Sermon Jan 1, 2012
“New Year’s Resolutions”
Series: “12 in 2012”
Opening Video Illustration: From Blue fish TV “New Year’s Resolutions - Kids”
Thesis: Today is the beginning of a New Year a new start and we should be making New Year’s resolutions which focus not just on physical, relational or financial goals but on spiritual goals for our life this year as well.
Scripture Texts: Which address the subject of a New Year and it’s potential.
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (NLT).
Philippians 3:13-14: “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven “(NLT).
Isaiah 40:31: Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (NASB).
Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (NIV).
Lamentations 3:22-24: “The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" (NASB).
Introduction:
Reflection on this New Year of 2012 and the old year of 2011
Today is also an opportunity to look back over the past year of 2011 to see if we were able to accomplish what we set out to do. Do you know how you did on your 2011 New Year Resolutions? Did you reach them by 100% - 50% - 25% - 0%?
The sad statistic is only 8% of New Year’s Resolutions will be fulfilled in a given year.
The beginning of a New Year is always an opportunity for a new beginning and a time of reflection and goal setting. It’s a time to look back and a time to look forward. Do you have a sense of excitement and anticipation for this New Year – its new opportunities - for new mile markers in your life?
2012 is coming in with a buzz about December 21, 2012 – It’s the last recorded day on the Mayan calendar, the Hopi Indians point to this same time as something catastrophic is going to happen. The Hindu’s have prophecy’s which point to this same time frame as something happening to the earth as we know it. And most of you have heard Nostradamus predictions for this same time frame as the end of the world. There have been other prophetic words as well from other sources but the Bible does not give us a date as to the end instead it tells us to just be ready now. So are you ready today if it was the end? Are making New Year’s Resolutions that prepare you to meet the Lord at any time? As I search through the top ten New Year’s Resolutions I quickly discover that very few people make Spiritual New Year’s Resolutions:
The top ten list of New Year’s Resolutions from http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past and reflecting on what we have learned, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make the top ten list?
1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a favorite restaurant or take the family to one of these popular places for family fun. Work shouldn't always come first!
2. Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.
3. Tame the Bulge
Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.
4. Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!
5. Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Consider one of the Christian holistic centers for products designed to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Or just get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa.
6. Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available. Alcoholics Anonymous offers meetings throughout the greater area. There is also a group for Parents of Teenage Alcohol and Drug Abusers. There are also a number of treatment-based programs, as well as support groups for families of alcoholics.
7. Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.
8. Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. The Community we live in offers a wide variety of "lifelong learning" courses, and local YMCA's/Health Clubs offer great recreational training for beginners of all ages. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs so go for it.
9. Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills.
10. Get Organized
On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.
T.S. – New Year’s resolutions are good and beneficial if you keep them and make the necessary changes in your life.
I. The most popular New Year’s Resolutions
a. Physically related resolutions are the most popular as you noticed from our list:
i. Illustration: New Year's Resolutions and the Importance of Community -Gino Grunberg, Gig Harbor, Washington, and Brian Lowery, managing editor, PreachingToday.com; source: Keith Ferrazzi, Who's Got Your Back? (Broadway Business, 2009), pp. 9-10 | posted 12/21/2009:
With a new year just around the corner, most of us are busy scribbling down resolutions. We desire radical change in the way we look, the way we behave, the way we make our living. But if research regarding New Year's resolutions is at all true, most of us will fall short of our goals. Why? In his book Who's Got Your Back?, author Keith Ferrazzi says it's because we too often go it alone when trying to change. Consider the story of Jean Nidetch: Jean was overweight as a child, she was overweight in high school, and despite endless diet regimens, her waistline kept expanding throughout her twenties and thirties …. [She fit the medical definition of "obese." Jean tried diets and pills that promised to take off the pounds, but she always gained back the weight she lost. In 1961, at age 38, Jean started a diet sponsored by the New York City Department of Health. After 10 weeks she was 20 pounds lighter, but starting to lose motivation. She realized that what she needed was someone to talk to for some support … Since she couldn't get her pals to make the trek with her to Manhattan to sign up for the official health department regimen, she brought the "science" of the program to their living rooms in Queens. Jean and her friends would all lose weight together. Out of those first meetings grew Weight Watchers, widely recognized as one of the most effective weight-loss programs in the world. Nidetch's idea was simple: Losing weight requires a combination of dieting and peer support. She held weekly meetings with weight check-ins and goal setting to promote accountability, coupled with honest, supportive conversation about the struggles, setbacks, and victories over losing weight. Eventually, Nidetch, who'd lost seventy-two pounds, rented office space and started leading groups all across New York City. In 1963 she incorporated. As of 2007, Weight Watchers International had retail sales of over $4 billion from licenses, franchisees, membership fees, exercise programs, cookbooks, portion-controlled food products, and a magazine. Nidetch retired in 1984, leaving behind a legacy that has saved the lives of literally millions of men and women. As the company's current CEO, Dave Kirchhoff notes, "Though the science of weight loss has evolved over the years, the core of Jean's program—support and accountability—has remained constant."
1. As we start this New Year at Christian Hills I know many of you made New Year’s Resolutions about weight and it would be wise to follow the lead of Weight Watchers and incorporate support from others with your resolution and accountability to help motivate you to reach your desired weight goal. With the failure rate for resolutions being high it’s important to try and arrange people around you that will help you meet your goal. Here is the statistics on New Year’s Resolutions:
a. I would love to see someone at Christian Hills start an exercise class or weight watchers program here! We have a great gym for it and a great facility for it.
2. Statistics on New Year's Resolutions- Stephen Shapiro, "Interesting New Year's Resolution Statistics," Stephen Shapiro's 24/7 (stephenshapiro.com) (12-11-08) | posted 12/21/2009: Author, innovation consultant, and speaker Stephen Shapiro, with the help of Opinion Corporation of Princeton, New Jersey, offers the following interesting statistics concerning New Year's resolutions:
a. Forty-five percent of Americans usually set New Year's Resolutions; seventeen percent infrequently set resolutions; thirty-eight percent never set resolutions.
b. Eight percent are always successful in achieving their resolutions; nineteen percent achieve their resolutions every other year; forty-nine percent have infrequent success; twenty-four percent (one in four) never succeed and have failed on every resolution every year.
c. Forty-seven percent set resolutions related to self-improvement or education.
d. Thirty-eight percent set resolutions related to weight.
e. Thirty-four percent set resolutions related to money.
f. Thirty-one percent set resolutions related to relationships.
g. The younger you are, the more likely you are to achieve your resolutions (thirty-nine percent of those in their twenties achieve their resolutions every year or every other year, while less than fifteen percent of those over fifty achieve their resolutions every year or every other year).
h. The less happy you are, the more likely you are to set New Year's resolutions (this is especially true for those who set money-related resolutions: forty-one percent are not happy; thirty-four percent are moderately happy; twenty-five percent are happy).
i. There is actually no correlation between happiness and resolution setting/success (people who achieve their resolutions every year are no happier than those who do not set resolutions or who are unsuccessful in achieving them)
3. With the interesting statistics shared it even becomes more important for you to find support for your resolution and accountability.
b. If you resolution is to get your finances in order then (another big resolution)
i. I would challenge you to become part of one of our small groups called “Financial Peace” by Dave Ramsey this month. You will get the support and the accountability needed to move forward in getting your finances under control.
ii. Highlight class: Use DVD Promo by Dave Ramsey – Use Get on the Road – North is North (1:30).
1. Promo: Highlight other small group classes:
a. E-mail from Peggy to share with Congregation.
T.S. - Point of the message today: Now another dimension to New Year’s Resolutions is making ones with spiritual implications. So let me ask have you made a New Year’s Resolution to change something in regards to your spiritual condition and spiritual growth?
II. Making a Spiritual Resolution
a. Mark Batterson was our speaker at the FCA Convention in Chicago this last year and he challenged us as the people of God to follow our God-ordained passions and commit to spiritual development.
i. In his book Wild Goose Chase, Mark Batterson, (Multnomah, 2008), pp. 15-16 | posted 9/08/2008 he states, I want to die the same way Wilson Bentley died. Wilson grew up on a farm in Jericho, Vermont, and as a young boy he developed a fascination with snowflakes. Obsession might be a better word for it. Most people go indoors during snowstorms. Not Wilson. He would run outside when the flakes started falling, catch them on black velvet, look at them under a microscope, and take photographs of them before they melted. His first photomicrograph of a snowflake was taken on January 15, 1885. Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind. The first known photographer of snowflakes, Wilson pursued his passion for more than fifty years. He amassed a collection of 5,381 photographs that was published in his magnum opus, titled Snow Crystals. And then he died a fitting death—a death that symbolized and epitomized his life. Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley contracted pneumonia while walking six miles through a severe snowstorm and died on December 23, 1931. And that is how I figured out how I want to die. No, I don't want to die from pneumonia. But I do want to die doing what I love. I am determined to pursue God-ordained passions until the day I die. Life is too precious to settle for anything less (From preachingtoday.com).
b. I really think as Christians we need to make a New Year’s resolution that impacts our spiritual development and shape this year as well as our physical and financial ones (the 2 big ones).
i. Yes, it is a great time to set new goals for your life – physical goals - losing weight – getting in shape – mental or intellectual goals - maybe completing a few classes toward a degree? But there are spiritual goals which need to be set as well.
c. So what are your spiritual goals this year? Have you thought about them? Do you want to get closer to God this year? Do you want to pray more? Do you want to read the Bible through this year? Do you want to tithe? Do you want to read new Christian books this year? Do you want to serve the Lord in a special area this year? Do you want to go to a new level in worship to God? What is one of your spiritual goals this year? Have you picked one?
d. Can I suggest to you to set 12 spiritual goals this year –one for each month of the year – you could call them spiritual mile markers, or new spiritual disciplines. Pick twelve different things this year.
i. Like become involved in one small group, set the number of times you want to come to our Hearts Ablaze service, read the NT through, listen to 12 sermons from different speakers, serve in a shelter, do a service project, do a short term missions trip, fast and pray with us, come to a community prayer meeting, or you fill in the blank.
ii. The truth is this year could be a day of new beginnings – new breakthroughs spiritually. But for this to happen or to come to fruitation you need to be intentional about going after these spiritual and physical goals.
1. As I suggested earlier you need support and accountability to be successful in achieving your desired goal.
a. Who can you recruit to support you in this goal?
b. Who will hold you accountable for this goal?
i. Think about it – pray about it!
iii. In other words we cannot do the same things we did last year and expect we will get different results. By the way that is called insanity! We actually have to create new daily habits – new spiritual disciplines – new life styles to reach our desired spiritual goals.
e. I believe - It's a time to look ahead with a sense of anticipation and excitement towards the new things God wants to do in our lives. It is a season of setting new goals and putting into effect those things you have been putting off doing.
i. I feel in my heart that the Holy Spirit wants to create a sense of newness here at Christian Hills and within all of our lives spiritually.
ii. I know God desires for us to be filled with a renewed sense of purpose and destiny this year for Him and for His Kingdom.
f. One Pastor challenges us to do the following: “The new year offers us the chance to wipe the slate clean and start over once again. It is a time to set new goals and to make plans as to how you will meet those goals. As every day in the Lord should be, the New Year is a day of new beginnings. My question to you today is, "What kind of goals and plans will you make in this new year as you seek to serve Christ and His Kingdom in a greater way?”
T.S. - After much prayer, meditation, discussion with the staff for this New Year for Christian Hills Church I feel our theme should be “12 in 2012.”
III. The new theme and or vision for 2012 for Christian Hills is “12 in 2012.”
a. Questions: The first question that races across your mind may be this: “12 what in this year of 2012?”
i. Well most of you know that the year is broken up into 12 months. My mind reflects on my recent message on how important it is for us to allow the River of Life to flow through our church, our lives, our families and our communities this year. We need to make sure that we do not erect dams that hold back the flow of the River of Life.
ii. If we have erected dams that are hindering the flow of the Spirit we need to choose to tear them down. We need to commit to allow God’s healing water to flow through us to heal us and transform our surroundings.
iii. To me one dimension of the 12 has to do with the 12 months – 12 healings or 12 mile markers for the year. Let’s read the passage in Revelation 22:1-7 again:
1. Revelation 22:1-7: Reminds me of this truth about the River of Life and of God and of the Lamb’s Throne in Heaven: Please read along with me in your Bible’s:
The River of Life:
1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
3No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.
6The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
Jesus Is Coming
7“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”
2. This Scripture text reminds us of what Heaven – the New Jerusalem will be like but it also gives us a glimpse of Heaven today – it tells us that there is a Throne which belongs to God and the Lamb. From this Throne we see life flowing out from it – this life is symbolized by John as the river – the water - and it flows through the Tree of Life – this water’s life giving power comes from the Throne of God and the Lamb. It flows through this Life Giving Tree and it produces life and it produces a crop or a fruit – one crop per month – this fruit which is produced brings healing to the nations- to the people groups of this world. I see the number 12 revealed in this passage of Scripture – as 12 crops – 12 months – or 12 mile markers - pinnacle moments of healing to those who eat of this divine spiritual harvest.
3. As I have repeatedly and prayerfully read through this text I keep getting a sense in my heart that this New Year 2012 will be a mile marker year for Christian Hills Church and for our community.
4. I see from our text how the River of Life and the Tree of Life bring healing to the nations – in a sense to the people of God and yes even to this community here in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.
a. In this vision from John through the Spirit he sees the Tree of life bearing 12 crops one each month for the sole purpose of bringing healing to the nations.
b. Highlight prayer meeting on the Jan 7th at Calvary for a healing or deliverance from the epidemic drug problem in the southwest suburbs. It starts at 5pm.
b. There is that pivotal word – or pivotal action from God for anyone who has been hurt, sick or wounded – the action word is “Healing!”
i. Application to the Congregation: How many here today need some type of healing in your life, your family’s life, your work place, your school, your community and yes even your church?
1. Have them respond with a show of hands.
ii. This word “healing” is the Greek word “ther-ap-i'-ah or therapeuō – The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament defines the Greek word usage and meaning this way:
1. A much more common use is for "healing," not merely in the sense of medical treatment, but in the sense of the real healing that the Messiah brings. Jesus has power to heal the sick (Lk 7:21ff.). This is no less a part of his ministry than preaching (Mk 4:23). No sickness can resist him. He heals many (Mk 3:10) or all (Mt 12:15), whether they be ill, lame, blind, maimed, or deaf and dumb, and whenever the need arises even though it be on the Sabbath (Mt 12:10 etc.). Driving out demons is one form of healing. This is done by the word in what is sometimes a violent struggle (cf. Lk 4:40-41; Mk 3:10-11). The word also cures ailments or defects, though Jesus will often touch the sick (Mk 1:41), take their hand (1:31), lay on hands (5:23), or perform acts like those of doctors (7:33; cf. Jms 5:14). The sick may simply touch him or his garment (Mk 3:10; 5:28; cf. Peter's shadow in Ac 5:15 and Paul's clothing in Ac 19:12). The healing is total as Jesus, initiating the age of salvation, takes away the sicknesses of the people (Mt 8:17; cf. Isa 53:4). The actual processes may have parallels in Greek and Jewish records, but the important point is the demonstration that with Jesus God's kingdom has already broken into our suffering world. The real miracle, then, is not the breaking of natural law but victory in the conflict for world mastery. Following up this victory, Jesus commands his disciples to heal the sick. The command itself, received in faith, grants them the power (Mt 10:1 etc.). The risen Lord repeats the commission, and in Jesus' name the apostles heal the sick and demon-possessed (Ac 5:16; cf. Peter in Ac 3:1 ff., Philip in Ac 8:7, Paul in Ac 28:8-9). Healing may be blocked, however, by a false attitude: skepticism in Nazareth (Lk 4:23; Mk 6:5), and the weak faith of the disciples in the case of the epileptic boy (Mt 17:14ff.).
2. Our vision: In my heart and spirit I believe we need to set a goal to see 12 months of spiritual harvest as it relates to people being “healed.” I believe we need to pray and fast for 12 mile markers months this year.
3. We need to take the month of Jan and pray for a great out pouring of God’s Healing Power to those who need “healing.” This healing encompasses physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and even healings in relationships. The relationships are between us and others, God and us and even in family relationships.
a. We have set the dates of Jan 9th-Jan 30th to pray and fast.
iii. I really desire Christian Hills Church to become known as a place of “Healing Waters” a place were hurt and wounded people can come to find healing.
1. It’s important for us to understand that this healing can only come from God’s Throne, from His presence and by His healing hand.
2. We within ourselves do not have the power to heal anyone so we must be in communion and connection with the Lord to see this vision or dream become a reality.
Conclusion:
So what healings would you like to see this year in your life, your family, your place of work, your school, your community or even your church?
Reflection: Think about it?
Action point for the Congregation:
It’s time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future: Now I would like you write them down on these index cards and bring them up during our worship time and place them in on the altar as a prayer request for healing to the Lord this year.
You can also write down any New Year’s resolutions you may have and ask the Lord to help you reach them.
The Number 12 http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4Numbers_and_Scripture.htm
The number 12 has been thought to represent the number of God's government. The ancient people recognized 12 lunar cycles corresponding loosely to 12 months in the year, and they divided the day and the night into 12-hour periods. They went on to organize the stars into the 12 signs of the Zodiac, and from their observations of the wanderings of the 7 planets through the 12 houses of heaven was born astrology.
The Bible tells that Jacob-Israel had 12 sons (Genesis 35:22-27) and that each of these became the founder of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the people of God (Genesis 49:28).
Jesus chose Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:2-4) for the beginnings of the Church.
There were 24 classes of priests and Levites (1 Chronicles 24:4) and 48 Levitical cities (Numbers 35:7).
And again in the Book of Revelation, the number 12 becomes very important when symbolizing the salvation of God's people.
There are 24 elders around the throne of God and 144,000 of the saved (Revelation 4:4; 7:4).
The perfection of the New Jerusalem is seen in its 12 gates, each "a single pearl," and 12 foundations, each adorned with jewels.
Its circumference is 12,000 furlongs, and its walls are 144 cubits high (Revelation 21:10-21; Ezekiel 48:30-35).
The Biblical Meaning of the Number 12 http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/12.html
Twelve is a perfect number, signifying perfection of government, or of governmental perfection. It is found as a multiple in all that has to do with rule. The sun which "rules" the day, and the moon and stars which "govern" the night, do so by their passage through the twelve signs of the Zodiac which completes the great circle of the heavens of 360 (12 x 30) degrees or divisions, and thus govern the year.
Twelve is the product of 3 (the perfectly Divine and heavenly number) and 4 (the earthly, the number of what is material and organic).
While seven is composed of 3 added to 4, twelve is 3 multiplied by 4, and hence denotes that which can scarcely be explained in words, but which the spiritual perception can at once appreciate, viz., organization, the products denoting production and multiplication and increase of all that is contained in the two numbers separately. The 4 is generally prominently seen in the twelve.
The 12 Patriarchs
There were twelve patriarchs from (and including) Shem (the son of Noah) to Jacob:
Shem
Arphaxad
Salah
Heber
Peleg
Reu
Serug
Nahor
Terah
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
The 12 Sons of Israel
The twelve sons of Israel, though actually thirteen in number, are never listed with 13 names in a single list. There are about 18 enumerations altogether, but in each list one or the other sons / tribes is omitted. Generally it is Levi, but not always. In Revelation 7 both Dan and Ephraim are omitted (see number 8), but the enumeration is still twelve, Levi and Joseph being introduced for this special sealing of the remnant which shall go unscathed through the great tribulation.
How is the number 12 represented in Solomon's Temple?
The temple of Solomon has the number twelve as the predominating factor, in contrast with the Tabernacle, which had the number five. This agrees with the grace which shines in the Tabernacle, and with the glory of the kingdom which is displayed in the Temple.
When we come to the New Testament we find the same great principle pervading the Apostolic government as we see in the Patriarchal and National, for we have:
The twelve Apostles.
The twelve foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem.
The twelve gates.
The twelve pearls.
The twelve angels.
Measurement of New Jerusalem will be multiple of 12 The measurement of the new Jerusalem will be 12,000 furlongs square, while the wall will be 144 (12 x 12) cubits, Revelation 21:16,17.
The number of the sealed in Revelation 7:4 will be 144,000, and all that has to do with the Twelve Tribes is necessarily pervaded by this number, such as the stones in the High Priest's breastplate, the stones taken out of the Jordan, the number of the spies, etc. etc., and therefore we have not referred to all such reference in these pages.
Who were the 12 people specially ANOINTED to serve in government?
Twelve person were anointed for government of various kinds. Of course, all kings, priests, prophets, and healed lepers were anointed; but the circumstances of the anointing of twelve individuals is specially recorded. Of these, five were priests (Aaron and his four sons, Exodus 6:23) and seven were kings:
Aaron, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
Nadab, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
Abihu, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
Eleazar, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
Ithamar, Exodus 29:7,9, etc.
Saul, 1Samuel 10:1.
David, * 1Samuel 16:13.
Absalom, 2Samuel 19:10.
Solomon, 1Kings 1:39.
Jehu, 2 Kings 9:6.
Joash, 2Kings 11:12.
Jehoahaz, 2Kings 23:30.
* David was anointed three times, viz: by Samuel, 1 Samuel 16:13; by the men of Judah, 2Samuel 2:4; by the elders of Israel, 2Samuel 5:3.
It will be observed from the above list that Saul, the man of MAN'S choice, is thus stamped with the number 6. David, the man of God's choice, is stamped with the number seven. For Saul and David are the sixth and seventh respectively in order. The words, "a man after God's own heart," means simply a man of God's choice, and not, as infidels are never tired of asserting, that God approved of all the sins which David fell into.
At what age did Jesus first appear in public?
Twelve years of age was Jesus when He first appears in public (Luke 2:42) and utters His first recorded words (see number 1).
Twelve Legions of Angels
Twelve legions of angels mark the perfection of angelic powers (Matthew 26:53).
The Half of Twelve
The half of twelve sometimes denotes interruption or defect in human government, while the number of occurrences of words agrees with its signification, e.g., aulh, aulee, "palace," occurs twelve times.
Additional commentary on the Biblical Meaning of 12 * The number 12 is found 187 times total in the Bible, 22 of which are in the book of Revelation.
The number 12 represents divine authority and appointment, as well as governmental foundation and perfection, and shows completeness. 12 is also used as a signature of Israel. Truth is symbolized by 144, or 12 x 12.
There are 12 divisions of heaven called the Mazzaroth, which God uses for signs and seasons. The testimony of the stars is numerically in harmony with the Bible: "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork" (Psalms 19:1).
There were 12 sons of Jacob, whose families formed the 12 tribes of Israel with 12 princes; there were also 12 princes of Ishmael.
The high priest’s breastplate, used for judgment, had 12 stones representing the 12 tribes. The showbread consisted of 12 loaves. During the period of the judges, 12 judges judged Israel. Solomon appointed 12 officers over Israel.
At age 12, Jesus appeared at the temple. Jesus ordained 12 apostles, who were sent with authority to preach the Gospel and to be witnesses of His resurrection. After His resurrection, Jesus told the apostles that He had been given all authority in heaven and earth — the divine authority of God.
During the great tribulation, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel are saved, totaling 144,000 (Revelation 7). A second 144,000 are gathered from the earth to serve the Lamb and follow Him (Revelation 14:1-5). The bride of Christ is pictured with a crown of 12 stars (Revelation 12:1).
The New Jerusalem has 12 gates of pearls, 12 angels at the gates and the names of the 12 tribes of Israel over the gates. The wall of the city has 12 foundations of precious stones; in them are the names of the 12 apostles. The wall is 144 cubits high (12 x 12). The city is 12,000 furlongs (1,500 miles) square.
Sermon: What God wants for Christmas?
Number 12 http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/bible/numbers.html
The number twelve is another prime example of spiritual significance. In other words, God uses this number to show us some spiritual truth in it's application. Would we be prudent Bible students in thinking that it has no meaning besides a count, and it's mere coincidence the places which it is found? No, we would be negligent to think so. In my studies I have found that the number twelve spiritually points to the Congregation of God.
A good example would be the twelve brothers, the twelve sons of Jacob who were the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the Old Testament congregation, or Children of God. The number twelve spiritually signified this! These twelve sons were not a coincidental number of births, they were God ordained! Likewise, the significance is passed on after the cross as the twelve apostles became the New Testament representative of the congregation or Children of God. The exact same spiritual number attached to God's congregation on both sides of the cross. We can see this brought forth Gloriously as in Revelation 21, the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem (Thee Church) comes down from Heaven.
Revelation 21:12
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the Twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel:"
Revelation 21:14
"And the wall of the City had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the Twelve Apostles of the lamb."
The twelve gates signify the entrance to the City. And note that the Old Testament congregation is represented as well as the New. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel at the gate, and the names of the twelve Apostles in the foundations. Why would anyone make the assumption that this number twelve is not spiritually significant, or that it's just some coincidence that there were twelve tribes, twelve Apostles, twelve gates, the City measuring twelve thousand furlongs, having twelve precious stones, etc. No, it is obviously not coincidence. And if it's not coincidence, then the number twelve has special meaning there. God "specifically" made sure there were twelve sons, and twelve Apostles, twelve gates, twelve fragments of food left over, etc. That means He did it for a reason. And the reason is to show us some spiritual consistency in where He is using it. To say that the number twelve has no special significance, is to not fully understand that God's inspired Word, is not just words, they're numbers also!
When we look at the miracle that Jesus did for the damsel who was twelve years old in raising her from the dead, we see it was a signification that the Church would be raised from the dead. This is why it is meticulously pointed out that the woman was twelve. There is no other reason for God pointing out her age except this spiritual signification.
Mark 5:42
"And straightway the damsel arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. and they were astonished with a great astonishment."
Likewise, the Church (The woman 12) would be raised from the dead by Christ. This miracle signified this arising from the dead, and the woman is 12 not by coincidence, but to indicate this. As the 12 stars of the woman in Revelation Chapter 12 are also pointing to the Congregation of the Lord.
Things that might appear coincidental to the average or carnal reader are brought out spiritually by God to His people. They are not understood by natural man, they are spiritually discerned.
Another example is when the wicked men came to take Jesus away, and His Apostles were going to fight for Him, and Jesus told them to put away their swords,
Matthew 26:53-54
"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve Legions of Angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
You see, He equates His army who would do battle with Him as twelve legions. Coincidence? Not when you understand that the Church is the Army of the Lord, which have on the whole armour of God and the Breastplate of righteousness, and carry the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. i.e., His father has presently given him twelve legions of Messengers, and we do fight with Him. Not in a literal war with literal swords, but in a spiritual warfare with the Word of God as our sword. And this is how it must be. as it's all a matter of discerning the things which God has placed in His Holy Word.
Another example would be the woman who had suffered many things of Physicians, and none could heal her. God meticulously points out that it was for twelve years..
Mark 5:25
"And a certain Woman which had an issue of blood twelve years.."
This woman touched but the hem of Jesus garment, and was made whole. I.e., what was unclean for 12 years was now clean. The garment of Christ is signifying the Righteousness of Christ. Just as scripture says we are clothed in the Righteousness of Christ. This Woman had been made righteous, by the virtue of Christ!
Mark 5:30
"And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Him about in the press and said, who touched My Clothes."
You see, this is signifying that we are made whole by Christ's virtue, by Christ's righteousness, and by Christ's garment. And the fact that this woman had this plague twelve years and "none" could heal her, signifies our predicament before we receive the virtue or the righteousness of Christ. But when we receive the virtue of Christ, we are made whole by his garment. I.e., we are Clothed in the righteousness of Christ! So we understand the number twelve is used all throughout scripture in many different ways to signify the Church!
