Revealed Part 2
Jan/08/11 02:41 Filed in: Sunday Series
Part 2
The revealed purpose of God is practical. God wants to invade the practical with the supernatural. This week we will see how God reveals His will to us for a practical purpose. To view the notes click the “read me”.
As the child of God you can be a step ahead of others. I believe God wants to give us insight to what is happening so that we can be fully equipped and fully prepared.
An Eternal Perspective
The advantage for the believer comes in knowing his or her place in eternity. An eternal perspective brings great insight for the believer.
John found himself on the isle of Patmos exiled because of his faith. It was the Lord's day and he was worshipping in the Spirit. Now consider all that is going on here. How do you think John was feeling. He had been persecuted and now found himself exiled because of His faith in Jesus. He had outlived the other disciples. The others had gone on before Him. And instead of giving up, instead of neglecting God, John was worshipping the Lord in the Spirit.
That puts many things into perspective for us doesn't it? How many times do we struggle to get our bodies to a place of worship much less get our spirits in tune with the Holy Spirit?
Now when He was in the Spirit worshipping God revealed Himself to John. Notice the first revelation to John was a revelation of the Eternal Son of God.
The revelation that we need begins with a revelation of Jesus. We need to see Jesus for who He is, not the fairy tell image of Jesus. Jesus has been reduced by many to a great teacher or even a great leader, but He is so much more.
The revelation you need for your life begins with a revelation of who Jesus is.
Revelation 1:12-18 (NLTSE)
[12] When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. [13] And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man.* He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. [14] His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. [15] His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. [16] He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
[17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.*
I can safely say this is not the Jesus that many envision. This glorified Jesus is the one who is faithful, the one who holds the keys, the one who is alive. And He reveals himself to man.
Many times believers turn to the book of revelations so they can figure out how the world is going to come to an end. But in trying to figure out the "puzzle" these people often miss the message of the eternal God who is revealed in Jesus. God wanted all of these things to be revealed to the people in that day some 2000 years ago. The message was not primarily about the soon return of Jesus, it was the eternal perspective of God. In the middle of the rising persecution the church needed to know that God was on the throne. He has a plan, and He is working His plan. And that plan includes them.
It is the same for us today. Yes Jesus is coming soon. Let us not concern ourselves with affixing the right day, but let us see Jesus on the Throne. We can be assured of His faithfulness. And we can be assured of His plan for our lives.
My prayer is that The revelation of Jesus will be fresh in your heart and mind.
The Value of Revelation in Your Life
2 Kings 6:8-23 (NLTSE)
Elisha Traps the Arameans
[8] When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.”
[9] But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” [10] So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.
[11] The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”
[12] “It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”
[13] “Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.”
And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” [14] So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.
[15] When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.
[16] “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” [17] Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
[18] As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please make them blind.” So the LORD struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked.
[19] Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to the city of Samaria.
[20] As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O LORD, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the LORD opened their eyes, and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria.
[21] When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?”
[22] “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.”
[23] So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.
I love this story. It demonstrates the value of vision or revelation. The northern kingdom of Aram was intent on setting an ambush against Israel, and yet every time the trap was set Israel could not be lured in because Elisha would warn the people of the danger. The king of Aram was convinced there must be a spy amongst them. He was intent on finding out who had been the betrayer.
Out of self preservation the confidants of the king told them it was Elisha from Israel who gave the information for he hears what is said even in the king's bedroom. So the king sends an army to take out Elisha.
Now let me be quick to tell you that God will reveal the plans of the enemy to you. Imagine the advantage or knowing where the danger is, knowing where and how the enemy of your soul plans to attack. The child of God can have that advantage. Paul said: "...Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLTSE) There is a real enemy out there. There is someone that is out to destroy you. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (TNIV) We do not have to be afraid but we should "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
This is awesome though God revealed the very real dangers to Elisha so that the people of God could be prepared. I believe that God wants us to walk in that kind of revelation. We should be aware of the enemies plans before the attack ever happens.
I heard Jantazeen Franklin share his heart for the people of Haiti. He shared how God had led his ministry to multiply their food support to Haiti just prior to the earthquake that devastated that poor nation. By the time the earthquake hit these supplies were already in Haiti ready to give out. That is exactly what I believe God wants to do. He wants to give people revelation so that they can be aware of what is coming and to be prepared to love and care for the people around them.
This revelation is available to you and me today.
This revelation is practical.
Too often we separate the 'spiritual' from the 'practical'. In doing so we miss the blessing of God. Emanuel, God in the flesh means God is practical. He cares about you and me.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
[15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. [16] Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So as we are going through life we can know God is watching out for us and He is will reveal the danger points to us.
Well as you know the King of Aram was not happy about his plans being exposed by Elisha, so he sent an army to take out this one man of God. As day broke one morning Elisha's servant went out to greet the morning. As he was dusting the sleep from his eyes he saw that this army had encircled Elisha's tent. I am sure at that point the servant thought it was time to brush up his resume'. It is time for new employment. He called for Elisha and to the servant's surprise Elisha was not concerned. In fact Elisha said, there are more for us than against us. I am sure the servant must have thought that Elisha was crazy. Then Elisha prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened to see what was actually going on.
The truth was that the servant was the one who hadn't been seeing things clearly.
God had already sent angels to protect Elisha. I wonder how many times have we been protected by God but failed to see. I pray that our eyes would be opened to see things for how they really are. How many times do we get all worked up in worry, not realizing that there is more with us than against us. God is on our side. He has a plan and He is caring for us.
The next part of the story is really funny. Especially when we get the picture of what happened. Elisha prayed that the army that came to attack would go blind, and they did. Then he led them into the capital city. Now how can you lead a blind army. I believe they had to be led hand in hand. What a picture that would have been. As they came into the city the King asked if he could kill them, but Elisha said he should just feed them and send them away. So their sight was restores they were fed and left quite shaken.
I want to say it again... Revelation is available for you and me today. We read these incredible stories in the Bible and too many times we romanticize the stories and the people so much that we miss out on what God wants to do in and through us. The message of the Holy Spirit is that this for you too!
Revelation from God flows from intimacy with God.
It is out of the relational moments that God reveals His plans. Peter was on the roof praying when He felt into a trance and God gave him a vision that led him to Cornelious' house where the gospel would first be preached to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:9 and following)
It was while John was worshipping in the Spirit that He had the revelation of Jesus.
Revelation 1:10 (NLTSE)
[10] It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit.* Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.
The NLT is very helpful in this regard. Most of the other translations say John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. OK, how did He get 'in the Spirit'. The NLT gives us this hint. He was worshipping. When we quiet our heart and get in a place of communion with God we can find ourselves in the Spirit where God is ready to reveal Himself and His plan to us.
The revelation of God compels us to go to the people that God loves.
Isaiah 6:1-8 (NLTSE)
Chapter 6
Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
[6:1] It was in the year King Uzziah died* that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. [2] Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. [3] They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
[4] Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
[5] Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”
[6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. [7] He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
[8] Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
When God gives us revelation it is for a purpose beyond our own interest. God gives revelation so that He can fulfill His plan of loving the world through us.
An Eternal Perspective
The advantage for the believer comes in knowing his or her place in eternity. An eternal perspective brings great insight for the believer.
John found himself on the isle of Patmos exiled because of his faith. It was the Lord's day and he was worshipping in the Spirit. Now consider all that is going on here. How do you think John was feeling. He had been persecuted and now found himself exiled because of His faith in Jesus. He had outlived the other disciples. The others had gone on before Him. And instead of giving up, instead of neglecting God, John was worshipping the Lord in the Spirit.
That puts many things into perspective for us doesn't it? How many times do we struggle to get our bodies to a place of worship much less get our spirits in tune with the Holy Spirit?
Now when He was in the Spirit worshipping God revealed Himself to John. Notice the first revelation to John was a revelation of the Eternal Son of God.
The revelation that we need begins with a revelation of Jesus. We need to see Jesus for who He is, not the fairy tell image of Jesus. Jesus has been reduced by many to a great teacher or even a great leader, but He is so much more.
The revelation you need for your life begins with a revelation of who Jesus is.
Revelation 1:12-18 (NLTSE)
[12] When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. [13] And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man.* He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. [14] His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. [15] His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. [16] He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
[17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.*
I can safely say this is not the Jesus that many envision. This glorified Jesus is the one who is faithful, the one who holds the keys, the one who is alive. And He reveals himself to man.
Many times believers turn to the book of revelations so they can figure out how the world is going to come to an end. But in trying to figure out the "puzzle" these people often miss the message of the eternal God who is revealed in Jesus. God wanted all of these things to be revealed to the people in that day some 2000 years ago. The message was not primarily about the soon return of Jesus, it was the eternal perspective of God. In the middle of the rising persecution the church needed to know that God was on the throne. He has a plan, and He is working His plan. And that plan includes them.
It is the same for us today. Yes Jesus is coming soon. Let us not concern ourselves with affixing the right day, but let us see Jesus on the Throne. We can be assured of His faithfulness. And we can be assured of His plan for our lives.
My prayer is that The revelation of Jesus will be fresh in your heart and mind.
The Value of Revelation in Your Life
2 Kings 6:8-23 (NLTSE)
Elisha Traps the Arameans
[8] When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.”
[9] But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” [10] So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.
[11] The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”
[12] “It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”
[13] “Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.”
And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” [14] So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.
[15] When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.
[16] “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” [17] Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
[18] As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please make them blind.” So the LORD struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked.
[19] Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to the city of Samaria.
[20] As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O LORD, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the LORD opened their eyes, and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria.
[21] When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?”
[22] “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.”
[23] So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.
I love this story. It demonstrates the value of vision or revelation. The northern kingdom of Aram was intent on setting an ambush against Israel, and yet every time the trap was set Israel could not be lured in because Elisha would warn the people of the danger. The king of Aram was convinced there must be a spy amongst them. He was intent on finding out who had been the betrayer.
Out of self preservation the confidants of the king told them it was Elisha from Israel who gave the information for he hears what is said even in the king's bedroom. So the king sends an army to take out Elisha.
Now let me be quick to tell you that God will reveal the plans of the enemy to you. Imagine the advantage or knowing where the danger is, knowing where and how the enemy of your soul plans to attack. The child of God can have that advantage. Paul said: "...Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLTSE) There is a real enemy out there. There is someone that is out to destroy you. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (TNIV) We do not have to be afraid but we should "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
This is awesome though God revealed the very real dangers to Elisha so that the people of God could be prepared. I believe that God wants us to walk in that kind of revelation. We should be aware of the enemies plans before the attack ever happens.
I heard Jantazeen Franklin share his heart for the people of Haiti. He shared how God had led his ministry to multiply their food support to Haiti just prior to the earthquake that devastated that poor nation. By the time the earthquake hit these supplies were already in Haiti ready to give out. That is exactly what I believe God wants to do. He wants to give people revelation so that they can be aware of what is coming and to be prepared to love and care for the people around them.
This revelation is available to you and me today.
This revelation is practical.
Too often we separate the 'spiritual' from the 'practical'. In doing so we miss the blessing of God. Emanuel, God in the flesh means God is practical. He cares about you and me.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
[15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. [16] Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So as we are going through life we can know God is watching out for us and He is will reveal the danger points to us.
Well as you know the King of Aram was not happy about his plans being exposed by Elisha, so he sent an army to take out this one man of God. As day broke one morning Elisha's servant went out to greet the morning. As he was dusting the sleep from his eyes he saw that this army had encircled Elisha's tent. I am sure at that point the servant thought it was time to brush up his resume'. It is time for new employment. He called for Elisha and to the servant's surprise Elisha was not concerned. In fact Elisha said, there are more for us than against us. I am sure the servant must have thought that Elisha was crazy. Then Elisha prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened to see what was actually going on.
The truth was that the servant was the one who hadn't been seeing things clearly.
God had already sent angels to protect Elisha. I wonder how many times have we been protected by God but failed to see. I pray that our eyes would be opened to see things for how they really are. How many times do we get all worked up in worry, not realizing that there is more with us than against us. God is on our side. He has a plan and He is caring for us.
The next part of the story is really funny. Especially when we get the picture of what happened. Elisha prayed that the army that came to attack would go blind, and they did. Then he led them into the capital city. Now how can you lead a blind army. I believe they had to be led hand in hand. What a picture that would have been. As they came into the city the King asked if he could kill them, but Elisha said he should just feed them and send them away. So their sight was restores they were fed and left quite shaken.
I want to say it again... Revelation is available for you and me today. We read these incredible stories in the Bible and too many times we romanticize the stories and the people so much that we miss out on what God wants to do in and through us. The message of the Holy Spirit is that this for you too!
Revelation from God flows from intimacy with God.
It is out of the relational moments that God reveals His plans. Peter was on the roof praying when He felt into a trance and God gave him a vision that led him to Cornelious' house where the gospel would first be preached to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:9 and following)
It was while John was worshipping in the Spirit that He had the revelation of Jesus.
Revelation 1:10 (NLTSE)
[10] It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit.* Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.
The NLT is very helpful in this regard. Most of the other translations say John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. OK, how did He get 'in the Spirit'. The NLT gives us this hint. He was worshipping. When we quiet our heart and get in a place of communion with God we can find ourselves in the Spirit where God is ready to reveal Himself and His plan to us.
The revelation of God compels us to go to the people that God loves.
Isaiah 6:1-8 (NLTSE)
Chapter 6
Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
[6:1] It was in the year King Uzziah died* that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. [2] Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. [3] They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
[4] Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
[5] Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”
[6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. [7] He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
[8] Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
When God gives us revelation it is for a purpose beyond our own interest. God gives revelation so that He can fulfill His plan of loving the world through us.
- God wants His people to walk in the revealed plan of God.
- The revelation of God begins with a view of who Jesus is.
- God's revelation flows out of our intimacy with Him.
- God's revelation is practical, that is it makes a difference in our daily lives.
- God's revelation leads to a mission to love people.