LIFE – DEATH -RESURRECTION OF CHRIST JESUS

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LIFE – DEATH –RESURRECTION

OF CHRIST

This morning as I awakened the Lord gave me this section of the book of Daniel and revealed to me what He wanted to share with everyone. I am blessed to have received this request from the Lord and share it with all of you.

I truly love reading the Word of God and meditating/communing with the Lord and reading His Word.  All throughout the bible we see the prophecy of the coming Messiah Lord Christ Jesus.

Today I’d like to focus on the bible scripture relating to Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  Let us read this wonderful scripture that reveals and witnessed to the Lord Jesus.  So often we think of just the faith that these men had but there is so much more in this scripture to meditate on.  After reading it I will break it down as the Lord has revealed.  I hope this will bless you. 

Daniel 3:1–30 (AMP)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had [caused to be] set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces were gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then the herald cried aloud, You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

5 That when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall that very hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

7 Therefore, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 Therefore at that time certain men of Chaldean descent came near and brought [malicious] accusations against the Jews.

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever!

10 You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music shall fall down and worship the golden image,

11 And that whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed and set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; and these men were brought before the king.

14 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

17 If our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up! [Job 13:15; Acts 4:19, 20.]

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed [to antagonism] against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated.

20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these [three] men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics or undergarments, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame and sparks from the fire killed those men who handled Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [saw and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.

25 He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods! [Phil. 2:5-8.]

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come out and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the midst of the fire.

27 And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered around together and saw these men—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces and their houses be made a dunghill, for there is no other God who can deliver in this way!

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

LET’S BEGIN TO ANALYZE THE SCRIPTURES

Daniel 3:1 (AMP)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

As I reflect on line one I immediately know that we are not to worship idols, figures, statues, people and shall have nothing in our lives placed in preeminence of the Lord Jesus.  We also know that Satan was the first idol in heaven as a third of the angels followed Satan and whatever comes before the one Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is an idol of the heart.  The first deceitful and wicked heart was Satan as iniquity was found in him and angels also have free will.  Idols desire to be worshiped, exalted and glorified.  So here in verse one you have a king that wants to lord over people while we know there is only one King of kings Christ Jesus. 

Exodus 20:3–5 (AMP)

3 You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.

4 You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

5 You shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, [Isa. 42:8; 48:11.]

Jeremiah 17:9 (AMP)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? [Matt. 13:15-17; Mark 7:21-23; Eph. 4:20-24.]

Let’s begin to look at lines two and three and analyze those scriptures with the Word of God.

Daniel 3:2–3 (AMP)

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had [caused to be] set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, the governors, the judges and chief stargazers, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs and lawyers, and all the chief officials of the provinces were gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

In lines 2 and 3 we notice the government of mankind and all the human rulers of mankind coming together under Satan’s influence and control.  Does this align with what we are seeing in the world today?  Satan wants to exalt himself above the Most High and Satan desires to usurp God and establish his own ruling power.  The world we live in is vastly against the Authoritative Word of God and the government of God.  Who rules the earth and is the prince of the air?

LET’S CONTINUE WITH LINE 4

Daniel 3:4 (AMP)

4 Then the herald cried aloud, You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

Notice, “you are commanded” signifying control, manipulation, commanded glorification and idolatry.  How does this statement portray martyrdom? How will this apply towards taking the mark of the beast?  “Do this or else”!   Surely we are created with free will.  Surely free will includes seeking truth, knowledge and revelations of Christ Jesus.  Adam and Eve had free will and they knew what God had spoken yet allowed themselves to be deceived choosing to go against what God had spoken as Truth. 

Revelation 3:20 (AMP)

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

LET’S CONTINUE WITH LINE 6

Daniel 3:6 (AMP)

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall that very hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Did you notice in line six Nebuchadnezzar is using God’s word out of context to glorify and worship Satan (demonic spirits)? Every knee shall bow unto the Lord Jesus as it is written.

Philippians 2:10 (AMP)

10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Revelation 20:10 (AMP)

10 Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).

2 Peter 3:9 (AMP)

9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance. 

LET’S NOW LOOK AT LINE 8

Daniel 3:8 (AMP)

8 Therefore at that time certain men of Chaldean descent came near and brought [malicious] accusations against the Jews.

When I read line eight I think of the tares and wheat together including in the local assembly.  Yes, the accuser of the brethren sits amongst us and falsely accuses those who are God’s true messengers.  That is what Jezebel does also, kills the message and the messengers.  Think of the Beatitudes, blessed are those who are mocked, slandered and persecuted for Jesus’ namesake. 

 

Matthew 13:24–30 (AMP)

24 Another parable He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

25 But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way.

26 So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the darnel (weeds) appeared also.

27 And the servants of the owner came to him and said, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have darnel shoots in it?

28 He replied to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and weed them out?

29 But he said, No, lest in gathering the wild wheat (weeds resembling wheat), you root up the [true] wheat along with it.

30 Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather the darnel first and bind it in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my granary.

Matthew 5:10–12 (AMP)

10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.

12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]

LET’S NOW LOOK AT LINE 9

Daniel 3:9 (AMP)

9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live forever!

It is amazing how such a short sentence can have such a great impact when you mediate on the scripture.  We know that there is no other true God other than Christ Jesus so this is idolatry bowing to other gods and will not render eternal life but eternal damnation. What did Satan say to Eve in the garden contrary to God’s Word?  Surely God did not say you would die if you eat this fruit!  Satan is death/damnation not life.  It was the “tares” that exalted and praised Nebuchadnezzar and exalted the spirits of Satan.  Tares are mixed amongst the wheat just as wolves prey upon and devour sheep. 

John 14:6 (AMP)

6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

John 8:43–44 (AMP)

43 Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.]

44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.

John 10:10 (AMP)

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 11

Daniel 3:11 (AMP)

11 And that whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

What did the fiery furnace represent?  Eternity after death!  It’s either going to be the lake of fire for Satan and his followers/workers of iniquity or the refiners fire of holiness to eternal life in Christ Jesus.  What we bow to is our Lord!  Out of the heart the mouth speaks.  Just as in Romans 10 we must believe in our heart and confess with our mouth in faith unto salvation that Jesus is Lord and Savior.  The three Jews first spoke, we shall not bow and even if our Lord doesn’t save us we will not bow unto you, your gods or idols! 

Luke 6:45 (AMP)

45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 12

Daniel 3:12 (AMP)

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed and set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.

We must refer to the number three here.  What does the number three signify referring to the three Jews?  Notice it says “certain Jews” not all Jews.  Gentiles had not yet been addressed at this time.  What type of Jews or people were “certain Jews”.  The number three signifies the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and these three “certain Jews” were being utilized by Jesus to reveal the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and the eternal consequences of our earthly lives here on earth.  The fiery furnace portrayed their eternal destiny as they were sent into the furnace to die/perish or into everlasting life with Christ Jesus the all consuming fire.

Matthew 10:33 (AMP)

33 But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown him before My Father Who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19–20 (AMP)

19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

What does “into My name” mean?  The vagabond Jews tried to perform exorcism in the name of Jesus and they were attacked by the demons and the demons replied, Jesus I know, Paul I know but who are you?  So what is in the name of Jesus?  Merely calling on the name of Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean we are fully walking in the Way, Truth and Life of Jesus. Paul addresses this nicely in Galatians 6:14 as there is no “worldliness” in Paul’s statement.  Peter stated that we are to be Holy as Jesus is Holy.

John 14:6 (AMP)

6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Galatians 6:14 (AMP)

14 But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!

Colossians 3:3 (AMP)

3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

John 1:11 (AMP)

11 He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own—His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.

Now the three Jews also revealed something from the book of revelations.  How are we to overcome according to revelations?   We over come by the Blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony and we love not our own life unto death.  The three Jews gave a testimony of Jesus and overcame because they loved not their own lives unto death.

Revelation 12:11 (AMP)

11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 14 & 15

Daniel 3:14–15 (AMP)

14 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, dulcimer or bagpipe, and every kind of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be cast at once into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, and who is that god who can deliver you out of my hands?

When we read line 14 we see Nebuchadnezzar questioning truth.  Does this sound familiar with the serpent in the garden when the serpent questioned did God surely say? We also know that genuine worship is in Spirit and Truth.  We must also consider the “threat” that was spoken as threats reveal the condition of the heart!  In the last part of the 15th sentence Nebuchadnezzar having demonic influences of Satan questions whom God is to try to get us into disbelief or lack of faith.  Satan tries to get us into disbelieve and doubt, but Satan himself doesn’t doubt his own actions or intentions. 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 16

Daniel 3:16 (AMP)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

In verse sixteen we can the humility that the three Jews portrayed as they did not need to validate or vindicate themselves.  They did not cast pearls before swine!  They let Jesus be true and everyman a liar. 

Matthew 5:5 (AMP)

5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! [Ps. 37:11.]

Matthew 7:6 (AMP)

6 Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

Romans 12:19 (AMP)

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 16

Daniel 3:16 (AMP)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point.

Once again we see that vindication is the Lord’s.  Notice also there was a display of the “fruit of the Spirit” as they didn’t speak or return “evil for evil”.  Remember the power of the tongue.  Remember when the Apostles wanted to bring fire upon the people of Samaria for not accepting the Gospel/Jesus and Jesus said you know not what spirit you are of, the three Jews did not speak evil.

Luke 9:54–56 (AMP)

54 And when His disciples James and John observed this, they said, Lord, do You wish us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? [II Kings 1:9-16.]

55 But He turned and rebuked and severely censured them. He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,

56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them [from the penalty of eternal death]. And they journeyed on to another village.

 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 18

Daniel 3:18 (AMP)

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up!

Although the three Jews were uncertain of their outcome their faith and commitment to Christ Jesus was true and unwavering.  They trusted the Lord with all of their heart.  This reminds me of Job.

Job 13:15 (AMP)

15 [I do it because, though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him and] behold, He will slay me; I have no hope—nevertheless, I will maintain and argue my ways before Him and even to His face.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (AMP)

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 19

Daniel 3:19 (AMP)

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury and his facial expression was changed [to antagonism] against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Therefore he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was usually heated.

Let’s notice the paradox of good verses evil in this scripture as we reflect on the number seven.  We know that the number seven is the number of completion as God rested on the seventh day.  We also know when spiritual deliverance takes place that a “house swept clean” that is not filled with the Holy Spirit invites 7 more demons worse than himself back into the house/body.  Nebuchadnezzar ordered the fire to be intensified 7 times hotter and yet Jesus the perfect and complete Savior redeems the three Jewish men.  Satan’s number 7 was the completion unto death not unto life in Christ Jesus or God’s original creation as in Genesis. 

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 20

Daniel 3:20 (AMP)

20 And he commanded the strongest men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 

This scripture reminds me of David battling Goliath and how the Lord of Hosts was there with David.  It also reminds me when Jesus opened the book of Isaiah and spoke that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to set the captives free.

1 Samuel 17:45 (AMP)

45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.

Luke 4:17–19 (AMP)

17 And there was handed to Him [the roll of] the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened (unrolled) the book and found the place where it was written, [Isa. 61:1, 2.]

18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

19 To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.][Isa. 61:1, 2.]

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 24

Daniel 3:24 (AMP)

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [saw and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.

When I read the 24th line I reflect on Noah being a preacher of righteousness and how only 8 people were delivered from the flood.  When I reflect on Daniel 3 and how only 3 stood up for righteousness that signifies a potential of backsliding nature as fewer people were willing to be totally submitted to the Lord according to Revelation 12:11.  If you include Jesus as King of the Jews you have 4 Jews in the fiery furnace even though the incarnate Jesus had not yet been born.

John 1:1 (AMP)

IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]

Matthew 18:20 (AMP)

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

LET’S GO TO LINE 27

Daniel 3:27 (AMP)

27 And the satraps, the deputies, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered around together and saw these men—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.

Just as I commented earlier about the fiery furnace representing eternity after death when I read the 27th line of scripture I think of what Paul mentioned about being caught up in the air.  When Jesus returns as an all consuming fire the earth will be destroyed and no earthly life or flesh will remain.  Are we living each day as if the Lord is returning?  Are we prepared and are our “lamps full” of oil for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Christ Jesus?

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (AMP)

17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 28

Daniel 3:28 (AMP)

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

When I read this passage of scripture I think of Joshua and what Nebuchadnezzar witnessed and needed to decide.  Whom this day shall we serve?  Are we totally submitted and obedient to God’s Word and will for our lives.  Do we fully trust Jesus in all of His ways and seek Jesus in all of our days?

Joshua 24:14–15 (AMP)

14 Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

LET’S LOOK AT LINE 29

Daniel 3:29 (AMP)

29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces and their houses be made a dunghill, for there is no other God who can deliver in this way!

Nebuchadnezzar states that there is only one true god and that is Christ Jesus.  I also reflect on Paul saying he counted everything as loss and as dung for the knowledge and revelations of Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:13 (AMP)

13 You shall [reverently] fear the Lord your God and serve Him and swear by His name [and presence].

Philippians 3:8–10 (AMP)

8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

In summary you can see how Daniel 3 reveals the Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus and the eternal plan of salvation unto eternal life in Christ Jesus.  I hope you have been blessed by this message as I was blessed to share it with you.

 

 

 

 

MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

/in , , , , , , /by

THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

PREFACE: 

I am not an author or scholar as surely you will discover.  I don’t claim to have any wisdom of my own so if you find something you don’t agree with please take it the Lord in prayer, as we all should do.  I write from my heart, as that is where the foundation of true relationship, intimacy and abiding with Christ Jesus dwells. (PSALM 91) It is a Covenant of Love with Christ that manifests the life of Christ in us. I pray that this post may touch our hearts and Spirits to grow deeper in love with the Lord Jesus.  I am not a theologian and I have no desire to become one as I have tried that route several times and the Lord closed those doors and told me no and that I needed to seek Him and trust in Him.  Having worked with very troubled young adults after my salvation I wanted to return to school to obtain a counseling degree and the Lord said no and said He was the Mighty Counselor.  So I am no master of scripture but I know my Master Jesus intimately.  There is more to intimacy than knowing about someone verses the reality of knowing someone. 

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Lord has put this on my heart for many months now and has prompted me to write this.  I would like to say that this has been very challenging as when I write the Lord gives me more and then I go back and edit trying hard to keep the structure of context flowing smoothly.  While it is lengthy I believe it covers a vast amount of information and insight reflecting what the Lord has placed on my heart.  I have traveled for the past five plus years for the Lord across the USA and some international travel as well so this personal observation and spiritual revelation is not just local to my current area but very wide spread and reaching.  Surely we all have wept for loved ones who are hurting, suffering or burdened but weeping under the burden of the Lord is so much more because of His omnipresence/wide reaching the Burden you feel is also.

It is my hearts desire that the Lord Jesus would be glorified by the purity and simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation so that many would be reconciled to the Father and Christ Jesus.  May the Lord Jesus bless you and reveal Himself to you and may you experience the genuine AGAPE Love of Christ Jesus. 

My goal is to simplify salvation unto Jesus without all the complications and try to reveal that the basis of Salvation is the very essence of God, which is love.  

What I write comes from my personal love relationship with Jesus.  (1John 2:27)  Thus a “childlike” nature not influenced by ritual, formality, earthly principles, religion or the thoughts of mankind but simply genuine authentic reciprocated love to my loving Savior Jesus who has given His life for me even when I was suicidal throughout my life wanting to end my life.  One day in the middle of a field wanting to end my life abandoned and destitute I looked up to the sky and conversed with a God I believed in all my life and never had a relationship/intimacy with.  I didn’t ask for deliverance I simply asked God if you are real answer me this one question:  “Why am I unworthy of love and everyone I love has abandoned me”.  The Lord Jesus came to me and spoke and revealed himself to me and said to me “I have loved you from before the foundation of the earth, I will show you true love”.  I fell to my knees weeping as the Lord began to reveal His living waters flowing through me and over me.  I had tasted and encountered pure divine love, the Love of Christ Jesus.  No church, sermon or person involved just the Lord Jesus. It is a personal intimate covenant relationship with reciprocated love. (Short Testimony)  I tell you this testimony to reveal how simple and loving a genuine reciprocated love relationship with Christ Jesus can be. 

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Matthew 18:2–4 (NKJV)

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Following Jesus and walking in the Holy Spirit isn’t man made or subject to man’s ways. It’s supernatural and spiritual and not a man made educational program. My own thoughts from my own experiences and I am not discouraging anyone from seeking formal schooling I merely state this once again that even a child can come to salvation and walk in the Spirit of the Lord. Our relationship and intimacy with Christ Jesus is personal so let’s put away and foolishness about how long someone has been saved or “born again”.  Intimacy is a heart condition not age discrimination.  Jesus said to come to him as a child and doesn’t a child learn from their heavenly Father? 

What I am about to share with you is a Word that the Lord has given me and I have spoken this Word under the unction of the Holy Spirit where and when the Lord has asked.  The Lord has said that now is the time to release it to His Children/Church also.

WORD OF THE LORD

The love of God is holy, pure, undefiled, unadulterated, sanctified, reverenced and to glorify, reveal and magnify God/Christ Jesus.

There is far too much adultery and un-holiness in the house of the Lord and within His children.  If anyone is using horoscopes, astrology, taro cards, palm reading, Ouija boards, fortune cookies, pagan idol figures, pagan symbols, etc. it is spiritual adultery.  There should be NO fornication or consummation outside of Covenant marriage as the two become one exchanging both physical and spiritual transference.  Additionally God defines marriage as A man and Woman there is no exception.  There are also many ungodly clubs and associations that are spiritual adultery and an abomination to the Lord. Let us all be humble as there is to much self-righteousness and pride within the professing body of Christ.  It would be wise to be humble as pride comes before the fall!  Please renounce, repent and turn back to Jesus.

Exodus 20:3–5 (NKJV)

3      “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4      “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Matthew 22:37 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

I also would like to tell you that “Covenant” is “critical” and God designed and created covenant and that is the heart of this message!  A covenant of Love!   A genuine Covenant is freely and mutually reciprocated/relational or there is likely no real Covenant and only a desire to be loved and no genuine return of love.  How many hurting souls are out there in this world seeking the desire to feel loved?  Only God the Father through Christ Jesus our Lord can fill and occupy that part of our hearts. 

The Kingdom of God is the Heart of Christ Jesus because God is love!  Are we reciprocating genuine covenant AGAPE love to Jesus.  Personally for me I want people to taste living water and reveal Christ to them so they will thirst after Christ Jesus. Without walking in the Agape Love of Christ Jesus from true reciprocated covenant love with Christ how are people we meet or witness to going to experience Christ Jesus, which is the source of the divine love they were created to receive.  Bottom line if we don’t hunger and thirst for Jesus how will others we meet desire to hunger and thirst for Jesus!

The measure you love God is in direct correlation with the Fear of God!  You don’t desire nor want sin because sin is death and damnation and being cast away from God!  If you truly love with all of your heart there is no room for spiritual adultery or placing anything in priority before Jesus. It is the fear of God as well as the love of God that submits us to one another amongst the body of Christ.  As well as the love of God and Fear of the Lord that separates us from ungodliness in others, have NO fellowship with darkness or be un-equally yoked. (If neither spouse is born again and one becomes born again that is different.)

As Peter was called to shepherd the Church Jesus had to restore Peter before Peter could be over the Church.  Phileo love is NOT AGAPE love!  I believe we will all discover this is the foundational key to the Kingdom. Why did Paul say that if he did all those things without Love He was nothing!

FOUNDATIONAL PRICIPLES TO FOLLOW 

1)    Let the Word of God and Spirit of God be true and the source of all TRUTH! 

Romans 3:4 (NKJV)

 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,

And may overcome when You are judged 

2)    The rule/law of first mention. This simply means God’s governing Order, for example Lord and Savior according to Romans 10!  NOT Savior and then Lord. God’s order of sequence and government is not subject to mankind we are subjected to God’s divine order.

3)    Third, let us establish that GOD IS LOVE and GOD IS SPIRIT. 

John 4:24 (NKJV)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 John 4:8 (NKJV)

 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

4)     The Fourth principle is the importance of numbers and what those numbers signify and mean.  (Book of Genesis as example)

5)    We must use the full counsel of God and all of His Word not just pulling scripture out of context as God’s Word is not contradictive.  There are many scriptures today taken out of context for self validation and vindication and not to glorify God.

LET’S BEGIN WITH OUR STUDY

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

As I reflect on our suffering Savior Christ Jesus let us remember that there is NO greater love than to lay down one’s life for another.  It is God’s Love in us that empowers and manifests in us un-wavering sacrificial love for one another.  Love comes before the sacrifice/atonement of Jesus on Calvary just as Samuel said obedience is better than sacrifice.  If you love God you will keep His commandments being obedient to them.  Are you beginning to see the beauty of God’s Word and how the Word confirms itself.  Powerful and not contradictive! God so loved the world that he gave His only Son Jesus.  Love comes before the “Blood of Jesus” as GOD is LOVE!  Hallelujah. 

Godly love covers a multitude of sins!  If we forgive others we too shall receive forgiveness!  Law of first mention, we must forgive to be forgiven!  Therefore you have the Holy Spirit dwelling/manifesting the Love of God in you, forgiveness lives and dwells inside of you!  Hallelujah there is deliverance from bitterness and unforgiveness and freedom in the Spirit of God!  How can a “born again” believer live in unforgiveness if Jesus forgave the whole world and The Holy Spirit dwells within us?  John 3:16 states God loved the whole world and Jesus died for the remittance/propitiation for the whole World.  (I will say that we can forgive someone however we need not tolerate their sinful nature.)  It is Love in action and love that paid the price for our sins!  Jesus died for us and as us to fulfill Covenant AGAPE love with Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:15 (NKJV)

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

1 John 4:20 (NKJV)

Obedience by Faith

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

In regard to repentance and forgiveness I would also like to mention that Jesus is faithful to forgive and keeps no record of our past sins if we ask for His forgiveness and truly repent seeking His righteousness His way of godly living.

That being said do not be fooled as the Holy Spirit reveals all truth I can attest that some people can make false confessions so if The Holy Spirit reveals something don’t be fooled!  I put this out there because of the seriousness of false conversion and false repentance as some are only preaching forgiveness absent of repentance!   Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. There are many people who get deliverance only to face the same temptations and don’t cast down the temptations and strongholds.  I am not getting personal I merely want people to rely on The Holy Spirit.  The primary principle to spiritual discernment is to keep us free so Christ in us can free others as well as “righteous spiritual judgement/discernment”.  (Matthew 7)

2 Peter 2:22 (NKJV)

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Proverbs 26:11 (NKJV)

As a dog returns to his own vomit,

So a fool repeats his folly.

NEXT SCRIPTURE TO LOOK AT IS JOHN 21:15-19

John 21:15–19 (NKJV)

Christ Speaks to Peter 

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

In John 21:15-19 listed above Jesus is revealing Agape love verses Phileo love which is God’s pure AGAPE love forsaking all others even unto death.  Love comes before feeding the sheep! How would this relate to Galatians 2:20 / Philippians 3:8-10 /Revelation 12:11 / Matthew 22:37-39?

Please note that Jesus asked Peter 3 times, which also signifies the death and resurrection of Christ and then Jesus said even unto death!  Also notice that when Peter was younger he walked as he wished.  If you read Saul (Paul) encounter on the road to Damascus you will note that Paul fasted three days denying himself after His encounter with Jesus!  Amazingly Paul writes Galatians 2:20!  Have you ever wondered why Galatians 2:20 is the total opposite to Revelations 2:20.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Philippians 3:8–14 (NKJV)

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Why would Paul need to “gain Christ” if the Holy Spirit already dwelled within Paul?  Why would Paul need to obtain resurrection if the Holy Spirit dwelled within Paul? 

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Matthew 22:37–39 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Notice the law/rule of first mention is to love God first then love your neighbor.  What type of love are we reciprocating to our neighbors, family, loved ones and friends and within the church structure?  Are we loving like Jesus or Pileo love like Peter before Jesus asked him and revealed AGAPE love? 

Without AGAPE true covenant love it will very difficult if not impossible in the days ahead as the Bride of Christ will not be prepared.  The Lord has showed me this many times.  Please hear my heart brothers and sisters I am not saying you don’t love Jesus or that Jesus doesn’t love you.  I am merely pointing out what the Lord has revealed to me many times during my travels unto the Lord.  Human nature is to receive love because we are created for intimacy but are we genuinely reciprocating true covenant love back to the Lord?  How is it that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego went into the furnace of fire and didn’t get burned or even smell of smoke?  Had they offered themselves as a sacrifice to the Lord to stand true to the Lord which includes the truth of His Word. Does that sound similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son?  Will we become broken bread for a burnt offering to be in the fullness of Christ?  If you love Jesus you will keep His commandments, that is what is written and we must not add or subtract from the Word of God or our names are blotted out of the Lamb’s book of life.  We have the Holy Spirit in us which is also the Written Word of God upon our hearts.

Deuteronomy 11:18 (KJV 1900)

18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

John 15:7 (KJV 1900)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Written Word why can’t it inspire the fullness of the Living Word in us?

Revelation 22:19 (NKJV)

and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Some of you have heard me say this time and again.  You can’t separate the Written Word From the Holy Spirit or Living Word!  Satan tries very hard to blind us of this and he is the master of deception.  We should be walking in the Holy Spirit not just talking the Word but living out the Word producing real spiritual fruit and spiritual discernment .  We are called to the life of Christ not just following a written method. 

2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV)

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

John 1:12 (KJV 1900)

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1 Corinthians 1:26 (NKJV)

Glory Only in the Lord

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

We know that Peter was told to feed Jesus’ sheep what was Jesus telling Peter to feed them?  Was it merely referring to the Written Word or did it include AGAPE LOVE?  Hadn’t Peter just learned the difference between Phileo love and AGAPE love?  Are we the body of Christ walking in Agape Love or Phileo Love?  This is the burden of the Lord that He has given me.  Jesus has spoken this to me many times about the lack of Agape covenant love in His church/people.  I have had professing Christian friends do the same to me as Peter did to Jesus. Jesus has literally told me they are your Peter.  I thought dear Lord that was before Pentecost!  I pray for those people that Jesus would restore them as Jesus did for Peter.  As you grow in covenant love with Jesus you will lose friends and you may or may not even initiate the separation. Most of the time they just walk out from your life.  Don’t be disheartened Jesus came for His own and they did not receive Him.

Matthew 16:23 (NKJV)

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

John 1:11–13 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The Acceptance of Christ

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

When reading John 1:12 you will notice Jesus gave us the right to become children of God.  Today we see every battle for rights except to become a child of God.  Just because you have a “born again” right doesn’t mean you won’t have to fight to keep that right or holiness and sanctification.  Just because someone gives you something it is of little use if it isn’t used or executed.  A right is not a guarantee!

It is shocking when you walk in the love of Jesus and are not received amongst professing followers of Jesus yet I have received directly from the Lord Matthew 10:11-15 and it is very disheartening.  EVERYTHING comes out of the heart!   We are told to guard our hearts Proverb 4:23 as everything flows out from the heart.  I share this because of the complete sadness that I hear Christians dealing with rejection and folks if you are walking with Jesus you too will face and deal with rejection even amongst professing Christians.  Embrace the promises of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 as great is your reward in heaven.  So those dealing with rejection must not embrace rejection merely the truth as Jesus is truth and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  Most of the persecution doesn’t come from the lost souls in the streets but the sinners in the pews.  It was the religious leaders who demanded Jesus crucified. 

Matthew 10:11–15 (NKJV)

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

1 John 1:7 (NKJV)

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Matthew 6:23 (NKJV)

 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

For some time now the Lord has truly put this burden upon my heart to bring attention to the difference of AGAPE love verses Phileo. Let’s dig a little deeper on this.  When we read 1 John 1:7 we are to walk in the light as Jesus is in the light!  Is your lamp full of light or is it dim?  What are we doing with the light we have been given?  Are we walking in Covenant love with Jesus?  A Covenant is fully surrendered just as Christ Jesus fully surrendered on Calvary.  Are we fully surrendered to Jesus and living in His will or our own will?  If there is darkness how great is that darkness?

1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

I added 1John 2:19 to make a brief point as I have witnessed this taken out of context used by the enemy to make it appear that we are walking away from  light and truth when in fact we are separating ourselves and walking away from darkness.  There are many false prophets.  Don’t take separation to heart it is part of the journey and walk with Jesus.  “Because they say they can see they are blind, because they say they can hear they are deaf”.  There will be separation in this pilgrimage journey until we get to our heavenly home.  Once again there are saints dealing with rejection feeling they are alone.  My brothers and sisters loneliness is part of the journey at times if we are to forsake all others and put Christ first.  When you are lonely get into the quiet place with the Lord as loneliness is a call to greater intimacy with Jesus.  Loneliness can be easy prey for ungodly spirits to attack, cast down those strongholds and seek the Lord for His love.  We must each be obedient to the Holy Spirit because Jesus will bring light where there is darkness.  Seek the Lord and He will guide our steps if you should stay or leave.  Sometimes we reach one, sometimes the multitude.  We need to stay in the will of the Lord Jesus as Jesus might be teaching us and revealing things to us increasing us through what we are going through or experiencing.  (Reflect on 1John4:4)  I can attest to this as I/we are constantly tested and will continue to be tested  as I would not partake and the Lord spoke to me Deuteronomy 13.

Luke 12:51 (NKJV)

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Matthew 10:37 (NKJV)

37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

FINAL SCRIPTURE TO LOOK AT

Matthew 25:1–13 (NKJV)

Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

I would briefly like to say that I a merely opening up this scripture (Matthew 25:1-13) for analysis and I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to each of us what we need.  Just as with the Word of God we must stay Abiding in the Living Word of God Christ Jesus.   Intimacy is found both in the Person of Christ Jesus and the Written Word of God.  To love Jesus is to love truth and abide in Truth. (John 14:6) We are to abide in the Written Word as well as the Living Word Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.  The Word became Flesh.

I would like to start with another section of scripture to attempt to tie in what I believe the Lord has shown me.  So let’s start with John 2:1-11.

John 2:1–11 (NKJV)

Christ Changes Water to Wine

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.”And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

The Disciples Believe

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

Did you notice the number three signifying the death and resurrection of Christ signifying and correlation to becoming (future tense) born again through the death and resurrection of Christ? There were six water pots of stone, six being the number of man with a heart of stone!  Notice the 6 stones were filled with water for purification.  What did Jesus tell the woman at the well? Did you notice the reciprocation of returning what we received back to our Master!  Did you notice that the Father/Master called the Bridegroom? Are we returning and reciprocating the Love of God in Genuine Covenant relationship and intimacy back to the Lord?  That corresponds to drawing some wine out and taking it to the Master of the feast!  Are we in Covenant love and truly reciprocated love with Jesus?

Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

John 4:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Jesus was going to fill us with living water/The Holy Spirit which would become wine at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.

The man did not know where the wine came from because Jesus won’t dwell in things made with human hands!  Jesus couldn’t be touched in the tomb because He hadn’t ascended.

Acts 7:48 (KJV 1900)

48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Every man at the beginning sets out the best wine and then puts out the lesser wine.  This is a backslidden nature of a born again follower/believer or fleshly living going from good to bad!  Jesus gave us His best and gave us the Holy Spirit what are we doing with the best of Jesus through the Holy Spirit are we prepared for the Marriage supper of the Lamb?  Are we walking, manifesting and abiding in Covenant relationship with Jesus.  If we love Jesus we Abide in His Word and follow his commandments.

The best wine will be at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.  Now when we go back to Matthew 25:1-13 we can properly assess the 10 virgin parable.  This corresponds the Word of the Lord that Jesus has had me speak under His unction and has now put it on my heart to release to the body.  All 10 virgins were engaged, being engaged signifies you belong to someone! The engagement signifies you belong to someone whom is Jesus, thus the invitation of the Holy Spirit was already received dwelling within them.  You don’t go to a wedding you are not invited too!  No man comes to the Son unless the Father draws them!  The invitation was received which is the Holy Spirit.  Jesus knocks on the door and if we invite Jesus in He enters so the invitation or Holy Spirit was received.

John 6:44 (KJV 1900)

44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

They all had their lamps signifying that a measure of light/Holy Spirit was given to them.  Notice slumbering and sleeping is backsliding in nature.  Notice Ephesians 5:14 is after Pentecost. 

Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)

14 Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

PAUL IS PREACHING TO THE CHURCH!

When I think of the ten virgins only five were in AGAPE Covenant love with Christ Jesus and their lamps were full! They all had lamps, they all had oil, yet five were not full of the love of God!  Revelation 3 address this, this is the Church that is being addressed!

Revelation 3:15–17 (NKJV)

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

The foolish virgins asked for oil from those that were prepared.  This correlates with each of us giving an individual account for our lives here on earth at the judgment seat of Christ Jesus.  Only Jesus can give the oil as it does not come from any other human!  The brides then tried to buy the oil just as Simon tried to buy the anointing which is the Holy Spirit.  After the door was shut the virgins asked to open the door and Jesus said that He did not know them.  Does this sound familiar as it lines up with Matthew 7!

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

(Luke 6:46)

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

 

I urge you to read Matthew 21 where Jesus cleansed the Temple.  They were merchandising doves!  What were they selling and what were people buying if they were merchandising doves?  They were selling lies and apostasy and people were buying them buying the FALSE GOSPEL because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth!  Where do we bring our tithes so what were they paying for?  Surely Jesus wouldn’t cast out His own that He was going to die for!  We are supposed to come prepared with The Holy Spirit and the belt of Truth  (Ephesians 6) not buying the lies from false prophets merchandising apostasy.  We are called to test the spirits!

John 16:13 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV)

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Luke 11:52 (NKJV)

52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

 

Acts 8:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)

23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

The trimming of the lamps is in direct correlation to John 15.  Have you allowed the Vinedresser to trim away ungodliness to bear good fruit! Notice Jesus said that every branch in HIM!  So it’s not that we have not received Christ we are not Abiding in Christ in Covenant Loving Relationship.  Wow, I am getting revelations as I write.  Don’t follow a gift or calling they are irrevocable, we need to walk in the Holy Spirit.

When I prayed for months about my Website the Lord told me to call it Abiding Bread!  Thank you Jesus!

John 15:1–10 (NKJV)

The Relationship of Believers to Christ

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 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. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 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.

5 “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. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

I underlined John 15 as this ties in the parable of the ten virgins and I want you to see what the Lord is revealing.  Many feel like the return of Christ Jesus is soon to come regardless if Jesus is or not, are you ready for Jesus return! 

Fruit is evidence of discipleship there is no disciple where there is no discipline or obedience to the Lord Jesus.  Don’t follow a gift or calling they are irrevocable, we need to walk in the Holy Spirit.  Many are called but few are chosen.

John 17:21 (NKJV)

21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

In Jewish marriage the “groom” leaves to prepare a home for his bride and the bride must keep herself prepared for the return of the bridegroom keeping herself without spot or wrinkle.  Jesus is returning for His bride without spot or wrinkle.  Also the Father is the one who tells the groom when to get his bride!  I hope you can see how severe, challenging and delicate this post has been for me to write.  This is the burden of the Lord that He has called me to share with all of you.   

Jude 21 (NKJV)

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

It is true that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us but have we forsaken Jesus?  People it is time to meditate and search our hearts and get in true Covenant Agape Love with Christ out Lord.

I am posting a few other scriptures for meditation and prayer purposes.  I thank you for reading this post as it the burden of the Lord Jesus that His bride be prepared!  Jesus has given me this burden and by His grace I have broken down things for you to consider and take to prayer.

Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV 1900)

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

In 1Corinthians 9:27 we have the Apostle Paul stating the he could be castaway!  Let us remember Paul was healed of his blindness and filled with The Holy Spirit so why would Paul address his own concern of being castaway?  How is that Paul mentions both being castaway and in Thessalonians Paul talks about being “caught up in the air with Jesus”? Where does the bible say we are cast into!  Lucifer was cast down, Adam and Eve were cast out and five virgins were not allowed at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Romans 8:35–39 (KJV 1900)

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you meditate on Romans 8:35-39 you will notice that all of the things Paul addresses are external conditions that challenge us yet Paul never states that what is internal or within us our very own hearts! Notice it starts out with “WHO” shall separate us from the love of Christ, who signifies a person?

Matthew 24:12 (KJV 1900)

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

1 Timothy 4:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 Only we (born again people) ourselves can separate ourselves from God as we are created with free will just as the angels have free will.  The Lord wanted me to expose this as Satan has twisted the mindsets and people believe that they can’t lose salvation.

How does this apply to todays messages of “once saved always saved”, “once in grace always in grace”,  “eat the meat and spit out the bones”, “don’t through out the baby with the dirty bath water”.  I have heard these statements from the pulpits and I want to vomit!  Why would you put a clean baby the Lord has cleaned back in the dirty water! 

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)

Light Bearers

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV)

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

FINAL MEDITATION TO PRAY OVER WHICH SHOULD TIE ALL THIS TOGETHER

Matthew 22:1–14 (NKJV)

Parable of the Marriage Feast

22 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”


I did not write this post to create controversy or debate and I tried very hard to incorporate the full counsel of God’s Word.  We are individuals and will be judged individually so please take what the Lord put on my heart and revealed to me in prayer. 

My dear brothers and sisters it is with a heavy burden that the Lord has given me and what I have shared with you that the Lord put on my heart.  I have worked very carefully to bring seriousness, truth and love in this post.  Please take what you have read into prayer with our Lord Jesus.  It was with a heavy heart and burden that the Lord wanted me to release this to all of you.  I pray that the Lord’s will with be done in the hearts of His children.  I pray for grace, mercy, love and peace from our Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

From your brother in Christ. 

Glen