Sunday, April 26, 2009

Victory Over Destruction

I heard, some time ago, a curse from someone in high places, "Your nation will be destroyed from within." It seems, that was an astoundingly accurate prophecy.
Those who know biblical prophecy know the last chapter in the Book:
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads (Rev.22.1-4).

But now, many places of worship seem to have a certain spiritual deadness. There is no expectancy of God, there is little belief He is present nor is there belief He will live in His people to do His will that His kingdom may come.

From the outside one may observe the approach of people to the place of worship as in a common or profane manner. In other words, I go there wearing the same clothes I work in. Inside, my manner and conversation is the same as if I just walked into a coffee shop, not as if I entered the presence of a holy God. As a minister of music, I play in the same way I would at the night club, even some of the same material. I go not having sought the face of the Lord so that my ministry may provide something from the Throne Room of Almighty God. In fact, if I took it seriously, I'd seek God diligently every day for that hour of ministry in the building or room designated as the place of worship. Yet, I merely bring my earthly talents before God and men, expecting God to receive my common display and make it holy.

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name [in those things] which they hallow unto me: I [am] the LORD (Le. 22.2).

I still serve the same God who does not accept a blemished sacrifice. Service to him is to be holy. Those who minister are to be holy. Our approach to the Lord is to be holy, not entering as a common place talking about things of the world but entering to meet corporately in the presence of a holy God.

In my next post, I will discuss our falling for a season followed by God's "recovery" in which, we are made to shine as stars.