Sermon 12 in 2012
Introduction: The new theme and or vision for 2012 for Christian Hills is “12 in 2012.”
Questions: The first question that races across your mind may be this: “12 what in this year of 2012?”
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.
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.
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:
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
There is that pivotal word – or pivotal action from God for anyone who has been hurt, sick or wounded – the action word is “Healing!”
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?
Have them respond with a show of hands. Have them fill out index cards if they have not already done so.
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:
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.).
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.
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. We have set the dates of Jan 9th-Jan 30th to pray and fast.
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. 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. 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.
T.S. – One spiritual mile marker we need to start with this year is 12 minutes a day in prayer.
I. The first spiritual mile marker I would like you to start going after is spending 12 minutes a day in prayer
a. Story of the power of prayer: A 2009 article in the Chicago Tribune told the story of Bettye Tucker, a Christian cook who works the night shift at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She has been doing her job for 43 years—28 of them on the night shift. She sees a steady stream of parents in her job, many of them frightened and weary. On one particular night around the time the article was written, Miss Bettye (as she is referred to by all who know her) served food to a mother whose three-year-old fell out of a second story window that morning, another mother whose seventeen-year-old was battling a rare form of leukemia, and a third mother whose eighteen-year-old had endured seven hours of brain surgery. Their stories break the heart of Miss Bettye, and—as one coworker interviewed for the article says—"that’s why she feeds every last one of them as if they had walked right into the ’too-small’ kitchen of [the] South Side brick bungalow [where she lives]." A member of the hospital’s housekeeping crew adds this about Miss Bettye: "You need someone to bring you life, and she brings it in the middle of the night." A picture of Miss Bettye that accompanied the article shows a woman with a beautiful smile. It’s hard to imagine how much that smile would mean to a suffering parent or child. She says, "When I ask, ’How you doin’ today?’ and they say it’s not a good day, I say, ’Don’t lose hope.’ When the nurses tell me it’s a bad night, I say, ’I understand it’s a bad night. But guess what? I am here for you. I’m going to get you through the night.’" Another picture shows Bettye sitting down, head bowed, over a meal. "I’m a praying lady," she says in the article. "I pray every night, for every room and every person in the hospital. I start with the basement, and I go up, floor by floor, room by room. I pray for the children, I pray for the families, I pray for the nurses and the doctors. … I say, every night while I’m driving in on the expressway, ’Oh, Lord, I don’t know what I’ll face tonight, but I pray you’ll guide me through.’" The reporter behind the article, Barbara Mahany, offers these words about Miss Bettye: "Just might be, that divine helping on the side is the most essential item on Miss Bettye’s menu. The one she stirs in every broth, and every whisper. The ingredient that makes her the perpetual light shining in the all-night kitchen." (from Lee Eclov, Vernon Hills, Illinois; source: Barbara Mahany, "Cooking up compassion," Chicago Tribune (9-20-09), section 6)
i. Quote: If prayer stands as the place where God and human beings meet, then I must learn about prayer. Most of my struggles in the Christian life circle around the same two themes: why God doesn’t act the way we want God to, and why I don’t act the way God wants me to. Prayer is the precise point where those themes converge.—Philip Yancey
b. Let’s look at Jesus teaching in Matthew 6 on Prayer :
i. 5“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
1. All of us long to connect with someone who can identify with our circumstances and share in our day-to-day life. Prayer is just that - a personal experience and intimate connection with our loving Heavenly Father.
2. This is what Jesus modeled in the above famous prayer “Our Father.”
c. Prayer is basically talking to and with God
i. One writer put it his way: Imagine meeting your best friend for coffee at your favorite cafe. Your friend knows everything about you. You can count on your friend being exactly where he says he will be. Anytime you need him, you can call and he won’t be upset with you. He is willing to listen and responds with love and concern. That is just like prayer. The only difference is that your best friend is God.
God is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He knows everything you ever did and He still loves you! He knows your future too. He has the best plans for your life. He cares for you so much that He gave His Son so that you could be with Him forever. “For God so loved the world, the He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
You can talk to Him about anything that concerns you. Tell Him your desires and passions. Share your concerns for your loved ones. Talk out your fears with Him. Communicate to God what is inside you without fear.
1. From http://allaboutprayer.org/prayer.htm
ii. Many have asked me this question about Prayer – “What do I say?”
1. Prayer is a conversation with a person you love and respect. In prayer there is an element of trust as well. The best way to pray is to be natural and pray what is in your heart.
a. God is very anxious to hear every word you say.
b. He’ll even listen to anger, pain, anguish and even sadness just read the Psalms and you discover this truth over and over.
d. So let’s come back to the question – Why Pray?
i. The writer from “All about prayer” says this,
1. Why is prayer important? If God already knows all about you and knows all that He has written, why should you pray? It’s because God created us to have free will. He wants us to come to Him willingly and not as robotic creations. He has given us a mind to make decisions and the most important decision is about eternity. Even though He knows the future, we don’t know the future choices we will make. It’s important to live by His guidance to make the right choices.
a. He also adds:
i. In the Bible, you will find kings, prophets, and ordinary people like you and me, averted destruction by praying to God. One prayer stopped the sun, one prayed fire down from heaven, one gained fifteen years to his own life, and one prayer even saved a whole city. These people prayed intensely to the God who answers prayer. When you pray, God listens to your cries. When you don’t pray, God feels left out of your life. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9b).
ii. As you pray consistently, you are affirming the existence of God in your life. You are building your faith as you see God’s hand do His mighty work on your behalf just because you asked. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).
1. All the above is From http://allaboutprayer.org/prayer.htm
ii. Jim Cymbala states in his book Breakthrough Prayer , “Too many times when we are under stress or opposition, we hold strategy sessions, we ‘claim the promises’ in rote sort of way instead of praying them biblically. But God said we could ‘receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.’ Where? At ‘the throne of grace’ (Hebrews 4:16).
1. We need to learn to practice this discipline so that we understand who it is that moves the mountains in our life it’s not our power and skills it’s God’s intervention.
a. Abraham Lincoln wrote, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.”
2. Story from Preaching Today: I was sitting at a lunch table at the Canadian Fellowship of Christian Assemblies Conference in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, in early October 2005. Paul Vallee, a pastor in Red Deer, Alberta, was recalling his early days as a youth pastor in a town far up in the northeastern part of the province. Another younger pastor at the table had been a member of Vallee’s youth group back then. Vallee and the younger pastor were talking about the time they loaded up a bus for an 11-hour ride to a youth retreat with the FCA church in Fort St. John, British Columbia. One girl in the group had said she would not be going, because she was prone to migraine headaches—especially when riding long distance in a vehicle."Oh, come on," her girlfriends pleaded with her. "We really want you to go with us. You’ll be okay." In the end, the girl was won over. About three hours into the bus ride, sure enough, the girl began to experience a fearsome migraine. She had told the group, including her youth pastor, that once the attacks started, there was no relief. She would be in agony for three or more days. What was Vallee supposed to do as the leader of the group? Well, he did not ask for the shades to be drawn or for the kids to lower their noise level. He didn’t take up a collection of Motrin or Advil. Instead, he called for prayer. As the bus kept going down the highway, the youth began a "rolling prayer meeting." They fervently called out for God’s intervention on the girl’s behalf. About 30 minutes later, her head came back up, her eyes were clear, and the migraine had stopped! "This is incredible," she said. "This never happens. I’ve never gotten relief until it ran its full course." But what was even more remarkable was that, as the following months and years went by, this girl never had a migraine again. God had healed her permanently that day on the bus.
a. Dean Merrill, author and editor, from the message "Five Faces of Pentecost," given at the Christian Life College Fall Festival, Mount Prospect, Illinois (11-15-05)
3. I am not sure many Christian really believe in the power of prayer in America today:
a. For Example: Illustration of Churches praying against Brewery and being sued by the atheist owner. The judge said he was in a dilemma on one side the atheists who does not believe in God blames the churches for praying and having his brewery destroyed and on the other side the churches deny that it was their prayers that burned down the brewery.
e. The next question we should address about prayer is, “Why should we earnestly pray?”
i. Because the enemy’s plan is to destroy the church and that will only be thwarted by prayer.
ii. Because the spread of the Gospel will continue as long as the church prays.
iii. Because people will find Jesus and be saved.
iv. Because there will be people set free by the power of prayer.
v. Because there will be testimonies shared with us all this year to the delivering power of God through prayer.
vi. Because people will be encouraged by praying.
vii. Because if we stop the church will stop an hover in the water like a dead ship with not power.
1. Illustration: There is one interview with a pro football player that stands out in my mind as we think of tuning into God. This player tells a sports reporter why he choose to go to a certain city to play ball. He was honest enough to say that God spoke to him and he responded back. In other words I talk to God. The interviewee was Reggie White, who at that time had just completed the terms of his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had made the All-star team almost every year since he became a professional. After his contract with Philadelphia had been fulfilled, White, who is also an ordained minister – hence his nickname, "The Minister of Defense" – had been free to sign with any team he wished. And he had several offers that would have made him a very rich man. But when decision time came, White shocked most football observers and many of his friends by signing with the team which was located in the smallest city of all the National Football League franchises – the Green Bay Packers. The reporter who was conducting the interview asked White how he had reached his decision to play for the Packers. I will not soon forget what White said next. "I spent a lot of time praying about this," White said. "And one day as I prayed, I heard God say, ‘Reggie, go to Green Bay.’ So that’s what I did." White saw something in the way the interviewer looked at him at that point because White said this: "You know, when you tell people you’ve been talking to God, they don’t have a problem with that. That’s praying. If you believe in that sort of thing, it’s okay. But when you say that God talked to YOU, then they think you’re crazy or something! Isn’t prayer supposed to be a conversation with God? And in a conversation, don’t BOTH parties talk?" (Illustration from Scott Hippler, Sermon central)
T.S. – We need to practice the spiritual discipline of giving and praying if we want to see a “Breath of Heaven in 2011” and prayer is the ultimate point where we and God meet to develop our relationship. It’s through prayer that we will hear God’s direction.
II. The next spiritual mile marker we should pursue is fasting 12 meals during our 21 day fast.
a. Testimonies of those who have fasted:
i. Quote Franklin: in his book Fasting states, “The discipline of fasting releases the anointing, the favor, and the blessing of God in the life of a Christian” (Page 4)
1. His testimony:
a. For me, fasting has been the secret to obtaining open doors, miraculous provision, favor, and the tender touch of God upon my life. I was on a three-day fast when God called me to preach. I was on a twenty-one-day fast when our ministry received its first million –dollar gift. When I was an evangelist, my brother and I traveled together. We would rotate our preaching nights. On my night off, I would fast all day for him. On his night off, he fasted all day for me. We went from obscurity to doors opening all over the world through the power of fasting’ (Page 3).
i. He quotes the verse from Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
1. This should be our motivation to fast!
ii. Pastor Mark’s testimony of fasting.
1. Share with us in the meeting how God supernaturally provided finances to open on of their campuses in Chicago in the middle of their fast last year.
iii. Stella Kimani from Nairobi shares the wonderful blessings she has had from the Lord during a time of fasting. Two of her family members accepted Jesus during her fast. From http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/blessings-through-fasting
iv. Man’s testimony about fasting: http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/blessings-through-fasting
1. I started to fast, no food or water for 3 days and 3 nights in a row for 5 weeks in a row, every week one more relative came into church. On the 5th week we went to a church camp and started to pray for people to get the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Four family members received the gift…My wife also had been diagnosed with cancer right after we started going to church and we prayed and fasted. I took her to the hospital to have an operation and about a half hour after they took her into the operation room the doctor came into the waiting room and told me he didn’t understand but he knew she had cancer but she didn’t have it any more, he gave me a medical term when I got home I looked it up and it said scar tissue in the healing stage. PRAISE GOD for his many miracles these are only a few of the things that happened to us when we first started going to church. Submitted by michael on Sun, 09/02/2007 - 23:48
b. Many have Misconceptions about fasting
i. They do it as penance, a diet plan, it can only be food.
ii. Or, “I am going to make God do something.”
iii. Some think fasting is for those grieving, or its fanatical, it’s legalistic, done because of guilt and or manipulation.
iv. That it is powerless.
v. That it is not relevant for today.
c.
d. The following is from http://www.allaboutprayer.org/prayer-and-fasting.htm
i. Prayer and Fasting - A Definition: Prayer and fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food (or something else) in order to focus on prayer and fellowship with God.
1. Some clarification on this discipline.
a. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, but this is not always the case. You can pray without fasting, and fast without prayer. It is when these two activities are combined and dedicated to God’s glory that they reach their full effectiveness.
2. It’s important to note:
a. Having a dedicated time of prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire. Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for the strength, provision, and wisdom you need.
ii. Prayer and Fasting - What the Bible really states about it:
1. The Old Testament law specifically required prayer and fasting for only one occasion, which was the Day of Atonement. This custom became known as "the day of fasting" (Jeremiah 36:6) or "the Fast" (Acts 27:9). Moses fasted during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God (Exodus 34:28). King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:3). In response to Jonah’s preaching, the men of Nineveh fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). Prayer and fasting was often done in times of distress or trouble. David fasted when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12). Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting upon learning that Jerusalem was still in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18). Prayer and fasting also occurs in the New Testament. Anna "worshipped night and day, fasting and praying" at the Temple (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23).
iii. Prayer and Fasting – Is it required or recommended?
1. The Word of God does not specifically command believers to spend time in prayer and fasting. But at the same time, prayer and fasting is definitely something we should be doing. Far too often, though, the focus of prayer and fasting is on abstaining from food. Instead, the purpose of Christian fasting should be to take our eyes off the things of this world and focus our thoughts on God. Fasting should always be limited to a set time because not eating for extended periods can be damaging to the body. Fasting is not a method of punishing our bodies and it is not be used as a "dieting method" either. We are not to spend time in prayer and fasting in order to lose weight, but rather to gain a deeper fellowship with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world through prayer and biblical fasting, we can focus better on Christ. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
iv. Prayer and Fasting - What Does it Accomplish?
1. Spending time in prayer and fasting is not automatically effective in accomplishing the desires of those who fast. Fasting or no fasting, God only promises to answer our prayers when we ask according to His will.
a. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."
2. How can you know if you are praying and fasting according to God’s will? Are you praying and fasting for things that honor and glorify God? Does the Bible clearly reveal that it is God’s will for you? If we are asking for something that is not honoring to God or not God’s will for our lives, God will not give what we ask for, whether we fast or not.
a. How can we know God’s will? God promises to give us wisdom when we ask. James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
3. In the prophet Isaiah’s time, the people grumbled that they had fasted, yet God did not answer in the way they wanted (Isaiah 58:3-4). Isaiah responded by proclaiming that the external show of fasting and prayer, without the proper heart attitude, was futile (Isaiah 58:5-9).
e. Scripture Text: Isaiah 58
i. Isaiah 58 (The Message):
1. Your Prayers Won’t Get Off the Ground
1“Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout! Tell my people what’s wrong with their lives, face my family Jacob with their sins!
2They’re busy, busy, busy at worship, and love studying all about me. To all appearances they’re a nation of right-living people— law-abiding, God-honoring. They ask me, ‘What’s the right thing to do?’ and love having me on their side.
3But they also complain, ‘Why do we fast and you don’t look our way? Why do we humble ourselves and you don’t even notice?’ “Well, here’s why: “The bottom line on your ‘fast days’ is profit. You drive your employees much too hard.
4You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight. You fast, but you swing a mean fist. The kind of fasting you do won’t get your prayers off the ground.
5Do you think this is the kind of fast day I’m after: a day to show off humility? To put on a pious long face and parade around solemnly in black? Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, God, would like?
6“This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.
7What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
8Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage.
9Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’ A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places “If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
10If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
11I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
12You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build a new, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.
13“If you watch your step on the Sabbath and don’t use my holy day for personal advantage, If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, God’s holy day as a celebration, If you honor it by refusing ‘business as usual,’ making money, running here and there—
14Then you’ll be free to enjoy God! Oh, I’ll make you ride high and soar above it all. I’ll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob.” Yes! God says so!
ii. Isaiah 58:1-14(NIV):
1. 1“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
6“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
f. Another writer has this to say about fasting:
i. Through the centuries, fasting became such an important tradition in the Jewish religion that it was given the force of law. The Jews had many traditions that involved afflicting the flesh that were not commands of God, but which they kept as if they were. Many such traditions are mentioned in ancient Jewish literature but not in the Bible. Some are in the Bible, and even a cursory reading of the Gospels shows Jesus in conflict with the Jews about traditions that made people’s lives difficult, including Sabbath traditions (Matt. 12:10-12), traditions about helping parents (Matt. 15:3-6), and traditions involving cleanliness (Mark 7:1-6). Jesus also did not require his disciples to fast, something that confused the people of his time (Mark 2:18-20). Even though fasting was a tradition, not a commandment, it was an important part of the Jewish religion and was also practiced by the early Christians, so it is mentioned many times in the Bible. For example, Zechariah mentions a public fast in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth month (Zech. 8:19); Jesus mentions fasting in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:16-18); the Day of Atonement is called the “Fast” (Acts 27:9); and the early Christians fasted (Acts 13:1-3).
g. Isaiah 58:6, 7, 9 and 10
(6) "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
(7) Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
(9) …If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
(10) and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
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!
