The video is here,
There is a huge Kingdom invitation in this season for God’s people to appear before the Lord in heaven. We’ve been discussing it in Gateway to Kingdom and Seers and Doers. At the same time there is resistance, fear and hesitancy in our hearts. Some say it’s a level of mysticism that is not healthy or Biblical. Others say is a special gift that I don’t have. Other hearts expect their 5-fold minister to do it for them.
So, I just asked the Lord, “Why do we resist an invitation to your throne? . . . and to your courts and council?”
It’s scary! – Sinai was covered with a dark cloud as it smoked and quaked with darkness, gloom and a whirlwind. The ear-piercing sound of a trumpet capped it all off. Israel just said, “Moses, why don’t you go on our behalf.” That priesthood idea of putting a man between us and God is alive and well in the 5-fold ministry today. Leaders are necessary and available “until” we grow up (Eph. 4:12-13) . . . then we are supposed to appear before God for ourselves. No one else can do it for us!
Heb. 12:18-21 – For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.” [emphasis mine] NASU
It’s not scary! – I picture heaven like a ballroom the size of stadium. You can hear the music and the party going on well before you get there. When the double doors open, the light washes over us, and as we enter we are swept up in the dancing. It’s wonderful. Imagine experiencing the eight things listed in Heb. 12:22-25. It’s real! The courts and council in Heaven have purpose and functions that are necessary to fill our kingdom assignment on earth. It’s empowering and thrilling—a party, a family and an army at the same time.
Heb. 12:22-25 – But you have come to 1) Mount Zion and 2) to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and 3) to myriads of angels, 4) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and 5) to God, the Judge of all, and 6) to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and 7) to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and 8) to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. [numbering mine] NASU
Notice this passage closes with this admonition not to refuse the invitation. Heaven is both inviting and compelling. Watching from the outside isn’t really an option that thrills God’s heart.
The price tag – The hesitancy does have a basis. We all know that we were bought with a price that Jesus completely paid for. We also know that there is a trade involved. I’m going to have to surrender my control and hiddenness to withstand the light He will shine in my heart. He really is going to take me farther and faster than I can go in my own strength. One aspect of God’s nature is that He purifies us in fire. The earth is still shaking, but God’s people get purified, preserved and multiplied in the process. The fire is what produces the gold! . . . and every time it happens, we have to volunteer to trust Him again.
Heb. 12:25-29 – See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” [emphasis mine] This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. NASU
The Invitation to trade – No one (including God) is going to take your existing life away from you. We each decide to make the trade. Here’s the incentive: we lay down our old lives in death to pick up a brand new that is better in every way. This trade happens many times over our lifetime and it’s traumatic every time. Salvation is just the first one.
John 10:17-18 – The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. NIV
Everyone listens to WIIFM – Peter asked the question we all carry in our hearts, “What’s in it for me?” If I make this trade of my life where will it lead? If I accept this invitation to heaven’s courts and councils, where will it lead? Good questions. Think of it as investing our lives in the Kingdom. The return is 100-fold. That would be 10,000%. I think I will lay down my hesitancy!
Matt 19:27-30 – Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. NASU
Jesus is already on His glorious throne and he’s inviting you and I to be seated with Him. There is a throne with your name on it, a seat at His council—right now! So, don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words (Heb. 12:25 MSG) inviting you to the dance.
Suggestions:
If you’re one of those young lions hungry to birth a reformation in the Netherlands, contact Marcel van den Berg http://opzoeknaarhetkoninkrijk.nl/
Podcast #5 with Tyler McCart
Podcast #3 and #4 Micro-church– The most recent interviews with Shae Bynes
Podcast #1 and Podcast #2 – fun interviews with Steve Reiter and John Ramstead
Books – Releasing Kings and Desire to Destiny
Heart Plan in Europe – HeartPlan.eu
For those of you who own a Business, join Larry Nault and myself at Building A Kingdom Company.
If you’re in education, please get acquainted with David Nycz at http://www.educationviaheart.com/
Releasing Kings is available in French “Libération des Rois pour le ministère dans le monde du travail” ISBN: 978-90-78643-08-1
Releasing Kings is available in Dutch “Moderne Koningen”
