James 1:2-4 (NKJV): My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.
The word 'joy' here in Greek is 'chara' (pronounced 'khar-ah'), which can be defined as 'calm delight, cheerfulness, or gladness'. No, you don't delight, cheer, or be glad at those trials of yours. No one with a sound mind would ever do that! What the Bible means here is in spite of your trials, you can still delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord!
In John 16:33, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The expression 'be of good cheer' here can be translated as 'be of good courage, or be comforted', and the word 'tribulation' in this verse is 'thlipsis' in Greek, which can mean 'pressure, affliction, anguish, burden, trouble, trials, persecution'.
I heard and released these words from the Lord the other day:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. This is a time to receive My joy and remain in My joy. My grace is sufficient for you, and I will know how to reward you in due time, if you do not lose heart. I have not forgotten you, for I am the Lord who remembers. I am looking at your faithfulness and I am looking at your heart. A time of promotion is at hand for many of My people in these coming months!"
Indeed, this is a key time to receive the joy that comes from heaven, and remain in that joy, no matter what! Nehemiah 8:10 says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'. It means to say this joy of the Lord (in you) will give you the strength to carry on and look forward in life!
Notice that 'joy' is placed very high in the 'list' of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, coming in second right after 'love' (that never fails!), and is placed even higher than 'peace'! I believe there's no insignificant details in the Word of God! This shows how important 'joy' is for each of us, simply because if we lose this joy, we will also lose the strength to carry on!
Let's look at a prime example in the New Testament now.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul wrote, '... a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of satan to buffet (beat, attack) me... Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong'.
The expression 'I take pleasure' here, similar to 'count it all joy' in James 1:2-4, doesn't mean the apostle Paul welcomed and took pleasure in all those trials he faced, but in spite of those trials, he could still 'delight in the Lord, be cheerful in the Lord, and be glad in the Lord', knowing that he could count on God's grace (i.e. ability, supply) which is sufficient for him!
By the way, what exactly is 'a thorn in the flesh' here? Let Scripture interpret Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke these words to the children of Israel (as an instruction for the conquest of Canaan), "When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places (places for pagan worship)... But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell." (Numbers 33:50-55) See the words 'irritants', 'thorns', and 'harass' here?
'A thorn in the flesh' can therefore mean 'someone/something sent to irritate, torment, disturb, disrupt, or harass you'. In the case of the apostle Paul, he was fulfilling the Lord's mandate and 'calling' for him as an apostle and teacher of the New Covenant, but satan sent people to harass him! As you can see here, 'a thorn in the flesh' doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. In fact, the word 'infirmities' mentioned by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10 is 'astheneia' in Greek, which simply means 'weakness, strengthless', and it doesn't necessarily mean 'bodily ailments or sickness'. I personally believe the apostle Paul was walking in wholeness and wellness in his physical body. Otherwise, how would he be able to travel so extensively in his many missionary journeys?
People of God, like the apostle Paul, stay faithful in all that the Lord has spoken (and called you) to be and to do, in spite of the opposition (or harassment) sent by the enemy (or satan) against you. Stand firm in all that the Lord has spoken to you, and keep looking unto Him, the author ('beginner') and finisher ('completor') of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2)
In Philippians 1:6, the apostle Paul himself wrote these very reassuring words, '... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ'.
Man may forget you, but the Lord never forgets you. He is the Lord who remembers. What He has begun in you, He will see to it that He will complete it, as long as you do not lose heart (or give up). Zechariah 4:9 (NKJV) says, '... the Word of the Lord came to me (Zechariah), saying, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish (complete) it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."'
Zechariah 4:10 (The Message) says, 'Zerubbabel started rebuilding this temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me (the angel of the Lord) to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small (humble) beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place! ... the seven lamps are the eyes of God (the perfect eyes of the Lord) probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights'.
Interestingly, the name 'Zechariah' ('Zekar-Yah' in Hebrew) means 'Yah (the Lord) remembers', and this word 'zekar' in Hebrew means 'to remember, to record, to recognize, to make mention of, to be mindful'. And what does 'Zerubbabel' represent here? For the record, he was the governor of Judah those days, and the leader of the tribe of Judah. He was also the person who laid the foundation for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. As believers in the New Covenant, 1 Corinthians 6:19 says 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit'. 'Zerubbabel' therefore is a 'picture' of 'the Lord Himself, the Master-Builder in each of our lives', and He is also 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah' (Revelation 5:5).
Praise the Lord!
So, people of God, keep running the race (Hebrews 12:1) and keep putting in your heart in all that the Lord has entrusted you to be and to do, knowing that the Lord remembers you, and He will know how to reward you in due time. In Galatians 6:9, the apostle Paul wrote it so very aptly, '... let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart', and in Colossians 3:23-24, he wrote, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (with an abounding heart, putting in your heart) as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward... for you serve the Lord Christ'.
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy! (Psalm 126:5) For those who have been faithfully serving the Lord (in spite of the many 'harassment' from the enemy) in the previous season, rejoice! Because your promotion is at hand in this coming new season! Psalm 75:6-7 says, 'For exaltation (promotion) comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is judge; He puts down one, and exalts another'. Not from men, but from God! And when He promotes you, He PROMOTES you! No one, and no evil can stand in His way! Hallelujah! Believe and receive by faith! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Saturday, July 23, 2016
A time of pruning before you see good fruit
I heard and released these words from the Lord recently:
"I am the vine, and you are the branch. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. As you connect with Me, like the branches to the vine, there will also come a time of pruning. But fear not the pruning, and despise not the pruning! For the pruning is not to harm you, but so that you will bear more fruit!"
'Pruning' is not a bad thing, or something that you should dread. If you understand this principle of pruning, and if you allow the Lord to do His pruning work in you, the next thing you'll see is fruitfulness.
As a matter of fact, when you abide in (or connect with) the Lord, there will always be occasions (or areas in your life) where He will prune you. It is in order to make you more effective in life (or ministry).
In John 15:1-2, Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
And then in John 15:4-5, Jesus says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
The word 'abide' here is 'meno' in Greek, which can mean 'to connect, to stay, to remain, to endure, to dwell, to continue, to be present'.
The vine is a climbing plant in the grape family, and the vinedresser is someone who cultivates the vineyard.
The word 'takes away' here is 'airo' in Greek, and in this context, means 'to put away (from its initial position), to lift up, to bear up'. Psalm 3:3 says, 'But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head'. He is the One who lifts up your head when you are down.
The word 'prunes' here is 'kathairo' in Greek, literally meaning 'to cleanse, to purge', from the word 'katharos', which means 'clean, clear, pure'. As you can see here, 'pruning' is good for you, because it clears you from any hindrance to your fruitfulness in life!
To understand 'pruning' better, let's do a little study on the characteristics of the grape plants. Grape plants are vigorous plants and (therefore) need to be pruned, removing more than 70% of its branches in order to get the best production of grapes. Pruning is normally done in winter time (dormant time), just before growth begins in spring time.
Source: National Gardening Association, United States of America.
Here are some definitions of 'pruning' found in dictionaries:
1. To trim the tree by cutting away some branches in order to encourage growth.
2. To cut the unnecessary parts in order to make the tree more effective in bearing fruit.
3. To cut away branches that have borne fruit before, but have now become old/hard/deadwood, and therefore cannot bear quality fruit.
What are some of the areas in your life that the Lord 'prunes'?
Fear, griefs, sorrows, hurts, insecurity, worries, anxieties, bodily ailments/infirmities, uncontrolled anger, and the list goes on.
These are negative forces that debilitates you (i.e. makes you weaker), takes up your time and energy unnecessarily, and hinders you from growing healthily in the Lord.
Don't resist the 'pruning' of the Lord
In John 15:1-2, the Lord has promised to cut away every area in your life that has no use, no purpose, and brings no benefit, so that you can now move on to bear more fruit in life. See the heart of God here? Never meant to harm you, but always in view of what is good for you. This is the heart of your Abba Father in heaven who loves you and spares not even His own Son to die for you (Romans 8:32).
Beloved of God, let Him take away all those fear, griefs, sorrows, hurts, and even condemnation from your life today. Isaiah 53:4-5 says, 'Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed'.
Indeed, this is a time of pruning before you see good fruit in a brand new season of your life. Amen.
"I am the vine, and you are the branch. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. As you connect with Me, like the branches to the vine, there will also come a time of pruning. But fear not the pruning, and despise not the pruning! For the pruning is not to harm you, but so that you will bear more fruit!"
'Pruning' is not a bad thing, or something that you should dread. If you understand this principle of pruning, and if you allow the Lord to do His pruning work in you, the next thing you'll see is fruitfulness.
As a matter of fact, when you abide in (or connect with) the Lord, there will always be occasions (or areas in your life) where He will prune you. It is in order to make you more effective in life (or ministry).
In John 15:1-2, Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
And then in John 15:4-5, Jesus says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
The word 'abide' here is 'meno' in Greek, which can mean 'to connect, to stay, to remain, to endure, to dwell, to continue, to be present'.
The vine is a climbing plant in the grape family, and the vinedresser is someone who cultivates the vineyard.
The word 'takes away' here is 'airo' in Greek, and in this context, means 'to put away (from its initial position), to lift up, to bear up'. Psalm 3:3 says, 'But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head'. He is the One who lifts up your head when you are down.
The word 'prunes' here is 'kathairo' in Greek, literally meaning 'to cleanse, to purge', from the word 'katharos', which means 'clean, clear, pure'. As you can see here, 'pruning' is good for you, because it clears you from any hindrance to your fruitfulness in life!
To understand 'pruning' better, let's do a little study on the characteristics of the grape plants. Grape plants are vigorous plants and (therefore) need to be pruned, removing more than 70% of its branches in order to get the best production of grapes. Pruning is normally done in winter time (dormant time), just before growth begins in spring time.
Source: National Gardening Association, United States of America.
Here are some definitions of 'pruning' found in dictionaries:
1. To trim the tree by cutting away some branches in order to encourage growth.
2. To cut the unnecessary parts in order to make the tree more effective in bearing fruit.
3. To cut away branches that have borne fruit before, but have now become old/hard/deadwood, and therefore cannot bear quality fruit.
What are some of the areas in your life that the Lord 'prunes'?
Fear, griefs, sorrows, hurts, insecurity, worries, anxieties, bodily ailments/infirmities, uncontrolled anger, and the list goes on.
These are negative forces that debilitates you (i.e. makes you weaker), takes up your time and energy unnecessarily, and hinders you from growing healthily in the Lord.
Don't resist the 'pruning' of the Lord
In John 15:1-2, the Lord has promised to cut away every area in your life that has no use, no purpose, and brings no benefit, so that you can now move on to bear more fruit in life. See the heart of God here? Never meant to harm you, but always in view of what is good for you. This is the heart of your Abba Father in heaven who loves you and spares not even His own Son to die for you (Romans 8:32).
Beloved of God, let Him take away all those fear, griefs, sorrows, hurts, and even condemnation from your life today. Isaiah 53:4-5 says, 'Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed'.
Indeed, this is a time of pruning before you see good fruit in a brand new season of your life. Amen.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Keys to your 'acceleration' in this new season
I released these prophetic words from the Lord as we crossed the half-way mark of this year 2016:
"As you connect with Me, there will be an acceleration in your life! You will see many things begin to speed up, especially in areas where you have been 'prisoners of hope'! This is a key time to seek Me afresh and anew for what is ahead!"
The word 'acceleration' is defined in Oxford Dictionary as 'increase in speed, make something move faster (or happen earlier)'.
What is the meaning of 'prisoners of hope' then? This expression is found in Zechariah 9:11-12, and it means 'those who have been waiting and waiting for an answer in hope (to their prayers)', or 'those who have been waiting and waiting but with no answer'.
Most of us would agree that 'waiting time' is never easy. The Bible says, 'Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life' (Proverbs 13:12). One illustration is like a prisoner waiting and waiting for the time to be set free from the prison, when one hour seems to be like a year, and one day seems to be like eternity!
But here's a piece of good news for you! The Lord is setting many 'prisoners of hope' free in this coming new season!
In Zechariah 9:11-12, the Lord says, "As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold (fortress), you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you."
Indeed, this is a time to remember your covenant with the Lord and return to Him who is your fortress! (Psalm 91:2) And watch how He is going to bring restoration to you, even double-fold!
Zechariah chapter 9 is a key chapter in this time and season of the Lord.
In Zechariah 9:9, the Lord says,
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation.
Lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt (young male), the foal (young one) of a donkey."
Notice I put the key words above in bold, because these are the 3 keys to your acceleration in this new season:
1. Release sound of praise at all times.
2. Remember and return to your covenant.
3. Humble yourself in all lowliness.
Release sound of praise at all times ("Rejoice greatly...")
Sound of praise will connect you to the Lord. Therefore, praise the Lord at all times, and never allow the wrong sound or atmosphere (e.g. murmuring) to pull you down! Psalm 89:15-18 says, 'Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound (of praise)! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn (strength) is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord...'
Remember and return to your covenant ("Behold, your King...")
Unlike an earthly 'contract', a covenant is not to be rescinded, and cannot be broken. This covenant between the Lord and you (when you opened your heart to receive Him as your personal Savior and Lord) is a covenant made with His blood shed on the cross for you. As a 'covenanted person', know that no evil can touch you or overwhelm you. His blood is effective in saving you and protecting you. In cross-reference, read Psalm 89:3-9, Psalm 89:28-29, and Psalm 89:34-37.
Humble yourself in all lowliness ("Lowly...")
Pride is the reason for all contentions and strife (whether in a family, in church, or in a nation). Like Lucifer who 'lifted himself' above God, pride is 'thinking that one is better, or knows better than others' (Isaiah 14:12-15). Proverbs 13:10 says, 'By pride comes nothing but strife...' Proverbs 16:18-19 says, 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud'.
Indeed, those who are proud will be pulled down, and those who are humble will be lifted up. Jesus Himself is the epitome of humility and lowliness, and therefore He was exalted high above every name, 'that every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that He is the Lord' (Philippians 2:8-11).
The Lord resists the proud, but gives grace (ability, supply) to the humble (1 Peter 5:5-6).
As a matter of fact, no one can pull down someone who has already gone down so low at the feet of Jesus!
Let's continue with Zechariah chapter 9.
In Zechariah 9:10, the Lord says, "I will cut off (take away) the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off (broken)."
In cross-reference, Psalm 20:7 says, 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God...'
The word 'chariots' here (same as in Zechariah 9:10) is 'rekeb' in Hebrew, meaning 'cavalry (i.e. soldiers fighting on horseback or in armored vehicles)'. This speaks of 'human ability', instead of God's ability; whereas the word 'horses' here (same as in Zechariah 9:10) is from the Hebrew word 'soos', meaning 'leaping like a horse'. This speaks of 'human power', instead of God's power.
To understand Zechariah 9:10 better, it is good to learn the meaning of 'Ephraim' and 'Jerusalem' first. 'Ephraim' in Hebrew means 'double fruitfulness', and 'Jerusalem' in Hebrew means 'founded peaceful'. These are the promises of the Lord for those who are willing to humble themselves and heed His voice, instead of putting their trust in human ability or power.
In other words, to see 'double fruitfulness' and be 'founded peaceful' (i.e. to experience wholeness and wellness) in your life, look to the Lord, and trust in His ability and power, instead of your own. Zechariah 4:6-7 says, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit...' Like the tower of Babel in the days of old (Genesis 11:4), every 'high thing' (prideful thing) built by men shall be 'pulled down' in this end of days.
Indeed, this is a time and season when you will see what Jesus has spoken in Matthew 5:3-10 coming to pass in every way:
"Blessed are the poor (humble) in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"As you connect with Me, there will be an acceleration in your life! You will see many things begin to speed up, especially in areas where you have been 'prisoners of hope'! This is a key time to seek Me afresh and anew for what is ahead!"
The word 'acceleration' is defined in Oxford Dictionary as 'increase in speed, make something move faster (or happen earlier)'.
What is the meaning of 'prisoners of hope' then? This expression is found in Zechariah 9:11-12, and it means 'those who have been waiting and waiting for an answer in hope (to their prayers)', or 'those who have been waiting and waiting but with no answer'.
Most of us would agree that 'waiting time' is never easy. The Bible says, 'Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life' (Proverbs 13:12). One illustration is like a prisoner waiting and waiting for the time to be set free from the prison, when one hour seems to be like a year, and one day seems to be like eternity!
But here's a piece of good news for you! The Lord is setting many 'prisoners of hope' free in this coming new season!
In Zechariah 9:11-12, the Lord says, "As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold (fortress), you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you."
Indeed, this is a time to remember your covenant with the Lord and return to Him who is your fortress! (Psalm 91:2) And watch how He is going to bring restoration to you, even double-fold!
Zechariah chapter 9 is a key chapter in this time and season of the Lord.
In Zechariah 9:9, the Lord says,
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation.
Lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt (young male), the foal (young one) of a donkey."
Notice I put the key words above in bold, because these are the 3 keys to your acceleration in this new season:
1. Release sound of praise at all times.
2. Remember and return to your covenant.
3. Humble yourself in all lowliness.
Release sound of praise at all times ("Rejoice greatly...")
Sound of praise will connect you to the Lord. Therefore, praise the Lord at all times, and never allow the wrong sound or atmosphere (e.g. murmuring) to pull you down! Psalm 89:15-18 says, 'Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound (of praise)! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn (strength) is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord...'
Remember and return to your covenant ("Behold, your King...")
Unlike an earthly 'contract', a covenant is not to be rescinded, and cannot be broken. This covenant between the Lord and you (when you opened your heart to receive Him as your personal Savior and Lord) is a covenant made with His blood shed on the cross for you. As a 'covenanted person', know that no evil can touch you or overwhelm you. His blood is effective in saving you and protecting you. In cross-reference, read Psalm 89:3-9, Psalm 89:28-29, and Psalm 89:34-37.
Humble yourself in all lowliness ("Lowly...")
Pride is the reason for all contentions and strife (whether in a family, in church, or in a nation). Like Lucifer who 'lifted himself' above God, pride is 'thinking that one is better, or knows better than others' (Isaiah 14:12-15). Proverbs 13:10 says, 'By pride comes nothing but strife...' Proverbs 16:18-19 says, 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud'.
Indeed, those who are proud will be pulled down, and those who are humble will be lifted up. Jesus Himself is the epitome of humility and lowliness, and therefore He was exalted high above every name, 'that every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that He is the Lord' (Philippians 2:8-11).
The Lord resists the proud, but gives grace (ability, supply) to the humble (1 Peter 5:5-6).
As a matter of fact, no one can pull down someone who has already gone down so low at the feet of Jesus!
Let's continue with Zechariah chapter 9.
In Zechariah 9:10, the Lord says, "I will cut off (take away) the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off (broken)."
In cross-reference, Psalm 20:7 says, 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God...'
The word 'chariots' here (same as in Zechariah 9:10) is 'rekeb' in Hebrew, meaning 'cavalry (i.e. soldiers fighting on horseback or in armored vehicles)'. This speaks of 'human ability', instead of God's ability; whereas the word 'horses' here (same as in Zechariah 9:10) is from the Hebrew word 'soos', meaning 'leaping like a horse'. This speaks of 'human power', instead of God's power.
To understand Zechariah 9:10 better, it is good to learn the meaning of 'Ephraim' and 'Jerusalem' first. 'Ephraim' in Hebrew means 'double fruitfulness', and 'Jerusalem' in Hebrew means 'founded peaceful'. These are the promises of the Lord for those who are willing to humble themselves and heed His voice, instead of putting their trust in human ability or power.
In other words, to see 'double fruitfulness' and be 'founded peaceful' (i.e. to experience wholeness and wellness) in your life, look to the Lord, and trust in His ability and power, instead of your own. Zechariah 4:6-7 says, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit...' Like the tower of Babel in the days of old (Genesis 11:4), every 'high thing' (prideful thing) built by men shall be 'pulled down' in this end of days.
Indeed, this is a time and season when you will see what Jesus has spoken in Matthew 5:3-10 coming to pass in every way:
"Blessed are the poor (humble) in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
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