:26) Refusing the armour of King Saul, David met Goliath alone on the field of battle with only a sling. Reaching down to a nearby brook, he gathered 5 smooth stones. But the Bible records that only one stone lay imbedded in the giants head. Following a thunderous collapse, David ran over to Goliath, drew the giant’s sword and decapitated the menace. The Philistines retreated in fear and David was heralded hero of all Israel.

2. David’s Select Stone

This same anointing received by David to slay Goliath can be likened to the outpouring of the Spirit in the experience of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Jesus said, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” (Acts 1:8) It is this infilling that enables the believer to figuratively “tread on serpents,” (Mk. 16:18) to acquire a worship in the Spirit that is mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. (2 Cor. 10:4) This power is dynamite against the forces of evil. No wonder our prayer language is expanded to an incomprehensible dialogue with God resulting in the mighty working of His hand to save, heal and deliver. Just as David fought the giant of the enemy so too is the believer equipped to do battle with the forces of evil.

David’s five smooth stones speak of the mighty force of the 5 fold ministry. These 5 fold ministries are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 for we read that, “God hath given apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers.” But reading on (Eph. 4:13) we notice that these ministries are given for a limited period of time; “till we all come to a perfect man.” The goal is to come to a perfect man. Though David chose 5 stones, it only took one to do the job. Even in this hour God is raising up an army of believers who collectively are called the Body of Christ, A PERFECT MAN. This is not to say we are not grateful for the working of these 5 fold ministries in our lives to edify, exhort and instruct. Like David’s stones from the brook they were chosen by the Shepherd after being washed by the water of the word. (Eph. 5:26) But God has not chosen these ministries to topple the Goliaths of the Earth. Instead these ministry gifts or offices have been established temporarily to nurture, guide and strengthen the children of God that they might come forth upon the Earth as the manifested Sons of God. These have been chosen to rule and reign with Him. These shall bruise Satan under foot. These shall be the manifest expression of God’s fullness. They are unified and made ONE by the Spirit of the Living God, fully empowered with the mind of Christ. This Body will lay waste the powers of darkness on the Earth as David’s selected stone brought the Philistine beast to the ground.

If you have received Christ, you too have received the power, the right, the authority to become the Son of God. Your reception of Christ as Saviour is the call of God on your life to one day usher in a millennia of righteousness, peace and joy on the Earth with our Blessed Saviour.

II. THE ANOINTING OF AUTHORITY

1. Wandering in the Wilderness

One would naturally think that following this mighty demonstration of power, David would be instantly recognized as the anointed of the Lord and established as God’s chosen vessel of authority. Not so! Instead, the remainder of the book gives a detailed account of how King Saul, like a driven mad-man, hunted David down like an animal. He chased him in the wilderness, on mountain tops, in caves and in towns. Despite the fact that the Philistines had regrouped and re-attacked Israel, Saul disregarded these, the true enemies of his people and sought with all his might to kill David. Likewise, we should not be surprised today when ministries go on the war path against Spirit filled believers. As long as they keep quiet, warm a pew and pass the plate, they’re okay. But let them heal the sick, prophesy or speak in tongues and “out the door they go.” While the sheep are taught to view these charismatics as heretics and fanatics the devil continues to destroy with depravity, disease, despair and death.

These spirit filled believers, called charismatics are labeled Cruise-o-matics as they fellowship like David, “from pillar to post.” Yet for some this wandering in the wilderness without a church home is too wearisome. And so they return to programs, preachers and familiar forms of fundamentalism. Rather than worship God in Spirit and in Truth, they abandon their new experience and seek the comfort of church games and politics. Even Saul’s daughter, Michal, David’s beloved wife thought cave life too treacherous. In her heart she must have reasoned that the life of an outcast would never lead to an anointing of authority. And so it was, she deserted her husband’s side and stayed in her father’s court. Likewise, Jonathan, Saul’s son, though he loved David and counted him his blood brother, would not go with him in the wilderness for his loyalties lie with the madness of his father, the King. Instead, David’s only companions were cut-throats, vagabonds, thieves and undesirables by most standards. In the natural, David was labeled a rebel, a pirate, an adulterer; someone so brazen that when he and his men were hungry, he stormed into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and dared eat and distribute the shew bread reserved as an offering for the Lord. But God looked not on the outward.

2. David’s Methods

Occasions were even given to David by the Lord’s design where he could have easily taken Saul’s life. But as the young shepherd boy had refused the King’s armour to fight Goliath, so too did he refuse to usurp the throne of Israel by assassination. Saul’s methods of fighting were useless to David. Instead he was anointed and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to slay Goliath. And if he were to reign as king, again it would be because of an anointing, and not by the methods used by his predecessor. Unfortunately, all too often charismatics are enticed into positions of leadership using carnal or even natural methods to achieve that end. How sad it is to see these spirit filled believers fitted into the armour of advertising and politics to fight the spiritual forces of darkness. They call this battle “evangelism”…then when all is said and done, wonder why their goals are not achieved.

Even sadder still are the methods used by many a Spirit filled believer to obtain a position of leadership or authority. Like their King Saul prototypes they ignore the Spirit’s ability to teach them “all truth” and recklessly purse a Bible College degree. Upon completion and with a sense of accomplishment they field resumes and obtain interviews. This is so they can be chosen to lead through natural selection. But it is God’s desire to empower through a SUPERNATURAL ELECTION.

If you intend to walk in your calling and become that Son of God that rules and reigns with Him, you will in all probability find yourself like David, wandering in the wilderness somewhere with no place to call home. In addition, like David you will probably be despised and rejected most by those who you identify as your family, brothers and sisters or friends. It will not be unusual for you to be persecuted by church leaders and your only earthly comforters will be those who you would not otherwise seek company with. Not a pleasant life for anyone and yet this is exactly where David found himself. So too were Joseph, Moses, Elijah, the Apostle Paul and yes – Jesus. All of these had extensive, intense wilderness experiences because their own brethren rejected them and wanted them dead! But they, like David were all called and anointed with authority to fulfill God’s purpose.

3. Saul’s Suicide

But when David received news of Saul’s suicide, he didn’t jump at the opportunity and declare himself “Big Cheese.” Instead he lamented, rent his clothing, cried in anguish and mourned almost inexhaustibly though his tormentor’s life was ended. Why? Because David took no pleasure seeing King Saul, God’s first anointed King of Israel, wasted. He not only had accepted the wilderness as his lot in life, but had learned to rejoice and glory in his suffering. But there was no glory in the death and suffering of Saul. By learning to rejoice in tribulation God had truly created the heart of a servant in David. He accepted both good and bad as from the hand of the Lord and knew that despite the circumstances, God was faithful to His promises. By rejoicing in adversity, David’s heart was transformed such that the Lord commented of him that he had a heart after His own heart. (I Sam. 13:14)

Over and over David wrote in the Psalms, “His mercy (or love) endureth forever.” By glorying in suffering David not only received true humility of soul, but could write experientially of God’s love. It was this love that dominated his prayers for Saul, his king, his father-in-law, the once mighty man of God. The Apostle Paul describes this type of love. It, “suffers long, is kind, is not boastful nor puffed up.” This love does not behave selfishly, is not easily provoked an does not think evil of others. (I Cor. 13) Most important, David the praiser knew that love did not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoiced in the truth. No wonder David could not rejoice in Saul’s death since it seemed a triumph of iniquity. Likewise, David’s example of brokenness, sorrow and loss should speak to us about how we should view the current crumbling, criticism and collapse of charismatic ministries once blessed by God.

4. King of Judah

It was in the midst of David’s wilderness experiences he wrote, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Truly he had come to a place of “rest in the Lord” such that adverse circumstances no longer prevented him from praising God. He even said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” (Ps. 119:71) Likewise he had learned that “seizing a golden opportunity” was world’s apart from “God exalting in due season.” (I Pet. 5:16)

Later, after Saul’s death, David was called upon by his countrymen to help route the enemy armies of the Philistines out of Israel. This accomplished, David received his second anointing. It was an anointing of AUTHORITY where he was declared King of Judah. (2 Sam. 2:4) And after all of David’s glorying in tribulations, does it really come to any surprise that the Lord would anoint and establish him King over Judah, also called the House of Praise.

III. THE ATTEMPTS OF THE FLESH

1. King of Israel

Finally in II Samuel, chapters 4 and 5 we read about a strange set of circumstances that ushered David to his third anointing. Again it was seemingly thrust upon him. He was with this anointing made King of all Israel. His authority was well established and uncontested. Why would God design a third anointing when this young king was already walking in authority? Because the purpose of this anointing went beyond seeing David on a bigger and better throne. A servant’s heart had already been well worked into David and he knew his people would never be secure, safe or fulfilled unless his Master, the Lord God Jehovah ruled and reigned as King. That was God’s original design.

And so David purposed in his heart to recover the ark of the covenant and bring it to Jerusalem where the temple was to be built. The significance of the ark cannot be minimized. Though only a few cubic feet, it contained the 10 Commandments etched by God’s own finger, a jar once containing manna that sustained the children of Israel in the wilderness centuries before, and Aaron’s rod that budded. (Heb. 9:4) But most important, it contained the very presence of God Himself. The brilliant SHEKINAH GLORY of the Lord emanated within the ark and at times could be seen between the two cherubims on top of the ark as a sign of God’s presence. It was not an idol, a relic or a fancy piece of furniture. It was the one place on earth that God would fully inhabit and make His abode. Just think, the God of the universe inside a wooden box covered with gold. In fact the ark is a type and shadow of Christ Himself.

As the ark contained the 10 Commandments, (God’s written word), so too Christ is the Word made flesh to dwell among us. (Jn. 1:14) Like the ark that contained Aaron’s rod that budded, (the scepter by which God’s people were governed), so too has all authority and dominion been given to Christ. And as the ark contained a jar once holding manna, the bread from heaven, so too in Christ’s words we find the Bread of Heaven that nourishes unto Eternal Life. Unparalleled glory would be revealed upon Him at His baptism, transfiguration and resurrection. He, like the ark would radiate wthe shekinah glory of God’s presence.

Now the ark at the time of David’s reign was kept as Gibeah at the house of Abinadab. Prior to this, the Philistines had captured the ark during the last days of Eli the priest. But they returned it to Israel after only seven months for not only had their idol god Dagon been decapitated, but untold sickness, plagues, and deaths had visited the Philistine people. And so with a huge cart pulled by oxen, David loaded up the ark so that all Israel might see and know the glory of the Lord again.

2. Big Wheels and Boards

But these noble plans were soon shattered. No sooner did David begin his trek with the ark back to Jerusalem when fatality struck. It appears that while en route, the ark began to sway. Thinking it was going to topple, Uzzah, from the house of Abinadab laid his hands on the ark, and then immediately died.

Shock, horror, disbelief and fear filled David and his men. Why would God strike dead a man trying to prevent the ark from falling? He was only trying to help the “glory of the Lord” along. How often we his people have resorted to natural means to foster and help what we think is God’s glory. But the splendor and majesty of His power, His authority, His shekinah glory is not going to return on a cart made of big wheels and boards. How many revivals have started because some BIG WHEELS in the church organized some church BOARDS to get things ROLLING. Oh they might have had a meeting alright, but was it really a work of the Holy Ghost? Where is the FULNESS of His POWER, His AUTHORITY, His GLORY?

The great move of God recorded in the Book of Acts started because God’s people came together for one purpose – to wait on Him. To wait on His power, His in-filling, His presence. The result was much more than the salvation of souls. Re-read the Book of Acts. The lame walk. The blind see. A man’s shadow heals multitudes. Another man stoned and thrown to ferocious beasts, yet walks away. Neither kings nor prisons hold them. They literally turn the world upside down. The gospel they preach is rumored everywhere. Indescribable authority in both the natural and supernatural realm. Yet the closer they came to death, the more they worshipped and acclaimed His name. Why? Because the glory of the Lord had returned to the Temple. A temple not made with hands, but a temple that consisted of men and women like you and I.

These people tarried in Jerusalem for the promise of His power, His authority, His glory! “And when they were all gathered in one place in one accord, suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a mighty rushing wind, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire that sat upon each of them.” (Acts 2:1-3) Not only did they speak in tongues (verse 4) and receive the power of the Holy Ghost, but the authority of God’s word was imparted in the sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. And if that wasn’t enough, His shekinah glory was seen upon them when cloven tongues like as fire sat upon them.

3. This Glory

This glory was the Light God created on the first day.

This was the glory that clothed Adam and Eve in the garden before the fall.

This was the glory that translated Enoch that he should not see death.

It was this glory that Moses watched from a burning bush in the wilderness when he was called to be his people’s deliverer.

This glory caught Elijah up to heaven in a chariot like as fire.

Elisha prayed his servant see the same glory as the chariots of fire that would release an imprisoned Israel from is Syrian enemies the next day.

This glory filled Solomon’s temple so that no one could enter it and all Israel heard the voice of God on that day like thunder.

Ezekiel had a vision of this same glory like a fire enveloping inward. (Ez. 1:4)

The three Hebrew children were surrounded by this the glory of the fourth man such that they were not even scorched by a blazing furnace.

This glory shone out of darkness to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night and a multitude of the heavenly host proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.

The fire that John the Baptist spoke of is that glory when he said, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and FIRE.” Furthermore, John’s prophecy was fulfilled to 120 disciples gathered in an upper room on the day of Pentecost for they spoke in tongues and God’s glory, like a flame of fire, appeared above the head of each one.

This is the same glory that Jesus revealed to Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.

This glory was seen on the face of Stephen by his earthly persecutors such that He had the appearance of an angel. While being stoned he also saw this glory, forgave his executioners, then fell fast asleep for he was unaffected by pain.

The wicked Saul of Tarsus who had Stephen stoned, saw this glory on the Road to Damascus. Thereafter he was transformed into the Apostle Paul.

The beloved Apostle John saw this glory on a woman (the church) ready to deliver a manchild (the Sons of God) for she was clothed with the Son.

No wonder David sought a return of the glory of the Lord. The fulfillment of this third anointing went beyond his boyhood empowerment. It went beyond an anointing of authority. It signified the full presence of God in complete control, thus putting to rest his efforts, his labors, his tribulations. It made all the struggle worthwhile.

4. Futile First Attempt

But we are no different than David in his futile first attempt to usher in the glory. How many times have we tried to harness God’s glory? We like to point to all the healings, miracles, and the episodes of God’s divine intervention in our lives, then use this to substantiate our position as the anointed and chosen. See how God used ME. I must be THE ONE who God will use to show everyone. God used ME to raise the dead, heal the sick and so on. I must be right on.

But just as Uzzah was struck down, so too will every believer be stopped dead in his or her tracks when these attitudes are exposed to the GLORIOUS LIGHT of the presence of the Holy Ghost. In fact the Lord will engineer whatever circumstances are necessary to prevent us from putting our hands, our selfish motives on His glory. “My glory will I not give to another says the Lord.” (Isa. 42:8) This glory was reserved for the temple alone. Not for a man, a king, or a ministry, but the temple of the Lord. This glory will be returned to His people, who are the temple of the Lord in His time and His way. (I Cor. 3:16) You can jump up and down, scream and shout, wave banners and dance your merry little heart out, but that won’t make it happen. David tried that trick for we read in I Chronicles 13:7-8 that David went with all Israel out to the “ark on the cart” singing and playing instruments with all their might. It didn’t stop Uzzah from dying. (verses 9 and 10)

Apparently Uzzah thought he had the right and the authority to handle the ark. He didn’t expect God to strike him dead. He had grown up with the ark in his house; in the household of Abinadab. It had resided there for years after the Philistines returned it. The power of the ark had never interfered with his plans before. So too, many spirit filled believers who boast of growing up in churches where God’s power for years has resided. Perhaps they take for granted His power and have never actually witnessed His glory as Uzzah. “No big deal for me, I grew up in Pentecost.” Perhaps they expect the glory of the Lord to return because they have put in their time and sat under Pentecostal preaching for years. God’s power has never interfered before with their plans to build ministries.

But God’s glory will only return with and to those who have the spiritual authority to receive it. Their authority is based on two things: a divine WISDOM that understands why adversity is sent our way and a divine REVELATION that comprehends how God’s purposes unfold. The glory will only return to those who have received the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” and know full well the hope of their calling. (Eph. 1:17-19) They know that the return of God’s glory is not to a man, movement or ministry but to God in His Temple, His People, His Body.

Although David’s heart was wise for he had learned in tribulation to “bless the Lord at all times,” he lacked the revelation as to how the ark was to return. And so David returned to Jerusalem to gain this understanding.

IV. THE ANOINTING OF GLORY

1. The Ark Returned

It wasn’t until David prepared a new, separate, unveiled tabernacle for the ark (I Chron. 15:1); agreed to accompany the Levite priests who carried it on their shoulders (I Chron. 15:2); and made sacrifice of oxen after every sixth step of the priests (I Sam. 6:13); that the ark was actually returned to Jerusalem. The house prepared speaks about God preparing a people fashioned into a “holy habitation” where God can be revealed.

Just as David, the king, accompanied the priests, these people now being prepared are called by the Apostle John: KINGS and PRIESTS, for their ministry is UNTO HIM. They worship HIM in spirit and in truth. They are called to witness unto HIM. And just as God’s glory was unveiled for David and the priests on that day, so to shall God’s glory rest on the saints of God in this final hour. Jesus even prayed, “the glory which thou gavest me I have given them,” (Jn. 17:22) for “He shall come to be glorified in His saints.” (I Thes. 1:10) They are called to be glorified because the Spirit of Christ is in them: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27)

The Levites took only six steps then offered the blood sacrifice of a beast of burden. They took no seventh step for this was reserved for the Lord Himself as He walked in them. Even as the Lord rested on the seventh day, so too are we called to enter into His rest by the blood of the Lamb. His rest is the glory of the Lord. Entering into His rest means He now bears our burden. All labor and struggle is ended so that Christ can fully possess us. No more steps forward. Just an end to self. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ that liveth in me.” (Gal. 2:20) But how can we gain access to this rest, this glory? By simple faith in the shed blood of Him who bears our burdens.

2. David and Michal

David accompanied the journey of the ark’s return to Jerusalem with praise, song and dance, wearing a robe and a linen vest usually worn by the High Priest. A comparison of the same account in II Samuel and I Chronicles suggests that David apparently danced with all his might to the point that he disrobed himself and was covered only with this vest wrapped around his waist. Although pleasing to the Lord, this act was not taken lightly by David’s wife, Michal. In fact she despised him in her heart and accused him of uncovering himself shamelessly before the handmaidens.

The unfortunate result was that Michal was made barren from that point on. By rights her offspring would have been heir to David’s throne as she was Saul’s daughter. But she had not submitted to the tribulation of a wilderness journey, and consequently did not have nor appreciate whole hearted praise and worship of the Lord. In this therefore, was she judged and made barren.

In sharp contrast however, we see David of whom Nathan prophesied, “thy seed…..shall build a house for my name and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father and he shall be my Son.” (I Sam. 7:12-14) David’s son and successor, Solomon did build the temple to house the ark and the glory of the Lord did fill that temple. (2 Chron. 7:1-5) But the promise extended beyond David’s immediate progeny, for Christ Himself would be born of David’s lineage.

Matthew’s first verse calls Him the son of David. He was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. When he healed the sick and cast out devils, the crowd called Him the son of David. (Mat. 12:23) Blind Bartimaeus was healed after he cried out to Jesus, the son of David. (Mat. 10:46-52) In Revelation 22:16 he even declares himself to be the root and offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

The barrenness of Michal and fruitfulness of David speaks to us of our choices today. The apostle Paul wrote, “I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” (Gal. 4:19) Just as Christ came from the root, an offspring of David in the natural, so too is the promise that Christ come forth in and through us spiritually. Paul’s birthing of Christ is preceded by travail. There will be no birth unless there is travail. There must be a submission to God in adversity, in tribulation, in the wilderness experiences of life so that the fruit of the Spirit can be reproduced in us. Jesus is the fruit of the Spirit. The theology of escape-ism will always produce a barren soul that despises true praise and worship. But a “contrite heart and a broken spirit” (Ps. 51:17) is the fertile ground upon which God will establish His throne forever.

3. Three Hills in Jerusalem

The ark’s re-entry into Jerusalem is marked with a strange perplexity. It was not returned to the Levites’ tabernacle according to the commandment of Moses on Mount Moriah.

Now Jerusalem is geographically marked with three mountains. The first is the lowest called Mount Ophel. David built his palace on this broad based hill and the masses lived on its gentle slopes. It speaks of a common order of dwelling. We all share the same sinful nature. Even the kings among us will some day die as a result of sin.

The second highest peak was called Mount Moriah where the tabernacle of Moses was set up. It was here that Abraham was instructed to offer up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Though prevented by God himself, the like figure speaks to us of the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus. All of Jerusalem came to Moriah’s tabernacle to receive the forgiveness of sins and peach with God by the sacrifice of animals. So too, our acceptance of Christ’s shed blood on Calvary, the sacrificial Lamb of God, cleanses us from sin and brings us into fellowship with Him. But as glorious as this tabernacle was, it only provided the promise that the curse of death would be broken. It did not provide the reality of an endless life in the here and now. Our acceptance of Christ as Savior, like Moriah, affords us the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. But the promise is by faith, as yet unseen.

And so it was that David took the ark to the highest mountain in Jerusalem, Mount Zion. From this pinnacle the glory of the Lord could be seen for miles around. The ministry of Mount Moriah was surpassed by a higher order, a greater covenant. The promise of an endless life had been given in covenant with one who predated Moses and his ancestor Abraham. David took the ark to Mount Zion to re-establish the order of Melchizedek, the royal priest who walked in the power of an endless life. (Ps. 110:14)

4. Melchizedek

Now consider this man Melchizedek. Abraham met him returning from battle and gave tithe unto him. (Gen. 14:18) He was without father, without mother, having neither beginning of day nor end of life. (Heb. 7:3) His walk with God had ushered him into timelessness. He was called the King of Salem. (Heb. 7:2) Salem means peace, hence he was the “King of Peace.” His successor would therefore be called the “Prince of Peace” over Jeru-Salem, the city of peace. But Melchizedek was much more than a king. He is also called “Priest of the Most High God.” No one before him had been king and priest. The Levitical order of Moses and Abraham established on Mount Moriah produced no one who was both king and priest. Kings were kings and priests were priests. How could anyone govern people and yet truly minister to the Lord. Not only minister to Him but be a high priest. That means God’s closest confidant and friend is also established as king over God’s people. The most reknown men of all history have laid claim to this; the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Ceasars of Rome, Emperors of China and Japan. Even individuals like Nebuchadnezzar, Napoleon or Khomeni claimed to be God’s man of power for the hour. But they have all faded away with time, thus proving their claim counterfeit. No one could be both unless they were sinless and immortal. By setting the ark to rest on Mount Zion, David has once and for all enthroned the Lord Himself as both King and Priest over His people, after the order of Melchizedek.

5. A Light in Zion

The indescribable glory of the Lord was evidenced by all the nations on Earth in Mount Zion. David describes this blessed event in a multitude of Psalms. A few are listed below.

Great is the Lord….in the mountains of His holiness……The joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king. God is known in her palaces as a refuge….The kings were assembled, they passed by together……They saw it and so they marveled…….They were troubled and hasted away. (Ps. 48: 1-5)

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shinned. (Ps. 50:2)

In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion…….thou art more glorious than the mountains. (Ps. 76:2 & 4)

The Lord shall send the rod of they strength out of Zion; rule thou in the midst of thine enemies……..Thou art forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Ps. 110:2 & 4)

The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. (Ps. 98:2)

The Lord reigneth…….he sitteth between the cherubim……….the Lord is great in Zion. (Ps. 99:1 & 2)

When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in glory. (Ps. 102:16)

O Lord thou art great…….who coverest thyself with Light as with a garment. (Ps. 104:1 & 2)

The Lord reigneth, a fire goeth before Him and burneth up His enemies round about. His lightning enlighteneth the world, the earth saw and trembled…….all the people see His glory. Zion heard and was glad. Light is sown for righteousness. (Ps. 97)

These and ALL 150 Psalms were written for and sung to the Lord God Jehovah as He ruled out of Zion. The glory the Lord shinned out of Zion all 33 years David was king of Israel. Likewise, Jesus was the expressed glory of God on earth for 33 years. As David re-established the king-priest ministry, so too is Christ the King of Kings and a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb. 5:5 & 6)

V. The Glory Returns

1. The Tabernacle of David

After David’s death, his son Solomon reigned as king. But Solomon built the Lord’s temple on Mount Moriah, removed the ark from Zion to his temple and strengthened the Levitical order. Once again the glory of the Lord was veiled – out of sight. The Lord no longer reigned supreme. Succeeding generations began to stray from God’s purpose and plan. Civil war left the nation divided into Judah and Israel again. Worldly influences from other nations gradually and ultimately resulted in a corrupted people. Untold kings and priests struggled to retain their power and it seemed each succeeding generation grew more wicked. Finally a great king, Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon, took for himself captives of the best of these two nations. The glory of the Lord had long since departed as this great king lay waste Jerusalem, burned the temple and destroyed the ark.

But throughout these times of judgment, God was not without a voice. In every generation He raised up someone, a remnant whose loyalties lay exclusively to Him. Their message was a cry to return to the God of David. Over and over they prophesied that God would return and rebuild the tabernacle of David and Mount Zion. Elijah’s friend, Obadiah, prophesied during the wicked reign of Ahab and Jezebel:

“Saviors shall come upon Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau (Gentiles), and the kingdom shall be the Lords.” (Ob. 21 with I Kings 18:3)

Amos prophesied of the coming Babylonian captivity but ended:

“I will raise up again the fallen tabernacle of David……that they may possess the remnant of Edom (the descendants of Esau) and all the heathen which are called by my name saith the Lord that doeth this.” (Amos 9:11 & 12)

The tabernacle of David will be rebuilt. Zion’s glory will possess, as Amos describes, those called by HIS NAME. These are, of course, Christians for they bear the name of Christ Himself. In fact these shall come forth as Saviors.

The prophet Zechariah returned from Babylon with a great company of Jews to rebuild the temple and believe for a return of glory of the tabernacle of David. But Zechariah was given a vision and a strong word to share with his fellow laborers. The Lord told him and showed him that He would rebuild the temple Himself. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6)

Since that time there have been many captivities and many returns to rebuild the temple. But no glory has or ever will return to a man made temple. The glory shall posses the remnant and the heathen called by His name (as Amos said). No wonder the Apostle James declared in Acts 15:16 that Amos’ prophesy was being fulfilled when the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles. We are that temple of the Holy Ghost (I Cor. 3:16) in whom and upon whom the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. (Isa. 60:2) God has called every blood-bought, born-again, Spirit filled believer to come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:13) That you go in and out no more but be a pillar in the temple of your God. (Rev. 3:12) He has called and chosen you and I to be Kings and Priests unto Him. (Rev. 1:6) He has chosen us to be the revealing of the Lord in our life time. (I Thes. 1:10) “The Lord shall arise upon thee and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isa. 60:1, 2) In this, beloved, “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” (Isa. 40:5)

2. Eternal Life Now

Like Melchizedek, we are called the walk in resurrection life power, in the here and now; to enter into eternal life now, to receive everlasting life now; not just the promise, by faith, some day in the great by and by – but HERE and NOW.

Jesus said, “I AM the resurrection and the life…..he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (Jn. 11:25) He didn’t say only if you are dead, yet shall you live. He said even though you might be one of the ones who die, you too can enter into resurrection life. But it is clear that this promise of Resurrection Life, eternal life is for “he that believeth” and not just for “he that believeth yet is dead.” In fact verse 26 states, “whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall NEVER die.”

Jesus walked in this Resurrection life. Speaking of His life, He said, “I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again.” (Jn. 10:18) No one killed, murdered or assassinated Jesus. He laid his life down willingly. His blood wasn’t spilled, it was shed! His resurrection from the dead was proof that He had entered into “the power of an endless life” after the order of Melchizedek. Even Paul walked in resurrection life for he says he was in deaths oft or died many times. (2 Cor. 11:23) To the Philippians he even confessed that he was caught in indecision. He said he wanted to go home to be with the Lord, he wanted to die. But because they had need of him, of his mighty working as an apostle, he decided to stay for their sakes. If he was executed, stoned (2 Cor. 11:25), or thrown to ferocious beasts (I Cor. 15:22), he just got up after it was all over and went about his business preaching and teaching the Good News of the “Resurrection Life” in Christ.

No wonder He taught us to pray “thine is the Kingdom (authority), the Power and the Glory!” These three anointings, the power, authority and glory are described in picture and allegory in the life of David. They are revealed in the life of Jesus and they are manifest in you and I, the believers, the saints. These three anointings are the fullness of God. This is the “Rest” spoken by the writer of Hebrews. He goes on, “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Heb. 4:9) For “We are come unto Mount Zion and unto the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…..and to God, the judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” (Heb. 12:22 & 23) Thus we, “are built up (to) a spiritual house,…..in Zion, a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood (kings and priests), a holy nation that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous Light!” (I Pet. 2:5-9)

3. Conclusion

God is calling forth a people in this hour to return to Zion. The power, the authority and the glory of the Lord will be revealed in them, through them and upon them. These shall walk in resurrection life, eternal life, in the here and now. Like Jesus and Paul, they shall walk in timelessness for they shall inherit immortality in their life time. The fire of God’s glory shall purge the dross of their sinful natures and they shall receive the divine nature. This is the righteous remnant, the redeemed of the Lord, that shall return unto Zion. These shall possess the fullness of God to be revealed at the end of this present age. These are the Sons of God. These are kings and priests to the Most High, a Royal Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. This is the Body of Christ, God’s expression on earth. This Body is to come forth to be revealed in glory as the ark was when returned to Zion. These shall rule the nations with a rod of iron. These shall walk in oneness with God Himself. He who “fills all in all” shall rule and reign supreme on the earth, for He shall rule in them and through them.

Beloved, you have been called to walk in this promise. Press in to receive all that God has for you “that your joy may be full.” The hour is short and this present day draws to a close. “He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Seek Him for the abundance. See Him for “Life Abundantly.” “He will do exceedingly above all that you ask or think.” He is your portion, your inheritance, your life. He is come to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS.

In Revelation 14, John records a multitude of 144,000. These stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They speak not their own words for their sound is the same as that of Jesus; “the voice of many waters.” (Rev. 1:15 & Rev. 14:2) Unlike the company of 144,000 recorded in Revelation 7 who were gathered from the twelve tribes of Israel, these are redeemed from the entire earth. (Rev. 14:3)

Many believe this to be a literal number. But this is a spiritual book written for those with spiritual understanding. The message throughout this book is, “To him that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This 144,000 is a spiritual number for it describes those who have returned to Zion. The number is understood as it is 12 x 12 x 1,000. In the Bible, 12 has a dual meaning. It speaks of authority for there were 12 tribes of Israel by which God’s people were governed. Christ also chose 12 apostles. The number 1,000 speaks of a dispensation when God’s divine power will be manifest throughout the earth. Hence these 144,000 are the redeemed of the Lord who are crowned with the divine glory of Zion. They walk in apostolic power and authority as they rule and reign with Him 1,000 years on the earth. This is the manifestation of the Sons of God. These are ONE with God!

God has called you to number among those in Zion on that day. Open your heart and believe for ALL that He has prepared for you!

Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)