A Prophet Without Honor

There was no palm branches waving or cheering when Jesus arrived back home. Most of the people just stopped and stared as he and his disciples walked into town that Sabbath evening. Jesus had come to the synagogue to visit some old friends and to worship God. The old Rabbi was kind enough to ask Jesus to say a few words. But after Jesus spoke for a while, a murmur rose among those who had gathered. Many people, friends and family members, where listening intently as Jesus spoke. They were all amazed, yet questioned the source of his wisdom and the miraculous powers that came through His hands. Some people asked if these were not the hands of "the carpenter," the son of Mary?

Most of the people knew Jesus' parents and some of his brothers and sisters. Many of the people might have seen Jesus' skills as a carpenter or had him do some work for them. Others perhaps talked with him when he was younger, or their children played with him. They and their children all grew up with Jesus. Some may of had him over for meal or attended the synagogue together. Others could have gone fishing with him or traveled together to Jerusalem for Holy Festivals. But whatever the situation or circumstances, they found his new ministry questionable. And so they took offense, rejecting him and his authority. All these people, and possibly former friends, saw Jesus in a different light, a light that made them feel uncomfortable. Then, Jesus said to them,

"A prophet is respected everywhere except in his own town and by his relatives and his own family." (Mark 6:4)

Jesus had walked through many other towns and had been swamped by people wanting to reach out and touch him; others wanted to be healed by him. He had just raised a young girl back to life. And now He was a celebrity, at least in other cities and villages, but not here in Nazareth. So why were these people so different? Why were they offended? Skeptical?

Did they think they knew some dark secret or hidden family sin? There seems to always be small-town gossip and rumors that spread through the marketplace. It could have something to do with that or maybe they felt threatened, after all Jesus seemed to know plenty about them too. So why was Jesus so opposed by his hometown friends, and even his family? Was it jealousy? Or was it the calling of a Prophet? Prophet was a title given to someone special, and to them that sure wasn't Jesus. Sure he was nice guy and a hard worker—and even a brother. But he was just an ordinary man who lived among them. Why did he get to be someone special and not them?

Very few prophets were ever really liked throughout Jewish history. Most were seen by the people as doom and gloom seers, people who wore strange clothing or none at all. And many of them had long hair. They always seemed to do strange things or were blamed for their words creating extreme hardship on the people. One prophet stopped the rains for 3 1/2 years; even the king and queen hated him. John the Baptist was one of the few exceptions, but he too had enemies in the palaces. But, their message was always the same: REPENT. John didn't perform any miracles, but the people came from all over the region to see and be baptized by him. Jesus, the master of love and miracles, still found it difficult to influence or change the hearts of many people, especially in Nazareth.

There wasn't even a warm welcome by his family, or an invitation to join them at the annual Jewish festivals. Even Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in Him. Jesus said to them, "My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil." (John 7:6,7) Here is one of the reasons people don't like prophets: People don't want to acknowledge that their ways are evil; they also don't want to have their sins pointed out. They prefer to see themselves as differently than how the prophets see them; they want to believe that God approves of their actions and lifestyles.

On another occasion, Jesus said to the people, "I have come in My Father's name..." Here is the real issue: the people thought they knew His father. "and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive honor from one another and you don't seek the honor that is from the one and only God? " (John 5:43, 44). Those who honor Jesus also honor God. One day the Pharisees and the Jews had an augment with Jesus as to who their real father was. The Pharisees claimed God was their Father and said they were not born of fornication— insinuating that Jesus was. (John 8:41). However, Jesus told them their father was the devil, who is the father of all lies, including their own lies. (John 8:44)

The old saying, "familiarity breeds contempt," might have been the biggest factor in Jesus' rejection. People often think they know you better than they really do. You're just one of our family, or you are that neighborhood kid who has been around for a while. They all saw Jesus from a carnal prospective. His mother probably saw Jesus as her special little boy (Mary's little lamb), that she had nursed and tried to protect. She wanted to keep him safe, warm and healthy, seeing that all his needs were met. God had chosen her to give birth to His son and she felt the responsibility to help and protect Him whenever possible, especially since Joseph was gone.

Jesus' siblings probably played games, teased him or wrestled with him at times. They all saw the natural behavior of their brother or half-brother while growing up. He was just like them or so they thought. They did most everything together. Jesus, as a child, might have been disciplined just like them when they misbehaved. There was the time, when Jesus was 12 years of age, the family thought he was lost in Jerusalem. Jesus was taught from the same books and teachers of the Torah. Yet, Mary still seemed to favor Him the most. All these similar feelings and thoughts even existed within his relatives and the townsfolk; they all saw Jesus through carnal eyes. But, that was the flaw in their perspective.

As sons of God we should be seeing one another through spiritual eyes. Unfortunately very few Christians do. We, as believers, are not to be tied to carnal relationships. God places a higher value on the spiritual relationships He establishes, people who hear and obey the word of God (Mark 3:35). Many people have missed God's perfect will by clinging to family ties. God requires one thing: total obedience. Jesus also taught this. (Luke 9: 59-60, 14:26, and 18: 28-30).

God is our Father and we are to submit to him and his will for His family; we should be willing to let go of any human family ties that would hinder our relationship with him, as hard as that may be. Abraham and Jacob had to do it. And so should we—if required by God. Most mothers would have a hard time with this, because their "maternal" instincts. But even a man leaving his family might have a difficult time; some of Jesus' disciples did. Jesus also taught that anyone not willing to leave their family, was not worthy of the kingdom of God (Mt.10:34-37). That still applies today, but that teaching is not recognized in Christianity.

Jesus didn't go around telling people that He was a prophet, nor did he boast that He was the son of God. He was just being who He was, a friend and a savor, helping a lost world. He just said and did what He saw the Father doing and the people could accept it or reject it.

Prophets

Every prophet before Jesus and even after, was and is sent by God and known by Him, known by him even before they were born. Today, God is still raising up and sending out His prophets as to prepare the way. Some prophets are better known by people than others. Yet, people should keep in mind that popularity holds no value to God. It can even be a distraction. However, many prophets are still not honored the way they should be.

A prophet's words and actions should be taken seriously. They are the voice of God who are pointing or leading the way people should go. But, because of familiarity, they are too often not taken seriously enough. Many people may like them and think they're unique because of their peculiar way of talking or extreme behavior. Neither do they support God's prophets spiritually and financially the way they should. We should seek ways to help them as much as possible. The scriptures tell us that, "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." (Mt. 10:41). Also we are admonished to, "put your trust in the Lord our God and you will be established and your trust in His prophets and succeed." (2 Chron. 20:20) Sound like good advice to me.

We should sow into prophets lives, even to great sacrifice. Look what happened to the widow who gave her last meal to Elijah. Therefore it is wise to show honor by giving to prophets. But, better yet, we honor them by listening to and obeying their words. When we honor a prophet, we honor God. And anything less is a dishonor to the prophet and to God. Many seek prophets as to get a word regarding the future, but few will accept advice or correction. Hopefully, that will change as more people see the anointing on their life and understand the consequences of those actions.

There have been many words of encouragement from prophets, and that's good, but it seems to have had minimal effect on changing religious mindsets as to the degree necessary to purify the church or change the world. However, there prayers are setting the stage for a mighty move of God, with angels ready to act when given the word. God desires to bring the church back to true holiness, and He will do so one way or another. This time it will be demonstrated through greater love and greater power.

As kind and loving as Jesus was, it was also necessary for Him to speak his share of rebukes to people. Rebukes are also a form of love. If we hear a rebuke from a prophet it would be wise to heed to it and thank him for it, for God is wanting to help us. It is for our good. God is using prophets to express His will for the church and to bring correction and Judgment.

Many prophets in the Bible were single men, because of the harshness of their call and their solidarity (passion) to God. There were also a few married ones. Today, the same is true. And often the call on their lives can be a strain on family relationships. Choosing a life without a wife for the sake of Christ, is harder than most can imagine. Yet, being married to a prophet can also be harder than either could have imagined when they first said their,"I do's." Some people were meant to be single and others married. But true joy is found in the Lord.

Prophets have always been persecuted; "the cross" comes with the territory and it may never change. Anyone who wants to be a prophet or an apostle is naive. Besides, it is a calling that is given, and not acquired by human effort. It is a life often filled with extreme hardship and rejection, but there are also many spiritual rewards. Hearing God's voice and seeing him are just a couple of them. There are many other ones (Mark 10 :29). But that is not their motive, they have been consumed by the heart and fire of God, and have been commissioned to speak the heart of the Father.

Satan doesn't want people to listen to prophets. He will fill their minds with a lot of false accusations, and people will call prophets some of the most offensive names. And other will want to kill them. Jesus was no exception. But it didn't stop him or any other "man of God." They are possessed with a passion that can't be stopped until they fulfill the mission God has planned for them. The responsibility on their lives is great. If they don't warn the wicked or the righteous, as the Lord said, He will hold the person's blood against them." (Ez. 10: 18-21). The souls of many people and nations depend on their obedience to God. "To whom much is given much is required." (Luke 12:48)

Prophets often live a recluse life until God is ready to use them. Some don't realize the calling until later in life. Some hear God's voice often and others are led by His heart. Many tend to be very black and white in their convictions and a little rough around the edges. But they have a sacrificial love for God and His people. They are often required to do strange things just an in Bible times, yet they don't advertise it. Humility is an absolute requirement. Possessions have little meaning to them and they are often on the move. They prefer to travel light and quick. Some tend to get frustrated when they see people disregarding the word of the Lord. But most of their true emotions are rarely shown. Most don't seek attention. Some don't even understand their own actions. They just know it's what they're supposed to do. God is the one who understands and it is his sovereign plan that will prevail. Many have spent a lifetime waiting on God, and there is no better way for a person to spend his life.

Note: Many people think because we have the Bible and preachers, that we don't really need prophets. This is a very wrong assumption. Apostles and Prophets are the foundation of the church. Without them we have a dysfunctional group of Christians often following religious laws and principles with no sense of direction as to where God is or what He is doing. In the near future there is going to be many of these prophets (men and women) coming forth as never before, with the anointing to speak God's word with full authority. They have been given a rod and a mandate to demonstrate signs and wonders, as to bring restoration and judgment when necessary. But most of all, they will share a revelation of the love, mercy and grace of the Heavenly Father. I pray the world will honor them, but if they don't God certainly will.

Claiming the Land

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country,.. to a land I will show you; and I will make you a great nation and I will bless you..." (Gen. 12:1,2)

In this passage we see the sovereignty of God reaching out to mankind through an old man (something I can identify with at times). The man that He has chosen, Abram, was to become the "father of our faith." From the beginning of time, God, in his infinite wisdom and knowledge, saw something in Abram's heart worthy of that title. And Abram didn't disappoint him.

Abram had very little, if any, knowledge of God, even though he was from the line of Seth. We know nothing of Abram's upbringing. But one thing's for certain, he was not a content man. He apparently did not like what he saw around him; nor did he desire to go along with the status quo. I believe he was hungry and searching for the purpose of life. He had no answers, nor any sons to carry on the burning in his heart, until one day when God spoke to him. After that, he was ready and willing to move on. He was now given a compass by God that was pointing a different direction than the way others had been going.

God set the course and Abram agreed to follow him. At least most of his requirements. Remember, Abram was new at obeying God whom he had never met—in actuality he only heard a voice. So Abram headed out on a long journey that would forever change his life.

How God lead Abram to Canaan, the Scriptures do not say. However, it was the country his father was initially headed for, but failed to accomplish. Maybe Abram had a gut-feeling he was to continue that same direction (perhaps something in his genetic make-up). Eventually the Lord confirmed to him that he had made the right decision. How long it took to get to Canaan, we have no idea, but God was in no hurry.

Finally, the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." So he built an altar to the Lord who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded to the mountain...pitched his tent...built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord." (Gen. 12:7,8)

Abram had now seen the Lord—in what form we're not told—but his heart was overwhelmed and he wanted to know more. Somewhere in his upbringing he had learned certain ways to appease God or gods by building alters. Now, that he was in Canaan, he was curious as to what he was supposed to do. So again he called on this unique God, a God who at this time chose to remain a mystery.

Then Lord appeared again to Abram and said, "Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land you see, I will give it to you and your descendants forever... Arise, walk about the land through its length and breath; for I will give it to you." (Gen. 13: 14,17)

Now, Abram knew what he must do. He knew he had been commissioned to claim the land promised by walking it's length and breadth. He was also promised a son from his own seed. This was quite a challenge for an old man going on eighty years of age. However, this was middle-age back then. God gave him strength as he continued to walk by faith.

Later on, God changed his name to Abraham, and stated to a king that he was a prophet of the Lord. And like many prophets, their lives painted a picture of the ways of Jesus Christ. Close to two thousand years later, the same land which Abraham walked upon was being walked by that promised Seed, Jesus Christ. He too walked the land of promise—a picture of the eternal City, New Jerusalem. Then Jesus commissioned his disciples to go throughout the world and preach the Gospel, making disciples of all nations.

Today, God's sons and daughters are still called to walk the land claiming it for the Kingdom of God, using words of faith and faith-filled actions. We are to take back that which was lost due the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. This is done by words and actions of faith. We are to reclaim what has been lost, a concept almost forgotten by religious mindsets, but not by God or His army of sons and daughters. These sons and daughters have taken the position of humility, knowing the battles ahead of them is not their battles, but the Lord's. Claiming the land is accomplished by following certain steps of faith: intercession & prayer, walking the land, also praise & worship. I encourage everyone to read and study the life of Abraham; he is a great role-model.

As I'm writing this article I am reminded of some similarities between Abraham's life and my own. In 1991, I had given up my profession as an artist and then left the area in which my parents, brother, and other relatives lived. Then I moved, with my wife and daughter, to the other side of the mountain range. Then a few years later, I told my family I was going to pitch a tent on the mountain next to our home and stay there for three days waiting on God. There I bared my soul for the people who were lost and hurting, and prophesied for blessings and restoration to our county and nation. From the North, the South, the East and the West, I prophesied that the name of Jesus would be exalted and people would come to know Him.

A few years later I walked the length and breadth of our county in six different segments, a total of 98 miles; the longest was 28 miles. I was 50 years old at the time. Each walk was accomplished in a different way, such as no food (or snacks), no water, and no resting—whatever God laid on my heart, that was how it was done. The first time a pebble got in my tennis shoe and God said to ignore it. He indicated it was just a distraction. So I kept walking for several more miles until I reached my destination. Then I took the pebble out, and had no blister or soreness from it.

On these walks I prayed, and by faith I believed my steps represented a person's salvation, healing or deliverance from bondage; not only for people in that county, but for the future generations. I also walked the city streets and the college campus in the heart of that community, laying my hands upon each building, praying that the truth would be heard and received by the students, the faculty and business people. And from my art studio porch that overlooked the freeway and the valley of our county, I prayed and prophesied forgiveness and God's mercy. I prayed that people would come to know the ways of God.

And so like Abraham, I've claimed the land. Now, God has moved me on to other places and other cities to walk and intercede for. I encourage all God's sons to start claiming the land—if you haven't yet—for the Kingdom of God.

P.S. The scriptures speak of stretching out your tent pegs (Is. 54:2). Over the years I have put yellow plastic tent pegs in the four boundaries of Kittitas County and the boarders of Washington State, claiming them for the Kingdom of God. I have also traveled and walked in 44 other states as an artist searching for truth. I have found it. And He has given me other counties. Now, he is taking me to the nations. I am humbled by his trust in me.

Life and Death

Many people have been caught in a life or death situation. Some of them call 911, and others cry out to God. In the Bible we find many situations where people called on God, because they desperately needed His help. Some of those biblical emergencies involved individuals such as Daniel when he was thrown in the lion's den. In another example we see that the city Jerusalem was being surrounded by their enemy, and King Jehoshaphat petitioned God and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah (2 Chron. 20). Both of those situations were matters of life and death. God is always faithful to respond to intercessors who cry out to Him. It is often the seasoned individuals we see doing those kind of things, but on occasion we see younger people put to the great tests, such as the three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, in their fiery furnace experience.

The Book of Esther is the story of a young lady in a desperate situation—a matter of life and death–who was pleading for her nation. She is a beautiful Hebrew girl who was chosen by God to fulfill a unique position as the queen of a foreign nation. And strange as it may seem, her beauty was one of the reasons she was chosen as a candidate for queen; she was beautiful and won. However, she was only queen for a short time when her services were needed by God. Her position had been more a marriage of protocol as a replacement for the first queen, who wasn't submissive to the king's wishes. However Esther, which means Star, was different. When the king saw her he knew she was the one. She was not only beautiful on the outside, but beautiful on the inside. The King's new bride and queen had the manners, temperament and spirit that would make any husband proud, also other men envious. The king loved her very much, but he was also a very busy man.

There was a deceitful and evil man named Haman who worked within the palace walls. Because of his pride regarding Esther's uncle, Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people, which neither Haman nor the king realized was Esther's race. However, Esther's uncle, Mordecai had become aware of the deceptive scheme and sent Esther this message as to warn her of the plot that would kill all the Jews in the empire.

"Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this."

When Esther read this she said, "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way." Then she would risk seeing the king, which could possibly mean her death if he so ordered. This was a very courageous move on her part (and asking people to fast was wise as well).

When I read that passage of scripture back in the summer of 1996, I felt that I too was to intercede for the people of our community–in a similar way as Queen Esther. So I told my family that after the evening meal the next day, I was going to stay in a tent on the mountain next to our house for three days. There I would read, pray, and fast; even without water, which I had never done before.

At 6 PM, I left home and headed up the mountain, pitched my tent and waited upon God. I had my Bible, notebook and pen. I wore the same clothes every day; I didn't have a watch or a flashlight. It was just God and me, also a spiritual hunger for God and the salvation of our county (community). I desired to study the whole Book of Esther and try to view it from God's perspective. Each day God revealed to me more insights behind the written words. I believe it is an incredible picture of the end-time church. Our obligation as the Bride of Christ (which is a picture of Esther) is to intercede for the Church and the world that is lost. Lest satan (Haman) destroys the Church body and the Bride. And Esther always did what Mordecai (Jesus) told her. Just as we should do and trust Him with our whole heart. Mordecai would not bow to Haman and neither should we. He also was elevated to the position second to the king, just as Jesus was seated at the right hand of the God. And, so I too chose to prayed, fasted and interceded for a people, because there is a lost and dying world out there that needs God help.

I had also brought a map of Kittitas County with me (my county) and I laid my hands on it and prayed. I also did warfare against satan, who had deceived and bound the hearts and minds of so many people. That their eyes and ears would be open to the truth. And that they would be set free from all forms of addictions and bondage. I also declared restoration for families and healing for their bodies, minds and spirits.

I also realized that someday I was to walk the county for the Kingdom of God. However, each day during this fast I also walked around the top edge of the mountain. I was getting physically weaker; the last day I had to rest quite a bit on the hike, but by the end of the third day my spirit was stronger and so was my faith.

This three day fast occurred over the 4th of July weekend. And while our nation and county celebrated their independence, I was praying that our nation would become more dependent on God. This was an awesome experience; I wasn't even hungry or thirsty when I got back home. I have found that when I'm in God's will, things seem to go a lot better.

Note: Satan is still a butt and a deceiver. One time on another fast for ten days, I fainted on the 7th day. I had never fainted before. I don't think this usually happens when a person fasts; I imagine the older a person gets it can be more challenging. But, we should never feel ashamed if we don't complete an intended fast. God looks on the heart and not on the number of days; just follow his leading. I also didn't get hurt nor did I stop until my 10 day fast was over. I just got up off the floor and kept praising and trusting God.

Today, I'm still interceding, walking and fasting (sometimes even without water), but God is faithful and keeps giving me his strength. He has also given me a bigger vision for the lost, also for nations. There are other sons and daughters, who are willing to face death with no fear; I thank God for them, because we have already died and been raised up in Him, Him who is our source of Life. We have all been prepared for such a time as this.

God vs The Easter Bunny

Well, it's that time of year again when most children in western culture are looking forward to the Easter Bunny and Easter Egg hunts. Parents will be busy hiding candy of every shape and size in the house or yard–depending on weather conditions. They can choose from a variety of treats, such as, giant chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chickens, cream-filled chocolate eggs or small jelly beans. There are even plastic eggs to fill with little toys, candy and trinkets. This and more to fill their colorful Easter Baskets, all in the traditional pastel colors of Easter. Some kids even get to help mom or grandma with the color-dying of hard boiled eggs as to add to their collection. Even the decorating of the egg has become an art-form around the world, and priceless collectibles for some buyers. So what is it with all this bunny and egg stuff?

Many communities and churches in the communities get into the Easter Festival by having Easter Egg hunts to draw people together or draw the public into churches. Some churches will even give candy treats to the children after they tell them the "Easter Story," which to them is the resurrection of Jesus. (The candy companies sure love these festivals.) However, some churches now call it "Resurrection Day"; either name suggests to people the celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Jesus was placed in a tomb after his cruel death on a cross a couple of days before. Now He is alive and is waiting for us in Heaven. Some churches will even have sunrise services in commemoration of that early morning resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus is the heart of Christianity. Without Jesus' resurrection, their faith and the faith of other people who follow Jesus would be meaningless. But, God never planned for His sons and daughters to celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection, but instead his Passover. Passover was one of the three Holy Festivals that God established and commanded all the men of Israel to celebrate. However, today the Passover Festival is almost never celebrated by the Christian community. And why?

Most Christian churches have chosen to tie themselves into the pagan festival of Easter, and have even added several other events proceeding the resurrection, with Palm Sunday the week before, Ash Wednesday, then Good Friday, which seems to be Christianity's brief version of Passover or the "Last Supper" that Jesus shared with His disciples. Then there is the Crucifixion and finally the Resurrection two days later, not the three days that Jesus had prophesied, using the prophet Jonah as the example (Mt.12:40). Somebody got it all wrong, and I don't think it was Jesus. What this all adds up to is a lot of compromise and religious traditions.

Jesus' death and resurrection were absolutely necessary for fallen mankind, but our focus is to be on Jesus, not on Easter or Resurrection Day. Jesus is Passover, the Lamb of God. He is also Pentecost, the foundation and Birth of the Church, and He is Tabernacles in which the Body of Christ dwells. All three of these spiritual Holy Days are found in Christ Jesus and are to be celebrated.

All man-made holidays are carnal including the religious ones. It doesn't mean anything to change the name of a worldly or pagan event to sound religious. Non-biblical festivals have no part or place in the Kingdom of God. And they never will.

The meaning of Easter and its timing are derived from the pagan goddess Eostra, the goddess of fertility and sun worship. There are evil spirits, rituals and practices that still influence this holiday. If you wish to know more about this pagan "holiday" you can go to Google. Then all the nonsense to do with eggs and bunnies will make more sense to you. Therefore, I will not elaborate any further on Easter. (I used to celebrate Easter, because that was the way I was taught.)

I thank God for the cross, that Jesus died for our sins, and that he rose from the grave to give us resurrection life. But, most of all I thank him for his everlasting love, his forgiveness, and that His Holy Spirit dwells in me. I also rejoice in the fact that He has given all those who follow Him a place in His Kingdom. And we are to rule and reign with Him in His power and authority. I believe we will all see the difference in time. Let's learn to celebrate Jesus, when and how He would desire us to.

To all my Jewish and Christian friends, HAPPY PASSOVER and GOD BLESS YOU!