Word and Vision
“Until” 2023 and the “Persecuted Church”
Positioned for Change.
Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”
...Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him,
while the angel of the LORD stood by. Zech 3:3-5
...Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him,
while the angel of the LORD stood by. Zech 3:3-5
The International Watchmen Summit 2023 has come and gone with lightning speed. We were blessed by a strong Presence of the Lord throughout as His Spirit graciously directed us through life-changing messages that in many ways, if we are honest with ourselves, re-arranged our thinking for the future. We are in a time of preparation for divine intervention. Such intervention will require us to position ourselves for change. This sense was heightened by a vision I had on the Sunday morning service at Jesus Haus.
VISION: I saw a throne enshrouded by bright light with a figure sitting on it. It would be what I would envision God as sitting on His throne. From it rolled out roadway of gold emanating light. On either side were angelic beings in worshipful stances or dancing and waving banners. A crowd of us in the dark were at the end of this highway. As person by person stepped forward onto this highway of gold, the angels flung new mantles and turbans on those stepping forward. Some carried the new clothing forward, some partially received it, but turned back into the crowd. When they did so, they lost the new mantle, and turbans and faded into the crowd.
VISION: I saw a throne enshrouded by bright light with a figure sitting on it. It would be what I would envision God as sitting on His throne. From it rolled out roadway of gold emanating light. On either side were angelic beings in worshipful stances or dancing and waving banners. A crowd of us in the dark were at the end of this highway. As person by person stepped forward onto this highway of gold, the angels flung new mantles and turbans on those stepping forward. Some carried the new clothing forward, some partially received it, but turned back into the crowd. When they did so, they lost the new mantle, and turbans and faded into the crowd.
INTERPRETATION: Hopefully, the interpretation is very obvious. We are entering a season when God is requiring us to step forward, (not in arrogance but in obedience). Though we may not feel prepared, He will provide the mantle and new thinking to answer His call. It will require us to take the step forward.
The biblical application comes from Zechariah 3:1-5 where Joshua the high priest was standing before the Lord. He was dressed in filthy rags. The rags could represent personal or national issues the priest was contending for. Either way, Joshua was carrying rebuke and criticism from the enemy who was standing at his right hand accusing him. He was in a massive warfare situation where the enemy was taunting him but Joshua did not move or react. Place yourself in this position. Ever been there? Likely he was experiencing much of what we feel in intense warfare, or in the “dregs” of life or ministry pummeling us daily seeking the Lord and His purposes.
Interestingly, Joshua held a significant position as priest before the Lord. In this situation, he stood not saying or doing anything. Despite the enemy’s taunts ringing and raging through his ears, he stood. His stance is a picture of a relentless watchman. Imagine times in your life when the enemy was literally screaming in your ear. You were at the point of breaking, or actually did break and gave in to the discouragement, despair, intimidation, hurt, the enemy wanted to inflict. These patterns reflect the filthy rags and turbans the enemy wants us to hold on to. Perhaps you are there now. Note, in the intensity of this warfare, Joshua did not speak. He simply stood. We might all have interpretations of what was going through his head. But note, despite the accusations, Joshua stood. The Lord saw his steadfastness.
When the time was right, the voice of the Lord thundered above the din and accusations of Satan. Suddenly, things changed. Joshua’s thinking came into a new light. Life sprang forth from a tired and weary body as a new mantle and turban were commanded from God’s guiding hand. Joshua then received new orders and commission. He was set for the change.
APPLICATION: In the days ahead, you may feel stretched and uncertain about the future. Doubts and concerns of the past, may make you feel uncertain. But don't stop seeking the Lord or take things for granted. Allow God to challenge you, your thinking, your opinions, your will and emotions. Allow Him to make your heart “Grow hot” within you and show you how to respond. Psalm 39 epitomizes the agony required to break off rejection that release a new confidence, direction, and hope.
The biblical application comes from Zechariah 3:1-5 where Joshua the high priest was standing before the Lord. He was dressed in filthy rags. The rags could represent personal or national issues the priest was contending for. Either way, Joshua was carrying rebuke and criticism from the enemy who was standing at his right hand accusing him. He was in a massive warfare situation where the enemy was taunting him but Joshua did not move or react. Place yourself in this position. Ever been there? Likely he was experiencing much of what we feel in intense warfare, or in the “dregs” of life or ministry pummeling us daily seeking the Lord and His purposes.
Interestingly, Joshua held a significant position as priest before the Lord. In this situation, he stood not saying or doing anything. Despite the enemy’s taunts ringing and raging through his ears, he stood. His stance is a picture of a relentless watchman. Imagine times in your life when the enemy was literally screaming in your ear. You were at the point of breaking, or actually did break and gave in to the discouragement, despair, intimidation, hurt, the enemy wanted to inflict. These patterns reflect the filthy rags and turbans the enemy wants us to hold on to. Perhaps you are there now. Note, in the intensity of this warfare, Joshua did not speak. He simply stood. We might all have interpretations of what was going through his head. But note, despite the accusations, Joshua stood. The Lord saw his steadfastness.
When the time was right, the voice of the Lord thundered above the din and accusations of Satan. Suddenly, things changed. Joshua’s thinking came into a new light. Life sprang forth from a tired and weary body as a new mantle and turban were commanded from God’s guiding hand. Joshua then received new orders and commission. He was set for the change.
APPLICATION: In the days ahead, you may feel stretched and uncertain about the future. Doubts and concerns of the past, may make you feel uncertain. But don't stop seeking the Lord or take things for granted. Allow God to challenge you, your thinking, your opinions, your will and emotions. Allow Him to make your heart “Grow hot” within you and show you how to respond. Psalm 39 epitomizes the agony required to break off rejection that release a new confidence, direction, and hope.
So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue. Ps 39:2-3
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue. Ps 39:2-3
Lean into Him. He will confirm your steps. When the time was right, and the testing proven, God gave Joshua a new mantle and turban giving direction forward. God spoke words of hope and direction into Joshua. He became a new man and was able to help mobilize the people into completing the task of rebuilding the temple. There is hope and promise as we allow God to redress us in times of absolute despair and feeling like our insides are going to bust. (Excuse the language, but I hope you understand :). God will redress us and position us for the future. There is much work yet to be done…Nehemiah (a contemporary of Zechariah) says, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us,” (Neh 4:19-29).
Zechariah goes on to exhort and encourage Joshua and the Israelites in Zechariah 3 and 4, "It is not by might nor by power, but by My spirit," Zech 4:6. As the future unfolds, may we be found obedient in love and faith to move beyond the past hindrances into the hope of the future and take on the new mantles and turbans He has waiting for us.
WORD on Zechariah (instead of temple insert the spiritual walls of Jerusalem). This comes from the forward to the book of Zechariah in my Bible. By inserting the spiritual walls, and ramparts of prayer Isaiah speaks of, it reflects the commissioning we sense from this Summit and the call of Watchmen today: "For a dozen years or more, the task of rebuilding the temple (building the spiritual walls of prayer, Isaiah 52:8; 62:6-7) has been half completed. Zechariah is commissioned by God to encourage the people in their unfinished responsibility. Rather than exhorting them to action with strong words of rebuke, Zechariah seeks to encourage them to action by reminding them of the future importance of the temple (walls of Jerusalem). The temple (ramparts of prayer) must be built, for one day the Messiah’s glory will inhabit it. But future blessing is contingent upon present obedience. The people are not merely building a building; they are building the future. With that as their motivation, they can enter into the building project with wholehearted zeal, for their Messiah is coming. Zekar-yah means “Yahweh Remembers” or “Yahweh Has Remembered.”(1)
1) The Holy Bible, NKJV, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN Pg 831
Zechariah goes on to exhort and encourage Joshua and the Israelites in Zechariah 3 and 4, "It is not by might nor by power, but by My spirit," Zech 4:6. As the future unfolds, may we be found obedient in love and faith to move beyond the past hindrances into the hope of the future and take on the new mantles and turbans He has waiting for us.
WORD on Zechariah (instead of temple insert the spiritual walls of Jerusalem). This comes from the forward to the book of Zechariah in my Bible. By inserting the spiritual walls, and ramparts of prayer Isaiah speaks of, it reflects the commissioning we sense from this Summit and the call of Watchmen today: "For a dozen years or more, the task of rebuilding the temple (building the spiritual walls of prayer, Isaiah 52:8; 62:6-7) has been half completed. Zechariah is commissioned by God to encourage the people in their unfinished responsibility. Rather than exhorting them to action with strong words of rebuke, Zechariah seeks to encourage them to action by reminding them of the future importance of the temple (walls of Jerusalem). The temple (ramparts of prayer) must be built, for one day the Messiah’s glory will inhabit it. But future blessing is contingent upon present obedience. The people are not merely building a building; they are building the future. With that as their motivation, they can enter into the building project with wholehearted zeal, for their Messiah is coming. Zekar-yah means “Yahweh Remembers” or “Yahweh Has Remembered.”(1)
1) The Holy Bible, NKJV, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN Pg 831
Song from the Russian Watch:
Warriors who are strong and mature
will stand shoulder to shoulder
on their shields “FAITH” is written
their swords are blazing with fire
May they come, may they rise up, the eagles and the lions
may they come for the last spiritual battle
They will move in close formation and not be stopped
they will carry the glory of Heaven
and where this mighty army will pass
the dead will come back to life
May they come, may they rise up, the eagles and the lions
may they come for the last spiritual battle
Warriors who are strong and mature
will stand shoulder to shoulder
on their shields “FAITH” is written
their swords are blazing with fire
May they come, may they rise up, the eagles and the lions
may they come for the last spiritual battle
They will move in close formation and not be stopped
they will carry the glory of Heaven
and where this mighty army will pass
the dead will come back to life
May they come, may they rise up, the eagles and the lions
may they come for the last spiritual battle
