THE GOVERNMENT IS UPON HIS SHOULDERS

While fishing, on 9 January 2020, I had an accident while walking the bank of the Tongarigo River where I often fish. I fell in an awkward way into a gully that was hidden in brambles and grass. I tried to brace my fall with my arm while falling down but my arm caught on side of the gully and badly dislocated my left shoulder. The ambulance staff tried unsuccessfully to move the arm back into place. I was then taken by ambulance to Taupo hospital and after 3 hours and two doctors later were not able to relocate my shoulder. I was then sent onto Rotorua hospital and later that night a specialist surgeon correctly relocated my shoulder while under general anaesthetic. I know await an operation on my shoulder to repair the rotator cuff.  Update: March 2020 – I am in recovery mode after a successful operation on the 27thFebruary 2020.

While in hospital I was waiting on the Lord in prayer, lying on the bed to go into theatre for the procedure, The Lord spoke to me about what had happened to me in a spiritual way. The voice of the Lord spoke about my shoulder incident and the scripture He used was from Isaiah.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) “For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”

The voice of the Lord to me was about His love for His Church and that we the church had entered a new era the decade of the twenties and that is was imperative for leaders to understand ‘the government shall be upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ as Lord of His church’.

The Hebrew word ‘government’ in Isaiah 9 means, ‘misrah’, which comes from a primitive root meaning “to have power”. The word ‘misrah’ is only used in verses 6-7 of Isaiah and nowhere else in the Old Testament. The discourse of these two verses is about THE POWER that is entrusted in Jesus Christ.

In the King James Version commissioned by King James in this translation it implies that “the government” is intended to be upon the shoulders of kings. This is not correct. (Isaiah 9:6-7 AV) government should read “THE POWER” shall be upon His shoulder:

The focus of both these verses is that Jesus Christ was and is destined to receive “ALL
POWER”. During His ministry and His resurrection Jesus Christ confirmed the meaning in Matthew 28:18 when He said: “ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME…” The focus is purely on power and who will have that power. There are many other Scriptures that confirm that Jesus Christ will actually head up “a government”.

We can but only build upon the Chief Cornerstone Christ Jesus. Today more than ever before we must see the government is upon His shoulders. The burdens of the future work are too great for the church to bear upon their shoulders and in their own strength. We need His counsel and His wisdom – the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6).

It is only our everlasting Father who can help us face the fears and challenges of the future.  The peace, we need, can only come from the Prince of Peace He is our everlasting peace  needed now and in these end times.

The church has received delegated authority from Christ to rule and reign in the spiritual domain and as church leadership exercises this governmental authority that Jesus delegated to by the power of Holy Spirit, He gave us His instructions: “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”  (Matthew 28:19).

The Lord’s Prayer while hanging on the cross:

“For I have given to them the words which You have given me…” (John 17:8). These words are to be remembered, that the help we need, will come by the Holy Spirit.

We read in John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth: for He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak;and He will tell you things to come.”

The meaning of shoulder in Scripture:

• The signification of Shoulder is all power.
• The Arm signifies great power
• The Hand in the word signifies power.

WE MUST FOLLOW GOD’S WAY IN HIS CHURCH TO AVOID A PLACE OF
DISLOCATION.

The meaning of Dislocation is a displacement of a part (especially a bone) from its normal position (as in the shoulder).

Meaning of Dislocation: BREAKDOWN and DISRUPTION.

• Dislocation with Christ has caused displacement in peoples lives.
• Instead of breakthrough we see – breakdown.
• Dislocation from our source, Christ, and with our source, Christ, is causing a state of hopelessness, fear, disorder and blindness to truth and justice.

In Ephesians 4:11-12 Paul gives a picture about the reason for the five-fold gifts of Jesus to His church – “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The word “equipping:” “katartismos” Strong’s #2677: “A making fully qualified for service”

In classical language the word is used for: “setting a bone during surgery”

The Great Physician is at work:

He is now making all the necessary adjustments to His church and we will not be “out of joint”. At times we get “out of joint” – with our spouses, with the Church, with other people, and even with the Lord. We don’t mean to be “out of sorts,” but if we don’t discern (take captive) our reactions and feelings, we often find ourselves in a place discord: “out of joint”.  We have become “out of sorts” with others to whom we really should be connected with and be in fellowship with.

Paul uses the human body as an example:

We read in (Ephesians 4:16) “The whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love”

When we get “out of joint” with the rest of the Body of Christ, we are no longer a resource that others can use and need. We are no longer submitted to our Lord Jesus Christ, and we carry the burden upon our shoulders. We cause ourselves much pain, as well as those to whom we are to be connected.

WHAT IS OUR REDEEMING SOLUTION?

As our ministry is to the Lord and people we need a heart for those overcome by sin.
Paul gives us good counsel in Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Any person who is “overcome by some sin.” —- Should be restored gently by those who are spiritual. Such a person is still part of the whole Body of Christ, and we need to see them, healed and restored and return as an active member in the Body of Christ. Remembering that we are to deal with one another in the “spirit of meekness” especially those who are “out of joint.”

The Lord Himself paid the price when His bones were “out of joint”. We read in Psalm 22:14 ‘My strength has drained away like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart melts like wax; 15 my strength has dried up like sun-baked clay; my tongue sticks to my mouth, for you have laid me in the dust of death. 16 The enemy, this gang of evil men, circles me like a pack of dogs; they have pierced my hands and feet.”

JESUS OUR BRIDEGROOM IS SAYING…

“The whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16)

Today I hear the Holy Spirit saying – He is healing those out of joint, “so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love”

By us seeing (able to comprehend) the church full of love distinguishes Christianity from every other religion. “To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.”

We read in Ephesians 3:18-19 “May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

We also read in Hosea 2:19-20 where God is speaking to His people:

“I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.”

The church is betrothed and promised as the intended bride of her husband, Jesus Christ. The marriage is not consummated – it is yet to come.

God is also jealous over His bride with a promise.

(2 Corinthians 11:2) “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

CHRIST AND THE CHURCH MODEL – (Ephesians 5:22-33)

The specific instructions that apostle Paul gives to husbands and wives are a glimpse of the Bridegroom and bride – a heavenly model for every marriage on Earth. As a husband, how should I behave towards my wife? Look to Christ, the divine Bridegroom, in His relationship with the church; love her, sacrifice for her, listen to her concerns, take care of her, be as sensitive to her needs and her hurts as you are to those of your on body.

As a wife, how should I behave toward my husband? Look to the chosen bride, the church, in its relationship with Christ: respect him, acknowledge his calling as head of the family, respond to his leadership, listen to him, praise him, be unified in purpose and will with him, be a true helper (see Genesis 2:18). No husband and wife can do this by mere will power or resolve, but since you (including your marriage) are “His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:8-10); God will help bring this about.

The New Testament says a lot about building godly relationships. Our relationship is to be loving, truthful, selfless and submissive. Simply put, we are exhorted to relate to others as Jesus relates to the Father and to us.

(Ephesians 5:25-27) “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

The Holy Spirit is doing a cleansing work in the church:

Firstly: The church is cleansed from is “spots” (a fault, a moral blemish). A spot is something that soils, permeates the fabric and creates a stain that has been deeply ingrained into the fibre (pores) of the material. Our morals are like that before God changes us. God has called us to live a moral life in spite of the wickedness of this world (Acts 2:40 – untoward is crooked, perverse).

Secondly: Paul mentions “wrinkle” this occurs when something is either not used and is laid up for a long time or is not properly folded. When something is not used for a long period of time a wrinkle occurs. The church is to use the gifts given to her for the glory of God. They were given in order that the church will be built up (Ephesians 4:11-13). These types of wrinkles occur when the church neglects its duties and tries to be something it is not supposed to be and or majors on one area, forgetting about other aspects of her God purpose.

Thirdly: Paul mentions a “blemish”, which is a mark or imperfection that is either hereditary or caused by some outside force. It is being faultless, not doing anything that is against the holy nature of God. The carnal nature is an inherited trait that needs cleansing by the Holy Spirit. There are external things that have happened that cause a “blemish” on the church’s character and life that needs repentance and cleansing. Paul used the word holy in conjunction with being without blemish; it refers to our inner character and spirit.

(Ephesians 5:32) “This is a profound mystery— but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

This is a profound mystery that a man and woman can be members of each other’s bodies. It is a profound mystery that two individuals can become one flesh, which challenges everything we know and understand. Furthermore, there seems to be a supernatural bond between spouses; this passage tells why. The profound mystery of becoming one flesh and giving up our individual freedom and being supernaturally bound with our spouse highlights the profound mystery of becoming one with Christ and being supernaturally bound to Him.

The Bride and the Church

Will we be a holy church, a blameless, and a radiant church? “…to a perfect man, to the
measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” (Ephesians 4:13).

THE WAY THE GLORY WILL COME TO THE CHURCH

1. It will be on the shoulders of faithful ‘priests’.
2. God will not bring His glory back to the Church on Old or New Carts.
3. Not on fashionable methods, fancy technology, or man’s glory.

The Glory of God is coming back on the shoulders of faithful believers and leaders.

As Believers in the Body of Christ we will welcome the fact: “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” (Ephesians 5:26) to take our stand for God and to carry His Glory on our shoulders and we will see the glory of Christ.

1. Priests that will shoulder the Glory.
2. Knowing their authority as good stewards of the Glory.
3. God’s Glory requires clean hands and pure hearts.

(1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen generation a royal priesthood a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

As Believers we know our deliverance has come through the Blood of the Lamb. They we are also aware of our promised dominion and destiny that is unfolding as we fulfill our priestly duties. We have heard the sound of the trumpet – Prepare, for the King is coming, as an amazing spirit of worship is upon us, we the army of the Lord are advancing the Kingdom.

The Church needs to: “behold lift up their eyes and look at the fields for they are ready white for the harvest” (John 4:35).

GOD WANTS A PEOPLE TO WALK WITH HIM

• Walk with Him humbly in prayer
• March with Him in praise
• Be grateful and thankful in worship to Him.
• Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His Mercy endures forever.

God’s intention from the time of Abraham was to call forth a people with a special mission:

We read in (1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

David gave an important instruction to the priests:

Sanctify yourselves today before you go and fetch the Ark of the Glory of the Lord by
consecrating yourselves by applying the blood.

1. THE RIGHT EAR – You better clean up what you hear.
2. THE RIGHT THUMB – You better clean up what you do
3. THE RIGHT TOE – You better clean up where you go.

Then they anointed them with oil for service:

THE RIGHT EAR – The ear is for listening. Trust everything we hear from God to the people.

THE RIGHT THUMB – The hand speaks of two things. First: it speaks of Worship. Second:it speaks of Service. As priestly ministers they must remember that the service they are conducting is worship to God.

THE RIGHT TOE – The foot speaks of walking in God’s ways. It is a proven fact that you are horribly crippled if you permanently lose your great toe. You cannot walk a straight line. Aaron needed sure footing in the Tabernacle. So do we as God’s people today!

SHOULDER IN SCRIPTURE SPEAKS ABOUT:

Bearing responsibility and taking up authority
(Isaiah 9:6) “For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given and the government will be upon His shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, and Mighty God.”

A SON IS GIVEN: He is the living Word and infallible source of Guidance, inexhaustible Wisdom, the Truth He is the Way.

Government means entitlement to rule:

God’s leaders have to shoulder their responsibility to bring back the glory of God. Their
gifting, destiny and purpose are being made ready.

David commanded for the Glory to be brought back to the temple – he could not carry the glory himself.

Today God is getting ready a kingdom of Priests (Revelations 1: 6) “He had made us a Kingdom of Priests to serve our God”.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS LIFTING THE VEIL FROM THE FACE OF BRIDE.

“The man without the spirit does not accept the things…from the spirit…they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

We are chosen to be a Blessing:

Peter gives Believers a reason to celebrate: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence’s of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Peter draws from the Old Testament:

When God called Abraham, this man’s calling was to be a great nation. God chose Abraham and his offspring to serve as His representatives in the world. God’s people are called to be blessed, in order to be a blessing (Genesis 12: 1-3). This is at the heart of the true biblical movement of election as priests for God.

A Kingdom of Faithful Priests:

The promise is that all of God’s people would serve in some priestly ways. (1 Peter 2:9) “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Peter reminds us of Old Testament promises to God’s people, now you who have faith in Christ are part of this “chosen race” that is also “a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”

We are true heirs of the seed of Abraham:

What unites God’s people is not their culture or ethnicity, but their true worship of Jesus. We His people now carry out His work of reconciliation on behalf of our Great High Priest (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

All believers have a vital ministry with the mantle as a “royal priesthood”:

1. Our priestly role is to live sacrificially for others. We are people of the Way and of the cross, imitators of the crucified Lord Jesus. We now submit ourselves to Christ through sacrificial acts of love and grace on behalf of our neighbourhoods and every other person.  By living “righteous lives” and through our works of grace and mercy, we may “glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12)
2. In our priestly role we offer: “supplications, prayers intercession for all men” Paul instructs Timothy to offer these things in (1 Timothy 2:1-2) “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence”.

By us choosing to live as His chosen people and to be a holy nation begins with prayers that “we are set apart and consecrated” to be instruments of God’s grace and to reconcile this world to Christ. Therefore we pray not just for those we love, and for God’s people. But we honour and we pray for those rulers in the world, and we fear God (1 Peter 2:16-17).

We show love for our neighbours and colleges by interceding for them, and asking God for His, mercy and grace to be poured out in their hearts. That darkness would go and that truth of His word would arrest them and turn their lives over to Jesus