In the Genesis of time and space, we find God’s Spirit moved upon the face of the waters. The reason was that the Formed Earth became formless and void, caused by the catastrophic fall of The fallen angel- Lucifer along with a third of the angels, which eminent scientists refute today as caused by an asteroid-collision to the earth. Well the Word of God is explicit when it starts with the words: “In the beginning”. Was there a beginning then with God, as God can’t be contained by the mind-sets or the languages adapted by man thus far? This could be 10-15 million years ago or even more, but not worth disputing about. I believe that this issue will take us back to the genesis of man’s Creation, and there are no theories that can dispute the Word of God on this matter. The Bible reveals that man started his journey on earth a little more than 6,000 years and history has confirmed this authenticity, ultimately releasing the Plan of God for man.
THE CROSSING-OVER SEASON HAS BEEN IGNITED
Ever since the day of the fall God’s Spirit always intervened in the life of man. God’s desire for moving upon and stirring the waters was to bring the Original-Form back into man’s earth, as this planet was assigned to the first man- Adam. Thereafter in the journey of life, many of God’s people had to go through various wilder-nesses as per directions given. Nevertheless, we can always recognize God’s intervention in Provision of water from rocks or from wells for His people. But Moses along with God’s people crossed-over from Egypt by the path of the Red-Sea, using the rod of God (God’s Intervention). (Exodus 14.21-31). Then we see, God asking Moses to strike the rock for water (Exodus 17.1- 6) to quench the thirst of the people. We further see, God asking Moses to speak to the rock for water (Numbers 20.8-13), but we see Moses’ presumption and disobedience. This was a prophetic episode of JESUS THE ROCK that was to be struck only once and not twice.
The Water-Stirring is the Connection between the realm of heaven and the earth, which a man/woman would bring forth because of their Accurate-Joining to the realm of the heavenly, with God. (John 15. 5b) In other words, men/women connected with God in their generation would bring the super-natural realm into the natural realm of life’s surroundings, because of God’s intervention.
WHY was God so concerned about His people, crossing over?
(Deuteronomy 7.1-9) God’s Mind-set always for this important assignment to His people, was for their own inheritance: (Numbers 33. 51-56)
(a) to drive out ALL the land’s inhabitants,
(b) to destroy all their pictures, molten images and
(c) to pluck down all their high-places and dispossessing their land and dwelling in them.
As with Moses crossing-over the Red Sea was significant, so was it with Joshua crossing-over the Jordan River. (Joshua 3 & 4).
Before crossing over to the Jordan, one had to pass Shittim which is the place of Preparation for God’s people, just before God gives the Ultimate breakthrough. Specific instructions were released by Joshua’s comrades, “When you see the ark of the covenant of The Lord your God, carried by the Levites, then you must pursue it and there shall be a space of 2000 cubits between you and it, that you may know the way by which you must go, as you have not passed this way before”. Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow The Lord will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3.1-5)
There are releases by The Holy Spirit regards this passage which God would birth in all who are pursuers of God’s breakthrough in this generation.
(a) The Levites or the Priests of God had to step into the Jordan first with “The Ark of The Covenant” and none of them could be seen by the New Generation, as the Cloud of Glory stood between them and the people. Apart from this there had to be a space of 2000 cubits between them. Now even if any of the Levites here got out of order, the New Generation could not be trapped by their moves, as they were not to be followed after.
(b) The New Generation of God would move beyond the wilderness mentality of their forefathers into the realm of Canaan . Every Jordan situation would mean that the walls of water had to stand alongside, for the dry-ground manifestation for God’s people to walk on. They were to bring forth New Dimensions released by God for them, as they chose to cross over from the old mind-sets imparted to them .They were to pursue the Cloud of Glory caused by The Ark of the Covenant. No man was distracted by the Levites or the priests or their ministries, as they were instructed to SPECIFICALLY SEE where they were going. A question that needs our undivided attention today is: Do God’s people know the difference between the clouds of wonder and clouds of blunder? In the pursuit of “New Movements” and “New Stirrings” many don’t know where they are going, because they follow the heels of their Pet idol-minister. Paul made some astonishing statements: We were pressed out of measure, above strength, in so much that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead. (2Corinthians 1. 8b, 9).
We are the savour of death unto death. Always bearing about in the body the dying of The Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4.10-12).
All kinds of ministry must ONLY stand in The Death of Christ, for the people of God to arise and walk in the newness of life.
I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2.20).
So then if the heart is not open to God and not intending to go All The Way with and in Him, even unto the Fullness of Christ’s promised Life, then sooner or later Egypt or the old nature will resurface and continue to linger. Only when one’s eyes are fixed on God’s Glory can none stumble, as they can only behold His Glory and hear His Voice “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you”.
(c) Sanctification introduces Circumcision of the heart. It’s true that the forefathers in the wilderness were circumcised, but the wilderness only revealed the forefather spirit of stubbornness and compromise, which ultimately brought their own destruction. Subsequently the New Generation born in the same wilderness though carrying the reproach of Egypt which was inherited, had to be circumcised (a cutting away of the flesh) completely cut off from the old Egyptian life. The forefather’s lack of vision of The Promised Land did not permit breakthrough from their Egypt mind-sets. Even today, this same Curse has been the struggle of many in the Older Generation, as they have tried to break free from old vices, old habits and old unwanted traditional issues by all type of spiritual gymnastics, eventually yoking themselves in deeper struggles and bondages. God calls upon His people this day to a “New Circumcision”, a prepared life in His Spirit to remove the reproach of Egypt. Paul says in (Colossians 2.11-14) through baptism “In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein you also are raised with Him through the faith of God, who has raised Him from the dead. And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened together with Him, Having forgiven you all your trespasses. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us contrary to us, took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross.” Please refer also (Romans 2.25-29) further. It is the inward Working of the Holy Spirit that completely cripples the old nature and deeds of the flesh by Christ’s circumcision. Baptism for sure didn’t bring the reality of Jesus’ resurrection to most of us, but we continue to embrace this until it becomes a living reality in us. Followed by this reality comes the sufferings of Christ which truly results in the resurrected life of Christ. It is in our absolute nothingness, that we could expect the ability of His Resurrection power and life, and also be clothed in the whole armour of God, wrapped up in His mercy.
THE LEGACY OF THE NEW GENERATION SONS:
Right through the Scriptures we see a Moses open and crossover with God’s people “The Red Sea”, and then a Joshua emerge into his portion to open “The Jordan” for God’s people to cross-over to the other side. In both the above we see God’s hand working along side with man. But as we move further, we see a new generation of Elijah’s who hold rain and Elisha’s who take on Elijah’s mantle using THEIR MOUTH’S to bring forth the various supernatural dimensions of God. Elisha is about to venture into the Pattern for the sons of the prophets.
Before Elisha enters this new role, he learnt how to serve Elijah for nearly 8 years. Increase of Levels of commitment and responsibility make way for Increase in Anointing levels. In fact even much after Elijah died, Elisha was known all over Israel as the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah (1 Kings 19.17-21),(2Kings 3.11b) .
What does this speak of in our day-to-day issues of life?
Before moving in the anointing of separating Jordan’s, today’s Elishas need to learn how to prophetically pour water (True Servanthood is the Preparation for the Anointing) on the Anointed One’s of God.
In (2 Kings 2.11-14) we see Elisha witnessing a separation from his father Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven. There must be a separation from the earthly and the heavenly realm, separating fathers from sons, lest sons get complacent and irresponsible presuming their talk and walk.
A important requirement in today’s Church-leadership is:
Father’s relating to servants as their own birthed in the Spirit Sons.
In fact this is what Jesus Christ came to release on the earth, a Father-Son relationship being the pattern for the Next generation of Sons. Sharpness and alertness comes through walking close to the father which is a pre-requisite for prophets in the making, especially for discernment in situations. (Numbers.10.30-31)
A important truth is Sons or Fathers are not Titles given according to the Babylonian system, but sons are birthed in the father’s spiritual womb’s. They are not appointed out of one’s mind-set, but have the seal of the father’s genes in them.
Only separation from father’s and sons would cause sons to walk in new assignments and responsibility.
Elisha rents his clothes into 2 pieces, thus walking in a New Level no more as a follower, but now taking over as a father of Israel (Ground-work that needed to be taken-over what Elijah left incomplete). Two pieces speak of the double-portion inheritance that Elisha sought earnestly after.
Mantles are only prepared and left behind for Earnest Elishas to pick up.
Elisha now picks up the mantle of New Responsibility, which brings along “the New Anointing” to handle all the situations of life. After all didn’t he patiently endure all things and earnestly wait for this Mantle in the 8 years he served Elijah.
Now Jordan is a place for New Decisions and New Birthing, for in it Elisha would see his ministry and the future of many birthed.
Elisha smites the waters of the Jordan, just like Moses smiting the Red Sea. Smiting the water paves the way for NEW AUTHORITY to walk in, after all waters were meant to walk through (Isaiah 43.2)
Sons always learn from fathers patterns easily, as fathers impart their own life into sons and train them how to walk with God and how to be led by His Word (Genesis 22.7). No wonder Elisha could call upon The God of his father Elijah: Where is The Lord God of Elijah? The Jordan waters part hither and thither for Elisha to Cross Over. Why could Elisha not do the same earlier, even if he wanted?
Before Elisha walked in his father Elijah’s footsteps, he had to die to his own steps and ambition and embrace his father’s footsteps alone.
The mantle couldn’t be handed over until Elisha was prepared to walk in the journey of his father. That’s why Jesus Christ Himself even though birthed from heaven, never handed over His mantle to the disciples until they were prepared and equipped for the task (filled with The Holy Spirit from The Father).
Crossing over the Jordan for us today, speaks of Embracing of the Cross by The Father’s Will and hence dying to one’s ambitions, self interests, idolatry of self and idolatry of other like-minded servants, even though done sincerely in the Name of The Lord and for The Lord’s work. The crossing over further means crossing from all dead works and sin to Life.
The Prophetic Mantle will always be opposed by “so-called sons of prophets”
There were a brand of Prophets’ sons who may have been watching Elisha for some time and were waiting for any erroneous move from Elisha, which they couldn’t find. Sadly this is a cursed spirit that many are influenced by even today, as they mark the prophets and sadly even await their downfall.
Now these sons (actually slaves of their confused mindsets) asked Elisha permission to search for Elijah’s body, presuming it to be thrown in some mountain. “Their mouth’s speak of who they belong to- the father of lies”. Their search was futile, as their minds were confused. Confused slaves (claiming to be sons) always are misled and misguide others in the process. They are in Jesus words “Blind-leaders”.(Mathew 15.14) Sadly this principle hasn’t changed even after 3500 years, as we see today’s Slaves (claiming to be sons) search for dead Elijah’s in the mountains and valleys of life.
Second episodes are opened at the end of the first’s, with Elisha. The slaves return back as they are in dire straits. They are begging Elisha for a miracle. Their problem is :
a) The city is pleasant
b) the water is undrinkable and hence
c) the ground is dry and barren.
Isn’t this episode, the continual sad story of many a church-city in our nations today? Isn’t there a Great Need for The Elijah Mantle to be handed over to our today’s Elishas? Don’t we need heaven’s WORD to solve our natural calamities, or for that matter all life’s issues?
Amazing isn’t it, that Elisha crosses the Jordan to use the mantle at Jericho, a cursed place cursed by Joshua many centuries ago (Joshua 6.26). This tells me that The Prophetic Mantle of Elijah can break the power of Spoken Curses. So Elisha’ first miracle begins at Jericho (ancient cursed place), as he prophesies over the Jericho waters, after throwing the salt on the springs. Thereafter Elisha walks in the double-portion of Elijah.
THE ULTIMATE PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING: JESUS THE CHRIST, THE BELOVED (PATTERN) SON FOR US.
In (John 5.1-20) we find that there was a Jewish Festival Season in Jerusalem. Jesus also being led went over by the sheep-gate where a pool called in the Hebrew Bethesda. This pool incidentally was held together by five porches, but it didn’t look like the festival spirit was around nearby, as there were multitudes of Impotent folk (the blind, the lame, the withered) waiting for the moving of the water.
In the above verses, sadly we see a bird’s eye-view of the condition of many in the church today. I firmly believe that every story recorded in the scriptures can be identified by each of us when the power of pretense caused by the self-righteous pharisaical spirit is broken and paralyzed. There are different seasons recorded in scripture, similar to seasons in the natural realm. But to understand the spiritual seasons, the Issachar’s are to be identified in this hour in The Body of Christ. (1 Chronicles 12.32)
Bethesda which means “House of Grace/Mercy” signifying the church of today, which is held together by the Holy Spirit and the five porches being the five-fold ministry given by Jesus Christ, to equip each saint in the works of the ministry, and the edifying of each saint ……….(Ephesians 4.11,12-16) .
Notice the order released by The Holy Spirit to the apostle John, of the impotent folk, and compare spiritual conditions today prevailing in many main-line Christian network:
Firstly - The blind speaking of eyesight, vision and revelation from God’s Word John.3.3b)
– Unless a Man be born-again he cannot SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD. (Also Mathew 5.8)
Secondly - The lame speaking of our Walk in Christ. (Romans 8.14, 1b) As many as are led by The Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. They walk after The Spirit, not after the things of the flesh. (Also Acts 3.6-9)
Thirdly - The withered speaking of one’s who have no life at all (paralyzed).(John11.11,38-44). Lazarus was dead and even buried 4 days, and to all his life was over except to JESUS CHRIST THE LIFE-GIVER. (Also Mark 3.1-6)
(John 5.1-20): Now there were multitudes awaiting their opportunity to get connected with the angel’s stirred water first, and possibly there would have been stampedes to get into the water. What’s shocking is that one had to wait for his or her season for the ultimate breakthrough, and this required patience and endurance depending on one’s requirement. At a certain season, an Angel of The Lord went down into the pool to trouble (stir) the water. Today we don’t need an angel, because our favourite minister idol could be the substitute. We just want somebody to stir the water in the pool for us, so that we could receive our portion. But a certain lonely man bound by a spirit of infirmity for 38 long years, had in vain awaited his breakthrough was met by Jesus surprisingly. As usual the impotent man had to get his self-pity and acceptance from one’s who spoke to him. It looked like he (prayed) complained to Jesus about having no one to help him, and about the one’s who got before him (low image). I’m sure this prayer sounds familiar to many a believer today in our begging/complaining sessions with God.
NOTE: Why did Jesus meet this man only on the sabbath and not on any-other day? What difference would it make if Jesus met him on Sunday, the first day of the week? After all wasn’t he there for nearly 38 years with this issue? Why then, create trouble and aggravate the Jews who were like hawks waiting to hold the sabbath against Jesus? Why not fulfill His Messianic Office of healing all who were sick and diseased? After all wouldn’t Jesus have a crowd of healed people following Him everywhere?
We find the answers to the above questions only through careful study with the Holy Spirit, the Author. Jesus moved with compassion, saw this man sick for nearly 38 years. But more than seeing him, Jesus was able to see The Father finishing the healing work in the spirit (John. 5.17). Jesus doing The Father’s Will was a reflection of how Integrated (Becoming One) was He with The Father’s will (John 5.19). In fact the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Him-self Equal with God (John 5.18).
To walk in total union with The Father, was the key of Jesus’ Ministry on earth, and this key is vital for The Holy Spirit’s work in forming Jesus Christ in you/me. (John 15.1-8) & (John 17.21-24)
“Rise, take up thy bed and walk” were the words of Jesus Christ to this man. I am totally convinced that this Word is the Proceeding–
(Rhema) Word, for the church in this hour for all.
It doesn’t matter whether the Bed of sickness, or apathy, or WORD-Complacency or Prayer-Lethargy has got a hold over you. It could be a Bed of Infirmity or even Unforgiveness or any Stronghold of the enemy’s deceptive craftiness and lies, Bed of guilt/condemnation, Bed of Backsliding or whatever it could or would be.
The word RISE is often used in terms of LIFE to death and all dead works in one’s life.
The phrase Take up thy bed means: Get off the bed, and enter NEW RESPONSIBILITY. Don’t GET STUCK UP in Life’s Cares or even Sickness/Disease. Shake off the dust of your struggles/Excuses/deceptions.
The phrase Walk means: Go and sin NO MORE, lest something worser happen to you. (5.14b)
To paraphrase the words of Jesus Christ: It’s time to RISE LIKE OUR BLESSED MASTER WHO IS THE WAY TO RISE. Wake up from every Spirit of Sleep (Death), Shake off every besetting weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us RUN with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus The Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12.1b,2).
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him- Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more, death has no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, he died unto sin once, but in that He lives, He lives unto God. Likewise reckon you also yourself to be Dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Let no sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield you, your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourself unto God, as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall have no dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6.8-14)
Dear Saint of God,
JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF has released His Holy Spirit to lead You Into ALL TRUTH as to how JESUS CHRIST was One with The Father. May this revelation be your portion in this hour of The Holy Spirit, and may your Joy be complete in HIM alone. My prayer is that God’s Unlimited favour may cause your life to Redefine HIS-STORY in and through you. Like Paul, I would pray that thanks unceasingly would be released from your mouth to UNLOCK HEAVEN’S INHERITANCE which is waiting to be released to your address. May nothing stop you TO CONQUER YOUR DESTINY IN CHRIST as an Over-comer.
THE CROSSING-OVER SEASON HAS BEEN IGNITED
Ever since the day of the fall God’s Spirit always intervened in the life of man. God’s desire for moving upon and stirring the waters was to bring the Original-Form back into man’s earth, as this planet was assigned to the first man- Adam. Thereafter in the journey of life, many of God’s people had to go through various wilder-nesses as per directions given. Nevertheless, we can always recognize God’s intervention in Provision of water from rocks or from wells for His people. But Moses along with God’s people crossed-over from Egypt by the path of the Red-Sea, using the rod of God (God’s Intervention). (Exodus 14.21-31). Then we see, God asking Moses to strike the rock for water (Exodus 17.1- 6) to quench the thirst of the people. We further see, God asking Moses to speak to the rock for water (Numbers 20.8-13), but we see Moses’ presumption and disobedience. This was a prophetic episode of JESUS THE ROCK that was to be struck only once and not twice.
The Water-Stirring is the Connection between the realm of heaven and the earth, which a man/woman would bring forth because of their Accurate-Joining to the realm of the heavenly, with God. (John 15. 5b) In other words, men/women connected with God in their generation would bring the super-natural realm into the natural realm of life’s surroundings, because of God’s intervention.
WHY was God so concerned about His people, crossing over?
(Deuteronomy 7.1-9) God’s Mind-set always for this important assignment to His people, was for their own inheritance: (Numbers 33. 51-56)
(a) to drive out ALL the land’s inhabitants,
(b) to destroy all their pictures, molten images and
(c) to pluck down all their high-places and dispossessing their land and dwelling in them.
As with Moses crossing-over the Red Sea was significant, so was it with Joshua crossing-over the Jordan River. (Joshua 3 & 4).
Before crossing over to the Jordan, one had to pass Shittim which is the place of Preparation for God’s people, just before God gives the Ultimate breakthrough. Specific instructions were released by Joshua’s comrades, “When you see the ark of the covenant of The Lord your God, carried by the Levites, then you must pursue it and there shall be a space of 2000 cubits between you and it, that you may know the way by which you must go, as you have not passed this way before”. Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow The Lord will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3.1-5)
There are releases by The Holy Spirit regards this passage which God would birth in all who are pursuers of God’s breakthrough in this generation.
(a) The Levites or the Priests of God had to step into the Jordan first with “The Ark of The Covenant” and none of them could be seen by the New Generation, as the Cloud of Glory stood between them and the people. Apart from this there had to be a space of 2000 cubits between them. Now even if any of the Levites here got out of order, the New Generation could not be trapped by their moves, as they were not to be followed after.
(b) The New Generation of God would move beyond the wilderness mentality of their forefathers into the realm of Canaan . Every Jordan situation would mean that the walls of water had to stand alongside, for the dry-ground manifestation for God’s people to walk on. They were to bring forth New Dimensions released by God for them, as they chose to cross over from the old mind-sets imparted to them .They were to pursue the Cloud of Glory caused by The Ark of the Covenant. No man was distracted by the Levites or the priests or their ministries, as they were instructed to SPECIFICALLY SEE where they were going. A question that needs our undivided attention today is: Do God’s people know the difference between the clouds of wonder and clouds of blunder? In the pursuit of “New Movements” and “New Stirrings” many don’t know where they are going, because they follow the heels of their Pet idol-minister. Paul made some astonishing statements: We were pressed out of measure, above strength, in so much that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead. (2Corinthians 1. 8b, 9).
We are the savour of death unto death. Always bearing about in the body the dying of The Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4.10-12).
All kinds of ministry must ONLY stand in The Death of Christ, for the people of God to arise and walk in the newness of life.
I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2.20).
So then if the heart is not open to God and not intending to go All The Way with and in Him, even unto the Fullness of Christ’s promised Life, then sooner or later Egypt or the old nature will resurface and continue to linger. Only when one’s eyes are fixed on God’s Glory can none stumble, as they can only behold His Glory and hear His Voice “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you”.
(c) Sanctification introduces Circumcision of the heart. It’s true that the forefathers in the wilderness were circumcised, but the wilderness only revealed the forefather spirit of stubbornness and compromise, which ultimately brought their own destruction. Subsequently the New Generation born in the same wilderness though carrying the reproach of Egypt which was inherited, had to be circumcised (a cutting away of the flesh) completely cut off from the old Egyptian life. The forefather’s lack of vision of The Promised Land did not permit breakthrough from their Egypt mind-sets. Even today, this same Curse has been the struggle of many in the Older Generation, as they have tried to break free from old vices, old habits and old unwanted traditional issues by all type of spiritual gymnastics, eventually yoking themselves in deeper struggles and bondages. God calls upon His people this day to a “New Circumcision”, a prepared life in His Spirit to remove the reproach of Egypt. Paul says in (Colossians 2.11-14) through baptism “In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein you also are raised with Him through the faith of God, who has raised Him from the dead. And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened together with Him, Having forgiven you all your trespasses. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us contrary to us, took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross.” Please refer also (Romans 2.25-29) further. It is the inward Working of the Holy Spirit that completely cripples the old nature and deeds of the flesh by Christ’s circumcision. Baptism for sure didn’t bring the reality of Jesus’ resurrection to most of us, but we continue to embrace this until it becomes a living reality in us. Followed by this reality comes the sufferings of Christ which truly results in the resurrected life of Christ. It is in our absolute nothingness, that we could expect the ability of His Resurrection power and life, and also be clothed in the whole armour of God, wrapped up in His mercy.
THE LEGACY OF THE NEW GENERATION SONS:
Right through the Scriptures we see a Moses open and crossover with God’s people “The Red Sea”, and then a Joshua emerge into his portion to open “The Jordan” for God’s people to cross-over to the other side. In both the above we see God’s hand working along side with man. But as we move further, we see a new generation of Elijah’s who hold rain and Elisha’s who take on Elijah’s mantle using THEIR MOUTH’S to bring forth the various supernatural dimensions of God. Elisha is about to venture into the Pattern for the sons of the prophets.
Before Elisha enters this new role, he learnt how to serve Elijah for nearly 8 years. Increase of Levels of commitment and responsibility make way for Increase in Anointing levels. In fact even much after Elijah died, Elisha was known all over Israel as the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah (1 Kings 19.17-21),(2Kings 3.11b) .
What does this speak of in our day-to-day issues of life?
Before moving in the anointing of separating Jordan’s, today’s Elishas need to learn how to prophetically pour water (True Servanthood is the Preparation for the Anointing) on the Anointed One’s of God.
In (2 Kings 2.11-14) we see Elisha witnessing a separation from his father Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven. There must be a separation from the earthly and the heavenly realm, separating fathers from sons, lest sons get complacent and irresponsible presuming their talk and walk.
A important requirement in today’s Church-leadership is:
Father’s relating to servants as their own birthed in the Spirit Sons.
In fact this is what Jesus Christ came to release on the earth, a Father-Son relationship being the pattern for the Next generation of Sons. Sharpness and alertness comes through walking close to the father which is a pre-requisite for prophets in the making, especially for discernment in situations. (Numbers.10.30-31)
A important truth is Sons or Fathers are not Titles given according to the Babylonian system, but sons are birthed in the father’s spiritual womb’s. They are not appointed out of one’s mind-set, but have the seal of the father’s genes in them.
Only separation from father’s and sons would cause sons to walk in new assignments and responsibility.
Elisha rents his clothes into 2 pieces, thus walking in a New Level no more as a follower, but now taking over as a father of Israel (Ground-work that needed to be taken-over what Elijah left incomplete). Two pieces speak of the double-portion inheritance that Elisha sought earnestly after.
Mantles are only prepared and left behind for Earnest Elishas to pick up.
Elisha now picks up the mantle of New Responsibility, which brings along “the New Anointing” to handle all the situations of life. After all didn’t he patiently endure all things and earnestly wait for this Mantle in the 8 years he served Elijah.
Now Jordan is a place for New Decisions and New Birthing, for in it Elisha would see his ministry and the future of many birthed.
Elisha smites the waters of the Jordan, just like Moses smiting the Red Sea. Smiting the water paves the way for NEW AUTHORITY to walk in, after all waters were meant to walk through (Isaiah 43.2)
Sons always learn from fathers patterns easily, as fathers impart their own life into sons and train them how to walk with God and how to be led by His Word (Genesis 22.7). No wonder Elisha could call upon The God of his father Elijah: Where is The Lord God of Elijah? The Jordan waters part hither and thither for Elisha to Cross Over. Why could Elisha not do the same earlier, even if he wanted?
Before Elisha walked in his father Elijah’s footsteps, he had to die to his own steps and ambition and embrace his father’s footsteps alone.
The mantle couldn’t be handed over until Elisha was prepared to walk in the journey of his father. That’s why Jesus Christ Himself even though birthed from heaven, never handed over His mantle to the disciples until they were prepared and equipped for the task (filled with The Holy Spirit from The Father).
Crossing over the Jordan for us today, speaks of Embracing of the Cross by The Father’s Will and hence dying to one’s ambitions, self interests, idolatry of self and idolatry of other like-minded servants, even though done sincerely in the Name of The Lord and for The Lord’s work. The crossing over further means crossing from all dead works and sin to Life.
The Prophetic Mantle will always be opposed by “so-called sons of prophets”
There were a brand of Prophets’ sons who may have been watching Elisha for some time and were waiting for any erroneous move from Elisha, which they couldn’t find. Sadly this is a cursed spirit that many are influenced by even today, as they mark the prophets and sadly even await their downfall.
Now these sons (actually slaves of their confused mindsets) asked Elisha permission to search for Elijah’s body, presuming it to be thrown in some mountain. “Their mouth’s speak of who they belong to- the father of lies”. Their search was futile, as their minds were confused. Confused slaves (claiming to be sons) always are misled and misguide others in the process. They are in Jesus words “Blind-leaders”.(Mathew 15.14) Sadly this principle hasn’t changed even after 3500 years, as we see today’s Slaves (claiming to be sons) search for dead Elijah’s in the mountains and valleys of life.
Second episodes are opened at the end of the first’s, with Elisha. The slaves return back as they are in dire straits. They are begging Elisha for a miracle. Their problem is :
a) The city is pleasant
b) the water is undrinkable and hence
c) the ground is dry and barren.
Isn’t this episode, the continual sad story of many a church-city in our nations today? Isn’t there a Great Need for The Elijah Mantle to be handed over to our today’s Elishas? Don’t we need heaven’s WORD to solve our natural calamities, or for that matter all life’s issues?
Amazing isn’t it, that Elisha crosses the Jordan to use the mantle at Jericho, a cursed place cursed by Joshua many centuries ago (Joshua 6.26). This tells me that The Prophetic Mantle of Elijah can break the power of Spoken Curses. So Elisha’ first miracle begins at Jericho (ancient cursed place), as he prophesies over the Jericho waters, after throwing the salt on the springs. Thereafter Elisha walks in the double-portion of Elijah.
THE ULTIMATE PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING: JESUS THE CHRIST, THE BELOVED (PATTERN) SON FOR US.
In (John 5.1-20) we find that there was a Jewish Festival Season in Jerusalem. Jesus also being led went over by the sheep-gate where a pool called in the Hebrew Bethesda. This pool incidentally was held together by five porches, but it didn’t look like the festival spirit was around nearby, as there were multitudes of Impotent folk (the blind, the lame, the withered) waiting for the moving of the water.
In the above verses, sadly we see a bird’s eye-view of the condition of many in the church today. I firmly believe that every story recorded in the scriptures can be identified by each of us when the power of pretense caused by the self-righteous pharisaical spirit is broken and paralyzed. There are different seasons recorded in scripture, similar to seasons in the natural realm. But to understand the spiritual seasons, the Issachar’s are to be identified in this hour in The Body of Christ. (1 Chronicles 12.32)
Bethesda which means “House of Grace/Mercy” signifying the church of today, which is held together by the Holy Spirit and the five porches being the five-fold ministry given by Jesus Christ, to equip each saint in the works of the ministry, and the edifying of each saint ……….(Ephesians 4.11,12-16) .
Notice the order released by The Holy Spirit to the apostle John, of the impotent folk, and compare spiritual conditions today prevailing in many main-line Christian network:
Firstly - The blind speaking of eyesight, vision and revelation from God’s Word John.3.3b)
– Unless a Man be born-again he cannot SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD. (Also Mathew 5.8)
Secondly - The lame speaking of our Walk in Christ. (Romans 8.14, 1b) As many as are led by The Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. They walk after The Spirit, not after the things of the flesh. (Also Acts 3.6-9)
Thirdly - The withered speaking of one’s who have no life at all (paralyzed).(John11.11,38-44). Lazarus was dead and even buried 4 days, and to all his life was over except to JESUS CHRIST THE LIFE-GIVER. (Also Mark 3.1-6)
(John 5.1-20): Now there were multitudes awaiting their opportunity to get connected with the angel’s stirred water first, and possibly there would have been stampedes to get into the water. What’s shocking is that one had to wait for his or her season for the ultimate breakthrough, and this required patience and endurance depending on one’s requirement. At a certain season, an Angel of The Lord went down into the pool to trouble (stir) the water. Today we don’t need an angel, because our favourite minister idol could be the substitute. We just want somebody to stir the water in the pool for us, so that we could receive our portion. But a certain lonely man bound by a spirit of infirmity for 38 long years, had in vain awaited his breakthrough was met by Jesus surprisingly. As usual the impotent man had to get his self-pity and acceptance from one’s who spoke to him. It looked like he (prayed) complained to Jesus about having no one to help him, and about the one’s who got before him (low image). I’m sure this prayer sounds familiar to many a believer today in our begging/complaining sessions with God.
NOTE: Why did Jesus meet this man only on the sabbath and not on any-other day? What difference would it make if Jesus met him on Sunday, the first day of the week? After all wasn’t he there for nearly 38 years with this issue? Why then, create trouble and aggravate the Jews who were like hawks waiting to hold the sabbath against Jesus? Why not fulfill His Messianic Office of healing all who were sick and diseased? After all wouldn’t Jesus have a crowd of healed people following Him everywhere?
We find the answers to the above questions only through careful study with the Holy Spirit, the Author. Jesus moved with compassion, saw this man sick for nearly 38 years. But more than seeing him, Jesus was able to see The Father finishing the healing work in the spirit (John. 5.17). Jesus doing The Father’s Will was a reflection of how Integrated (Becoming One) was He with The Father’s will (John 5.19). In fact the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Him-self Equal with God (John 5.18).
To walk in total union with The Father, was the key of Jesus’ Ministry on earth, and this key is vital for The Holy Spirit’s work in forming Jesus Christ in you/me. (John 15.1-8) & (John 17.21-24)
“Rise, take up thy bed and walk” were the words of Jesus Christ to this man. I am totally convinced that this Word is the Proceeding–
(Rhema) Word, for the church in this hour for all.
It doesn’t matter whether the Bed of sickness, or apathy, or WORD-Complacency or Prayer-Lethargy has got a hold over you. It could be a Bed of Infirmity or even Unforgiveness or any Stronghold of the enemy’s deceptive craftiness and lies, Bed of guilt/condemnation, Bed of Backsliding or whatever it could or would be.
The word RISE is often used in terms of LIFE to death and all dead works in one’s life.
The phrase Take up thy bed means: Get off the bed, and enter NEW RESPONSIBILITY. Don’t GET STUCK UP in Life’s Cares or even Sickness/Disease. Shake off the dust of your struggles/Excuses/deceptions.
The phrase Walk means: Go and sin NO MORE, lest something worser happen to you. (5.14b)
To paraphrase the words of Jesus Christ: It’s time to RISE LIKE OUR BLESSED MASTER WHO IS THE WAY TO RISE. Wake up from every Spirit of Sleep (Death), Shake off every besetting weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us RUN with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus The Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12.1b,2).
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him- Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more, death has no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, he died unto sin once, but in that He lives, He lives unto God. Likewise reckon you also yourself to be Dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Let no sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield you, your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourself unto God, as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall have no dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6.8-14)
Dear Saint of God,
JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF has released His Holy Spirit to lead You Into ALL TRUTH as to how JESUS CHRIST was One with The Father. May this revelation be your portion in this hour of The Holy Spirit, and may your Joy be complete in HIM alone. My prayer is that God’s Unlimited favour may cause your life to Redefine HIS-STORY in and through you. Like Paul, I would pray that thanks unceasingly would be released from your mouth to UNLOCK HEAVEN’S INHERITANCE which is waiting to be released to your address. May nothing stop you TO CONQUER YOUR DESTINY IN CHRIST as an Over-comer.
