Zerubbabel
Out of Babylon
This message is about the subject of deliverance
from any kind of captivity—whether it be physical sickness, addictions, sin,
sorrow and grief, emotional issues, financial problems, depression, demonic
oppression, or whatever it is that has been keeping you in captivity. God wants
us to be free from bondages and loosed from every infirmity.
The Lion of Judah (Jesus Christ) breaks every chain
and sets the prisoners free!
He whom the Son sets free, is free indeed! (John
8:36). Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).
The true story of Zerubbabel and the return from
exile, shows us God's faithfulness and sovereignty in our lives.
Zerubbabel was the first leader to lead the Jewish
exiles out of Babylon back to Jerusalem. The date is approximately around
538-536 B.C. Seventy years had passed following the first siege of Jerusalem,
where captives were taken to Babylon.
Zerubbabel was governor of Judah, and he is
mentioned primarily in Haggai, Ezra and Zechariah. He is also referred to by
the name Shezbazzar, and is the son of Shealtiel (or the son of Pedaiah). One
school of thought is that Shealtiel died, leaving a widow, and his brother
Pedaiah married her (Levirate marriage) to raise up a seed for Shealtiel.
Zerubbabel is in the royal lineage of Jesus Christ.
Zerubbabel was born in captivity. He was born after
the kingdom of Judah was taken into exile. Zerubbabel's name means: “seed of
Babylon” or “born in Babylon”. He was appointed as prince of Judah. Zerubbabel
was probably in the king's service, as he was given the name Shezbazzar, and
granted favor by King Cyrus to lead the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem
and begin to restore the temple.
God had moved upon the heart of Cyrus, king of
Persia, to allow the Jews to return to their homeland. He gave them back the
gold and silver articles that had been stolen from the temple, and furnished
them with everything they needed to begin rebuilding the temple. This was
prophesied by Isaiah. Isaiah was so precise in this prophecy that even Cyrus'
name was mentioned centuries before he was even born. Isaiah 44:28 says, Who
says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure, saying
to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” and to the temple, “Your foundation shall
be laid.’”
Jeremiah prophesied that the captivity would last
for seventy years, and then the Jews would return to Jerusalem (Jeremiah
25:11-12 and Jeremiah 29:10-14).
Zerubbabel led out approximately 50,000 people
(mostly of who were Levites, musicians, and singers). Jeshua, the high priest,
assisted Zerubbabel in the mission of leading the exiles back to Jerusalem and
rebuilding the temple. The first thing they set out to do was to rebuild the
Altar to the Lord and restore the daily sacrifices. The feasts were
re-instituted as well. Worship was restored.
Work on rebuilding the foundation of the temple
began. They got only so far, and then were faced with opposition from enemies.
Their enemies hired counselors against them, and even sent false accusatory
letters to King Ahasuerus and King Artaxerxes, saying that the Jews had formed
a rebellion and needed to be stopped. The king ordered that all work on the
temple be halted.
Approximately 16-17 years elapsed with the work on
the foundation of the temple unfinished and being delayed. In the meantime, the
people were busy building costly homes for themselves. It wasn't that God
didn't want His people having nice homes, it's just that their priorities were
out of order.
The people had gone through so much fierce
opposition and intimidation from the enemy, and through such long years of
delays and unfulfilled promises, that they had fallen into a spiritual slumber.
They were convinced in their minds that the promise of them restoring the
temple was “miles or years out there in the distant future”. So therefore, they
focused their task on building their own homes.
In Haggai, the prophet Haggai confronted Zerubbabel
and Jeshua the high priest, saying in Haggai 1:1-8: “This people says, ‘The
time has not yet come, the time that the Lord's House should be rebuilt.’ But
is it time for you to dwell in your paneled houses while My House lies in
ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of Hosts: Consider your ways!
You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat,
but do not have enough. You drink, but you are not filled with drink; you
clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages, earns wages to
put into a bag with holes. Thus says the LORD of Hosts: Consider your ways! Go
up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take
pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD.”
Because the people's priorities were out of proper
order, and their focus had been on building their own homes while God's House
was in ruins, the Lord had allowed a drought to come on the land—a famine of
food, wine, oil and fruit.
Zerubbabel and Jeshua's spirits were refreshed and
re-activated to action after hearing the prophetic word of the Lord. They
immediately obeyed God's Voice, and resumed rebuilding the temple.
Again, enemy opposition came. This time Zerubbabel
and Jeshua did not shrink back. When their opponents questioned their authority
to rebuild the temple, Zerubbabel told them that they had been given authority
by King Cyrus, and would not stop rebuilding until the work was finished.
Their opponents wrote a letter to King Darius of
Babylon to request that a search be made in the archives for the original
scroll written and signed by King Cyrus, granting authority for Zerubbabel and
the Jews to rebuild the temple. The scroll was found. Darius issued a decree
that no one was to hinder the work of the temple. And if anyone did interfere,
they should die. Furthermore, King Darius ordered that the Jews be furnished
with whatever supplies they needed.
The temple foundation was finished in the 6th year
of King Darius, and was rededicated unto the Lord. The rededication was
accompanied by great celebration, and concluded with the Passover Feast.
About 80 years later, Ezra led the second group of
exiles to Jerusalem, with Nehemiah leading out the third group shortly after
that. Ezra and Nehemiah's task focused on rebuilding the walls and gates,
finishing the rebuilding of the temple, and re-establishing Moses' law to the
people.
Within the literal events that happened during this
period of approximately 20 years (from the first exodus out of Babylon led by
Zerubbabel to the finishing of the temple foundation), there is spiritual and
prophetic application to our lives.
Babylon is still a literal place. Babylon, in the
figurative and spiritual sense, is a prophetic picture of places of confusion
in our lives. The definition of Babylon means “confusion”. And also figurative
of areas of our lives where we have been held in captivity.
Babylon also speaks of idolatry, witchcraft,
sorcery, immorality, perversion, and anti-Christ spirits and agendas seeking to
slowly infiltrate our society and lives—slowly desensitizing us to the sin and
corruption around us.
Spiritual Zerubbabel's are those who have lived in
captivity and confusion, but God has delivered them out, and anointed them to
lead others out to freedom too.
The temple represents our life (we are the temple
of the Holy Ghost according to 1 Corinthians 6:19). The temple also speaks of
the House of the Lord (the church and kingdom of God).
The opponents represents the enemy of our
souls—Satan and his demons—who are continually seeking to hinder, intimidate,
destroy and stop God's plans from coming to fruition. The enemy also uses
people to oppose us.
Jerusalem signifies the work and power of the Holy
Spirit in our lives. Jerusalem is:
·
the place of God's presence,
glory and anointing
·
the place of worship and beauty
·
the place of holiness unto the
Lord
·
the place of repentance from sin
(offering up blood sacrifices)
·
the place of renewed fellowship
and renewed passion for the Lord
·
the place of hearing God's voice
·
the place of the Lord's favor and
commanded blessing
·
the place of peace and rest
·
the place of unity
·
the place of provision and
prosperity
·
the place of joy unspeakable and
full of glory
·
the place of freedom from
captivity
·
the place of healing and
restoration
Jerusalem always speaks of God's Throne
headquarters and of worshipping the Lord. It's the place of the Shekinah glory.
In Part 2 of this message, I will discuss the
spiritual and prophetic application to our lives based on the true events that
Zerubbabel and the exiles encountered in leaving Babylon and rebuilding the
temple in Jerusalem.
Also, the prophetic words spoken by Haggai and
Zechariah, addressed to Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest, applies to our
lives today. “He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says” through those
prophecies.
May you be blessed and encouraged today.
Psalm 126 When the Lord turned again the captivity
of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, “The Lord hath
done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us, whereof we
are glad.” Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the South. They
that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing
precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
with him.
Zerubbabel
Set Free From Bondage and Captivity
Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.
They shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away
(Isaiah 51:11, xref Isaiah 35:10).
The first siege of Jerusalem occurred under the
reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. His successors after him also attacked Jerusalem,
carrying away captives to Babylon, and finally destroying the temple.
Seventy years had passed since the first siege of
Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied that the captivity would last for
seventy years and then the Jews would return to their homeland.
God moved upon the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to
grant favor to Zerubbabel, Prince of Judah, to lead the exiles out of Babylon
back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Approximately 50,000 people left
Babylon on the first exodus out of captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel
and Jeshua, the high priest.
Zerubbabel's task was the rebuild the foundations
of the temple, restoring the Altar and the daily sacrifices and worship.
Based on the true events that Zerubbabel and the
exiles encountered, there is spiritual and prophetic application to our lives
today.
SPIRITUAL AND PROPHETIC APPLICATION
Kingdoms of This World
Babylon is not only a literal geographical place,
but it represents the kingdoms of this world. We live in a Babylonian society,
with anti-Christ spirits and agendas that war against righteousness.
Jerusalem represents the Garden of Eden. When Adam
and Eve sinned, the world was taken into captivity by Satan. Ever since that
time, everyone has been born into captivity (sin). We live in a world filled
with ungodliness and evil all around us.
Sin brought captivity—such as disease and sickness,
poverty, oppression, etc.
The ultimate captivity, which sin leads to, is
eternal captivity in hell.
The great news is that Jesus Christ, God's Son,
came to earth to become the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the
whole world. Animal sacrifices temporarily covered sins, but sacrifices had to
be repeated over and over again. Jesus shed His blood in order to redeem us
back from the devil and sin. He saved us from everlasting imprisonment and
torment in hell, and He is the door to Heaven. He is everlasting life to all
who will receive Him.
Even though we live in a Babylonian society, we
have been redeemed out of darkness and into light. We live in a different
kingdom than that of the world. The principles of God's kingdom is based on the
precepts in His Word. God's kingdom is at constant war with the kingdom of
Babylon.
Babylon Represents Areas of Captivity in the Life
of the Believer
I wish that I could say that as soon as a person
accepts Christ as their Savior, then everything in their life is perfect from
that day forward. However, that is not how it is. For one thing, now we have a
ruthless adversary (the devil), and we continually have to be on guard to
resist his attacks.
Second, our spirits were saved at the point of
salvation, but our bodies and souls are in the process of being sanctified and
redeemed. Most attacks against Christians are in the areas of the soul (mind,
will, emotions), the physical body and finances.
Opponents came against Zerubbabel and the Jews when
they began to make progress in rebuilding the Temple. That's a picture of how
the enemy tries to make attempts to sabotage, hinder and stop our progress in
what God has called us to do. However, the positive news is that we have the
Greater One (the Holy Ghost) living on the inside of us, and He is greater than
he that is of the world. We have been given power and authority over all the
wiles of the enemy, and given armor to wear, faith as a shield, and the Word of
God has an offensive sword.
Many Christians are in captivity, suffering with
physical sickness and disease. God wants you completely well. By His stripes
(scourging of 39 lashes), you WERE healed (according to 1 Peter 2:24).
Our healing is already paid for in full. We just have to receive it by faith.
Many Christians are in chains of captivity in the
area of unhealed memories and damaged emotions. Many suffer from oppression and
depression. Many battle with a spirit of rejection and ongoing mourning. Many
believers are bound to their past, or to guilt and shame. Jesus came to set us
free from all these bondages.
Many believers are in bondage to various addictions
and vice, ranging from alcohol to pornography to compulsive gambling. An
addiction has control over a person. It drives a person to the point where the
person cannot live without it.
A believer could be held in captivity to rage and
anger, being abusive, filled with malice, jealousy, envy, hatred, bitterness
and strife.
Fear is a debilitating bondage that God wants to
set us free from. He wants to fill us with His perfect love. Faith cannot
operate properly when fear is present. Fear causes doubt and unbelief, and
faith and unbelief are two opposites.
Many Christian men and women are bound in sexual
immorality (lust, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, pornography) and have a
struggle getting free. Christ does not condemn, but He does convict because He
wants people free and He is a holy God and is looking for holiness. The Bible
says that no immoral person can enter into Heaven or inherit the Kingdom of God
(Galations 5:19-21, Jude 7, Revelation 21:8), unless one repents with God’s
help and grace.
Sometimes believers are not in bondage to sin
issues necessarily, but their experience of captivity could be in the form of
enduring very difficult situations, or remaining in unhappy, troubled
relationships in which they feel entrapment.
In some situations (such as marriage when there are
no Biblical grounds for divorce except for adultery and abuse), the Biblical
thing is to stay and not leave. Other situations (such as unhealthy
friendships) may call for the Lord leading you to cut off unhealthy soul ties.
In situations where there is no way out, God can free you on the inside and
give you grace to endure, filling you with His peace.
Being in the midst of confusion and chaos is a form
of captivity. The definition of Babylon means “confusion”. Sometimes there is
chaos all around us—at home, at work, etc. But God can step in and bring peace
and clarity to the situation. God has given us authority to speak to the winds
of confusion and chaos, and say “Peace, Be still!”
Jesus Christ wants us free from every bondage in
our life. The Blood Atonement of Jesus is not only for our salvation (which is
the greatest gift), but the Atonement is also for the here and now on this
earth. There is healing in the Blood Atonement (healing for the body, mind and
emotions). There is provision in the area of finances, for Jesus' blood
redeemed us from the curse of poverty and lack. Christ's blood paid for freedom
from any kind of addiction, sin or bondage. His Blood breaks all generational curses.
The Blood of Jesus contains power to heal, restore and deliver. Satan is afraid
of the Name and Blood of Jesus, because of the power in that Name and Blood.
Jesus, our Mighty Deliverer, wants to set us free
and lead us out of our exile. He wants to set people free from the tormentors
(demons that harass, oppress and afflict). He wants to restore the foundations
of our lives. He wants to give us freedom in areas of our lives where we have
been bound in chains.
Psalms 146:7-8 says of the Lord, “Who executes
justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord looses the
prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord raises them that are
bowed down. The Lord loves the righteous.”
The anointing of the Spirit of God lifts burdens
and removes yokes. Isaiah 10:27 says, “In that day their burden will be lifted
from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because
of the Anointing.”
Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath
sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and
the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
Zerubbabel
Prophetic Promises That
Apply To Us Today
I've been talking about Zerubbabel, and the exiles
leaving their bondage in Babylon, and returning to Jerusalem. Babylon in our
lives speaks of areas of captivity and chains. Jesus has come to set the
prisoners free, and loose every fetter.
Jerusalem speaks of the place of God's peace, rest,
and His Presence. It's the place of healing and restoration, beauty and
worship. It’s the place of freedom.
Prophetic words were spoken to Zerubbabel and
Jeshua, the high priest, through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. These words
from God are powerful and apply to our lives today.
Prophecies
Spoken Through Haggai
1.
Blessings from God will come when you set your priorities in order.
Famine is broken when priorities are set in order.
Building God's House is #1, before building your
own house. Matthew 6:33 says to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.
In Haggai, Chapter 1, verses 2-11, the people had
encountered so much opposition and years of delay in finishing the temple
foundation, that they had fallen into a spiritual slumber. They thought that
the timing for rebuilding God's temple was somewhere out in the distant future.
But God said that the time is NOW.
The Lord was grieved that they spent 17 years
adorning their own houses, yet His House (Temple) was lying in ruins. Most of
their energies were spent on personal goals. It’s not that God didn’t want them
having nice homes, just as long as He comes first.
Having priorities out of their proper place,
resulted in God allowing a drought to come upon the land—a famine of food,
wine, oil and fruit.
Famine of Food
A famine of food represents a spiritual famine of
spiritual bread or manna, the Word of God. It also represents a natural famine
resulting in financial lack.
God’s
Promise if you put Him first: You will
be fed the meat of the Word of God until you are full and want no more. The Lord will increase you financially as you
obey His commands to tithe and give offerings, and to seek His kingdom first.
Famine of Wine
A famine of wine speaks of no joy or gladness. New
Wine in the Bible is also symbolic of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
God’s
Promise if you put Him first: Your joy
and gladness will be restored. Jesus wants to baptize you afresh, or for the
first time, in His Holy Spirit. Rivers of living water will flow from your
innermost being.
Famine of Oil
A famine of oil speaks of a lack for the anointing,
God's Presence being distant somewhat.
God’s
Promise if you put Him first: The
Shekinah glory shall visit you. His glory shall be upon you and in you.
Famine of Fruit
A famine of fruit speaks of a lack of flourishing;
lack of productivity; barrenness.
God’s
Promise if you put Him first:
Barrenness is removed and fruitfulness comes in Jesus’ Name.
Haggai said that they had sown much, yet reaped
little.
God’s
Promise if you put Him first: Things
are turning around. Great harvest is coming from seeds planted long ago. The
harvester is overtaking the plowman.
It was as if they earned wages, only to put into
pockets that had holes.
God’s
Promise if you put Him first: No more
financial loss, debts, things breaking down, continual expenditures draining
your pocket; there shall be increase and prosperity. God said He would rebuke
the devourer for your sake.
2. The
Lord is with you … be strong … do not fear (Haggai 1:13; 2:4-5).
When the Lord calls us to do something, we can be
assured that He is by our side, with us. We don't have to be afraid because His
Presence is there.
3. “I
will fill this temple with Glory” … “The Glory of the latter temple shall be
greater than that of the former, saith the Lord” (Haggai 2:7, 9).
God will fill our lives with His Glory, and His
Glory seen in us will be a witness to others. Our latter end will be greater
than the former years. This promise applies also to our life, ministry, church,
and to many marriages. “The latter end shall be more glorious than the former.”
And of course, this prophetic word is speaking of
the literal Temple in Jerusalem being the Desire of All Nations (Haggai 2:7).
The Glory and Splendor of the latter Temple will be greater than that of the
former.
4. In
this place, I will give peace, says the LORD of Hosts (Haggai 2:9).
God brings peace to our lives where there was once
strife, confusion, sadness or anxiety. There is perfect peace in His Presence,
and His paths are the paths of peace (Proverbs 3:17).
5. “The
silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the LORD of Hosts” (Haggai 2:8).
Abundant supply. No lack. God owns it all. He
promised to provide for all our needs. Plus, He gives us the desires of our hearts
when we delight in Him. He wants to bless us and cause us to prosper. He wants
to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others and to His kingdom
(Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
6.
Holiness – “Be ye holy, for I am Holy, says the LORD” (Haggai 2:10-19,
Leviticus 11:44-45, 1 Peter 1:16).
A lack of holiness resulted in unfruitfulness and a
blockage of blessings of God in their lives. A return to holiness brought the
full blessings of God. A lack of holiness, and disobedience to God’s commands,
results in barrenness in our souls.
Haggai asks the priests this question: “If one of
you is carrying a holy sacrifice in his robes and happens to brush against some
bread or wine or meat, will it too become holy?”
“No,” the priests replied. “Holiness does not pass
to other things that way.”
Then Haggai asked, “But if someone touches a dead
person, and so becomes ceremonially impure, and then brushes against something,
does it become contaminated?”
And the priests answered, “Yes.”
Haggai then made his meaning clear and spoke the
word of the Lord.
“You people are contaminating your sacrifices by
living with selfish attitudes and evil hearts—and not only your sacrifices, but
everything else that you did as a 'service' to me. And so everything you did
went wrong. But all is different now because you have begun to build the
Temple.
Before, when you expected a twenty-bushel crop,
there were only ten. When you came to draw fifty gallons from the olive press,
there were only twenty. I rewarded all your labor with rust and mildew and
hail. Yet, even so, you refused to return to me, says the Lord.”
Holiness in spirit, soul and body shall result in
blessing blockers being removed.
7. From
this day I will bless you (Haggai 2:18-19).
But now note this: From today, this 24th day of the
month, as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day
onward, I will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you
have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested
your grain, and before the grapes, the figs, the pomegranates, and olives have
produced their next crops.
8. God
will raise up spiritual Zerubbabels, who will lead God's people out of Babylon
(captivity, bondage, confusion and sin) into healing and freedom.
The Lord will give His Zerubbabels authority in the
Spirit, for they are His signet ring, whom He has chosen. (Haggai 2:23). The
signet ring placed upon the finger speaks of authority to carry out God’s
business.
Prophecies
Spoken Through Zechariah
1. Who
has despised the day of small beginnings? (Zechariah 4:10)
As we are faithful in the little task or few people
God has entrusted into our spiritual care, then God will bring expansion and
increase.
2. This
is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, “Not by might, nor by power,
but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of Hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
It’s not by human strength that we will receive our
healing, deliverance, breakthrough, miracles, answers from God—but it’s going
to happen by the Power of the Spirit of God!
Whatever situation you are going through in your
life in which you need God to intervene ... whatever mountain you are facing
today, where it says “Zerubbabel”, replace your name there.
Say outloud:
This is the word of the LORD to ________________,
saying, “It's not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of
Hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? Before ________________ thou shalt
become a level plain.”
3. Who
art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a level plain.
Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus answered and said unto them,
“Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do
this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this
mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea’; it shall be done.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
receive.”
What mountains are you facing? Jesus said to speak
to our mountains of difficulties and command them to be removed out of our way,
and it would obey us. Replace Zerubbabel's name with your name, and declare
outloud.
“Who do you think you are, O great mountain? (and
name what your mountain is). I command you, according to Matthew 21:21, to get
out of my way in Jesus' Name! Before _________________ you shall become a
flattened plain.”
4. God
will enable you by His Grace to finish the task He has called you to do
(Zechariah 4:7, 9).
Vs 9: “Zerubbabel laid the foundation of this
Temple, and he will complete it.”
Vs 7: “Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple
with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done
by grace alone.”
Shout “Grace, Grace” as you lay the capstone of the
foundation.
5. When
Satan accuses you before God, Jesus defends you because of His Great Mercy.
Zechariah 3:1-2 Then the Angel showed me (in my
vision) Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord; and Satan
was there too, at the Angel's right hand, accusing Joshua of many things.
And the Lord said to Satan, “I reject your
accusations, Satan; yes, I, the Lord, for I have decided to be merciful to
Jerusalem—I rebuke you. I have decreed mercy to Joshua and his nation; they are
like a burning stick pulled out of the fire.”
Revelation 12:10 For the accuser of our brethren is
cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
6. Jesus
removes our filthy garments and clothes us in robes of righteousness. HE is our
righteousness. We are not righteous by things we do, but our righteousness is
found in Jesus Christ.
Our filthy garments were removed (sin and junk of
the past) and we are given clean, white robes of righteousness to wear. The
Lord is preparing His Bride to be ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Revelation 19:8 And to her [Bride] was granted that
she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the
righteousness of saints.
Zechariah 3:3-4 Joshua's clothing was filthy as he
stood before the Angel of the Lord. Then the Angel said to the others standing
there, “Remove his filthy clothing.”
And turning to Joshua He said, “See, I have taken
away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”
Romans 3:22 This righteousness from God comes
through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and
Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His Name whereby He shall be called, THE
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
7. We are
given priestly garments to wear and a priestly turban to crown our head
(representing anointing and authority), carrying out our priestly functions.
Zechariah 3:5 Then I said, “Please, could he also
have a clean turban on his head?” So they gave him one.
The Lord gives us a crown of beauty where there was
once ashes (Isaiah 61:3), and we are like a royal diadem in His Hands (Isaiah
62:3).
A crown is for beauty, honor, royalty, and
signifies position. Our position is that of spiritual priests unto God,
offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6).
We are royal heirs of God.
There are various crowns that believers will
receive as rewards. The Bible mentions 24 crowns:
Crown of Life
(James 1:12 KJV) – “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has
been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to
those who love Him.” Revelation 2:10b NKJV “Be faithful until death, and I will
give you the crown of life.”
Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV) – “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Crown of Glory
(1 Peter 5:2-4 NKJV) – “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving
as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but
eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of
glory that does not fade away.”
Crown of Splendor
(Isaiah 62:3 NIV) – “Thou shalt also be a crown of splendor in the hand of the
LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.”
Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV) – “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of
rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His
coming?”
Crown of Beauty
(Isaiah 61:3 NIV) – “To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the
oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a
spirit of despair.”
Crown (wreath or garland) of gracefulness (Proverbs 4:8-9 AMP) – “Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote
you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her. She shall give to your
head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to
you.”
Crown of eternal blessedness (1 Corinthians 9:25 AMP) –
“Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and
restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon
wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot
wither.”
Crown of Loving-Kindness and Tender Mercies (Psalms 103:4 NKJV) – “Who
redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and
tender mercies.”
Crown of Conquering (Revelation 6:2 NKJV) –
“And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a
crown was given to Him, and He went out conquering and to conquer.”
Crown of Victory (1 Corinthians 9:24-27
NKJV) – According to Dr. David Jeremiah, the imperishable crown is a crown of
victory. “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
Crown of Goodness (Psalms 21:3 NKJV, 103:4-5
AMP) – “For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of
pure gold upon his head.” “Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption,
Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender
mercy. Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age
and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's
[strong, overcoming, soaring]!”
Crown of a Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 12:4 NIV) – “A
wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like
decay in his bones.”
Crown of Flourishing (Psalms 132:18 AMP) – “His
enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon himself shall his crown flourish.”
Crown of Riches and Wisdom (Proverbs 14:24 AMP) –
“The crown of the wise is their wealth of Wisdom, but the foolishness of
[self-confident] fools is [nothing but] folly.”
Crown of Children’s Children (Proverbs 17:6 KJV) –
“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are
their fathers.”
Crown of the Bride and Bridegroom (Song of Solomon 3:11
NKJV) – “Go forth, O daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon with the crown
with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day of the
gladness of his heart.”
Crown of the High Priest (Exodus 29:6 AMP) – “And
you shall put the turban or miter upon his head and put the holy crown upon the
turban.”
Crown of Holiness unto the Lord (Exodus 39:30 NKJV) –
“Then they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an
inscription like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”
Crown of the Anointing Oil (Leviticus 21:12 AMP) –
“Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary nor desecrate or make ceremonially
unclean the sanctuary of his God, for the crown or consecration of the
anointing oil of his God is upon him. I am the Lord.”
Crown of Ruling and Reigning (2 Kings 11:12 AMP) – “And
Jehoiada brought out the king's son and put the crown on him and gave him the
Testimony [the Mosaic Law]; and they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and
they clapped their hands and said, Long live the king!”
Crown of Majesty (Esther 2:17 KJV) – “And
the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in
his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her
head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
Crown of Triumph in Battle (1 Chronicles 20:2 AMP)
“David took their king's crown from off his head and found that it weighed a
talent of gold and that precious stones were in it. It was set upon David's
head. He brought also very much spoil out of the city of Rabbah.”
Crowns of Worship that the 24 elders cast
down to the Lamb of God who sits upon the Throne (Revelation 4:4,10-11 NKJV).
“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on
the Thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they
had crowns of gold on their heads.” “The twenty-four elders fall down before
Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast
their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they
exist and were created.”
8. We
have been given spiritual access to God's Throne—we can boldly approach the
Father through Jesus Christ, and our prayers and worship ascends to Him.
Zechariah 3:7 “The Lord Almighty declares: ‘If you
will follow the paths I set for you and do all I tell you to, then I will put
you in charge of my Temple, to keep it holy; and I will let you walk in and out
of My Presence with these angels.’”
It's also possible to be granted literal access to
Heaven's Throneroom, where you are there in person through Heavenly visitations
(whether caught up in or out of the body) or through visions.
It seems as if Jeshua, the High Priest, was being
given access to literally, whether caught up in person or through a vision, go
in and out of God's Throneroom. It seems as if holiness, complete obedience,
and worship is the key.
You shall walk in and out of My Throne Room with
the angels. You shall have Throne Room encounters, angelic visitations, visions
and prophetic dreams.
It is God's will that no one should perish (end up in hell), but that ALL should come to repentance.
For God so loved this world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God did not send His Son into this world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him would be saved.
The thief (Satan the devil) comes only for to kill, steal and destroy. But Jesus has come to give us life, and life more abundantly, until it overflows.
I urge you to come to the Cross today and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord. He will wash away all your sins and make you as clean and white as fresh snow.
Just pray this prayer and mean it with your heart:
Dear Lord Jesus (if you are not able to call him Lord yet, then just say "Jesus")
I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I give my life over to You. I believe that You died and rose again, and that if I call on the Name of the Lord I shall be saved.
I accept you into my heart right now, and confess that You are Lord and have risen from the dead and forever live to make intercession for me.
Thank You for washing my heart pure and clean and making me whole, and for giving me peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Thank You that now I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. The old has gone and the new has come.
And there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh (carnality and sin), but walk after the Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, I believe you got born again and are now heaven bound and will be with the Lord forever and have eternal life. Your sins are now forgiven. You are accepted in the Beloved.
I would encourage you to find a good Bible based local church to help you grow in your faith, to learn the Word of God, to praise and worship Him, and to have fellowship with the saints.
Serving Christ is the best decision you will ever make.
God bless you!!!
