We are in interesting times. Many are asking, “What is going on?” As we’ve said before, what has been happening has more to do with the preparation of the church for Christ’s visitation than it has to do with a message to the world. This is like a birth pain that is testing the body of Christ – a refinement of our motives – a revelation of our fears – the return of the primacy of our calling as the people of Jesus to reach the world with His gospel. 

Many are making decisions right now about their involvement in the lives of people as if what we are going through will be over in a few days or weeks. What if this continues? There is a very real chance that it does remain or at least seasonally return.

If so, what do we do with our eternal calling to be the light of the world? Can we fulfill that calling locked away behind closed doors?

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. /// Matthew 5:14-16

Think of our Savior Jesus: He did not recoil from the dangers of the world but ministered until His time on earth was finished. And, He didn’t die in some quiet, peaceful manner. We’re speaking of a visitation of the Lord because that’s what seems to be happening right now – a visitation of Jesus to His church such as we see in the book of Revelation to the seven churches. Do you remember what God told Moses about building the tabernacle of God?

This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." /// Hebrew 8:5

After the people of Israel settled in the Promised Land and built the temple, Jesus visited it and found it not set up as He required. He told His disciples that a day would come when not one stone of what had been built would be left upon another. Why?

Because you did not know the time of your visitation. (Luke 19:44)

Now, we are the temple of the Lord and His Spirit dwells within us. He is visiting like He did on Holy Week; clearing out all that will oppose His lordship and hinder the work of the Lord. While we consider these things, we have another great thing to tell you. The cleansing of the temple always precedes another great visitation – one that has national implications. We believe that we are being prepared for another outpouring of the Spirit. Remember the first time it happened? In the fullness of times, after 10 days of preparation through prayer and replacement of fallen leaders, the Holy Spirit fell in Acts 2. When it did, the entire city heard the sound – not from the earth – but from heaven. 

The earth will see it and have its customary response just as in the first outpouring – there will be amazement, salvation, confusion, and mocking. What is happening is all about visitation. Are we truly ready?

Today’s Scriptures:

•   Matthew 5:14-16
•   Hebrew 8:5
•   Luke 19:44

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