The Shepherd’s Rod 1997

PSALM 97– A PROPHETIC OUTLOOK FOR THE YEAR 1997

It is important to understand that according to the scriptures there are two years that run within the Old Testament teachings. The first is the sacred year as given by the Law of Moses beginning at the time of Passover. The second is the civil year beginning on the Day of Atonement.

Consequently, in order for us to be consistent with God’s time table and prophetic outline we must recognize that the year 1997 actually began on this past Day of Atonement or the sacred Holy Day of Yom Kippur.

Correspondingly, the Lord has indicated the Psalm that is given for this year is Psalm 97. It is important to recognize that this Psalm has 12 verses which is an indication of the coming government being released in the church today with true Apostolic authority. It is also important to recognize that there is a concurrently revealed government of Satan that is also coming as a counterfeit that must be identified by the believer. This identification can take place through careful study of God’s word as it is revealed by the Spirit of Truth.

1. THE LORD REIGNS; LET THE EARTH REJOICE; LET THE MANY ISLANDS BE GLAD.

The prophetic significance of this verse can be found in reference to the islands and coast lands. The islands and coast lands referenced relate to the United States, and announces the timing of the Lord as revealed by the Holy Spirit. As we watch the islands and coast lands of the United States we will receive spiritual understanding of the timing and activities of the Lord during the coming year.

2. CLOUDS AND THICK DARKNESS SURROUND HIM; RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE ARE THE FOUNDATION OF HIS THRONE.

This is the year that true Godly righteousness and the justice of God shall be brought to light. Many more things shall be said about the righteousness and justice of God in the latter portions of this revelation. It is important to recognize that “now is the time” for God’s people to be reflections of His righteousness and justice.

3. FIRE GOES BEFORE HIM, AND BURNS UP HIS ADVERSARIES ROUND ABOUT.

God is a consuming fire devouring His enemies. This is the Spirit of Holiness or the Baptism of Fire exhibiting the Lord’s divine nature and His Holy character producing the fruit of the Spirit in the believer. (Psalm 50:3)

4. HIS LIGHTENING LIT UP THE WORLD; THE EARTH SAW AND TREMBLED.

This scripture is an indication of the power that is going to be released in the earth. The lightening are as arrows that penetrate the heart of the king’s enemies. (II Samuel 22:15)

5. THE MOUNTAINS MELTED LIKE WAX AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH.

The hills or mountains announced in this verse represent the human opposition that now withstands the working of the Holy Spirit in the church and in the world. This is a prophetic indication that the Lord’s manifest presence shall come to destroy the human opposition that has withstood the working of His Spirit among His people. Human opposition in times past has attempted to withstand the Lordship of the Holy Spirit in the church as well as the true revelation of the government of God with Apostolic authority.

This year will begin to unfold the destruction of this opposition. It will be during this year that the Lord exhibits Himself as Jehovah Shammah – THE LORD IS PRESENT.

6. THE HEAVENS DECLARE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THE PEOPLES HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY.

This is again an indication of God’s righteousness becoming apparent and exposing His Holiness and His Glory so that a lost world can see God living among His people and drawing all men to Himself.

7. LET ALL THOSE BE ASHAMED WHO SERVE GRAVEN IMAGES, WHO BOAST THEMSELVES OF IDOLS; WORSHIP HIM ALL YE GODS.

The source of idols can be found in the “ideals” or opinions of man that are contirved apart from the Holy Spirit. This is the year that the gods of man or the thoughts of man will be exposed for what they are. True Godliness will then begin to emerge from dedicated men and women who worship God in sincerity and in truth. This is going to be the year that the thoughts of man will be distinguished from the thoughts and ways of God with the Higher-ways of God becoming paramount. The Lord will reveal Himself and His cross as the remedy of all human conditions.

8. ZION HEARD THIS AND WAS GLAD, AND THE DAUGHTERS OF JUDAH HAVE REJOICED BECAUSE OF THY JUDGEMENTS, OH LORD.

Zion is a reference to the preserved or consecrated ones that have allowed the Holy Spirit to consume all of the deeds of the flesh so that the nature of God can be unveiled in their spirit. This reference to Judah announces the praise that will come from this sanctified body of believers as they express God’s Holy Character as revealed through the Holy Spirit and His word.

9. FOR THOU ART THE LORD MOST HIGH OVERALL THE EARTH; THOU ART EXALTED FAR ABOVE ALL GODS.

Let the wicked man forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his thoughts. (Is. 55:6-7) This reference is made to the believers as they are notified to forsake their ways and their thoughts in order to receive God’s ways and His thoughts which are a much higher way than those devised by the mind of man. (Is.35) God’s thoughts begin with the “higher way” called LOVE. All that God does is built upon the foundation of love. The condition for walking on this higher way of God is found in divine love. There will be many inspired teachers emerging this year to reveal this truth to the church as they disclose God’s highway of Holiness to the believers.

10. HATE EVIL YOU WHO LOVE THE LORD, WHO PRESERVES THE SOULS OF HIS GODLY ONES; HE DELIVERS THEM FROM THE HAND OF THE WICKED.

For those who are walking in God’s ways, this year will produce life instead of death. (Psalm 68:20; Romans 8:13-17)

11. LIGHT IS SOWN LIKE SEED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS, AND GLADNESS FOR THE UPRIGHT IN HEART.

God’s righteousness will begin to reflect the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, which is ultimately pleasing to the Lord. Even more important than revealing the power gifts of the Holy Spirit is the revelation of the fruit of the Spirit through a consecrated life of righteousness. This is only achieved by the Holy Spirit abiding in us. Believers becoming partakers of the divine nature revealing the Spirit of Holiness.

Once we become partakers of His divine nature, then the gifts of the Spirit will automatically come to support the fruit without the threat of the wineskin being destroyed because of a lack of Godly character. History has proven that many great leaders ended their days having their ministries nullified or destroyed because of a lack of Godly character. It is through the Spirit of Holiness that the power gifts can be displayed without corruption as given to us through our ultimate example, the Lord Himself.

12. BE GLAD IN THE LORD YE RIGHTEOUS ONES AND GIVE THANKS TO HIS HOLY NAME.

Rejoice in the maturing life of a growing Christian being molded into the image of a Holy God. Only that which is done by the Spirit of Holiness working through us is that which is truly pleasing to the Father. As this is done, we then begin to receive fresh revelations of the Father never before brought to light as we are molded into the image of Christ.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT

Vision— “I was taken to the temple steps by my best friend. I was then told that we were going into the temple in order to view the showing of things that were to come…characteristics of the coming government of God.” (From Bob)

1. THE FEAR OF THE LORD

THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM, A GOOD UNDERSTANDING HAVE ALL THOSE WHO DO HIS COMMANDMENTS. (PSALM 111:10)

Those who are called to this place of responsibility in God’s government must have the reality of this verse present in their lives. The reverential fear of the Lord must be present in them as a source of Godly wisdom. Wisdom produces understanding in those who are obedient to the statutes and commandments of God’s word.

2. REVELATION OF THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY

AND HE HIMSELF GAVE SOME TO BE APOSTLES, SOME PROPHETS, SOME EVANGELIST, SOME PASTORS AND TEACHERS. (EPH. 4:11)

It is now time for the full five fold ministry of the church, as outlined by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, to be evident and operational. Once accomplished, the church can work in unison for the equipping of the saints and the preparation of God’s people for the coming visitation.

Without the complete Biblical functioning of the five-fold ministry, the church would be incomplete and unable to fully unfold God’s plan for the faith of this generation to return to that of our apostolic father’s.

3. A CALL TO UNITY

TO WHICH THE TRIBES GO UP EVEN THE TRIBES OF THE LORD AN ORDINANCE OF ISRAEL TO GIVE THANKS TO THE NAME OF THE LORD. FOR THEIR THRONES WERE SET FOR JUDGEMENT THE THRONES OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID.
(PSALM 122:4-5)

Even as there were different tribes in the nation of Israel, so are their different organizational structures within the church…Each bearing a measure of truth yet all calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation. This is the year that the government of God starts to receive greater attention so that all the “tribes” or “called out ones,” begin to unite for one purpose; to seek the Lord and His truth. This group will come before the throne of David to observe the judgements of God so they may learn righteousness.

When God’s justice is shared, the ultimate fruit of that equity is true spiritual peace. Even as we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, so we should also long for the judgements of God bringing peace within the household of faith. Those bearing Godly wisdom will be revealed as the true peacemakers of God.

4. A WORK OF CONSECRATION

THEN I WILL ALSO TURN MY HAND AGAINST YOU, AND WILL SMELT AWAY YOUR DROSS AS WITH LYE AND WILL REMOVE ALL YOUR ALLOY. THEN I WILL RESTORE YOUR JUDGES AS AT THE FIRST, AND YOUR COUNSELORS AS AT THE BEGINNING; AFTER THAT YOU WILL BE CALLED THE CITY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, A FAITHFUL CITY. (IS. 1:25-26)

In this passage, the prophet uses a description of cleansing used during Biblical days that will also spiritually indicate the symbolic working of the Holy Spirit within the believer. It is written that the Lord will smelt away all dross of corruption as with lye. This purging process was used for the purposes of purification. So also will the Holy Spirit consecrate the believer through the Spirit of Burning, thus cleansing the believer of all corruption and traditions of man in order to present a consecrated, holy tabernacle for the Holy Spirit.

It is also written that all alloy shall be removed which is an indication of ungodly mixtures that have been allowed within the church. This mixture has taken place when man has merged his traditions with the word of God as described in Mark 7:6-8— as it is written: “THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’ Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.

It is now time for all double-mindedness to be removed from the church. The scriptures declare that those who are double minded are unstable in all their ways. It is created when we follow both the mind of man and the mind of Christ. This instability has been evident throughout church history and must now be dealt with in order to purge doubt and unbelief so that only faith would remain.

Through this process the Lord is going to restore our judges as at the first and our counselors as at the beginning unveiling the purity of the mind of Christ. Even as the first century church received the benefit of Holy Spirit filled men serving as judges and counselors, so also will this last day church have the same benefit through the working of His manifest Spirit.

5. THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD

IN ORDER THAT THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD MIGHT NOW BE MADE KNOWN THROUGH THE CHURCH TO THE RULERS AND THE AUTHORITIES IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. (EPH. 3:10)

This entire process as described in the previous paragraphs is for the purpose of imparting the manifold wisdom of God in the church. Part of the purpose is to reveal Christ in His church so that the principalities and powers in the heavenly places recognize this Godly authority as expressed through the Word and the Spirit among the churches.

Both the Holy angels and the demonic rulers will recognize His Godly authority being released in the church this year. A purging process will take place by the Spirit of burning so the Spirit of Holiness can be displayed in the hearts of the worshiper revealing the fruit of the Spirit through the divine nature of Christ.

God’s leadership will be required to follow precisely the leading unction of the Holy Spirit without compromise. Beginning with this year the spotlight will be removed from individual men as “lone rangers” and placed upon the body of believers so that no man take the glory save Christ Himself.

6. ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE- FAITH- TRUTH

On February 20, 1992, the Lord gave Bob a notable vision and in it he was shown a movie projector providing symbolic meaning with an important message. Uniquely, he noticed the cord for the “movie projector” was not plugged in. He asked the Lord to plug the projector in so that it would operate. However, the Lord stated that it wasn’t grounded properly and if it were plugged in it would actually burn itself up. The Lord indicated that it needed to be grounded in three scriptures:

  • (Ephesians 3:17) – Rooted and grounded in love.
  • (Colossians 1:23)- Rooted and grounded in faith.
  • (I Timothy 3:15) – Rooted and grounded in truth.

This symbolism is given to prophetically portray the importance of these three attributes in order for us to be trusted with the Lord’s secrets. There is much He desires to share with us but we must be grounded in Truth, Faith, and Love to properly understand and appropriate His heart.

The Lord indicated that the wiring necessary for His sovereign power was “220” wiring. The truth for this can be found in Galatians 2:20— I HAVE BEEN CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST AND IT IS NO LONGER I WHO LIVE BUT CHRIST WHO LIVES IN ME AND THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR ME.

7. PREVIEWS OF THINGS TO COME

The Lord is announcing in this year’s Day of Atonement revelation that He has now built sufficient character in some leadership during the past five years essential for maintaining and reflecting the power for end-time ministry. With this character the Lord is saying “I can now begin to show the church previews of things to come”.

In addition to this wonderful promise, we are also given a warning through Galatians 2:21— I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. This warning clearly stipulates that we should not frustrate nor nullify the grace of God anymore.

Very often the Lord sends His greatest gifts in the most humble and unbecoming vessels. Too frequently, we as the church fail to recognize the gift of God in these representatives. Consequently, we essentially nullify the grace of God and grieve His Holy Spirit by not receiving the message of God because of the unbecoming appearance of the messenger.

John the Baptist is a classic example of this truth as he came in the most unusual form. The leadership in Israel must have been looking for a fantastic man to appear on the scene to fulfil the prophetic scriptures describing the messenger of the Messiah as prophesied in both Isaiah and Malachi. It would be far better to keep silent on an issue than to speak against something that we do not understand. Israel did not and they ultimately rejected the messenger and the message of Truth through this significant Prophet.

Additionally, we are also given a warning that could best be described by understanding a farming concept. In times past a chicken farmer was able to determine if life was in the egg by holding the egg in front of a candle and looking at the silhouette produced. The light behind the candle allowed the farmer to see within the egg to determine if it carried life.

In the same way we should also hold prophetic utterances before the “candle of God”, the revealed Word, to determine if these utterances truly have the life of God within them. The prophetic ministry of the church has been criticized when people are believing and trusting in a prophetic revelation that did not find its origin in the Holy Spirit.

The candle of God used as a measuring tool for these prophetic utterances is the revealed word of God. The Lord will never express anything contrary to His Word.

8. RULE IN THE MIDST OF OUR ENEMIES

The Lord then gave one final scripture in relationship to this coming government; PSALM 110:2– THE LORD WILL STRETCH FORTH THY STRONG SCEPTER FROM ZION SAYING, “RULE IN THE MIDST OF THINE ENEMIES”.

Through this strong passage, the church is charged to rule in the midst of her foes and give extravagantly in the time of trouble. This is the season the church will begin to give extravagantly and sow spiritual and financial seeds for the coming harvest.

Psalm 125:3 declares that the scepter of the wicked will no longer rule over the righteous. This principle will begin to become reality during the course of this year and days to follow.

In Zechariah 11:7-8, we discover three shepherds who were destroyed in one month because of the Lord’s impatience with their leadership. They were abolished by two staffs, one called “FAVOR” and the other, “UNION”.

This is the year that Psalm 133:3 begins to become reality within the church. There will eventually be true UNITY of the brethren producing the anointing or FAVOR of the Holy Spirit. Those willing to make this commitment of unity among themselves will begin to experience a spiritual jubilee. The primary focus is to produce unity within the brethren and the promised anointing. The unity built around the Word and the Spirit will be the source of strength necessary for the end-time church to become the overcoming army prophesied in scripture.

REVEALING THE PRIEST, KING/JUDGE, PROPHET

As already mentioned in this revelation, the Lord is indicating that He is now going to bring forth the INSPIRED PRIESTS, the TRUE PROPHETS AND JUDGES to rule within the household of faith.

INSPIRED PRIESTS

The term inspired priests is one taken from both Old and New Testament scriptures generally referencing teachers who receive their understanding of the Word through divine revelation. The Apostle Paul stated that his revelation of the Word came, not by the teaching of man nor by reading a book, but rather by a divine revelation of Jesus Christ. The inspired teachers present truth that will begin to sanctify the believers according to John 17:17; “LORD SANCTIFY THEM IN TRUTH; THY WORD IS TRUTH”.

The inspired teachers will promote a message of sanctification within the church. This will present consecrated believers as a suitable dwelling place for the Spirit of God and becoming partakers of His divine nature and His Holy character. All of these purposes related to the inspired priest or teacher are identified with the true biblical definition of discipleship…Teaching believers to become the Lord’s friend. True Biblical discipleship will also lead the church into the full revelation and realization of Galatians 5:22-26— But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

In times past many sincere leaders were used by the Holy Spirit with powerful gifts of healing, words of knowledge and wisdom. Unfortunately, seed of corruption hidden in their souls emerged at the pinnacle their ministries resulting in personal failures. All of us stand only by the grace of God. These were wonderful men and women of faith, but we must learn from past mistakes. Our grace is to be shown our weaknesses and areas of corruption now that they may be submitted to the merciful cleansing of God before we enter the front-line of the battle.

It will now become essential for the end-time leadership to be partakers of His divine nature, bearing the fruit of the Spirit as a prerequisite for the release and impartation of the power gifts and the highest callings of God necessary for end-time ministry.

Another predominant function of the inspired teachers will be to communicate Biblically the requirements of the Lord for the end-time church. Through their revelation of the Word by the Holy Spirit, they will teach the church the necessary steps of preparation and consecration in order to be viable participants in the glorious ministry yet to come.

THE PROPHETS

Another essential ingredient in this end-time ministry will be the role of the prophets. The primary purpose of the prophets will be to reveal the 12 primary redemptive natures of God. These attributes were expressed through Jehovah of the Old Testament and Jesus of the New Testament. All of the redemptive natures of Jehovah were found in the person of Jesus Christ who is our ultimate example.

Even as Revelations 22:2 expresses the 12 manner of fruit bearing in their proper seasons, so shall the Holy Spirit reveal to the church the 12 primary redemptive natures of Christ and their proper Biblical applications.

THE KING/JUDGE ANOINTING

Samuel is a perfect “type” of the apostolic leadership that will be emerging in this generation. He functioned in Israel as a priest, a prophet, and a judge. By understanding his role in the nation of Israel, we can also gleam considerable understanding of this leadership the Lord is preparing and will be revealing during the course of this season in the Spirit. Of course, this is a process that will take many years for full maturity to be realized. However, we can expect to begin to see the early stages of this leadership during the course of this year.

It is also important to discern that during the first century church all apostles were also prophets. This is a Biblical truth that can be proven throughout all the generations of the church. Therefore, the individuals functioning with the “king/judge” anointing will also bear the spirit of wisdom and revelation, bringing understanding concerning the seven Spirits of God and their importance to the overcoming church now being prepared.

The manifold wisdom God will be expressed through these anointed vessels as they lay the foundation of the end-time church. EPHESIANS 2:20 declares— having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.

Of course, there is no other foundation laid other than Christ Jesus. Therefore, the apostles and prophets will be an expression of the Holy Spirit working through individuals accomplishing God’s Word laying the foundation for His Temple to be reestablished in the earth.

As the church matures and moves toward perfection we will then begin to see the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek emerging. He was the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Of course we know from scripture that was none other than God revealing Himself to Abraham veiled in human flesh.

THE PURPOSE OF THE COMING GOVERNMENT OF THE LORD

PURPOSE – To reveal the nine Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)

  1. LOVE
  2. JOY
  3. PEACE
  4. PATIENCE
  5. KINDNESS
  6. GOODNESS
  7. FAITHFULNESS
  8. GENTLENESS
  9. SELF-CONTROL

PURPOSE- To reveal the seven Spirits of God (Isaiah 11:2)

  1. SPIRIT OF THE LORD
  2. SPIRIT OF WISDOM
  3. SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING
  4. SPIRIT OF COUNSEL
  5. SPIRIT OF MIGHT
  6. SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE
  7. SPIRIT OF REVERENTIAL FEAR OF THE LORD

PURPOSE – To reveal the twelve names illustrating the divine character of God and His redemptive attributes

  1. LORD OUR SHEPHERD
  2. LORD OUR PROVIDER
  3. LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
  4. LORD OUR PEACE
  5. LORD OUR HEALER
  6. LORD WHO SMITES
  7. LORD MOST HIGH
  8. LORD OUR SANCTIFIER
  9. LORD OUR RECOMPENSE
  10. LORD OUR BANNER
  11. LORD OF HOSTS
  12. LORD IS PRESENT

SATAN’S EVIL GOVERNMENT

We must remember that Satan’s evil government is presently at work against the church. The five evil kings as described in the 10th chapter of Joshua reveal the corruption that was at work within the nation of Israel. From this analogy we can gleam the understanding that even within the church, the spirit of anti-christ is working according to the natures described by these five evil kings and their kingdoms.

Our Lord Himself described this spirit as one so close to the real that it would deceive the very elect IF IT WERE POSSIBLE. Judas Iscariot was a perfect type of this spirit incarnate in a human being. Though religious and involved in all the same activities as the other apostles, his ultimate end was betrayal and spiritual death.

Satan’s form of self-righteousness government actually nullifies the grace of God with religious activity born out of ungodly motives. It is the condition of the heart that is paramount for the believer to be recipients of the grace resulting in the imputed righteousness of Christ. Through His Spirit, we are clothed with His nature and character and positioned in the Heavenly places designated by Christ.

FULFILLMENT OF THE REDEMPTIVE NAMES IN THE PERSON OF JESUS

1. JEHOVAH-JIREH — The Lord will provide.
BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD – (JOHN 1:29)

MY GOD SHALL PROVIDE…ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS (PHIL. 4:19)

2. JEHOVAH-ROPHI— The Lord our Healer.

HE HEALED ALL MANNER OF SICKNESS AND DISEASE. (MATT. 11:45)

3. JEHOVAH-NISSI— The Lord our Banner.

BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. (Matt. 21:9)

4. JEHOVAH-M’KADDESH— The Lord Who Sanctifies

SANCTIFIED IN TRUTH – HE IS TRUTH INCARNATE. (JOHN 17:17)

SANCTIFIED IN CHRIST JESUS. (I Cor. 1:2)

5. JEHOVAH-SHALOM— The Lord our Peace

HE IS OUR PEACE. (Eph. 2:14)

PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU. (JOHN 14:27)

6. JEHOVAH-TSEBAOTH— The Lord of Hosts

SON OF MAN…AND ALL THE HOLY ANGELS (Matt. 25:31)

ANGELS OF GOD ASCENDING AND DESCENDING UPON THE SON OF MAN. (JOHN 1:51)

7. JEHOVAH-ROHI— The Lord My Shepherd

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD (JOHN 10:14)

THE LAMB IN THE CENTER OF THE THRONE SHALL BE THEIR SHEPHERD. (REV. 7:17)

8. JEHOVAH-TSIDKEENU— The Lord our Righteousness

CHRIST JESUS…MADE UNTO US RIGHTEOUSNESS (I COR. 1:30)

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD…FAITH IN JESUS (Rom. 3:22)

9. JEHOVAH-HELEYON— Lord Most High

THE MOST HIGH DOES NOT DWELL IN HOUSES MADE BY HUMAN HAND (Acts 7:48)

THESE MEN ARE SERVANTS (OF CHRIST) OF THE MOST HIGH GOD (ACTS 16:17)

10. JEHOVAH-MAKKEH — Lord Who Smites

WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS (HEBREWS 12:6)

11. JEHOVAH-GMOLAH— Lord Who Recompenses

VENGEANCE IS MINE…SAITH THE LORD (Rom. 12:17-21)

12. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH— Lord Who is Present

THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US (JOHN 1:14)

THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US. (MATT. 1:23)

THE REVELATION OF THE GAS CAP

Vision— “I was shown a gas cap as it was being removed from an automobile while waiting to be filled with gasoline.” (From Bob)

This particular revelation was brief in nature yet profound in its implications regarding the economy of the United States. It is commonly recognized that the basis of our economy hinges on affordable oil and gas. However, the Holy Spirit is revealing there will be problems with the oil producing nations which will adversely effect our economy.

We should expect to see the beginning of economic shaking that will be seen during this next season.

The good news is, the Lord is saying that He will put a “tiger” in our tank. The tiger represents a significant release of the Holy Spirit in us, empowering us to excel during times of difficulty. It is during times of gross darkness that the lights of God should shine most brightly through us.

The tiger represents the second most powerful feline, second only to a lion. This is representative of the release that is coming to those who will humble themselves and allow the Holy Spirit to respond through them.

THE REVELATION OF THE WOODEN SHOES

Vision— “The next revelation was that of wooden shoes which I knew I would receive understanding of at a later time.” (From Bob)

This revelation is also brief in nature but also very powerful in its consequences. The scriptures plainly tell us that it was a curse for a man to hang on a tree. The wooden shoes are representative of the cross. Many people do a great deal of talking about the cross but very little “walking” in the atoning power of the cross.

The Lord is stating that He is now going to have people walking in the redemptive power of the cross not merely talking about it. The power of the cross provides the antidote for every human condition.

This revelation also relates to the Netherlands as there will be a spiritual move in this country that will be paralleled by natural storms indicating spiritual truth. It will be during the storms of our life that we can expect to find the comfort of the Holy Spirit lifting us out of the difficulty of the storms and causing our feet to be placed upon solid ground.

A YEAR OF LIFE AND A YEAR OF DEATH

Vison— “At 4:44 A.M. I heard the audible voice of the Lord state that this was going to be a year of life and a year of death. The revelation of the tree of life which is love or the revelation of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Our decisions will dictate which tree we become partakers of. The Lord then revealed that this was the year of the book of Romans, particularly Romans 8:13-17.” (From Bob)

At 4:44 A.M. Bob was awakened to hear the audible voice of the Lord state that this will be “a year of the tree of life, which is love, and a year of the tree of knowledge”. The Lord also communicated that the book of Romans was the primary book for the coming year with special emphasis being placed upon Romans 8:13-17.

As was the case in the garden of Eden, we are still given the option to eat from the tree of life or from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This war rages on even within the 20th century church. Romans 8:13-14 states— FOR IF YOU ARE LIVING ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, YOU MUST DIE; BUT IF BY THE SPIRIT YOU ARE PUTTING TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, YOU WILL LIVE. FOR ALL WHO ARE BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT GOD THESE ARE THE SONS OF GOD.

These scriptures essentially tell us there is a way that seems right unto man but the end thereof is destruction. The Holy Spirit has a provided a way that we must follow if we are to be partakers of the tree of life. Any counterfeit or substitute to this provided way is actually from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We must continually and habitually be involved in the process of putting to death and making extinct the deadening evil prompted by our flesh.

ABBA FATHER

FOR YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SPIRIT OF SLAVERY LEADING TO FEAR AGAIN, BUT YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPIRIT OF ADOPTION AS SONS BY WHICH WE CRY OUT “ABBA FATHER”.

If we are willing to receive the revelation of truth that will be brought to the church by the Spirit of Truth, then we will be able to become partakers of the tree of life. This will ultimately mature us into a position of “sonship” with the father by which we cry “Abba Father”.

This expression denotes intimacy with the father that can only be known through sonship. The scriptures teach that sonship is established when the Holy Spirit is fully residing in us as His dwelling place. This will bring that person into a place of adoption into the Lord’s body. With this notable place in Christ comes fellowship and intimacy with the Father Himself.

FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS

ROMANS 8:17 – AND IF CHILDREN, THEN HEIRS–HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST, IF INDEED WE SUFFER WITH HIM, THAT WE MAY ALSO BE GLORIFIED TOGETHER.

If it is truly our heart’s cry to know Him and the power of His resurrection, then we must also be willing to be acquainted with the fellowship of His sufferings. This year we will realize that a price will be paid for His divine presence and intimacy. The sufferings here referenced are not to be confused with self- abasement. It is referring to the hardships that comes with standing as a pillar of truth and the refining necessary to become His dwelling place. Yet, we must also recognize, as did the Apostle Paul, that the sufferings of this present age are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Though there may come times of hardship and persecution we must also comprehend that the Lord will be present to deliver us from them all. Though the enemy will strive to contend with us, he will not be able to prevail over us.

THE VULTURES AND FOXES WILL DEVOUR THOSE WHO DO NOT MOVE

Vision— “Vultures and foxes will devour those who do not move with the Holy Spirit this year. Even as Israel was required to follow the movement of the cloud while in the wilderness, so also will we be required to follow the movement of the Holy Spirit that is being released this year. Those who remain stagnate will be devoured by “vultures” and “foxes” waiting to prey upon those that appear lifeless.” (From Bob)

THE CLOUD IS MOVING

Those who reject the tree of life will ultimately partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This tree will produce death even as in the garden of Eden. Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

There will be a moving of the Spirit this year. Those who do not properly respond to the Holy Spirit will be like a carcass in the desert…prey for predators.

In this illustration the “vultures” are representative of confusion. This is to reveal that notable confusion will be released within those who embrace and partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

FALSE TEACHINGS

JAMES 3:16-17 – FOR WHERE ENVY AND SELF-SEEKING EXIST, CONFUSION AND EVERY EVIL THING WILL BE THERE. BUT THE WISDOM THAT IS FROM ABOVE IS FIRST PURE, PEACEABLE, GENTLE, WILLING TO YIELD, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS, WITHOUT PARTIALITY AND WITHOUT HYPOCRISY.

False teachers will present doctrines that have measures of truth mingled with concepts derived from their own intellectual ideas. The end result of these teachings will be profound confusion and disillusionment.

STRONG DELUSION

AND FOR THIS REASON GOD WILL SEND DOWN UPON THEM A DELUDING INFLUENCE SO THAT THEY MIGHT BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE. (II Thes. 2:11)

The “foxes” are a symbol for delusion. Strong delusion will be released on a level like never before. Consequently, it is imperative that we remain ultimately sensitive to the Spirit of Truth and move with the cloud of the Holy Spirit so that we would never become stagnate nor lifeless. “Vultures” and “foxes” will be drawn to devour something that appears lifeless or that is not moving, therefore we must continuously remain sensitive and flow with the Spirit of Truth.

Those who do not receive the love of the truth that will be brought to the church by the inspired teachers are going to be marked by strong delusion and confusion.

BUT WE SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR YOU, BRETHREN BELOVED BY THE LORD, BECAUSE GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU FROM THE BEGINNING FOR SALVATION THROUGH SANCTIFICATION BY THE SPIRIT AND FAITH IN THE TRUTH.

ENTERING GLORY

During the course of this year we will also see a number of faithful believers going home to the Lord in death. This will not be a judgement but a rest and a glorious homecoming.

The Bible tells us that “ABRAHAM BREATHED HIS LAST AND DIED IN A GOOD OLD AGE, AN OLD MAN AND FULL OF YEARS AND WAS GATHERED TO HIS PEOPLE. (GEN. 25:8) Song of Solomon 6:2 is also a picture of the Lord visiting His garden to gather lilies. The lilies are the pure in heart passing from this life to glory.

THE TREE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

“The tree of righteousness present in our lives shall bear fruit this year.” (From Bob)

The righteousness of God is revealed to us through the written Word. When the first written law was given to man in the form of the ten commandments, we recognized the first five commandments dealt with the right relationship with God. The second five commandments related to a right relationship with our fellow man. These same spiritual concepts are associated with the righteousness that is to be revealed in Christians during this hour.

All proper associations first begin with a proper understanding and relationship with God Himself. When our standing with God is reconciled and even intimate, we can then move into our proper biblical relationships with man.

When righteousness has been revealed in the hearts of believers through the Word and a right standing with God, we develop into a subsequent aspect of righteousness which is holiness. The Spirit of Holiness, as we have already mentioned in this revelation, will be revealed in a significant manner this year bringing with Him resurrection power as revealed in Romans 1:4. There will be a growing emphasis on Holiness and it’s importance in being joined with His in perfect union.

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

The manifested power of God lies in the cross as stipulated in I Cor. 1:18— FOR THE WORD OF THE CROSS IS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING FOOLISHNESS, BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.

As we seek the Lord’s face more so than His hand, we then become partakers of His Holy character through the Spirit of Holiness. We will begin to truly KNOW HIM and the power of His resurrection though it may include the fellowship of His sufferings. This power is that which is essential for end-time ministry making us sources of blessings rather than merely recipients. It is our great blessing and privilege to be allowed the liberty of participating in the Lord’s plans for this last generation.

Those who have been hungering and thirsting after righteousness shall see its fulfillment during this year. Isaiah 61:2-7 also has application in this regard.

A GOOD TIME FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN

“This will be a good year for Christian women. Many will overcome their hardships and obstacles this year. However, that will not be so for the women of the world as increased adversity and emotional stress will befall those who remain outside of Christ.”— Bob Jones

The Lord is promising that during this year many Christian women will see a release from the pains of the past and a liberty from anger, frustration and abuse even as Israel received liberty during the year of jubilee. This will be a true year of jubilee for Christian women.

The Lord is compelling us to a place of repentance so that we can obtain mercy. Not only should we repent for our own actions but also pray that a heart of mercy be released within us so that we can forgive those who have wrongfully abused us. By showing mercy, we can likewise obtain mercy for ourselves. When this is accomplished all roots of bitterness will be removed along with the corresponding condemnation and delusion that accompanies it.

Once Christian women are free, then they will be able to set others free. The very place they have received healing will be the place of release for authority in healing others.

One of the greatest needs in the body of Christ is for the healing of our wounded sisters. This will be the year for the release of repentance and mercy on behalf of our Christian sisters so that healing can take place in their hearts with a corresponding release of authority for the healing of others.

THE GIVING OF THE MITE

“Though I didn’t have the price of admission my friend told me to turn around as I saw a coin fall from heaven. It was revealed that the coin was a mite.” (From Bob)

In this portion of the vision, the Lord revealed a single “mite” falling from heaven. Upon observing it Bob was allowed to ask the question, “why only one mite”? He was told the other “mite” had already been given by the church and it would make a way for grace and a spirit of extravagant giving that will begin this year.

We discover in Luke 21:2 and Mark 12:42 the story of the “widow’s mite”. The primary truth we are to gleam from these scripture is the condition of the heart. We know the God of creation is not in need of out talents, abilities, or resources. He could merely speak and all needed things would come into existence. Rather, He is concerned with the condition of our heart in the release of what resources we do have available toward the work of the Kingdom.

The Lord is promising that He will redeem the “mite” that was given during the first century church and at various times throughout church history. The time for the harvest of those “mites” is now to be combined with the giving of our all during this present church age. In our hearts we must be willing to give all that we have, with-holding nothing. As we do the Lord will step in to combine our giving with the resources of heaven to complete the work of the kingdom. Extravagant giving will produce extravagant harvest.

We must also seek the Lord for His wisdom to identiy the fertile soil into which we should sow our seeds in order to reap a bountiful harvest. We should also be prepared to recognize that the harvest may come in a variety of forms. It may come in the form of a healing or in the salvation of a family member or in whatever perfect way the Lord deems appropriate.

THE GIVING OF THE TOKEN

I then saw another coin fall from heaven yet this one landed in the mouth of a fish. The Lord then revealed that this coin was a token.— (Bob Jones) (Matthew 17:27)

In the vision the Lord uncovered a token of the past that had been buried since the mid-fifties that was now going to be displayed. This token is like a ticket needed for admission, yet the entrance is into His divine Presence. This year the Lord is saying He is not promising a visitation with us, rather an invitation for us to join Him.

WHO MAY ASCEND INTO THE HILL OF THE LORD? AND WHO MAY STAND IN HIS HOLY PLACE? HE WHO HAS CLEAN HANDS AND A PURE HEART WHO HAS NOT LIFTED UP HIS SOUL TO FALSEHOOD AND HAS NOT SWORN DECEITFULLY. (PSALM 24:3-4)

The invitation being extended from the Lord is to gain admission into the temple of His presence. History records that the 40’s and 50’s experienced a sovereign move of God touching the entire world. Yet this move of His Spirit was only a token of what He plans to do during this generation. The coming government or five-fold ministry will have “a golden word” to speak to the church necessary to sanctify the church in preparation for this divine invitation into His presence.

When Aaron was preparing to enter the Holiest of Holies on the Day of Atonement, he was required to bear a plate of pure gold with an inscription upon it saying, “Holiness unto the Lord”. This turban was to be placed upon his forehead directly over his eyes or symbolically speaking of his mind.

This requirement prophetically foretold the necessity of the church to renew her mind according to the Word and the Spirit in order to be presentable unto the Lord. The Lord has one provided way that is revealed by the Holy Spirit through His word. He expects this process of sanctification through the Word and the Spirit to be adhered to by the believing church in order to participate in this glorious invitation into His presence.

RELEASING FIELDS OF ANOINTING

I was then told about the show that was to come. I was told that to understand authority is to understand faith which dispels presumption. This authority is revealed as mantles or fields of anointing. The Lord specifically commissioned individuals for a particular work and released areas or fields of anointing essential for the accomplishment of that commission. These fields of anointing or commissioning’s are revealed as mantles. (From Bob Jones)

As already communicated throughout this prophetic revelation, the Lord has promised that He is going to establish a Biblical government with Apostolic authority with the release of priests and prophets necessary for the preparation of His end-time church. The Holy Spirit is also stressing that it is important to understand authority and “fields of anointing” if we are to fully comprehend the release of His Spirit during this day.

When a person is commissioned into the Lord’s service, a “field of anointing” is also released in his behalf necessary for the accomplishment of that commission. The anointing is a level of spiritual authority essential to the fulfillment of an individual’s call. The scriptures point out that Paul was commissioned and given an anointing and authority to minister among the gentiles. The same was true with Peter who was commissioned and anointed to minister in a very specific way among the Jews.

One of the most important ingredients in understanding anointing’s and authority is to recognize that we must stay within the “field of anointing” that has been released to us in the fulfillment of our commission. If we stray beyond the designated sphere of spiritual authority, then we are in dangerous territory prone to satanic attack, and possibly even the resistance of the Holy Spirit since we are moving beyond our authority.

The purpose of this revelation is not to give an extensive understanding of the fields of anointing’s and commissions. Rather to prompt those who read this revelation to diligently study the scriptural description of anointing’s and commissions. Thus we can be prepared to stay within our specific commission and authority when the Holy Spirit begins to move upon us.

One of the greatest benefits of understanding authority and anointing’s is to realize the high level of faith that comes with this understanding and the dismissal of presumption. When we recognize that the Lord has commissioned and anointed us to accomplish a specific task then a higher level of faith comes with that understanding. We no longer move in presumption but rather in Holy Spirit faith knowing the Lord is able to accomplish that for which He has commissioned us to do.

One of the greatest tragedies in the church today is that many and possibly even most of the church leaders are ministering in an area they are not specifically called nor commissioned to function in. Graciously the Holy Spirit is promising to release understanding in these areas so that we can find our proper place within the body and move in our proper field of anointing.

SPIRITUAL SIGNS FROM ICELAND

In 1984 the Lord told Bob to prophesy that on September 3, a sign would come from the Bermuda Triangle, also known as the devil’s triangle. The Lord indicated that we should watch this area for the activities of Satan could be discerned on that date. He also indicated that we were to watch Iceland immediately following this sign in the Bermuda Triangle.

We now know that on September 3, a hurricane was formed in the Bermuda Triangle called Diana. This hurricane kissed the Carolinas creating a great deal of destruction to that area. Immediately following the hurricane a volcanic eruption occurred in Iceland creating a crater five miles wide and six miles long. Five is the numeric representative of grace and six is indicative of the number of man.

The activities in the devil’s triangle are a parable for the plans of Satan while the things occurring in Iceland are representative of the plans of the Lord.

Bob was also given the same revelation for this year and told to watch the Bermuda Triangle and also watch Iceland. On September 3, 1996, hurricane Fran formed in the devil’s triangle and once again kissed the coast of the Carolina’s causing considerable damage. Shortly after this hurricane during the early part of October, on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, another volcanic eruption occurred in Iceland sending ash and debris two miles into the atmosphere.

The ashes represent the call to repentance that is presently before the church. We were shown from the news reports that a tremendous amount of water began to flow from the melted ice creating a river of volcanic ash and water throughout Iceland. This is characteristic of the living water that is about to flow from the innermost being of consecrated and yielded vessels filled with the Holy Spirit.

These are simply both prophetic depictions given to us to reflect the Lord’s activity as seen in the parable in Iceland and the devil’s plans is demonstrated from the hurricanes that formed over the Bermuda Triangle bringing winds of adversity.

THE PRIMARY REDEMPTIVE NAMES OF GOD

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide— GENESIS 22:14

The definition of this term is “The Lord will see” or “The Lord will provide”. For man this conjunctive meaning seems impossible. However, for the all knowing God of creation the dual meanings of this term are easily exemplified.

His pre-vision means His pro-vision which is what is meant by His combined name that Abraham gave to the place where He found the ram provided as a substitute for Isaac. This miracle was not of a normal significance but rather was a creative miracle by God for the sacrifice in the same sense that the Lord created a body through the miraculous conception for the substitute sacrifice for man.

As Elohim, God demanded the sacrifice of Isaac, but as Jehovah He made complete provision of a substitute for the son Abraham willingly offered. The place of this miracle is the first recorded instance in scripture of the naming of a place after a divine interposition or manifestation.

Jehovah Rophi – The Lord Our Physician— EXODUS 15:26

From Israel we learn that in times of sickness God heals, for He is our Jehovah Rophi, “I am Jehovah thy healer”.

To express God’s grace in restoring spirit life, He declared that He healed all of our diseases, spiritual as well as physical. (Psalms 103:3)

He also is the one who heals the broken in heart (Psalms 147:3) and for those who are backsliding, He is also their healer as well (Jeremiah 3:22). The scriptures also clearly indicate the removal of bodily infirmity (Genesis 20:17; II Kings 20…).

Jehovah Nissi – The Lord Our Banner— EXODUS 17:15-16

Moses took care that God should have the glory for the victory over Amalek. Instead of setting up a trophy in the honor of Joshua, though it had been a standard policy to put marks of honor upon men, rather he built an altar to the honor of God. What is most carefully recorded is the inscription upon the altar, Jehovah-Nissi – The Lord my banner. The presence and power of Jehovah were the banner under which they enlisted, by which they were animated and kept together.

Jehovah Nissi in literal Hebrew means “A hand upon the throne of Jehovah”. Jehovah will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Amalek’s hand had dared to assault Jehovah’s throne to overturn it and so He gave Israel the authority and power of that throne to overwhelm Amalek. The uplifted hands of Moses symbolized this banner. Here we have an illustration of the hand of faith outstretched in prayer.

Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord Who Sanctifies— EXODUS 31:13

The term holiness is from the Hebrew word “Kodesh” and is allied to “sanctify” and is translated as dedicate, consecrate, hallow and holy in various translations. “I am Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies you”. This term’s main influence relates to moral and spiritual purity.

In the New Testament many scriptures relate to the process of sanctification, the sum of which are provided to the church through the atoning work of Christ.

SANCTIFIED BY TRUTH (JOHN15:3;17:17)
SANCTIFIED BY THE BLOOD (HEBREWS 13:12)
SANCTIFIED BY FAITH (ACTS 26:18)
SANCTIFIED BY PRAYER (I TIMOTHY 4:5)

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord Our Peace— JUDGES 6:42

The word “Peace” and its cognates appear over 400 times in scripture. It is one of the most precious and fundamentally essential ingredients for a believer to be at peace with God and know the peace of God. It relates to a harmonious relationship obtained through reconciliation of a debt paid in full.

Peace or “Shalom” is often translated – welfare, good health, prosperity, favor, rest whole, finished, restitution or repay and perfect.

Jehovah Tsebahoth – The Lord of Host— I SAMUEL 1:3

This term in Hebrew is taken from sabaoth, meaning host or hosts with special reference to warfare or service and often appears as the Lord of Hosts. This Hebrew term has also rendered armies and also appointed for service. This reference for Jehovah appears fourteen times in the book of Haggai and twenty-four times in the book of Malachi.

In Zechariah, the Lord of Hosts, occurs fifty-three times and is of great interest seeing it is connected with God’s action in judgement and blessing upon Israel. The expression “Thus saith the Lord of Hosts” implied divine revelation and divine authority. A phrase like “Holiness unto the Lord of Hosts”, Zechariah 14:21.

When the conquest of Canaan was about to begin the Lord was revealed as the unknown warrior with naked sword standing before Joshua. When Joshua asked the question, “are you for us or against us”; the reply came, “I am Prince of the Host of Jehovah”, therefore Joshua humbly surrendered his sword to Jehovah Tsebahoth.

The whole of His creation is under His control and obeys His sovereign command, willingly or otherwise. HE is:

  1. Lord of all angelic hosts (I Kings 22:19)
  2. The Lord of all steller (Genesis 1:16)
  3. The Lord of all the feathered hosts (I Kings 17:2-7)
  4. The Lord of all the animal hosts (Is. 11:6)
  5. The Lord of all the human hosts (Is. 40:15)
  6. The Lord of the satanic hosts (Matthew 28:18)
Jehovah Rohi – The Lord My Shepherd— Psalm 23:1

Although Israel learned to magnify the Lord for life, healing, victory, holiness, peace, and protection, they were still pilgrims and were in dire need of divine provision in their wilderness journey with all its weariness, physical needs, duties, dangers and difficulties. Thus there came the revelation of God as their Jehovah Rohi, the One whose Shepherd love, care and resources they could depend upon in all the untrodden and unknown pathways of the future.

Thus the Lord is the feeder to provide, keeper to protect, companion to cheer, friend to help, pastor to comfort, herdsman near to us, as His frequent revelations as such proves.

The twenty-third Psalm contains eight redemptive names of Jehovah;

  1. Jehovah Rohi (Psalm 23:1) – Jehovah is my shepherd.
  2. Jehovah Jireh (Psalm 23:1) – I shall not want.
  3. Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is my peace. (Psalm 23:2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
  4. Jehovah Rophi – The Lord my healer. (Psalm 23:3) He restores my soul.
  5. Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord is righteousness (Psalm 23:3) He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name sake.
  6. Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is my banner (Psalm 23:5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
  7. Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord my sanctifier. (Psalm 23:5) Thou anointest my head with oil.
  8. Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there (Psalm 23:4) Thou art with me.
Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness— JEREMIAH 33:16

In the Old Testament there is evident revelation of Israel as being a nation seeking after righteousness, yet in its passionate desire for righteousness, the people discovered their own unrighteousness. Therefore, we become people that are seekers after hearts of purity and after communion with God in holiness. The Greeks sought after wisdom and the Romans sought after power and world dominion. But there is ever a remnant of God’s chosen people who seek after God and His righteousness.

To the glory of the gospel is that Jehovah Tsidkenu became flesh and was made unto us righteousness (I Cor. 1:30). A righteous God pronounced death as the penalty of sin, yet that same God became flesh, the righteous branch, to taste death for every sinner and provide the righteousness that is transferred or imputed to the believer and is thereby accepted before God. Acceptable righteousness therefore is not attained but obtained.

Jehovah Heleyon – The Lord Most High

Jehovah Heleyon is frequently used in the Psalms as a declaration of God’s highest position or kingship. This title reveals God as the high and lofty one that inhabits eternity (Is. 57:15). Prophetically speaking of Jehovah’s reign over the earth at the time of Israel’s restoration or the restoration of God’s chosen people.

It is also reassuring for us to know that during these difficult days that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men also (Daniel 4:25). This redemptive name places God at the highest place of every realm of life so that He can fulfil His will in and through us. When applied to God, this redemptive name reveals that though He is the highest, there are others below Him endowed by Him with like natures and therefore in some way related to Him by His Spirit.

Jehovah-Makkeh – The Lord Who Smites— EZEKIEL 7:9

The Lord has given Israel to us as an example of His dealings with man. He set Israel in the midst of heathen nations as His witness but instead of revealing and glorifying Him she changed His judgements into wickedness greater than all the nations she was suppose to influence for Him. Therefore He said, “You shall know that I am Jehovah-Makkeh”, the Lord who smites thee. (Ezekiel 7:9)

Daniel in the 9th chapter reveals that Israel found themselves in captivity because they refused to heed the voice of the Lord their God which was set before them by His servants, the prophets. Consequently, as a result of their disobedience the Lord smote Israel and disciplined her because of her unbelief and rejection of His true revealed word. The church has also experienced a similar disciplinary period over the past forty years because of her rejection of the true revealed word as brought to the church by His servant the, the prophets.

Jehovah Gmolah – The God of Recompense— JEREMIAH 51:6

The scriptures declare that retribution or recompense does not belong to us but rather it belongs to God. MIn Jeremiah 51, the Lord declares that He will severely punish Babylon because of their harsh dealing with Israel thereby revealing Himself as the God of retribution. The same was true of Egypt when they placed the nation of Israel under a heavy burden and struck the apple of His eye. When a person is shamefully treated or misjudged, even wrongfully condemned or blamed when innocent, it becomes very difficult not to take up our own defense and leave our reputation to God. Yet this is the precise way that He has instructed for us to respond. Retribution and recompense belong only to him. Vengeance is His and He promised to repay. (Deut. 32:35; II Thes. 1:8)

Jehovah Shammah – The Lord Is There— EZEKIEL 48:35

The name of the city revealed through Ezekiel is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is There, so called because of the manifest presence and power of Jehovah residing therein. We also know from scripture that God does not dwell in temples made by hands but rather we are the temple of God.

This is the last of Jehovah’s redemptive titles in the order of their Old Testament occurrence. It discloses the consummation of His progressive self revelation.

The people of Israel were brought out of the bondage of Egypt by His manifest presence (Deut. 4:37). However, the people willfully and continually sinned and the conscious manifest Presence of God was rescinded. Yet when the people repented of their gross idolatry, because of His love and pity, the angel of His presence redeemed them once again (Isaiah 63:9).

The apostle Paul describes the church as a habitation of God, a house of God, and the building growing unto a holy temple in the Lord. The question remains, Does the Glory of Jehovah fill Jehovah’s house and are we members of that house displaying His Glory?