• Deeper into Destiny
• Lessons from the Abyss
• The Greatest of These
• The Laodicean Church
• Heavens Hidden Gems
• The Apostolic Age

Articles by David Davenport

• The Great Commission
• The Back of the Bus
• The Golden Years
• Vision of a Train Yard
• Farmer John
• Only Believe
• Pressing On
• Tsunami
• China Cry
• The Eagle Has Landed

The Great Commission

*All scriptural references taken from the New American Standard Bible.

Those who have been in the Body of Christ for any length of time are familiar with the following verse: 

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

This one verse has been long touted as “The Great Commission.”  However, it is my belief that it is not the great commission, but a great commission. 

The great commission reads as follows: 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30/Deut. 6:5). 

When this commission is honored, the going “into all the world” becomes a natural out-flow of the former.  It becomes autonomic, and we carry out the command whether we’re filling our tank at the gas station or commanding an audience of 300,000 people on the plains of Africa during a power-evangelism campaign. 

I wish to focus briefly upon the three words I have emphasized above: “all your heart.”

There is a reason the Lord emphasized the heart first in this command; for as you peruse the gospels you will find that Jesus always spoke to matters-of-the-heart above all else.  He was and is after our hearts, first and foremost.

In this context, consider also 2 Chronicles 16:9, which reads:

“The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

As Christians, we all have gifts, ministries, callings and unique destinies in this lifetime, which require the Lord’s equipping, anointing, commissioning and favor—His “strong support.”  However, we cannot tap-into such fully, until our hearts are “completely” His. 

The full maturation of our unique callings in this lifetime will not come about until every cavern of our hearts are fully yielded to His habitation, and fully devoted to loving Him—first. 

Proverbs 20:27 reads: “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being.”

As we carve-out quality time to sit in His presence, in stillness and in silence, our spirits (our “lamps”) reveal secret caverns deep within our hearts, through the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit—caverns which remain void of His Lordship—secret caverns which have yet to be released to Him.  One prolific and anointed writer, long ago stated: “The Holy Spirit is a gentleman.  He will not force Himself upon anyone, but He will accept a cordial invitation.” As we then still ourselves on a daily basis, and make ourselves available to His probing, we offer him a cordial invitation to turn the “lamp” on, to illuminate the dark places. 

Such caverns are often those which represent bitterness, unforgiveness; shame and guilt over secret compulsions, habits, obsessions and sins—sins which we feel eternally damned for—as if Christ cannot fully cleanse us of them.

Some of these caverns contain wounds that were initially so painful that we were afraid to allow the Master Surgeon to heal such.  This posture is not unlike a child that skins its knee, and immediately pushes away the arms of those reaching to help; for fear that the wound will hurt worse when it is tended to.  Some of these caverns contain wounds as the result of heart-searing slander, brutal character assassinations and erroneous judgments which have destroyed our reputation. 

Some of these caverns house wounds that we hold onto for years, as we feel it our personal right to harbor them as reminders of those who have wounded us—knowing full well that we hold them hostage in doing so.  Some of these caverns contain secret affections, unhealthy and inappropriate affections for others—adulterous affections. 

Some of these caverns contain such permeating sadness that it seems it resides within our very bone marrow—caverns which may contain the void of a deposit we could not receive from our earthly fathers.  

While still in the womb, while an infant, while a toddler, while a child, and while a teen; I incurred a series of traumas representing enough collective emotional, psychological and physical anguish to crush the strongest among us. These wounds later propelled me into deep isolation, seclusion, introversion and depression.  And when I ultimately met the Lord at age 21, though the encounter was powerful and life-changing, I yet held onto and carefully guarded several secret caverns deep within my heart—caverns that I did not allow the Holy Spirit to fully inhabit.  As the result, I wounded many people, over many years, deeply.  The fact of the matter is that wounded-people-wound-people, and healed-people-heal-people. 

One of the fascinating dynamics of prayer is that we are often immediately aware that others are praying for us.  We can be immersed in our jobs, riddled with stress, anxiety and frustration within a typical work day, and at once begin to feel an internal warmth—a reminder that the Lord is near.  Sometimes it’s as if warm syrup is being poured over our hearts, to melt the hardness.  This very often is the real-time effect of someone praying for us.  In the same fashion, there are times when the Lord chooses to visit us—wholly removed from the prayers of others.  These are times when He decides we need a power-encounter with Him.  Often times these can be described in practical terms, as a major tune-up or overhaul.  We can rarely anticipate these moments, they simply come when we least expect them.  Often times we are shocked by them, as we had previously resolved internally that we would never experience Him in this way, in this dimension, again.  In this context, allow me to share a brief story of a man depicted in the book of II Samuel. 

In II Samuel 9:1-13, we read a brief glimpse of the life of an unknown, named “Mephibosheth.”  In simple terms, and at the time, King David had decided to seek out any surviving relatives of the then deceased King Saul.  And as you may recall, King David honored King Saul as “the Lord’s anointed,” all the while King Saul sought to kill David—motivated by insane jealousy, among other destructive emotions.  King David, after an exhaustive search, found Mephibosheth, grandson of King Saul, son of the then deceased Prince Jonathan.  David dearly loved Jonathan, as his own brother, despite relational hedges that were forced into their relationship in an attempt to wedge them apart. 

That David honored King Saul as “the Lord’s anointed,” despite the perversion of Saul’s authority; and that David loved Jonathan, despite the relational wedges that were placed between them; is a powerful story in itself, but one that I will waylay presently, as we rather focus upon the story of Mephibosheth.

Prior to King Saul’s death; and in the heat of one of several battles involving the Philistines attacking his kingdom, and while at the approximate age of 5, Mephibosheth was hurriedly scooped-up into the arms of his guardian, likely a woman who served as a baby sitter.  As she ran from the attackers, she stumbled and dropped him.  His spine incurred such a severe blow that it paralyzed both of his legs.  He then entered into life as a paralytic—a sudden shock which changed every facet of his existence—overnight. 

As Mephibosheth aged, he learned the full story of the relationship between his grandfather, King Saul, and David.  He then concluded that his condition was that of judgment for his grandfather’s love-hate relationship with David.  He also concluded that he should remain in hiding, assuming that David’s men would kill him were he discovered.  As one might imagine, his life was deeply laced with many sad emotions, one of which was that of shame.  For his name means literally, “Son of shame.”  He referred to himself as “a dead dog.”

Mephibosheth’s affliction was deep, physically, psychologically and emotionally.  He had resigned from any hopes of walking in what should or could have been his destiny.  His affliction prevented him from ever believing that he would be met with favor, love and kindness. But when he least expected it, King David had him summoned to his palace.  Mephibosheth then thought his empty life would be met with certain death at the hands of King David. 

When King David’s officers carried Mephibosheth into the king’s court, Mephibosheth was shocked to discover that King David rather sought to honor him, as the grandson of “God’s anointed,” and the son of the man he had loved as his own brother, Jonathan. 

King David insisted that Mephibosheth sit as an honored guest at his banqueting table.  He was also assigned attendants, to tend to his every need.  He was given the finest suite within David’s palace, including every luxury that he desired.  And for the remainder of his days he sat at King David’s banqueting table, to dine with him on a daily basis. 

In short, Mephibosheth had been hiding from the King—when the King found Him and so overwhelmed him with his kindness, that his heart was transformed—overnight. Mephibosheth was no longer deemed a “son of shame,” or a “dead dog,” but as a friend of the King, and as one who was loved by the King.

What is your heart-affliction, an affliction that is hidden from the King? What is that heart-affliction that would make you feel like a “dead dog” at times?  A heart-affliction that would cause you to resign to any hopes of receiving kindness from the King?

In the same way that King David visited Mephibosheth when he least expected it, and in the same way that King David showered Mephibosheth with love and kindness when he least expected it, thoroughly transforming Mephibosheth’s heart; so the King of Kings is making His way to your hidden place, your place of seclusion and affliction.

As the New Year unfolds, and as you ponder what it may hold for you, believe that your heart can be healed and completely made whole, by one unexpected visit from the King.  As you still yourself, and as you linger in silence, and as you hand-over the keys to the doors protecting those caverns in your heart that have housed afflictions; expect  that the King will fill them with His love, and with His kindness—changing your life—forever. 

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father [David], and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts.  If you seek Him, He will let you find Him;” (I Chron. 28:9).

David Davenport

Email: MustPressOn@gmail.com

Web: www.TheQuietCorner.org

*Permission is granted to copy, post and circulate this article as desired.

The Great Commission

Copyright © 2010

Deeper into Destiny

Ben Girod

To the beloved Mennonite – Amish brethren abroad:

We in this generation have met sobering times as the world continues to spiral into ever deeper chaos and anarchy. Political solutions and human reasoning are becoming increasingly ineffectual as God’s end-times purposes unfold. 

For generations, it has been our (Anabaptists) trademark to remain silent during economic and political tumult. Historically, as external socio-political pressures mounted, we have opted to go deeper into our collective shell of isolation and seclusion.

Political solutions and human reasoning will rarely fulfill Divine purposes; and neither will our collective isolation.

Could it be, that in this critical hour in history, we are discovering and encountering the greatest power available in both Heaven and earth?  It seems that God in this moment is further unveiling His eternal principles of Divine love—a love that overshadows all of our generational sicknesses, separations and divisions.  We are all acquainted with His judgments, and for the most part we harbor a healthy fear of His judgments. Unfortunately however, for many of us, this is the only facet we see of God.  We have therefore more often than not chosen judgment as the solution to many of our problems, as we have so easily opted to judge one another. 

There is however, another side to God’s character being unveiled to us, and which few of us have historically fully comprehended. To be embraced in the bosom of His agape love is a riveting experience—an experience which carries us beyond the sphere of our finite minds, and saturates our souls with peace and joy unspeakable. To reach this spiritual plateau unveils yet another dimension, that of not only experiencing God’s profound love, but extending such to those around us as well. Until we both experience this and extend this at a corporate level, there is little hope of our people to be reconciled and healed of our past wounds—wounds which can keep many in the shadows of grief, pain and despair for an entire lifetime, and that especially among the Amish. 

Historically, we have identified ourselves with those of like minds and spirits. This has both positive and negative results.  All of us are aware of God’s divine love, and at times we speak about it, often times rather glibly. But we rarely encounter its atoning and healing power on a corporate level.

Christ Himself, and of all men, could have said He is right, could have justified Himself, and could have gone back to the Father, to leave us in our sins. He rather chose to be identified with our sin and transgressions so that He might redeem us. This is thee mystery of the ages—to die that others can live (John 15:13).

Had Moses agreed with God and not identified with the transgression of Aaron and the people, the multitude would have perished in God’s anger at the beginning of their wilderness journey (Ex. 32:9-14, 31-32).  Divine Love and charity often requires an identification of both the spiritual and physical needs of others, including their sins (John 8:7).

Micah Smith, a friend of mine, has a global ministry to the unreached people of Third World countries. Micah’s teams often go into hostile environments bringing food, clothing and medical supplies; deeply touching the hearts of many desolate wanderers. Through such efforts thousands of heathen are coming to know the Lord. This ministry is more than that of bringing a gospel message to them—it is more so that of displaying Jesus Himself, by identifying with the needs indigenous to their culture. 

I know what it means to grope in darkness, and to wander in desolate places completely void of joy, peace and a tangible hope—a place of no vision, no victory, just dark forebodings. In this desperate posture I ultimately made religion my god. In later years, after encountering God, I met and conversed with many levels of Mennonites.  Each of these graciously counseled me, and helped me along the way towards true enlightenment.  I shall forever be indebted to these saints—many of whom may never read this letter.

I have often meditated on the reality that many Mennonites have known of our desperate (Amish) plight for years, as they have sat quietly in the shadows, obediently praying for our collective enlightenment.  I would have experienced the greatest emotional jolt imaginable, had someone embraced me in the condition I was in so long ago, identifying with my ignorance and shame while I groped about in darkness, and showed me truth.  Agape love is Jesus in action, bringing the reality of His saving power home to the most desolate and sinful soul. For too long, we have sought to clean each other up before we would bless each other.  It is here, where the promise, "love never fails," takes its most beautiful course. It sheds grace and mercy on the darkest and most desperate situations imaginable. It lifts up the burdened soul, heals the brokenhearted, and restores hope where there is none (1 Cor. 13:8a). 

As long as the Lord kept the doors open to my people, the Amish, I never ceased day and night in bringing this message of hope and God’s love to them.  Over the years I have witnessed lost hope restored, and many delivered from the grips of tradition and sin. As they discovered freedom in Christ, their joy was unspeakable and contagious, which often spilled-over onto many others throughout many communities.   As God continued to shed His marvelous light over this vast pervading darkness, it began shaking the very foundations of the religious system under which we had been bound for many generations.

As the younger generation began responding to the gospel message that sets men free, it brought a negative response around the nation, from the entire legalistic leadership. This resulted in extreme pain, as many were crushed under the severe penalty of “the ban.” I was often hunted down like a criminal, and was censured, banned, and displaced. Our family fled from community to community, desperately seeking an asylum somewhere, where we might find some measure of peace. This psychological pressure has brought me to the verge of mental collapse on many occasions. I have been told by brothers from persecuting countries that such trauma is worse than physical torture.  Yet somehow, God in His mercy sustained me through it all.

On the basis of God’s unadulterated love and truth, will we find the means to be healed and reconciled. Man’s logic and intellectual abilities offer no hope for healing and restoration. God’s ways and means must be searched out—from a place deep within our hearts. They will not be experienced by influential thinkers, or by applying logic to our condition.  We find God’s ways and means while down on our knees—not by parading ourselves upon mountain tops in a posture of superficial self-discovery. For too long we have leaned on the arm of flesh to find our answers. We must now turn to the Word, by revelation of the Spirit.  

As we continue to dig deep into God’s resources, we will find the answers we are looking for (Luke 6:46-49).  It seems that presently God is slowly exposing all of our hiding places, leaving us with few options in finding His full purposes for our people. The apostle Peter expressed it this way: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” For him, there was nowhere else to go (John 6:68b).  Exposure is painful, but once we have nowhere else to go, it breaks the bonds of deceit within, and sets us free! (Num 32:23).

Heaven is gearing into action and working to effect our healing and restoration. Angels are being dispatched to restore Divine purposes among us. The greatest purpose is that to be restored to our first love, which we have lost generations ago. There is a heavy penalty to lose one’s first love.  It is for this reason that our lamp stand has been removed (Rev 2:4-5). To have one’s lamp stand removed is to lose our sense of direction, leaving us groping for answers that continually evade us. It renders us powerless, and voids our testimony. Nevertheless, we are given this opportunity to be restored and reconciled, thus avoiding judgment, which we actually deserve. Can we drop our guards and our differences, and allow God’s Love to consume us and form us into one mind and spirit, that we may embrace one another in brotherly love and unity?  In the goodness and righteousness of Christ alone, is this found!

May the Father’s love find us wherever we are, and embrace us to His bosom. This is our destiny!

**********

Afterword

David Davenport

Graced with the liberty to minister in many streams within the Body of Christ far and wide, and that over a 29 year period; I have learned to recognize distinct and redeeming trademarks inherent within each stream. 

It was 20 years ago that I experienced my first personal encounter with the Amish, and that within Adams County Ohio.  I recall that on that day, after some business dealings with a large Amish family, I sat in my truck on their property for an extended time.  I recall feeling the heavy presence of the Lord in the cab of my truck.  I sat in silence for nearly 2 hours, and ultimately wept as wave-upon-wave of emotion enveloped me.  It was on that day in 1990 that the Lord began to weave within my heart, a mysterious bond between me and the Amish nation. 

Twenty years have passed since that day in Adams County Ohio.  And following priceless fellowship with Amish families in Indiana, Ohio, Idaho and Montana, I have come to conclude the recognition of a profound purpose forthcoming through the Amish nation. 

Of the most beautiful distinctions within the Amish, is that of the prevailing presence of the Fruit of the Spirit I see emanating from them, defined as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal. 5:22-23).  This fruit is born of a deeply ingrained respect for authority, as well as a universal disdain for pride and vanity.  In this context, I happen to see profound merit and symbolism within dressing plainly.  As I say this, I realize that those who have dressed plainly will often see the legalistic side of this equation.  However, as one who did not dress plainly for the first half of my adult life, I see the inward effects of the outward actions.  In addition, I see many profound merits to Old Order tradition and practice.  For these practices in part effect an inherent fabrication of the fruit of the Spirit.

As Ben has spoken to Amish destiny, allow me to in turn speak to what I feel to be an explosive impact that the Amish will have upon the mainstream Body of Christ—very soon.

It is my belief that the Spirit of God is wooing the Amish nation, a calling-out if you will, to boldly infuse the Body of Christ at large, and that most pointedly mainstream America, with the love of God, as demonstrated in and through gentleness, humility, kindness, and the very Fruit of the Spirit.

By contrast, and for the 29 years that I have been honored to move among many streams within the Body of Christ; I have witnessed within Mainstream Christianity a grave lack of the Fruit of The Spirit.  I have rather witnessed collective arrogance, wanton pride, self-absorption, vanity and outright spiritual-narcissism. 

Within the Charismatic, Pentecostal and more recent “Prophetic Movement,” I have witnessed a major focus upon discovering, activating and actuating the Gifts of the Spirit.  And though I believe a discovery and walking-out of the Gifts of the Spirit is a critical part of the maturation of the Believer, I yet believe that if the Fruit of the Spirit is not divinely wed with the Gifts of the Spirit as a foundation, we arrive at the repelling behavior I have described above.

Throughout 3 decades of various facets of ministry, I have met dozens of men and woman (Christian celebrities) who have graced television screens, book covers, CD and DVD jackets and magazine covers.  Many of these men and women have become household names within Christendom.  But sadly enough, and despite obvious and powerful gifts in action within each of these figures, I have met very few who exude the Fruit of the Spirit.  I have therefore been unable to receive from these, as I cannot appreciate their gifts, ministries and callings, without the foundation of the Fruit of the Spirit.  As well, for many of these Christian celebrities, I have often been led to believe they have tapped into a contemporary version of the Bible which suggests that arrogance is one of the Fruit of the Spirit. 

I believe it no accident that there are 9 Gifts of the Spirit, and 9 Fruits of the Spirit.  I believe this equation to represent a divine tapestry of spiritual maturation and discovery available to every Believer in Christ.  This brings me to my point:  I have long believed that when the Amish fully impact the mainstream Body of Christ, it will be that through the divine infusion of the Fruit of the Spirit.  In turn, the Amish nation will ultimately become infused with an impartation of the Gifts of the Spirit.  When this occurs, we will see the culmination of a force which will tread powerfully upon the works of darkness in ways never before imagined. 

As Isaiah spoke to the emerging remnant, he spoke to the very nature of the evolution and playing-out of what I have outlined above.  Consider Isaiah 37:31, which reads: “The surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.”

The “taking root downward” speaks to our foundation of brokenness, humility, meekness and contrition of heart—a posture of whole dependence upon God for His equipping and His empowerment—a forsaking of soulish effort and strength. As our ministry exploits to the nations then stem from this posture, we will “bear fruit upward.” 

The mainstream Body of Christ desperately needs the “joint” which the Amish supplies.  For “the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body…” (Eph. 4:16). 

I honor our Anabaptist forefathers as they imparted the many spiritual pillars of truth upon which the Amish came to be.  One such pillar is that rooted in 2 Cor. 6:17, which reads, “Come out from their midst and be separate…”  The honoring of this scriptural tenet among the Amish, and that over hundreds of years, has resulted in the preservation of a precious branch of the Body of Christ.  However, the Body of Christ universal in this age cannot advance without the Amish nation taking its place on the frontlines of battle as we march steadily into the End-Times.  Seclusion, reclusion and isolation among the Amish have served the profound purposes of shaping and honing the Anabaptists into a precious “joint” which cannot fully supply, unless it is fitted and joined together with the Body of Christ universal.

The Holy Spirit is presently raising-up prophetic and apostolic voices from within the Amish and Mennonite families.  As He continues to do so, we will soon see a divine cross-pollination effecting the transference of precious Kingdom jewels into the mainstream Body of Christ at large—further beatifying the Bride in preparation for the Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 

********

You may contact Ben Girod at the following address:

Ben Girod

576 Turner Hill Rd

Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

Email:  BenGirod@gmail.com

Web: www.anabaptistconnections.org 

You may contact David Davenport at the following address:

Email:  MustPressOn@gmail.com

Web: www.TheQuietCorner.org

Permission is granted to duplicate and circulate this article as desired.

*Editor’s Note: Once again friends, it is an honor to edit and distribute an article from my dear friend Ben Girod, an Amish Bishop based in the rural outskirts Libby Montana. If this article water’s your spirit, do consider dropping Ben a note via his email address at the trailer of his article below. David Davenport – MustPressOn@gmail.com.

Lessons from the Abyss

Job and Leviathan

*All scripture taken from the New King James Version.

“Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, and whom God has hedged in?” (Job 3:23).

Throughout my long journey through scripture to date, I’ve found few passages in the bible that pose a question as penetrating and unsearchable as this one from Job. Throughout chapter three, Job considers the day of his birth, and how well it would have been, had he never seen the light of day.  

Without fully understanding the gravity of such, we often times speak rather glibly about the lives of various personalities within scripture, not comprehending the dark chasms they had to navigate, often in the midst of great suffering. 

Some years ago, and as I was drawn unusually to this passage, I was stricken by its mystery. I was unable at the time to fully see-into the depths of what I was reading. As I ponder such scriptures, I conclude that even the greatest minds are often unable to illuminate on such boundless and infinite mysteries. For most of our personal studies or formal training will at best render but a superficial understanding of such mysterious scriptures.

I wish not to demean formal training or conferences, for we do need to “study to show ourselves approved” (2 Tim. 2:15).  Often however, and as I have endeavored to identify with men of old as in the example of Job, I have been unable to find a point of identity until being led personally into places of deep suffering, not unlike many central figures in scripture have bore before me.  It is while we are in the trenches of crushing difficulties in our lives, that such passages begin to make sense.

For those who would choose to dig deep into understanding the depths of God’s purposes for their lives, there often awaits a deep pit, chasm or gulf which has been divinely fashioned to purify those who would accept the cup of their ultimate calling—resulting in an authentic preparedness for carrying-out great Kingdom exploits.

Joseph spent years in a dungeon (Gen. 40:15); Jeremiah was cast into a miry pit (Jer. 38:6); and Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den (Dan. 6:16). Throughout the course of biblical history we see a pattern of men and women swathing through severe testing’s, and ultimately overcoming unspeakable trials (see Heb. 11:23-40). Quite often, some of the greatest trauma that people have experienced is that which is psychological, as opposed to the physical.  In either case, such trauma, on the other side of a fiery trek, ultimately ushers one into a state of great clarity of understanding in the spiritual realm. 

The process of which I speak is not unlike the element of the extreme heat required to sift dross from silver or gold.  There is gold and silver to be forged and ultimately redeemed in each of us, as we forfeit our lives in submission to the Refiner’s fire. 

While being hedged-into a seeming inescapable pit of suffering, one often finds a narrow shaft of light penetrating through the walls of despair—a “ray of hope.” It is quite often, here in this very place, that we begin to learn of the inexhaustible love of God. Our restricted and limited minds then begin to expand. We begin hearing the undertones of the Father’s voice. We see the boundless and unlimited sufficiency of the CROSS. 

We can see in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is sweating blood in His intense agony, and as Heaven and earth hang in the balance, that He ultimately submits to the cup of suffering, to in turn release redemption to a lost world.

There was a day when I was on my face, when the burden of divinely imposed agony had reached a breaking-point within me. It seemed I could no longer live, but neither could I die. At this moment, I received an unexpected incoming phone call, wherein the caller began relating to me a prophetic vision: In the vision, I was sitting in a quiet and serene place of no sound. There was neither joy nor sadness in this place. The willow trees that were in this place were shrouded in a mist. There was an occasional drop of water falling off of the leaves, created by the mist. As the caller observed this scene, she was told by the Lord: “This is a place of safety, found by those who choose to follow Me, without regard to what it may cost.”

It is at the very epicenter of trouble, turbulence and suffering, and this contrary to the preferred fringes of our comfort-zones, that God will deliver us, reveal His purposes, and ultimately revive and restore us. He will never ever forsake us as we step into the center of our afflictions, while trusting in Him.  It is in this place and in this posture, that His mercy and compassion knows no end, and where His perfect work will have its way in us (see Ps. 138:7-8).

Our salvation was attained at the expense of Christ Himself.  He suffered and died, that we might find freedom in Him.  Likewise, we as His ambassadors will often be required to be expended for others. For example, there are those who seek to build their ministries at our expense. It may be that God will at times allow our ministries to be shattered by those who seek to use us, as well as those who seek to destroy our ministries. In such cases, God has a much greater purpose for our lives—a purpose which we cannot attain through any other means.  For most of us, this process exceeds the reaches of our imagination.  For quite often in the midst of apparent ruins, we will meet with the first signs of new life, in the form of a small sprout of new growth.

 One day as I was out walking, I was bitterly complaining to the Lord concerning those who had forsaken me in times past. His response stopped me in my tracks, as He said: “Ben, without betrayal from within, redemption could not have come. Redemption always requires the willingness that someone lay down their lives, allowing others the advantage over them, as in the example of your Savior.”

This is a mystery, but this allows the Lord to perform healing and restoration rather than destruction, as in His own example of submitting to the Cross.  To be betrayed by your inner circle will leave something in you that formal training, seminary, conferences and seminars will not teach you, and cannot teach you.  

Job was sorely hedged-in by God, it was not enough that he had lost his family, his extreme wealth, and his health; God also sent three of his contemporaries to try and test him for many days. These took their turns at hurdling gnawing insults at him, daily. 

As I was recently meditating on Job’s desperate situation, and seeing that in all this he never forsook the Lord, but blessed Him despite such, I became undone.  Aware of my own limitations during seasons of suffering, it caused me to cry out for mercy.

There is likely not a personality in the whole bible (the only exception being that of Christ’s suffering on the cross) that suffered to the extent that Job did.  Within the story of his suffering, we find, interestingly enough, that God has devoted an entire chapter to a mysterious entity named “Leviathan” (chapter 41). God Himself is the one speaking in this chapter.  

Who is “Leviathan”?  What is his function? Why did God Himself go to such length to describe him? 

I believe it of utmost importance for us today, to have some understanding concerning him, especially for those who are making their way through the wilderness of what we might call: preparatory suffering. For on this journey, you will meet Leviathan.

There are two striking things God says about him.  Number one: we are no match for him, he cannot be overcome by human devices no matter how well defined our strategies may be (Job 41:9). Number two: he stands as the controlling head of all those who seek notoriety, or who seek to be greatly esteemed among men—the result of pride (Job 41:34).  Job, in his discourse with his three contemporaries, tried to do just that—overcome him by professing not only his innocence, but his righteousness as well. All this may have been true, despite such however, he failed his mission. Finally, it was God Himself who came upon the scene to impart understanding. He began posing questions Job was unable to answer or comprehend (chapters 38-41).  This placed Job on his face, in dust and ashes. 

It is a cardinal mistake for us to contend with those who try to show us up as being incapable or unqualified to carry-out our ministries (in our natural strength, most certainly we are not capable).  It is the core objective of the Leviathan spirit to undermine, discredit, and destroy our covenant relationship with the Father, through which the apostolic ministry is established. This includes covenant relationships in marriages as well.  It has the potential to spin its tail in the form of the most subtle lies imaginable, often leaving its victims in a state of shock, disorientation and total confusion and ultimate resignation. This onslaught is often carried-out with such convincing and overwhelming deception that many well-meaning brothers or sisters will often fall for these lies and cast them abroad as being the whole truth.

When Leviathan attacks in this fashion, there is no escaping its deadly assaults. The end-result is, very often, shattered relationships. In such times, there remains but one option for escaping total annihilation.  This option is reflected in Job’s deep contrition and humility (Job 42:1-6). Once he found this place, redemption and restoration could come. To overcome on this level, and that only through contrition and humility, means that healing and restoration of past and present relationships may come about, when every other attempt has failed. 

God’s purposes in releasing Leviathan among His most favored subjects as reflected in the example of Job, is that solely for the purposes of refining and purifying them from any hidden, soulish agendas and ambitions. As ministers of the gospel seeking to walk-out the depth and breadth of our callings, it is this brand of positioning, posturing and parading ourselves that hinders us from coming into a covenant relationship with the Father, through the Son. For judgment was given to the Son, through which we establish a lasting and unbreakable covenant relationship with the Father (II Cor. 5:10).  Man will otherwise corrupt and cheapen such a calling, if left to his own devises.  God will not covenant with those who persist in attaining their goals apart from His conditions or principles. For a true covenant to be established, or to be legitimate, it must by necessity come with a heavy price. We often attempt to attain these goals in our own strength, or at the expense of others.  The greatest shame I carry, is to have tried doing just that. I never cease to be amazed at the Father’s great mercy, longsuffering and grace.  It is unlimited, for those who bathe in His precepts.

The apostolic call, like the marriage covenant, must by necessity be sanctified, to perform its ultimate place in the Kingdom.  Perhaps this may be the greatest reason we have not been more effective in discipling the nations.

Job’s only recourse for escaping Leviathan’s clutches was that to open himself up in a posture of total transparency before God (Job 42:1-6).  This, in essence, is where the apostolic call is consummated—in the resolve to walk in complete contrition. 

You may well be shunned and disgraced by your contemporaries or close friends, but through this, you will have discovered the greatest secret of all—that of being received and accepted into the very presence of the Father’s heart and favor.   To claim an apostolic ministry without the presence of these essential ingredients, will invariably equate to defeat, agony and regret.    

Job’s contemporaries were, in the end, also restored, but it came through the very one they attempted to discredit and malign. In the same way, I believe the time of the restoration of all things is at hand, a period where relationships will be restored in unprecedented fashion. This will be the reward for those who, with Job, have overcome through deep contrition and a willingness to make sacrifices on behalf of others. Job’s latter end, which was double the blessing of his former state, leaves a shining example of what perseverance will accomplish. The key lies in not losing hope during the course of the race, when things can look dark and hopeless. These seasons cause many to give-in to despair—the very intent of Leviathan, to crush his subjects, something that key men of old never allowed themselves to succumb to.

It is said of Enoch that he walked with the Lord for three hundred years before he was translated. Think of this, three hundred years (Gen. 5: 21-24). One of my favorite promises is found in John 15:7, which reads: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”  After claiming this promise for many years, some of the petitions I have made remain unanswered, yet I rest in confidence, that as long as I abide in Him, I have access to His unlimited and eternal provisions.  The key is that to abide and remain anchored in the promise (John 15:1-8).

***

For more information about Ben’s ministry, as well as directions for obtaining a copy of Ben’s book, Baptized by Fire—the Gethsemane Way, you may view the following web address: www.anabaptistconnections.org. You may read Ben’s previous articles at: www.TheQuietCorner.org.  You may contact Ben personally via the following email address: BenGirod@gmail.com

*Editor’s Note: Once again friends, it is an honor to edit and distribute an article from my dear friend Ben Girod, an Amish Bishop based in the rural outskirts Libby Montana. If this article water’s your spirit, do consider dropping Ben a note via his email address at the trailer of his article below. David Davenport – MustPressOn@gmail.com.

The Greatest of These

Ben Girod

*All scripture references taken from the New American Standard Bible. 

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments (John 14:15).

Today, many have come to despise the word “commandments.” This is understandable, as there are countless souls who have been bruised and wounded in churches which have often imposed regulations or ordinances that are contrary to what the Word of God teaches. This is at times, tragic, as many of those wounded never fully recover. The conflict they face often overwhelms them, yet it is here, in this overwhelmed state, that true soldiers of the cross overcome and are formed.  The obstacle course of navigating their wounds is merely part of their training.

Years ago, when I first meditated on John 14:15, I pondered what it truly implied. I sought to reconcile this passage with the concept of grace, since we live in a day or age of grace.  As we ponder John 14:15, I will quote two other excerpts from the same chapter, which further fortify our context: He who has My commandments and keeps them, is the one who love Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him (v.21).  And: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him (v. 23). 

There are two arresting truths that Jesus states here: One, the evidence that will prove our love for God, is that by keeping His commandments—all other evidence must be questioned. And two; He states that if we do keep these commandments, both the Father and the Son will make their home within us. What greater promise could we possibly possess?   These commandments would appear to be a high priority on the Father’s heart for His Children.  So high in fact, that He offers His personal residence within us if we keep them. This warrants a deep search of the divine purposes concerning these commandments.  To facilitate these promises however, we must wrestle with this question:  What are the commandments we are to keep, since we are no longer under the law, but under grace?  Doesn`t “grace” mean we are now free, no more law, ordinances, or regulations?  Didn`t Jesus fulfill the law? 

Jesus did fulfill the law, but the commandments in question have nothing to do with the law, it is rather all about unquestioned obedience to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, as further implied in verses 16-17:  I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Here we see that the Spirit comes to us in two different measures; both upon, and in us.   What could we possibly hope to gain in life that would even remotely parallel this incredible promise, to have both the Father and the Son possess our hearts?  If we could uncover the mystery behind it, perhaps we would be more willing to seek after it. Selah. 

This may come as a shock to some, but within church leadership circles; to have a large following, to be trademarked by healings, or by unusual prophetic gifting for example, will not always validate, or prove we are obeying these commandments.  The gifts are one thing, obedience is quite another.   Let’s not confuse the two. 

 Allow me to further underscore our context, by alluding to a few more excerpts from the Gospels which charge us to keep these commandments:

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34).

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 (John 15:10).

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets (Matthew 22:37-40). 

If our love for the Father is compelling, it will in turn cause us to equally love our brother.  We cannot claim to love the Father, while at the same time despise our brother. Consider 1 John 4:20-21:  If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

This passage eliminates the false belief shared and exercised by many (albeit most oft internally), who say, "I love God and serve Him only; therefore I have no need of any correction from my brother.” It is a most serious error to trifle against those God sets over us.  Without repentance from such error, He will set us aside, or “sideline” us from moving in the greatest capacities of what He has called us to do. To then obey those who have authority over us, is a principle God highly honors.  To do otherwise, mocks His very character (see Heb. 13:17 and 1 Peter 2:13-17).  

As we prayerfully exercise and subsequently grow in spiritual discernment (a largely neglected and ignored spiritual gift), we will not have to wonder about who it is that God has placed over us within His divine tapestry of leadership and accountability.  If we are brutally honest with ourselves in this regard, we will confess that we all know inwardly who it is that has been placed in our lives, and throughout our lives, that we should be submitted. 

It may surprise some to know that even the greatest names in our day, who have perhaps authored dozens of best-selling books, and who have commanded large audiences the world over, carrying-out great Kingdom exploits, are themselves submitted to someone who has been placed over them, for the purposes of further effecting a deep and ongoing formation of submission and humility.  Very often, the figures placed in our lives accordingly are little-known. However they have most often walked long trenches of deep suffering, over many decades.  And through their sharing of the very sufferings of Christ, have been granted authentic apostolic authority, to in turn serve as tiers of accountability. 

These figures are not necessarily placed in and over our lives that we may draw upon their revelatory musings, but much rather that we be systematically arrested spiritually, and forced to remain ever-mindful that it is “the wisdom from above” and “the fruit of the Spirit” which must lace everything we do within the work of the ministry, or our works have become “a noisy gong” or “a clanging symbol.” 

The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy (James 3:17). 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… (Galatians 5:22-23). 

The word “fruit” in this context, is synonymous with the word “evidence.”  Therefore, the evidence of your ongoing maturation and yielding to God’s whole counsel in your life will be that exemplified through the wisdom from above and the fruit of the Spirit.  For these attributes will adorn those who are wholly submitted to God’s divine order of accountability. 

I do not wish to suggest that those placed over us are always right. Not by any means.  But again, this is not the issue. Much rather, we obey simply because He requires it. Our subsequent reward is that God will then personally deliver us from every adverse situation that is hindering us from our destiny.  It is after, and not before “we have endured,” that we receive the promise (Hebrews 10:35-37). The promise is that God Himself will begin speaking to us directly through the Holy Spirit.  This is a gift unspeakable, for He causes our eyes to behold His secrets, eternal, and infinite. We then begin to hear the undertones of His voice, and with this, the honored and commensurate responsibility to build-up His Bride. 

His commandments include both a yielding to His direct Word to us through the Spirit, and a submission to obeying His delegated authorities in our lives. Subsequently, we must allow the Holy Spirit to wholly invade our hearts and to take-up complete residency and command complete charge of our lives. This equates to an “unconditional surrender” to His guidance, His ways and means, and the priceless gift of heightened sensitivities to the ebb and flow of His every move in our lives. This is what brings Heaven down to earth, and this is how the Lord answers the following prayer: "Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done.” 

Millions have prayed this prayer throughout the ages, little knowing the extent of what they are actually praying for. 

John, in his epistles, has much to say on the issue of heeding God’s commandments. In fact, he gives very little “squirming room” on this issue.  He underscores the high stakes which God mandates on this principle, through direct and piercing statements, as follows:  By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His Word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know we are in Him (1 John 2:3-5).  To obey, will always lead us directly to the Fathers heart. No place on earth can provide a safer place, than to be anchored in the perfect will of the Father. When once we find this place, all doubt, darkness and fear will vanish, leaving a peace and clarity of mind in unprecedented measure.  

John continues:  I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. He who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now.  The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him (1 John 2:8-10). 

We do not need to openly hate our brother to fall into this category; we only need to carry a camouflaged grudge, hidden within our hearts, to be guilty of this. As long as this is present, we will stumble. The security which arises out of the obedience to which John refers on the other hand, is absent of any pride or self-seeking.  It is by and through exercising deep humility that we may rejoice in God’s perfect provisions for overcoming our personal conflicts, as well as that of enjoying our safety in the midst of various trials, upheavals and tumult. 

If we are to prevail in our callings, we cannot expect to forego any commandments that are distasteful to us, and get away with it. We may for a time, but sooner or later this will come back to haunt us.  Thank God; Grace is always available through repentance. It is a required principle of God, that the calling or ministry we receive at the beginning, must of necessity follow through, unbroken to the end, and on His terms.  Trust me; I know this to be true.  This calls for radical obedience, but God forbid that I should speak out-of-turn what He Himself is trying to teach us here.

John continues:  Let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father (1 John 2:24). This doesn`t mean we never fail, but it does mean we humble ourselves when we do.  This is how we maintain unbroken intimacy with both the Father and the Son. John further expands upon how we maintain it:  The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. (1 John 2:27). 

In order to comprehend this teaching directly from the Spirit, our ears need to be sensitized and tuned to what He is saying, otherwise we will miss it. We here in the West, have a tendency to complicate matters through the power of reasoning, in our carnal thought patterns and logic, which have blinded our eyes to the critical need of simple obedience to the Word and the Spirit.  By what should be embarrassing contrast; the simplified faith and power that is in operation in many Third World countries presently, is far outstripping we in the West, in bringing souls into the Kingdom.  See what the apostle Paul has to say on this note (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

To yield to this level of obedience, firmly establishes us in the joy and hope of our God.  In unfeigned confidence, we may know for certain that all of our prayers and petitions are being answered.  Disappointments at this point are no longer a part of our human make up, for our trust is undeniably anchored in His promise.  John confirms this:  And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.  The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us (1 John 3:22, 24). 

We here in the West, who truly abide and overcome, will do so at a greater cost then many in Third World countries, since we have much more to lose. As we follow the commandments, we will deny ourselves many opportunities or privileges in life that we might otherwise pursue or gain, but we rather choose to follow the call of poverty to enrich others. Attached to this, are many trials, tribulations and adversities. This was exemplified by Moses, who, "By faith…when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh`s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he was looking to the reward (Hebrews 11:24-26).  Like Moses, we attain our destiny by making steadfast choices to follow the Lamb in our life’s journey, and at every turn (Revelation 14:4). On the other hand, life on earth is much easier, and with much less conflict, when we side-step the necessity of these choices. We will thereafter wander in desolate places, never recognizing the path that was originally carved-out in the wilderness to accommodate our every step.  

There are those who have started out well and have invested much of their lives into the Kingdom, only to give up the race and to turn aside. This is a tragic evolution, since this often leaves the victim in a state of deep deception, compounded at times by delusion. They not only deceive themselves, but others as well. The truth and the light they had formerly received through the Holy Spirit, they now facilitate for their own gain, thereby corrupting the truth and defiling many. This is what John encountered in his day, which prompted the following: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).  

In John’s day, this meant Jesus did not come in the flesh only; but that He also came in Spirit (1 John 4:2).  In our day this is commonly understood to mean that since Jesus has already come and given His life for us (in the flesh), there is no need for Him to come and crucify our flesh. Hence, we deny Him entrance into our hearts, saying, “His goodness is sufficient, He has done it all, setting us free to live life at-will to our fleshly dictates.”  This lie has broadly infiltrated Western thought, releasing licentiousness, vice and lawlessness unspeakable. The Church itself has fallen victim to this delusion in greater measure then we would care to know or acknowledge. This condition is making a mockery of His commandments. To obey the commandments, is in essence, abiding in Him.

John continues:  This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son (2 John 1:6-9).  

Here at the end, John again confirms the presence of both the Father and the Son to be with us, if we follow-through in a posture of radical obedience.  To miss our way in any given point, will leave us in disarray, being double-minded, and tossed by every wind of doctrine (see James 1:5-8, 4:7-8).

In light of our current meditation to this point; how can we afford to remain passive, and to impose upon God’s grace in this “land of freedom,” any longer?  Do we believe His patience to be unlimited? When is it time to stand up, and to speak the Word in its convicting power?  When we choose to do so, Gods servants may look the enemy in the eye and say, “Step aside, for The Lord of Glory is coming through!”  

How long will we continue to ignore the costs of such abandonment to the commandments of our Savior, seeking an easier way?  Who will stand in the gap, as Paul did in his day, when he declared: Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). 

It is in our weakness that God’s power is facilitated, enabling us to disciple the very nations.

To the natural or untrained eye, there is never any personal, outward glory in our weaknesses, or reproaches. Unless we are permitted to see this process through the eyes of our hearts, through a posture of humility, we miss the demonstrations of God’s power that would otherwise be within our command. 

If the nations are to be restored, someone will need to carry a mantle of deep humility in the fear of the Lord, to effect such; not unlike Nehemiah, as he prayed for the restoration of Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 1).  Who knows what would yet happen, if the Church would be willing to fall on her knees in a state of deep contrition and repentance?  Acknowledged, sectors of the Church in America are praying in this spirit, some desperately. Let it be known however, that it will only be through our collective contrition, as well as our obedience, that our prayers will become effectual.  

May God in His mercy convict us of our pride, as He did Jacob of old at Peniel, where Jacob met with deliverance (see Genesis 32:24-30). Without a crisis in our lives, we rarely meet God in a personal way. If, and when we do, it will result in deep humility and bended knees—the antithesis of pride. Jacob, the schemer, became the new man, "Israel,” out of which descended the people of God by the multiplied thousands.  But he first had to learn to bow before his greatest enemy (see Genesis 33:3-4). 

In closing, it was back in 1995 that I was given the forgoing message, and that seemingly within the span of a lightning strike. It took a number of years however to fully assimilate it, and to fit the pieces together.  The day I received it, I also was told to write it down. But due to other pressures I was encountering at the time, I steadfastly failed to record it, for I was frustrated and exasperated beyond measure. I thought the task useless, since I was also losing what I understood my ministry to be at the time, for a day had come when the Holy Spirit began to depart from me. In deep shock and fear I pled with the Lord to give me one more chance, and I would gladly record it if the Spirit would return and help me.  I was granted this opportunity, and was told to rent a cabin 200 miles away (at the time), at the straits in upper Michigan, where I ultimately spent several days writing.  Following which, once again I was restored to God’s grace. This was a defining moment.  Little did I know however, what yet lay in store for me in the form of tests I was to meet, before I would be allowed to release this message. 

Our timing is rarely in line with the Lord’s.  In fact, this will remain one of our greatest challenges in this lifetime—that to remain sensitive to His every step, that we may continually abide in Him.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts, than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

And though we will never know the full extent of His thoughts or His ways, we can know with the greatest degree of certainty, that “the greatest of these, is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

***

For more information about Ben’s ministry, as well as directions for obtaining a copy of Ben’s book, Baptized by Fire—the Gethsemane Way, you may view the following web address: www.anabaptistconnections.org. You may read Ben’s previous articles: The Apostolic Age and Heaven’s Hidden Gems, at: www.TheQuietCorner.org.  You may contact Ben personally via the following email address:  BenGirod@gmail.com

*Editor’s Note: Once again friends, it is an honor to edit and distribute an article from my dear friend Ben Girod, an Amish Bishop based in the rural outskirts Libby Montana. If this article water’s your spirit, do consider dropping Ben a note via his email address at the trailer of his article below. David Davenport – MustPressOn@gmail.com.

The Laodicean Church

Ben Girod

*All scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible.

It is doubtful that anyone would care to identify themselves with the Laodicean church following the sobering warning represented in Revelation chapter 3. What could possibly inspire a group of people to boast of being affiliated or connected with the Laodicean church?  To identify with her, would be a disgrace to any church or movement.  Let’s take a moment to look at her through the lenses of Revelation 3:15-17:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,‘ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked…”

To be lukewarm is to induce one of the worst symptoms of sickness—“vomiting” (Rev. 3:16).  Worse yet, she is plagued with pride, as she says, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” Her pride has wholly blinded her to her most desperate and deplorable condition. Who among us would have such audacity, to make the presumption of being in need of nothing?

In contrast to the church of Laodicea, the church of Philadelphia was the epitome of God’s favor and blessing. She touted no creed or identity but Jesus Christ Himself, and that to obey His commandments (Rev. 3:10). Yet she received this advice: "I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown" (Rev. 3:11). This is what the Laodicean church is attempting to do—take her crown!  For out of the former glory of the Philadelphian church emerges the church of Laodicea. The vibrant life she once possessed has degenerated into a form of works. 

We as a church still proclaim our former glory, but we are so in name only, for we have lost the fire and power that was once ours. We declare Jesus as Lord of our lives while at the same time we hold up our own banner, creed, or doctrine to distinguish ourselves from other movements. Today, we eulogize big names of the past as well those of the present, yet we have become but a shadow of what we once had been—a time when the mighty power of the name of Jesus transformed and revolutionized lives in an instant.   

I may not speak with authority on other movements throughout history, but I may speak with some authority of my own church history (the Anabaptist movement), in which I feel privileged to have been born into.

The story of the early Anabaptist movement is unique, as it neither identified itself with Catholicism or Protestantism.  It was birthed out of the early reformers of Luther and Zwingli, and that with a single eye on obedience to the Word of God alone. We promoted neither rights, creed, opinion nor denominational banner except Jesus Christ and Him crucified and resurrected. For this, we were considered the scum of the earth; rejected, scorned, persecuted and martyred by the Catholics, Protestants and the very Reformers themselves.  Our deepest Anabaptist history is a shining light of purity, humility, power, redemption, and holy adoration to the literal dictates of the Word of God. Amidst our deepest afflictions, our worship ascended to the Throne, for we feared neither man, imprisonment, banishment nor death. 

I wish I could report that we have maintained this life of power to this day.  Sadly, we have not. We do not even recognize how far we have fallen. Our wounds have become incurable (Jer. 15:18). We are fractured and fragmented into many divisions, movements and sects, i.e., Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite, Brethren, etc, a fragmentation which spans the globe. What once had been a guiding light and a shining path that embraced the cross and a childlike faith in Christ’s redemptive power has been reduced to one of reason, logic, performance, and manipulation. I have personally witnessed few exceptions.  We perhaps, like no other movement today, exemplify the Laodicean church, as we remain proud of our heritage despite our deplorable condition at present. I, in great shame, acknowledge our sin of pride, to the Church at large.

Our Anabaptist forefathers experienced perhaps the greatest insurgence of Holy Ghost power since the days of the first apostles. They left us and the Church at large, a legacy of power, life, and redemption. Their faith and worship was pure and unadulterated.  Their love for Christ and their fellow man was like a raging fire that spilled-over and into society at large, changing and transforming everything in its path—affecting nearly every country in Europe throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Their spilled blood runs deeply throughout European soil, crying out and declaring a hope for greater things to come, through Christ, in this generation (Heb. 12:24). For this reason I am believing that multitudes of Anabaptist will find their way back to that place over power in due season. 

This great turning-back will come at the cost of succumbing to the Refiner’s fire, and the furnace of afflictions—the very sufferings of Christ.  The gold we seek will not be purified by any other means, as depicted in the Laodicean church (Rev. 3:18). For this reason, I believe the Laodicean overcomers will in the end, rise to levels beyond anything that has gone before them, as, despite the depths of her fall, she will yet recover.  She will also be clothed in white garments of purity in such magnitude that it will cover the deepest depths of shame and disgrace that man is capable of falling into. Their eyes will be opened to the heavenly treasures that were rarely discovered before, for this eye salve is applied by the Redeemer Himself.  To no other church has He given such an invitation but to the Laodiceans; "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20).  Yet we refuse to open the door for Him to come in. Why is this?  It is through the doors of our hearts that He is able to rebuke, chasten and purify us (Rev. 3:19).  This is NOT His disfavor, but rather his great love, because He has chosen us for this purpose, despite our sickly condition.  For Him to dine with us in such an intimate way, requires a holy and sanctified heart.