MAKE WAY and the GREAT AWAKENING!
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 40:3-5
Isaiah 40:3-5
Since the beginning of the war between Ukraine and Russia, I have had a series of four visions. The visions speak to the present times. We have also witnessed significant historic convergences with the beginning of Ramadan, Good Friday, and Passover all converging this year, April 15. In addition, the National Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, Yom HaShoah (started at sundown April 27th), converges with the end of Ramadan and the Night of Power, Lalatul Qadar, on April 28th this year. The Night of Power is the holiest day in Islam. It marks the time when the Quran was first released to Mohammed. As we entered into a time of worship on the Israel Watch, I had a strong sense from the Lord to "Make Way." They were the only words I heard, but they were distinct and repeatedly ran through my thoughts. I sensed the Lord say:
"Make way! Remove the stumbling blocks for I am about to do a new thing. Don't think anything is too small for Me. I am going to do things no eye has seen, or ear has heard and work in ways you have not known. I am about to release new mantles and turbans on My people (Zechariah 3). Watch and see what I will do. That which you have contended for will come into new favor and that which is old will pass away. Do not despise the days of small beginnings. Be willing to shift. Nurture what I have given you and you will see it come to pass."
As I heard and pondered the words, I began to realize they were a punctuation point and message to the series of visions I have had since the beginning of the Russia/Ukraine war. Each vision was a satellite view of Europe/Russia centered around the Russia/Ukraine border. They involve a plumbline, a gate, Jesus the Shepherd and a GREAT AWAKENING! The series speaks to an evolution of prayer and insight to herald a "convergence" and marking of a "set time" that can help us in our perspective and prayers.
#1. First vision was of a plumbline: In a satellite view, western Europe appeared light but cloudy and to the east over Russia it was very dark. In between the two zones was a grey zone dividing the light and the dark. Then I saw a plumbline drop from heaven, landing in the grey zone. When it hit the atmosphere, an explosion occurred sending a large plume into the air. As it expanded and began to settle, small twinkling lights began to appear notably in the eastern dark zone. They appeared as areas of light in the midst of darkness. In seeking the Lord about it, I sensed Him saying “You’re further along than you think.” The words were targeting an end-time narrative and lights towards a spiritual awakening.
#1. First vision was of a plumbline: In a satellite view, western Europe appeared light but cloudy and to the east over Russia it was very dark. In between the two zones was a grey zone dividing the light and the dark. Then I saw a plumbline drop from heaven, landing in the grey zone. When it hit the atmosphere, an explosion occurred sending a large plume into the air. As it expanded and began to settle, small twinkling lights began to appear notably in the eastern dark zone. They appeared as areas of light in the midst of darkness. In seeking the Lord about it, I sensed Him saying “You’re further along than you think.” The words were targeting an end-time narrative and lights towards a spiritual awakening.
#2. The second vision was of an ancient gate: The same region was enshrouded with clouds, but through the clouds was a distinct gate type structure, like an ancient gate. The twinkling lights were still evident over Russia.
#3. The third vision was of Jesus sitting on His throne over the same region. It occurred during the “Nations for Peace” night watch April 21. Again, the map of eastern Europe/Russia/Asia appeared. Over the boundary lines of Ukraine and Russia, Jesus appeared sitting on His throne with a shepherd’s rod held in his right hand and resting on His left shoulder (crossing His heart). He was sitting, gazing down at the scene below Him on earth (Ukraine/Russia region). His calm expression and shepherd's position was an exact opposite to the strife and division below. He was not about to flee but was steadfast in His gaze.
#4. The fourth vision came as a progressive expression of the 3rd vision. As people prayed through the hour, there was a distinct sense of Jesus the “Good Shepherd” was speaking to us. Sheep began to appear on His lap, until He finally stood up. He turned and then stepped forward towards the East. The sheep followed across Russia as Jesus with His shepherd rod guided them forward.
- John 10:1 Jesus said, "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”
- John 10:7-9 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
#3. The third vision was of Jesus sitting on His throne over the same region. It occurred during the “Nations for Peace” night watch April 21. Again, the map of eastern Europe/Russia/Asia appeared. Over the boundary lines of Ukraine and Russia, Jesus appeared sitting on His throne with a shepherd’s rod held in his right hand and resting on His left shoulder (crossing His heart). He was sitting, gazing down at the scene below Him on earth (Ukraine/Russia region). His calm expression and shepherd's position was an exact opposite to the strife and division below. He was not about to flee but was steadfast in His gaze.
- John 10:14-16 “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.”
- John 10:11. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
#4. The fourth vision came as a progressive expression of the 3rd vision. As people prayed through the hour, there was a distinct sense of Jesus the “Good Shepherd” was speaking to us. Sheep began to appear on His lap, until He finally stood up. He turned and then stepped forward towards the East. The sheep followed across Russia as Jesus with His shepherd rod guided them forward.
- John 10:3-4 “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”
What can this progression mean? First of all, they were very clear. The revelation of one vision progressed and carried weight into the other visions. For review of meanings:
- Plumblines: Plumblines are a tool to find the true vertical. Spiritually they signify directives from heaven that carry eternal truths that expose “crooked” places or things that are out of alignment. Such lines can expose and disrupt things that are out of alignment (Isaiah 28:16-17). They signify a standard of righteousness and justice (Amos 7:8). When watchmen hold plumb lines in place, we are vertically aligned with God, and hold steady in the headwinds of judgments (Amos 7:8-17).
- Gates: Biblically, gates represent major places of business transactions , authority where courts convened (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) and city elders met (Ruth 4:1-11) and important public announcements were made (2 Samuel 18:1-5). They are a place of authority and control over the city or region (Genesis 22:17, Matthew 16:18). They represent a call for watchmen to take their place and make the decrees that will establish righteousness in our city and national gates.
- Jesus: Jesus appearing as the “Good Shepherd,” is profound particularly in times of war. (John 10:1-4, 14-16). Jesus, as a good Shepherd, guides His sheep, does not push, and will leave the 99 to find the one (Luke 15:12). Shepherds protect and provide for the sheep. In the midst of chaos, Jesus appearing as a good Shepherd carries great spiritual weight and strength. We as believers can access that peace in times of war. When Jesus spoke of things to come in the end-times, twice he said “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). This portion of the vision is reflective of Jesus watching over His sheep and calling us to a higher place, an Ekklesia that knows how to war and trust in Him.
- How do these visions relate to today?
The Ukraine/Russia war carries significant weight spiritually. What is the Spirit saying to us as believers and how should we pray to best line up with God’s purposes in this war?
Isaiah 28:5-6 carries keys: In that day the LORD of hosts will be for a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people, for a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate. - Key message: This war is a gateway for a “Great awakening” globally in the body of Christ. How can we pray?
- Pray for the awakening of the body of Christ globally into the true sense of Ekklesia (Matthew 16: 13-20; 24:37-42).
- Pray for Watchmen to rise up and join ranks across the nations (Isaiah 52:8; 62:4-7) to continue building bridges for peace and contending for God’s redemptive plan.
- Pray for Russia to move into the dimensions of “mother” Russia. God is calling forth believers in Russia to rise above political position to stand for righteousness and be heralds of an awakening that will nurture and inspire the Church in revival, restoration, redemption. 2 Chron 7:14; Isaiah 2:4
- Pray for the revelation of Jesus’ leadership in the lives of Christians particularly in Ukraine and Russia moving people beyond offense into the power of forgiveness and His resurrecting power. Ps 22:27-28; Ps 2; Mt. 11:28-30, Rom 8:18
- Pray for a true spirit of repentance that will lead to healing of the nations and restoration of relationships. 2 Chron 7:14, 2 Cor 5:17
- Pray for peace strategies that will end the war and dissipate nuclear escalation. John 16:33; 14:27; Isaiah 26:3;
- Pray for the harvest of souls to come into the Kingdom. John 3:16; 2 Cor 6:2
- Pray for healing of those now suffering loss on both sides. Ps 147:3, Ecc 3:1-8; Mt 11:28-30
- Pray for wisdom for all in leadership. Ps 2:10-12
- CONFIRMATION: Hudson Taylor released a prophetic word about a Russian revival in the mid 1800’s:
“Hudson Taylor, famous British missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission, had an amazing vision in 1889 of a great national spiritual awakening in Russia that will touch Europe before Christ’s return. These are his words:
“I saw in this vision a great war that encompasses the world. I saw this war recess and then start again, actually being two wars [WWI & WWII]. After this I saw much unrest and revolts that will affect many nations. I saw in some places spiritual awakenings. In Russia I saw there will come a general all-encompassing, national spiritual awakening, so great that there could never be another like it. From Russia, I saw the awakening spread to many European countries. Then I saw an all-out awakening, followed by the second coming of Christ.” (1)
God is a master at making beauty out of ashes. Let’s believe we are at the edge of witnessing the great awakening. Don’t be discouraged at the battle, but take Jesus words, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this,” Revelation 4:1.
Time to pray to "Make Way for a Great Awakening!" It is at the door...the gate is opening, and Jesus is ready to lead us forward.
4/28/2022
