I submitted the following words yesterday . . .
Do we have the faith that through our prayer the status quo can be shattered? Can we believe that at our call Christ will come among us to judge and save? When we ask for the Holy Spirit, are we ready for God to strike us like a burst of flaming lightning, so that at last we experience Pentecost? Do we really believe that God’s kingdom is imminent? Are we capable of believing that through our pleading, this kingdom will break in? Are we able to believe that as a result of our prayer the entire history of the world will be turned topsy-turvy?
Eberhard Arnold
These words so spoke my heart in this battle and on this battle ground that I left them without comment for you to consider.
Today I would like to make this comment, that when the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to us that we would be, would become, ONE with Him and the Father (John 17:20,21 and Colossians 3:1 and 11) we sometimes failed to consider that we would be as warlike as He is, as bent toward the coming of the Kingdom of God as He, as determined to rescue from death as He. More than as spotless and pure as He – that, too in ever unfolding measure – but we share His heart and His mind in all things.
If He is at war with Amalek, spiritual forces of darkness, depression, and destruction, so are we.
If He would seek and save every lost lamb, so shall we.
If the bruised reed and the smoldering wick are safe with Him, to be made strong and supple once again, to be fanned into flame with Him, so shall we. (Isaiah 42:3)
How, now, but through prayer, through fasting*, which is the prayer of our life force, if you will forgive a metaphysical perspective, and through the speaking forth of the Word of God. If we open our mouths to speak into the atmosphere, words that demons and angels and the Lord Himself shall hear, let it be that we speak like a “burst of flaming lightening,” to see His kingdom “break in.” How else shall these things be that must be?
Otherwise, men will die in their sins, the Gospel will not go forth, light will not pierce darkness, the breach will not be restored, bonds will not be loosed, captives will not go free (Isaiah 58.) Not through us, not perhaps in our time.
He is Master, we are His friends, friends who are on this planet, on a mission. We would call ourselves servants, but He called us friends, because we do know what the Master is doing. (John 15:15-17)
The friends of this Man must have His faith, and here it is expressed:
Do we have the faith that through our prayer the status quo can be shattered? Can we believe that at our call Christ will come among us to judge and save? When we ask for the Holy Spirit, are we ready for God to strike us like a burst of flaming lightning, so that at last we experience Pentecost? Do we really believe that God’s kingdom is imminent? Are we capable of believing that through our pleading, this kingdom will break in? Are we able to believe that as a result of our prayer the entire history of the world will be turned topsy-turvy?
Eberhard Arnold
- A word about sensible, do-able fasting tomorrow. Fasting better than not fasting. Beneficial, effectual fasting.
Lightening Above the Clouds
recommended for Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia, by permission
Marketplace Monastics 