The Lord spoke these words as we crossed into the Hebrew year 5779:
"Look to Me, and bring the 'ark' back! For this is the year I will entrust you with My greater glory and My greater things! For you are entering a time of greater exploits, greater blessings, and greater victories in your lives, just as David was!"
And He spoke further:
"As I have done for David when he became king, I will do the same for those who treasure My presence more than anything on earth! But this is a key time to let go! Let go of those past struggles and defeats! Let go of those past hurts and betrayals! Let go of your Saul's time, and enter into your David's time!"
2 Samuel chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 are the key chapters to begin with in this new year. As you walk into a brand new spiritual year in your life, begin as David did when he first became king! One of the first things David did (upon reigning as king over all of Israel and Judah) was to bring the ark of the Lord back to its rightful place! The 'ark' here, of course, speaks of 'God's presence, God's glory, or Jesus Himself''.
As the ark of the Lord was being brought to the City of David, 2 Samuel 6:14-15 says, 'Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet'.
It is very interesting to see David wearing a linen ephod here, instead of the king's royal robe. After all, he had already been anointed a king, and could have just 'acted like a king'! But no, he was in the streets, dancing his heart out before the Lord, and worshiping the Lord with gladness! What other people say didn't matter to him at all, because he knew nothing else would be more important than the Lord Himself!
A linen ephod was customarily worn by a priest those days; and a 'priest' is always a 'picture' of 'servanthood', not 'kingship'. And here lies what's truly inside David's heart - a heart that acknowledged there's a greater King whom he serves - the King of kings, the Lord of lords!
You see, David could have celebrated 'himself' as king, but instead, he chose to celebrate 'the Lord' as king! In other words, he treasured God's presence more than anything else on earth, and yes, even his own 'kingship'! No wonder the Lord began to entrust him with greater glory and greater things from that day onward!
Beloved of God, as you begin this new year 5779, you too are like the 'David' of today! Begin just as David did when he reigned as king over all of Israel and Judah! Begin by celebrating the King of kings today, and acknowledge Him as the King over ALL areas of your life! Let go of those past struggles and defeats! Let go of those past hurts and betrayals! Let go of your Saul's time, and enter into your David's time! And declare that you too are walking into greater exploits, greater blessings, and greater victories, just as David was (2 Samuel 8:1-18). Amen!
Showing posts with label Ark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ark. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Resting in Christ in the midst of the storms
Genesis 7:1 (NKJV): Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation."
The name 'Noah' here in Hebrew is 'Noach' or 'Nowach', meaning 'rest, or quiet', from the word 'nuwach' which means 'to rest, to be still, to settle down, to be quiet, to dwell/stay'.
Here, the Bible also says God saw that Noah was a righteous man before Him. Today, as a believer in the New Covenant, you are made righteous through Christ, because 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, 'For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him'.
In Genesis 6:8, the Bible says that 'Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord'. The word 'grace' here is 'chen' (pronounced 'khane') in Hebrew, which means 'favor, beauty, kindness'. As a believer, you too have found grace, because you have found Jesus Christ! John 1:17 says, 'For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ'.
"So, what does Noah's ark speaks of here in the context of New Covenant?"
The word 'ark' here is 'tebah' in Hebrew, which simply means 'box'. This 'ark' is a 'picture' of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Lord of rest, or 'shabath' in Hebrew. This 'ark' is the 'shadow', and the Lord Jesus Christ is the 'substance'. Today, we don't look to the 'shadow', but we look to the 'substance'. Therefore, to be in the 'ark' is a 'picture' of to be in Christ. As a matter of fact, being in Christ is the safest place you can ever be while on earth, whether you are going through an economic storm, political storm, financial storm, or any other forms of storm on earth!
Genesis 6:13-16 says, 'And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits (about 135 meters), its width fifty cubits (about 22.5 meters), and its height thirty cubits (about 13.5 meters). You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks."
Have you noticed there's only one door for this ark? In John 10:7, Jesus says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." Indeed, Jesus is that (singular) door, and He is also the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 says, 'There is no other name given among men by which one must be saved (rescued), but by the name of Jesus ('Yeshuwah')'.
As you can see here, the 'ark' in Noah's days was God's rescue plan (God's redemption plan), which speaks of Jesus Christ Himself, or 'Yeshuwah' in Hebrew, which means 'Salvation' (i.e. to save, to deliver, to rescue, to aid, to help). He is your only hope in this end-time, similar to Noah's ark when God was about to judge the whole earth!
Points to note on 'Noah's ark':
This ark was merely a rescue device afloat in the flood, with no rudder (steering) and propeller.
The 'length to width ratio' for the ark was 6:1 (i.e. 300 cubits to 50 cubits), which has been proven in modern ship technology to be an ideal 'length to width ratio' for huge vessels/ships today.
Amazingly, God's measurement and design (blueprints) for Noah's ark (built about 5,000 years ago) strikes a perfect balance of comfort, strength, and stability, enabling a safe, drifting voyage during very turbulent, stormy times.
You see, longer vessels may have comfort and stability, but no strength (i.e. it can fracture and break into half easily), and wider vessels may have stability and strength, but no comfort (i.e. passengers are more prone to sea sicknesses and injuries).
The infamous Titanic that sank had a 'length to width ratio' of 10:1, whereas Knock Nevis (one of the largest modern tankers in the world today, and about three times the size of Noah's ark) has a 'length to width ratio' of 6:1, the same ratio as Noah's ark!
Indeed, Jesus is your perfect comfort, strength, and stability. Amen!
Source: Noah's Ark, Hong Kong.
Therefore, people of God, because you are in this perfect 'ark', no matter how stormy or turbulent your situation (or circumstance) around you may be at the moment, He is here saying to you, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Yes, let Him be exalted among the nations, and let Him also be exalted over every aspect of your life as well!
Indeed, Jesus is your perfect rest in the midst of the storms.
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, He is here inviting you to 'come into the ark' today. The Bible says He is the Lord of rest, or 'shabath' in Hebrew (Matthew 12:8), and in this perfect 'ark', you are safe and well, and staying in the eye of the storm!
Genesis 6:22 then says, 'Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did'.
In spite of the ridicules, mockery, and despise from others in his days, Noah trusted God, obeyed God, and continued to build the 'ark' as God had instructed and specified. He learned to depend on God's knowledge (or blueprint) even if no one else believed him. This speaks of you hanging on strong in what God has spoken to you, in spite of whatever people may say against you. And it is no wonder Hebrews 11:7 says, 'By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith'.
Therefore, people of God, hang on strong and continue to walk with the Lord, as Noah did, even if others may ridicule you, mock at you, despise you, or even threaten you because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Now, there's another 'ark' mentioned in the Old Testament which was (also) so important to God that He (also) gave the Israelites very specific instructions on how it was to be constructed (just as He gave very specific instructions to Noah). It is called the ark of the covenant (read Exodus 25:10-22 for the specific measurement and design of this ark).
Points to note on 'the ark of the covenant':
The box was made of acacia wood, known in Israel as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of the humanity of Jesus, yet there's no sin in Him.
The box was overlaid with gold. This speaks of the divinity of Jesus.
The lid that covered the box was made of a solid slab of gold, and called 'kapporeth' in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat'. Indeed, His mercy triumphs over judgement. Because of all that He has done for you on the cross, He has also covered all your sins and rebellion against God.
Just as Noah's ark, this 'ark' also points you to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ! The word 'ark' here is 'arown' in Hebrew, also meaning 'box'. Interestingly, this word 'arown' comes from the word 'arah', meaning 'to gather'. Notice wherever this ark of the covenant (a 'picture' of Jesus Christ Himself) was carried in a procession, there was also a major in-gathering of God's people together with it! You can see that in David's days (see 1 Chronicles 15:1-3, 1 Chronicles 15:25-28, 1 Chronicles 16:1-2), and you see that again during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:1-11). Indeed, when He is lifted up, He will draw (gather) all peoples (John 12:32). Hallelujah!
Today, He is calling you to be part of this great procession of the ‘ark’ as well. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, ‘Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (i.e. in a triumphal procession in Christ) and through us diffuses (spreads) the fragrance of His knowledge in every place’. Amen.
Conclusion on both 'Noah's ark' and 'the ark of the covenant':
'Being in Noah's ark' speaks of 'you in Christ';
'The ark of the covenant entering Jerusalem in David's days (as he prepared a place for the 'ark' to enter in)' speaks of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27).
You in Christ, and Christ in you! This speaks of the fullness of Christ who dwells (fills) all in all (Ephesians 1:23), and there's really no other safer place to be than this! That's how blessed you are when you have Christ! The Word of God says so, and let not anyone shake you out of it!
The name 'Noah' here in Hebrew is 'Noach' or 'Nowach', meaning 'rest, or quiet', from the word 'nuwach' which means 'to rest, to be still, to settle down, to be quiet, to dwell/stay'.
Here, the Bible also says God saw that Noah was a righteous man before Him. Today, as a believer in the New Covenant, you are made righteous through Christ, because 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, 'For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him'.
In Genesis 6:8, the Bible says that 'Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord'. The word 'grace' here is 'chen' (pronounced 'khane') in Hebrew, which means 'favor, beauty, kindness'. As a believer, you too have found grace, because you have found Jesus Christ! John 1:17 says, 'For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ'.
"So, what does Noah's ark speaks of here in the context of New Covenant?"
The word 'ark' here is 'tebah' in Hebrew, which simply means 'box'. This 'ark' is a 'picture' of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Lord of rest, or 'shabath' in Hebrew. This 'ark' is the 'shadow', and the Lord Jesus Christ is the 'substance'. Today, we don't look to the 'shadow', but we look to the 'substance'. Therefore, to be in the 'ark' is a 'picture' of to be in Christ. As a matter of fact, being in Christ is the safest place you can ever be while on earth, whether you are going through an economic storm, political storm, financial storm, or any other forms of storm on earth!
Genesis 6:13-16 says, 'And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits (about 135 meters), its width fifty cubits (about 22.5 meters), and its height thirty cubits (about 13.5 meters). You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks."
Have you noticed there's only one door for this ark? In John 10:7, Jesus says, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." Indeed, Jesus is that (singular) door, and He is also the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 says, 'There is no other name given among men by which one must be saved (rescued), but by the name of Jesus ('Yeshuwah')'.
As you can see here, the 'ark' in Noah's days was God's rescue plan (God's redemption plan), which speaks of Jesus Christ Himself, or 'Yeshuwah' in Hebrew, which means 'Salvation' (i.e. to save, to deliver, to rescue, to aid, to help). He is your only hope in this end-time, similar to Noah's ark when God was about to judge the whole earth!
Points to note on 'Noah's ark':
This ark was merely a rescue device afloat in the flood, with no rudder (steering) and propeller.
The 'length to width ratio' for the ark was 6:1 (i.e. 300 cubits to 50 cubits), which has been proven in modern ship technology to be an ideal 'length to width ratio' for huge vessels/ships today.
Amazingly, God's measurement and design (blueprints) for Noah's ark (built about 5,000 years ago) strikes a perfect balance of comfort, strength, and stability, enabling a safe, drifting voyage during very turbulent, stormy times.
You see, longer vessels may have comfort and stability, but no strength (i.e. it can fracture and break into half easily), and wider vessels may have stability and strength, but no comfort (i.e. passengers are more prone to sea sicknesses and injuries).
The infamous Titanic that sank had a 'length to width ratio' of 10:1, whereas Knock Nevis (one of the largest modern tankers in the world today, and about three times the size of Noah's ark) has a 'length to width ratio' of 6:1, the same ratio as Noah's ark!
Indeed, Jesus is your perfect comfort, strength, and stability. Amen!
Source: Noah's Ark, Hong Kong.
Therefore, people of God, because you are in this perfect 'ark', no matter how stormy or turbulent your situation (or circumstance) around you may be at the moment, He is here saying to you, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) Yes, let Him be exalted among the nations, and let Him also be exalted over every aspect of your life as well!
Indeed, Jesus is your perfect rest in the midst of the storms.
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, He is here inviting you to 'come into the ark' today. The Bible says He is the Lord of rest, or 'shabath' in Hebrew (Matthew 12:8), and in this perfect 'ark', you are safe and well, and staying in the eye of the storm!
Genesis 6:22 then says, 'Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did'.
In spite of the ridicules, mockery, and despise from others in his days, Noah trusted God, obeyed God, and continued to build the 'ark' as God had instructed and specified. He learned to depend on God's knowledge (or blueprint) even if no one else believed him. This speaks of you hanging on strong in what God has spoken to you, in spite of whatever people may say against you. And it is no wonder Hebrews 11:7 says, 'By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith'.
Therefore, people of God, hang on strong and continue to walk with the Lord, as Noah did, even if others may ridicule you, mock at you, despise you, or even threaten you because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Now, there's another 'ark' mentioned in the Old Testament which was (also) so important to God that He (also) gave the Israelites very specific instructions on how it was to be constructed (just as He gave very specific instructions to Noah). It is called the ark of the covenant (read Exodus 25:10-22 for the specific measurement and design of this ark).
Points to note on 'the ark of the covenant':
The box was made of acacia wood, known in Israel as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of the humanity of Jesus, yet there's no sin in Him.
The box was overlaid with gold. This speaks of the divinity of Jesus.
The lid that covered the box was made of a solid slab of gold, and called 'kapporeth' in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat'. Indeed, His mercy triumphs over judgement. Because of all that He has done for you on the cross, He has also covered all your sins and rebellion against God.
Just as Noah's ark, this 'ark' also points you to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ! The word 'ark' here is 'arown' in Hebrew, also meaning 'box'. Interestingly, this word 'arown' comes from the word 'arah', meaning 'to gather'. Notice wherever this ark of the covenant (a 'picture' of Jesus Christ Himself) was carried in a procession, there was also a major in-gathering of God's people together with it! You can see that in David's days (see 1 Chronicles 15:1-3, 1 Chronicles 15:25-28, 1 Chronicles 16:1-2), and you see that again during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:1-11). Indeed, when He is lifted up, He will draw (gather) all peoples (John 12:32). Hallelujah!
Today, He is calling you to be part of this great procession of the ‘ark’ as well. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, ‘Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (i.e. in a triumphal procession in Christ) and through us diffuses (spreads) the fragrance of His knowledge in every place’. Amen.
Conclusion on both 'Noah's ark' and 'the ark of the covenant':
'Being in Noah's ark' speaks of 'you in Christ';
'The ark of the covenant entering Jerusalem in David's days (as he prepared a place for the 'ark' to enter in)' speaks of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27).
You in Christ, and Christ in you! This speaks of the fullness of Christ who dwells (fills) all in all (Ephesians 1:23), and there's really no other safer place to be than this! That's how blessed you are when you have Christ! The Word of God says so, and let not anyone shake you out of it!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The 'ark' opens the way into your new season!
Joshua 3:3 (NKJV): And they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it."
The ark of the covenant of the Lord here points us to the Person and work of Jesus. In fact, every detail of the ark gives us a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. For instance, the 'box' of the ark is made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11). 'Wood' here speaks of 'the humanity of Jesus', and acacia wood is known as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of Jesus' incorruptible humanity, i.e. sinless. 'Gold' here speaks of 'the divinity, or deity of Jesus'.
The lid covering the box is also made of gold. This lid is called 'kapporeth' (Exodus 25:21) in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat', from the word 'kaphar', which is 'to cover, to atone, to reconcile, to wash, to cleanse'. As a believer, know that Jesus has become your 'kapporeth' when He died for you on the cross. All your sins have been cleansed and washed away, and therefore you have been atoned (i.e. made 'at-one' with God) and reconciled to God. In other words, Jesus has become your 'covering', and because of this, God remembers your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).
What is inside the box? There are three things kept inside the box, i.e. the stone tablets (containing the 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna (see Hebrews 9:4). These are not to be uncovered, because each of these speaks of our sins and rebellion. The stone tablets speaks of man's inability to keep God's law perfectly, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Aaron's rod that budded speaks of man's rebellion against God's leadership and ways. The golden pot of manna speaks of man's rebellion against God's providence.
After a brief look at the meaning of the 'ark', let's now read Joshua 3:3 again. It says when God's people see this ark, 'they shall set out from their place and go after it'. Notice the words 'go after it'? And you know why? Because it's the ark that 'opens the way for them'! In other words, without the ark, it would have been impossible for them to 'cross over' into their new season (i.e. their Promised Land). Read the Word of God in Joshua chapter 3, and you'll see why! And as Joshua and the people prepared themselves to enter their new season, they were also supposed to let the ark go before them first! (Joshua 3:5-6) Note that this 'ark' speaks of 'Jesus'. Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.
And as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord rest in the waters of the (River) Jordan, the waters were cut off, and rose in a heap very far away at a city called Adam (Joshua 3:13-16). This speaks of 'the curse of sins (of Adam) being reversed' through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross! Today, the same it is for you and me, the believers. When your curse is being reversed, blessing in turn comes (Galatians 3:13). Notice that God's people those days were also about to walk into their blessing (i.e. the Promised Land).
A new season comes with new open doors, and Jesus is also your Door (John 10:9). In fact, the word 'door' in John 10:9 actually means 'opening, entrance way'. So, He is your 'opening', your 'entrance way'! This is a time to look to Him and His hands, not man's (or any worldly organization's) hands. The 'opening, entrance way' that God opens (like in the days of Joshua), no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Interestingly, the word 'pasture' here in Greek means 'feeding'. When you enter through Him your Door, you'll be 'feeding on every good thing that comes from Him'!
So, people of God, follow the path of the ark! That's what Joshua and the people did as they 'crossed over' into their new season! Keep looking to Him, the 'Beginner' and 'Completor' of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2) This is not a time to waver or doubt! Notice before Joshua entered his new season, God also said these words to him: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). Today, He also promises you that 'He'll never (by any means, and no matter what happens) leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Amen!
He is the One who opens and leads the way for you. He is also your only firm foundation in the midst of all, even if the whole world is 'shaking' economically or politically. In Joshua's days, the priests who bore the ark stood firm on dry ground in the midst of (River) Jordan, until all the people had crossed over completely into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).
Recently, I heard these words: "This is a time to move forward together with God in His dynamics and His energy." See? Not your own dynamics or energy, but His! And yes, like eagles soaring in the dynamics and energy of the wind, today, the wind of the Spirit is blowing too, and as your wings are being mounted, let His wind carry you on, and into greater victories in this new season of yours. Hallelujah!
The ark of the covenant of the Lord here points us to the Person and work of Jesus. In fact, every detail of the ark gives us a 'picture' of Jesus Himself. For instance, the 'box' of the ark is made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11). 'Wood' here speaks of 'the humanity of Jesus', and acacia wood is known as an incorruptible wood. This speaks of Jesus' incorruptible humanity, i.e. sinless. 'Gold' here speaks of 'the divinity, or deity of Jesus'.
The lid covering the box is also made of gold. This lid is called 'kapporeth' (Exodus 25:21) in Hebrew, meaning 'mercy seat', from the word 'kaphar', which is 'to cover, to atone, to reconcile, to wash, to cleanse'. As a believer, know that Jesus has become your 'kapporeth' when He died for you on the cross. All your sins have been cleansed and washed away, and therefore you have been atoned (i.e. made 'at-one' with God) and reconciled to God. In other words, Jesus has become your 'covering', and because of this, God remembers your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17).
What is inside the box? There are three things kept inside the box, i.e. the stone tablets (containing the 10 Commandments), Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot of manna (see Hebrews 9:4). These are not to be uncovered, because each of these speaks of our sins and rebellion. The stone tablets speaks of man's inability to keep God's law perfectly, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Aaron's rod that budded speaks of man's rebellion against God's leadership and ways. The golden pot of manna speaks of man's rebellion against God's providence.
After a brief look at the meaning of the 'ark', let's now read Joshua 3:3 again. It says when God's people see this ark, 'they shall set out from their place and go after it'. Notice the words 'go after it'? And you know why? Because it's the ark that 'opens the way for them'! In other words, without the ark, it would have been impossible for them to 'cross over' into their new season (i.e. their Promised Land). Read the Word of God in Joshua chapter 3, and you'll see why! And as Joshua and the people prepared themselves to enter their new season, they were also supposed to let the ark go before them first! (Joshua 3:5-6) Note that this 'ark' speaks of 'Jesus'. Jesus is in the Old Testament concealed, and in the New Testament revealed.
And as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord rest in the waters of the (River) Jordan, the waters were cut off, and rose in a heap very far away at a city called Adam (Joshua 3:13-16). This speaks of 'the curse of sins (of Adam) being reversed' through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross! Today, the same it is for you and me, the believers. When your curse is being reversed, blessing in turn comes (Galatians 3:13). Notice that God's people those days were also about to walk into their blessing (i.e. the Promised Land).
A new season comes with new open doors, and Jesus is also your Door (John 10:9). In fact, the word 'door' in John 10:9 actually means 'opening, entrance way'. So, He is your 'opening', your 'entrance way'! This is a time to look to Him and His hands, not man's (or any worldly organization's) hands. The 'opening, entrance way' that God opens (like in the days of Joshua), no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Interestingly, the word 'pasture' here in Greek means 'feeding'. When you enter through Him your Door, you'll be 'feeding on every good thing that comes from Him'!
So, people of God, follow the path of the ark! That's what Joshua and the people did as they 'crossed over' into their new season! Keep looking to Him, the 'Beginner' and 'Completor' of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2) This is not a time to waver or doubt! Notice before Joshua entered his new season, God also said these words to him: "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). Today, He also promises you that 'He'll never (by any means, and no matter what happens) leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5). Amen!
He is the One who opens and leads the way for you. He is also your only firm foundation in the midst of all, even if the whole world is 'shaking' economically or politically. In Joshua's days, the priests who bore the ark stood firm on dry ground in the midst of (River) Jordan, until all the people had crossed over completely into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17).
Recently, I heard these words: "This is a time to move forward together with God in His dynamics and His energy." See? Not your own dynamics or energy, but His! And yes, like eagles soaring in the dynamics and energy of the wind, today, the wind of the Spirit is blowing too, and as your wings are being mounted, let His wind carry you on, and into greater victories in this new season of yours. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Stay rested in the 'ark'!
Genesis 6:18 says, "...go into the ark..." That's what God spoke to Noah before the 'great flood'. And then in Genesis 7:1, the Lord also said this, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation."
Today, as the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), the Lord is calling you to get in & remain in His 'ark' as well!
Let's look at the name Noah first. It's called 'Nuwach' in Hebrew, which means 'to rest, being quiet, settled down, comforted'. In short, 'Noah' means 'to rest'. In fact, his name 'Noah' was given prophetically by his father Lamech after he was born, saying, "This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed." (see Genesis 5:29)
How about the word 'ark'? 'Ark' is 'tebah' in Hebrew which means 'box', and the Lord asked Noah to build it with 'gopherwood' (like cypress wood) that's normally used to build house. So, this is a 'picture' of 'God's house', and we also know that the 'ark of the covenant' in the Old Testament is also a 'picture' of Jesus Himself, the King of Glory.
'Noah' is a 'picture' of you, and the 'ark' is a 'picture' of Christ.
So, when the Lord asked Noah to get into the 'ark', it's like today, God is calling you to 'find rest' in Christ, your 'ark'. And when you are in Christ, you are safe, even if the world around you is full of 'storms'! This happened to Noah too during his time! He just needed to 'rest' or get settled down in the 'ark', no matter what happened outside (i.e. the 'tsunamis', 'torrential rain', 'earthquakes', 'thunderstorms', 'troubles' or 'judgments' outside the 'ark').
"Pastor, you ask me to 'live in a box'? That's too small and narrow a thing!" My friend, this 'one' is no ordinary 'box'! This 'box' is in fact larger than 'heaven and earth put together'! Genesis 14:19 says He is the Possessor of heaven and earth, the Most High God! That's who Christ is! He is also omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient! So, if you end up in Mars, He's there! If you go to Jupiter, He's also there! And if there's a technology that flies you to the sun, He's there as well! That's how great He is!
People of God, like Noah in his time, remain rested in the 'ark' (i.e. in Christ), no matter what happens in this end-time. The Bible says Noah 'found grace in the eyes of the Lord' (Genesis 6:8). Today, you have also found grace (because of what Christ has already done for you on the cross). And when you are in Him, whatever 'waves' or 'storms' cannot 'touch' you! And even if you 'fall down' (due to the 'raging seas' outside you), you fall down inside the 'ark'! Praise God, you can stand up again because you are still in Him! Know also that He will not get you 'thrown out'! (unless you choose to 'throw yourself out') I've checked the Scripture, and there was no mention of Noah suffering any 'lack' or 'trouble' whilst 'in the ark'! In fact, Genesis 7:23 says 'only Noah and those in the ark' remained 'alive'! People of God, ONLY IN CHRIST, you are truly 'safe' and 'alive'! There's nowhere else! (John 14:6)
Beloved, as a believer, always know and remind yourself that 'you are in the ark'. Bring every aspect of your life (i.e. marriage, health, finance, business, ministry, career, etc) into this 'ark' as well! And the moment you know you are in the 'ark' (i.e. in Christ), know that there's no more 'pain', no more 'sorrow', and no more 'death'. Know that old things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:4-6), and don't wait till heaven! You can experience His goodness and blessing even right now on earth! Yes, you can, because you are already in Christ!
I end with this: If anyone IS (present tense) in Christ, he IS (now) a new creation. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
And by the time the door of the 'ark' was opened, what Noah saw was a (beautiful) 'rainbow' (Genesis 9:13). Beloved of God, stay in the 'ark' too, till you see your 'rainbow', and that's when you meet Him at His throne (Revelation 4:3).
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The 'ark' is in you!
2 Corinthians 2:14: Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (triumphal procession in Christ), and through us diffuses (spreads) the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
The word ‘triumph’ here means ‘to conquer, to be victorious, to rise above, or to shout aloud joyfully in a triumphal procession, with songs of praise, celebration and jubilation.’ Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (Christ)!
This triumphal procession is likened to the procession celebrating the triumphant Roman generals in apostle Paul’s days, where they would parade the spoils of the wars that have been won, to loud cheers, joyful noise, and shouts of triumph from everyone in the streets.
Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) was an entrance of the glory of God, with shouts of 'Hosanna', which means 'Lord, help, save us, we pray!' The original Hebrew word is 'Yesha-na' which carries the same meaning. It's also 'an exclamation of adoration' to the Lord, our Savior. Likewise, in the days of David when the ‘ark of the covenant’ was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1-29), there was a jubilant procession of praise unto God, with singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, raising their voices with resounding joy.
Today, we are in this procession of the ‘ark of the covenant’ again. The 'ark' here is actually a 'picture' of Jesus Himself, the glory of God (the magnificence, the very presence of God), or God's leadership in battle. Beloved, know that this 'ark' is 'living' in you right now, and if He is in you, who can be against you? Your spirit 'contains' this 'ark', just as the temple in the Old Testament contained the 'ark' (in the Holy of Holies). Today, this Holy of Holies is actually your very spirit where God resides. So, wherever you go, this 'ark' is actually in you, and it is actually in 'procession' (wherever you go) all the time! Be conscious of it! And where the 'ark' is, there's always victory! Hallelujah!
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