March 07, 2005
15. A VERY SPECIAL CALL TO ZION. Normally a call to arise from sleep. In this case the problem is lethargy. Spiritual laziness. Complacency of heart and spirit. The message is directed to Zion and Jerusalem, both of which, in the New Testament represent the church and in particular the bride. Isa. 52:1 Strong gives us the meaning of Zion as being conspicuous, a monumental or guiding pillar. That makes it to be something that can be seen from afar and cannot be hidden. Jesus, in speaking about the Christian said, that as the light of the world, they are like a city set on a hill. Conspicuous from afar. Mt. 5:14 Jerusalem, the city of peace, the holy city. No longer is the emphases on the natural city but now the spiritual city is brought into view. Heb. 12:22-23
IT IS TIME TO RENEW AND REVIVE SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS. The same warning is given to the church at Sardis. They are to stir themselves and strengthen those things which remain. Very definitely they had lost much. While directed to them personally, it may also be applied to any church, church age or even any person who is caught up in spiritual slumber and sleeping. Rev. 3:2 The time has arrived to wear the wedding gown, the beautiful garments. Isa. 52:1 The robes worn as a sign of the office of the priest were made for, “glory and beauty.” The clothing identified the office of the person and were worn by none other than those who were called and anointed for the purpose of the Lord. They were identified as garments that were holy. Holiness is a major requirement to be in the bride of Christ. Ex. 2:2 There was also a consecration that was necessary for those who ministered before the Lord. Ex. 29:29 In the midst of a beautiful prophetic utterance pertaining to the work of the Lord Jesus and His church are these words. “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isa. 61:10 Salvation that is full and complete. That which transforms and makes new the total person. Filling them with a new life, a life that can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
THE CALL TO CONSECRATION. The plea of the Spirit may be heard in these familiar words, “present your bodies a living sacrifice.” The bride will know unrestricted commitment to the Lord, as a spiritual act in worship unto Him. She will no longer conform herself to this world but by the transformation of the Word and the Spirit she will be made like unto the Lord Jesus. Where there is a renewed mind, the thoughts and actions of the Christ are made manifest. Real fellowship with the Lord Jesus will completely alter ones manner of life and pattern of thinking. In this way we put to the test the fact of the will of the Lord. Finding that it is His good and beneficial will. Also, doing the will of the Lord is a very agreeable and acceptable act to Him. Fulfilling the entire will of the Lord is a sign of the maturity and perfection which is vital for those who would desire a place in the bride of Christ. Rom. 12:1-2