Jesus made an incredible promise to His disciples the just before He ascended to heaven. He told His disciples that they would never be alone but that He would be with them “till the end of the age”, Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
I imagine they would need to remember that promise over and over because being used by God to birth something brand new is often incredibly lonely and difficult. They along with the Apostle Paul, were foundational to the “mystery” that was about to be revealed, the church. Tradition tells us that every one of the disciples would die a martyr’s death. All except the Apostle John who was most likely the youngest of the disciples who walked with Jesus. Jesus said this about him in John 21:22 (ESV)
Jesus said to him (Peter), “If it is my will that he (John) remains until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
Some believed this showed that John would not die until He witnessed the return of Jesus. However, I would point out that John did indeed witness the glorious return of the Lord on the Isle of Patmos when he received the “revelation of the Lord Jesus”. He had been sent there after not dying from being boiled in oil, Roman Emperor Domitian banished him to Patmos, an island for the criminally insane. After Domitian died, John was brought back to the church of Ephesus where he lived to be a very old man. John was truly one of the most loyal followers of Jesus but did not live an easy life. It was also filled with much personal suffering. Those that follow Jesus closely will always suffer, it is the way of the cross. So different than the gospel many of us have been taught growing up in the church.
In many respects, I believe that we are at the birthing of another age being released in the earth. It is the mystery of “Christ in Us the Hope of glory”(Col.1:27).
I don’t believe we’ve ever fully grasped that truth in the church age. Institutional and denominational Christianity have robbed it from us. I believe that is about to change, it’s about the timing of the Lord.
Many in the church still believe that being a Christian simply involves saying a sinner’s prayer and following a few Biblical principles to have a nice successful life.
Personally, I believe that in this next age, we will come into a deeper understanding that the majestic incredible glory of Christ lives within my spirit. Jesus did instruct His disciples in John 16:7 (ESV)
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
He had given this encouraging word about the indwelling Spirit that was about to come in John 14:17 (ESV)
“even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
This is not just about being an “evangelical or charismatic” or even being Messianic. In fact, it has nothing to do with theology or doctrine. Rather, this is about a lifechanging revelation that will totally change the way the church looks at herself.
You will never be able to rule and reign with Him unless He first rules within your heart, day by day, moment by moment. The language spoken will be truth in love. The 1 Corinthian 13 “perfect love” where gifts, revelation and knowledge are no longer needed. Doesn’t mean they won’t be exercised; they just won’t be that vital to the depth of love this emerging bride is waking up to. It will be family not church, intimacy instead of theology and knowledge gained through intimacy and not head knowledge. We will desire to be together not because of obligation but because of pure desire. Our giving will change. Again, not because we must, but out of humble worship when we see His majesty. I can absolutely feel it beginning to happen, can’t you? Something has drastically changed for me personally and for our body in the last several months. I was overwhelmed leading worship last Sunday as I heard the sound of myriads of angels worshipping with us. It is happening. What we have waited for many years is upon us. We are moving from the church age as we’ve known it and entering kingdom age where Jesus rules inward first than outward. That is what the war raging in the church in recent years has been about. We, the sons of God, the remnant, the bride, whatever you want to call yourself is being awakened and aroused by our bridegroom, Jesus by the Spirit that lives within us.
Solomon wrote this in Song of Solomon 2:8 (ESV)
“The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.”
Let us not miss the hour of our visitation like Solomon’s Bride did. Let us respond like the five wise virgins who were ready with their lamps trimmed, filled with fresh oil. Jesus is indeed calling out to us and preparing us not only for history’s greatest harvest but also His imminent coming to and for His bride. I close with the words of the Apostle John written at the close of His “revelation”, Revelation 22: 14-20 (ESV)
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Maranatha!!