I. The Anointing of Power
1. God Sees the Heart
In the Old Testament, we read how King Saul’s heart had grown callous and indifferent to the leading of the Spirit. (I Sam. 15:23) And so God instructed the Prophet Samuel to anoint one from the house of Jesse. Having exhausted all of Jesse’s obvious sons as candidates, the prophet entreated the old man, “are here all thy children?” (I Sam. 16:11)
Jesse’s eyes dimmed with age then agreed that his youngest and smallest be fetched from the sheep pastures. However, before anointing the unsuspecting shepherd boy with oil poured on his head, the Lord had advised the prophet, “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Sam. 16:7)
Then one day the dynamic power of this anointing became evident to all of his fellow countrymen. The Philistine army having laid assault to Israel, bid challenge to God’s finest as the giant, Goliath, strode from their ranks.
All Israel cowered in fear as their enslavement seemed imminent. Who would accept the challenge? None other than the anointed of the Lord. David, the shepherd boy, came forward and asked, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the Living God.” (I Sam. 17:26) Refusing the armour of King Saul, David met Goliath alone on the field of battle with only a sling. Reaching down to a nearby brook, he gathered 5 smooth stones. But the Bible records that only one stone lay embedded in the giants head. Following a thunderous collapse, David ran over to Goliath, drew the giant’s sword and decapitated the menace. The Philistines retreated in fear and David was heralded hero of all Israel.
2. David’s Select Stone
This same anointing received by David to slay Goliath can be likened to the outpouring of the Spirit in the experience of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Jesus said, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” (Acts 1:8) It is this infilling that enables the believer to figuratively “tread on serpents,” (Mk. 16:18) to acquire a worship in the Spirit that is mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. (2 Cor. 10:4) This power is dynamite against the forces of evil. No wonder our prayer language is expanded to an incomprehensible dialogue with God resulting in the mighty working of His hand to save, heal and deliver. Just as David fought the giant of the enemy so too is the believer equipped to do battle with the forces of evil.
David’s five smooth stones speak of the mighty force of the 5 fold ministry. These 5 fold ministries are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 for we read that, “God hath given apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers.” But reading on (Eph. 4:13) we notice that these ministries are given for a limited period of time; “till we all come to a perfect man.” The goal is to come to a perfect man. Though David chose 5 stones, it only took one to do the job.
Even in this hour God is raising up an army of believers who collectively are called the Body of Christ, A PERFECT MAN. This is not to say we are not grateful for the working of these 5 fold ministries in our lives to edify, exhort and instruct. Like David’s stones from the brook they were chosen by the Shepherd after being washed by the water of the word. (Eph. 5:26)
But God has not chosen these ministries to topple the Goliaths of the Earth. Instead these ministry gifts or offices have been established temporarily to nurture, guide and strengthen the children of God that they might come forth upon the Earth as the manifested Sons of God. These have been chosen to rule and reign with Him. These shall bruise Satan under foot. These shall be the manifest expression of God’s fullness. They are unified and made ONE by the Spirit of the Living God, fully empowered with the mind of Christ. This Body will lay waste the powers of darkness on the Earth as David’s selected stone brought the Philistine beast to the ground.
If you have received Christ, you too have received the power, the right, the authority to become the Son of God. Your reception of Christ as Saviour is the call of God on your life to one day usher in a millennia of righteousness, peace and joy on the Earth with our Blessed Saviour.
II. THE ANOINTING OF AUTHORITY
1. Wandering in the Wilderness
One would naturally think that following this mighty demonstration of power, David would be instantly recognized as the anointed of the Lord and established as God’s chosen vessel of authority. Not so! Instead, the remainder of the book gives a detailed account of how King Saul, like a driven mad-man, hunted David down like an animal. He chased him in the wilderness, on mountain tops, in caves and in towns. Despite the fact that the Philistines had regrouped and re-attacked Israel, Saul disregarded these, the true enemies of his people and sought with all his might to kill David.
Likewise, we should not be surprised today when ministries go on the war path against Spirit filled believers. As long as they keep quiet, warm a pew and pass the plate, they’re okay. But let them heal the sick, prophesy or speak in tongues and “out the door they go.” While the sheep are taught to view these charismatics as heretics and fanatics the devil continues to destroy with depravity, disease, despair and death.
These Spirit filled believers, called charismatics are labeled Cruise-o-matics as they fellowship like David, “from pillar to post.” Yet for some this wandering in the wilderness without a church home is too wearisome. And so they return to programs, preachers and familiar forms of fundamentalism. Rather than worship God in Spirit and in Truth, they abandon their new experience and seek the comfort of church games and politics.
Even Saul’s daughter, Michal, David’s beloved wife, thought cave life too treacherous. In her heart she must have reasoned that the life of an outcast would never lead to an anointing of authority. And so it was, she deserted her husband’s side and stayed in her father’s court.
Likewise, Jonathan, Saul’s son, though he loved David and counted him his blood brother, would not go with him in the wilderness for his loyalties lie with the madness of his father, the King. Instead, David’s only companions were cut-throats, vagabonds, thieves and undesirables by most standards.
In the natural, David was labeled a rebel, a pirate, an adulterer; someone so brazen that when he and his men were hungry, he stormed into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and dared eat and distribute the shew bread reserved as an offering for the Lord. But God looked not on the outward.
2. David’s Methods
Occasions were even given to David by the Lord’s design where he could have easily taken Saul’s life. But as the young shepherd boy had refused the King’s armour to fight Goliath, so too did he refuse to usurp the throne of Israel by assassination. Saul’s methods of fighting were useless to David. Instead he was anointed and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to slay Goliath. And if he were to reign as king, again it would be because of an anointing, and not by the methods used by his predecessor.
Unfortunately, all too often charismatics are enticed into positions of leadership using carnal or even natural methods to achieve that end. How sad it is to see these spirit filled believers fitted into the armour of advertising and politics to fight the spiritual forces of darkness. They call this battle “evangelism”…then when all is said and done, wonder why their goals are not achieved.
Even sadder still are the methods used by many a Spirit filled believer to obtain a position of leadership or authority. Like their King Saul prototypes they ignore the Spirit’s ability to teach them “all truth” and recklessly purse a Bible College degree. Upon completion and with a sense of accomplishment they field resumes and obtain interviews. This is so they can be chosen to lead through natural selection. But it is God’s desire to empower through a SUPERNATURAL ELECTION.
If you intend to walk in your calling and become that Son of God that rules and reigns with Him, you will in all probability find yourself like David, wandering in the wilderness somewhere with no place to call home. In addition, like David you will probably be despised and rejected most by those who you identify as your family, brothers and sisters or friends. It will not be unusual for you to be persecuted by church leaders and your only earthly comforters will be those who you would not otherwise seek company with. Not a pleasant life for anyone and yet this is exactly where David found himself. So too were Joseph, Moses, Elijah, the Apostle Paul and yes – Jesus. All of these had extensive, intense wilderness experiences because their own brethren rejected them and wanted them dead! But they, like David were all called and anointed with authority to fulfill God’s purpose.
3. Saul’s Suicide
But when David received news of Saul’s suicide, he didn’t jump at the opportunity and declare himself “Big Cheese.” Instead he lamented, rent his clothing, cried in anguish and mourned almost inexhaustibly though his tormentor’s life was ended. Why? Because David took no pleasure seeing King Saul, God’s first anointed King of Israel, wasted. He not only had accepted the wilderness as his lot in life, but had learned to rejoice and glory in his suffering. But there was no glory in the death and suffering of Saul. By learning to rejoice in tribulation God had truly created the heart of a servant in David. He accepted both good and bad as from the hand of the Lord and knew that despite the circumstances, God was faithful to His promises. By rejoicing in adversity, David’s heart was transformed such that the Lord commented of him that he had a heart after His own heart. (I Sam. 13:14)
Over and over David wrote in the Psalms, “His mercy (or love) endureth forever.” By glorying in suffering David not only received true humility of soul, but could write experientially of God’s love. It was this love that dominated his prayers for Saul, his king, his father-in-law, the once mighty man of God. The Apostle Paul describes this type of love. It, “suffers long, is kind, is not boastful nor puffed up.” This love does not behave selfishly, is not easily provoked an does not think evil of others. (I Cor. 13) Most important, David the praiser knew that love did not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoiced in the truth. No wonder David could not rejoice in Saul’s death since it seemed a triumph of iniquity. Likewise, David’s example of brokenness, sorrow and loss should speak to us about how we should view the current crumbling, criticism and collapse of charismatic ministries once blessed by God.
4. King of Judah
It was in the midst of David’s wilderness experiences he wrote, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Truly he had come to a place of “rest in the Lord” such that adverse circumstances no longer prevented him from praising God. He even said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” (Ps. 119:71) Likewise he had learned that “seizing a golden opportunity” was world’s apart from “God exalting in due season.” (I Pet. 5:16)
Later, after Saul’s death, David was called upon by his countrymen to help route the enemy armies of the Philistines out of Israel. This accomplished, David received his second anointing. It was an anointing of AUTHORITY where he was declared King of Judah. (2 Sam. 2:4) And after all of David’s glorying in tribulations, does it really come to any surprise that the Lord would anoint and establish him King over Judah, also called the House of Praise.
III. THE ATTEMPTS OF THE FLESH
1. King of Israel
Finally in II Samuel, chapters 4 and 5 we read about a strange set of circumstances that ushered David to his third anointing. Again it was seemingly thrust upon him. He was with this anointing made King of all Israel. His authority was well established and uncontested. Why would God design a third anointing when this young king was already walking in authority? Because the purpose of this anointing went beyond seeing David on a bigger and better throne. A servant’s heart had already been well worked into David and he knew his people would never be secure, safe or fulfilled unless his Master, the Lord God Jehovah ruled and reigned as King.
That was God’s original design.
And so David purposed in his heart to recover the ark of the covenant and bring it to Jerusalem where the temple was to be built. The significance of the ark cannot be minimized. Though only a few cubic feet, it contained the 10 Commandments etched by God’s own finger, a jar once containing manna that sustained the children of Israel in the wilderness centuries before, and Aaron’s rod that budded. (Heb. 9:4) But most important, it contained the very presence of God Himself. The brilliant SHEKINAH GLORY of the Lord emanated within the ark and at times could be seen between the two cherubims on top of the ark as a sign of God’s presence. It was not an idol, a relic or a fancy piece of furniture. It was the one place on Earth that God would fully inhabit and make His abode. Just think, the God of the universe inside a wooden box covered with gold. In fact the ark is a type and shadow of Christ Himself.
As the ark contained the 10 Commandments, (God’s written word), so too Christ is the Word made flesh to dwell among us. (Jn. 1:14) Like the ark that contained Aaron’s rod that budded, (the scepter by which God’s people were governed), so too has all authority and dominion been given to Christ. And as the ark contained a jar once holding manna, the bread from heaven, so too in Christ’s words we find the Bread of Heaven that nourishes unto Eternal Life. Unparalleled glory would be revealed upon Him at His baptism, transfiguration and resurrection. He, like the ark, would radiate with the shekinah glory of God’s presence.
Now the ark at the time of David’s reign was kept as Gibeah at the house of Abinadab. Prior to this, the Philistines had captured the ark during the last days of Eli the priest. But they returned it to Israel after only seven months for not only had their idol god Dagon been decapitated, but untold sickness, plagues, and deaths had visited the Philistine people. And so with a huge cart pulled by oxen, David loaded up the ark so that all Israel might see and know the glory of the Lord again.
2. Big Wheels and Boards
But these noble plans were soon shattered. No sooner did David begin his trek with the ark back to Jerusalem when fatality struck. It appears that while en route, the ark began to sway. Thinking it was going to topple, Uzzah, from the house of Abinadab, laid his hands on the ark and then immediately died.
Shock, horror, disbelief and fear filled David and his men. Why would God strike dead a man trying to prevent the ark from falling? He was only trying to help the “glory of the Lord” along. How often we his people have resorted to natural means to foster and help what we think is God’s glory. But the splendor and majesty of His power, His authority, His shekinah glory is not going to return on a cart made of big wheels and boards. How many revivals have started because some BIG WHEELS in the church organized some church BOARDS to get things ROLLING. Oh they might have had a meeting alright, but was it really a work of the Holy Ghost? Where is the FULLNESS of His POWER, His AUTHORITY, His GLORY?
The great move of God recorded in the Book of Acts started because God’s people came together for one purpose – to wait on Him. To wait on His power, His in-filling, His presence. The result was much more than the salvation of souls. Re-read the Book of Acts. The lame walk. The blind see. A man’s shadow heals multitudes. Another man stoned and thrown to ferocious beasts, yet walks away. Neither kings nor prisons hold them. They literally turn the world upside down. The gospel they preach is rumored everywhere. Indescribable authority in both the natural and supernatural realm. Yet the closer they came to death, the more they worshipped and acclaimed His name. Why? Because the glory of the Lord had returned to the Temple. A temple not made with hands, but a temple that consisted of men and women like you and me.
These people tarried in Jerusalem for the promise of His power, His authority, His glory! “And when they were all gathered in one place in one accord, suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a mighty rushing wind, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire that sat upon each of them.” (Acts 2:1-3) Not only did they speak in tongues (verse 4) and receive the power of the Holy Ghost, but the authority of God’s word was imparted in the sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. And if that wasn’t enough, His shekinah glory was seen upon them when cloven tongues like as fire sat upon them.
3. This Glory
- This glory was the Light God created on the first day.
- This was the glory that clothed Adam and Eve in the garden before the fall.
- This was the glory that translated Enoch that he should not see death.
- It was this glory that Moses watched from a burning bush in the wilderness when he was called to be his people’s deliverer.
- This glory caught Elijah up to heaven in a chariot like as fire.
- Elisha prayed his servant see the same glory as the chariots of fire that would release an imprisoned Israel from is Syrian enemies the next day.
- This glory filled Solomon’s temple so that no one could enter it and all Israel heard the voice of God on that day like thunder.Ezekiel had a vision of this same glory like a fire enveloping inward. (Ez. 1:4)
- The three Hebrew children were surrounded by this the glory of the fourth man such that they were not even scorched by a blazing furnace.
- This glory shone out of darkness to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night and a multitude of the heavenly host proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.
- The fire that John the Baptist spoke of is that glory when he said, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and FIRE.” Furthermore, John’s prophecy was fulfilled to 120 disciples gathered in an upper room on the day of
- Pentecost for they spoke in tongues and God’s glory, like a flame of fire, appeared above the head of each one.
- This is the same glory that Jesus revealed to Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.
- This glory was seen on the face of Stephen by his earthly persecutors such that He had the appearance of an angel. While being stoned he also saw this glory, forgave his executioners, then fell fast asleep for he was unaffected by pain.
- The wicked Saul of Tarsus who had Stephen stoned, saw this glory on the Road to Damascus. Thereafter he was transformed into the Apostle Paul.
- The beloved Apostle John saw this glory on a woman (the church) ready to deliver a manchild (the Sons of God) for she was clothed with the Son.
No wonder David sought a return of the glory of the Lord. The fulfillment of this third anointing went beyond his boyhood empowerment. It went beyond an anointing of authority. It signified the full presence of God in complete control, thus putting to rest his efforts, his labors, his tribulations. It made all the struggle worthwhile.
4. Futile First Attempt
But we are no different than David in his futile first attempt to usher in the glory. How many times have we tried to harness God’s glory? We like to point to all the healings, miracles, and the episodes of God’s divine intervention in our lives, then use this to substantiate our position as the anointed and chosen. See how God used ME. I must be THE ONE who God will use to show everyone. God used ME to raise the dead, heal the sick and so on. I must be right on.
But just as Uzzah was struck down, so too will every believer be stopped dead in his or her tracks when these attitudes are exposed to the GLORIOUS LIGHT of the presence of the Holy Ghost. In fact the Lord will engineer whatever circumstances are necessary to prevent us from putting our hands, our selfish motives on His glory. “My glory will I not give to another says the Lord.” (Isa. 42:8) This glory was reserved for the temple alone. Not for a man, a king, or a ministry, but the temple of the Lord. This glory will be returned to His people, who are the temple of the Lord in His time and His way. (I Cor. 3:16) You can jump up and down, scream and shout, wave banners and dance your merry little heart out, but that won’t make it happen. David tried that trick for we read in I Chronicles 13:7-8 that David went with all Israel out to the “ark on the cart” singing and playing instruments with all their might. It didn’t stop Uzzah from dying. (verses 9 and 10)
Apparently Uzzah thought he had the right and the authority to handle the ark. He didn’t expect God to strike him dead. He had grown up with the ark in his house; in the household of Abinadab. It had resided there for years after the Philistines returned it. The power of the ark had never interfered with his plans before. So too, many spirit filled believers who boast of growing up in churches where God’s power for years has resided. Perhaps they take for granted His power and have never actually witnessed His glory as Uzzah. “No big deal for me, I grew up in Pentecost.” Perhaps they expect the glory of the Lord to return because they have put in their time and sat under Pentecostal preaching for years. God’s power has never interfered before with their plans to build ministries.
But God’s glory will only return with and to those who have the spiritual authority to receive it. Their authority is based on two things: a divine WISDOM that understands why adversity is sent our way and a divine REVELATION that comprehends how God’s purposes unfold. The glory will only return to those who have received the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” and know full well the hope of their calling. (Eph. 1:17-19) They know that the return of God’s glory is not to a man, movement or ministry but to God in His Temple, His People, His Body.
Although David’s heart was wise for he had learned in tribulation to “bless the Lord at all times,” he lacked the revelation as to how the ark was to return. And so David returned to Jerusalem to gain this understanding.
IV. THE ANOINTING OF GLORY
1. The Ark Returned
It wasn’t until David prepared a new, separate, unveiled tabernacle for the ark (I Chron. 15:1); agreed to accompany the Levite priests who carried it on their shoulders (I Chron. 15:2); and made sacrifice of oxen after every sixth step of the priests (I Sam. 6:13); that the ark was actually returned to Jerusalem. The house prepared speaks about God preparing a people fashioned into a “holy habitation” where God can be revealed.
Just as David, the king, accompanied the priests, these people now being prepared are called by the Apostle John: KINGS and PRIESTS, for their ministry is UNTO HIM. They worship HIM in spirit and in truth. They are called to witness unto HIM. And just as God’s glory was unveiled for David and the priests on that day, so to shall God’s glory rest on the saints of God in this final hour. Jesus even prayed, “the glory which thou gavest me I have given them,” (Jn. 17:22) for “He shall come to be glorified in His saints.” (I Thes. 1:10) They are called to be glorified because the Spirit of Christ is in them: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27)
The Levites took only six steps then offered the blood sacrifice of a beast of burden. They took no seventh step for this was reserved for the Lord Himself as He walked in them. Even as the Lord rested on the seventh day, so too are we called to enter into His rest by the blood of the Lamb. His rest is the glory of the Lord. Entering into His rest means He now bears our burden. All labor and struggle is ended so that Christ can fully possess us. No more steps forward. Just an end to self. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ that liveth in me.” (Gal. 2:20) But how can we gain access to this rest, this glory? By simple faith in the shed blood of Him who bears our burdens.
2. David and Michal
David accompanied the journey of the ark’s return to Jerusalem with praise, song and dance, wearing a robe and a linen vest usually worn by the High Priest. A comparison of the same account in II Samuel and I Chronicles suggests that David apparently danced with all his might to the point that he disrobed himself and was covered only with this vest wrapped around his waist. Although pleasing to the Lord, this act was not taken lightly by David’s wife, Michal. In fact she despised him in her heart and accused him of uncovering himself shamelessly before the handmaidens.
The unfortunate result was that Michal was made barren from that point on. By rights her offspring would have been heir to David’s throne as she was Saul’s daughter. But she had not submitted to the tribulation of a wilderness journey, and consequently did not have nor appreciate whole hearted praise and worship of the Lord. In this therefore, was she judged and made barren.
In sharp contrast however, we see David of whom Nathan prophesied, “thy seed…..shall build a house for my name and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father and he shall be my Son.” (I Sam. 7:12-14) David’s son and successor, Solomon did build the temple to house the ark and the glory of the Lord did fill that temple. (2 Chron. 7:1-5) But the promise extended beyond David’s immediate progeny, for Christ Himself would be born of David’s lineage.
Matthew’s first verse calls Him the son of David. He was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. When he healed the sick and cast out devils, the crowd called Him the son of David. (Mat. 12:23) Blind Bartimaeus was healed after he cried out to Jesus, the son of David. (Mat. 10:46-52) In Revelation 22:16 he even declares himself to be the root and offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.
The barrenness of Michal and fruitfulness of David speaks to us of our choices today. The apostle Paul wrote, “I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” (Gal. 4:19) Just as Christ came from the root, an offspring of David in the natural, so too is the promise that Christ come forth in and through us spiritually. Paul’s birthing of Christ is preceded by travail. There will be no birth unless there is travail. There must be a submission to God in adversity, in tribulation, in the wilderness experiences of life so that the fruit of the Spirit can be reproduced in us. Jesus is the fruit of the Spirit. The theology of escape-ism will always produce a barren soul that despises true praise and worship. But a “contrite heart and a broken spirit” (Ps. 51:17) is the fertile ground upon which God will establish His throne forever.
3. Three Hills in Jerusalem
The ark’s re-entry into Jerusalem is marked with a strange perplexity. It was not returned to the Levites’ tabernacle according to the commandment of Moses on Mount Moriah.
Now Jerusalem is geographically marked with three mountains. The first is the lowest called Mount Ophel. David built his palace on this broad based hill and the masses lived on its gentle slopes. It speaks of a common order of dwelling. We all share the same sinful nature. Even the kings among us will some day die as a result of sin.
The second highest peak was called Mount Moriah where the tabernacle of Moses was set up. It was here that Abraham was instructed to offer up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Though prevented by God himself, the like figure speaks to us of the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus. All of Jerusalem came to Moriah’s tabernacle to receive the forgiveness of sins and peach with God by the sacrifice of animals. So too, our acceptance of Christ’s shed blood on Calvary, the sacrificial Lamb of God, cleanses us from sin and brings us into fellowship with Him. But as glorious as this tabernacle was, it only provided the promise that the curse of death would be broken. It did not provide the reality of an endless life in the here and now. Our acceptance of Christ as Savior, like Moriah, affords us the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. But the promise is by faith, as yet unseen.
And so it was that David took the ark to the highest mountain in Jerusalem, Mount Zion. From this pinnacle the glory of the Lord could be seen for miles around. The ministry of Mount Moriah was surpassed by a higher order, a greater covenant. The promise of an endless life had been given in covenant with one who predated Moses and his ancestor Abraham. David took the ark to Mount Zion to re-establish the order of Melchizedek, the royal priest who walked in the power of an endless life. (Ps. 110:14)
4. Melchizedek
Now consider this man Melchizedek. Abraham met him returning from battle and gave tithe unto him. (Gen. 14:18) He was without father, without mother, having neither beginning of day nor end of life. (Heb. 7:3) His walk with God had ushered him into timelessness. He was called the King of Salem. (Heb. 7:2) Salem means peace, hence he was the “King of Peace.” His successor would therefore be called the “Prince of Peace” over Jeru-Salem, the city of peace. But Melchizedek was much more than a king. He is also called “Priest of the Most High God.” No one before him had been king and priest. The Levitical order of Moses and Abraham established on Mount Moriah produced no one who was both king and priest. Kings were kings and priests were priests. How could anyone govern people and yet truly minister to the Lord. Not only minister to Him but be a high priest. That means God’s closest confidant and friend is also established as king over God’s people. The most reknown men of all history have laid claim to this; the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Ceasars of Rome, Emperors of China and Japan. Even individuals like Nebuchadnezzar, Napoleon or Khomeni claimed to be God’s man of power for the hour. But they have all faded away with time, thus proving their claim counterfeit. No one could be both unless they were sinless and immortal. By setting the ark to rest on Mount Zion, David has once and for all enthroned the Lord Himself as both King and Priest over His people, after the order of Melchizedek.
5. A Light in Zion
The indescribable glory of the Lord was evidenced by all the nations on Earth in Mount Zion. David describes this blessed event in a multitude of Psalms.
A few are listed below.
- Great is the Lord….in the mountains of His holiness……The joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king. God is known in her palaces as a refuge….The kings were assembled, they passed by together……They saw it and so they marveled…….They were troubled and hasted away. (Ps. 48: 1-5)
- Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shinned. (Ps. 50:2)
- In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion…….thou art more glorious than the mountains. (Ps. 76:2 & 4)
- The Lord shall send the rod of they strength out of Zion; rule thou in the midst of thine enemies……..Thou art forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Ps. 110:2 & 4)
- The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. (Ps. 98:2)
- The Lord reigneth…….he sitteth between the cherubim……….the Lord is great in Zion. (Ps. 99:1 & 2)
- When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in glory. (Ps. 102:16)
- O Lord thou art great…….who coverest thyself with Light as with a garment. (Ps. 104:1 & 2)
- The Lord reigneth, a fire goeth before Him and burneth up His enemies round about. His lightning enlighteneth the world, the earth saw and trembled…….all the people see His glory. Zion heard and was glad. Light is sown for righteousness. (Ps. 97)
These and ALL 150 Psalms were written for and sung to the Lord God Jehovah as He ruled out of Zion. The glory the Lord shinned out of Zion all 33 years David was king of Israel. Likewise, Jesus was the expressed glory of God on earth for 33 years. As David re-established the king-priest ministry, so too is Christ the King of Kings and a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb. 5:5 & 6)
V. The Glory Returns
1. The Tabernacle of David
After David’s death, his son Solomon reigned as king. But Solomon built the Lord’s temple on Mount Moriah, removed the ark from Zion to his temple and strengthened the Levitical order. Once again the glory of the Lord was veiled – out of sight. The Lord no longer reigned supreme. Succeeding generations began to stray from God’s purpose and plan. Civil war left the nation divided into Judah and Israel again. Worldly influences from other nations gradually and ultimately resulted in a corrupted people. Untold kings and priests struggled to retain their power and it seemed each succeeding generation grew more wicked. Finally a great king, Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon, took for himself captives of the best of these two nations. The glory of the Lord had long since departed as this great king lay waste Jerusalem, burned the temple and destroyed the ark.
But throughout these times of judgment, God was not without a voice. In every generation He raised up someone, a remnant whose loyalties lay exclusively to Him. Their message was a cry to return to the God of David. Over and over they prophesied that God would return and rebuild the tabernacle of David and Mount Zion. Elijah’s friend, Obadiah, prophesied during the wicked reign of Ahab and Jezebel:
“Saviors shall come upon Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau (Gentiles), and the kingdom shall be the Lords.” (Ob. 21 with I Kings 18:3)
Amos prophesied of the coming Babylonian captivity but ended:
“I will raise up again the fallen tabernacle of David……that they may possess the remnant of Edom (the descendants of Esau) and all the heathen which are called by my name saith the Lord that doeth this.” (Amos 9:11 & 12)
The tabernacle of David will be rebuilt. Zion’s glory will possess, as Amos describes, those called by HIS NAME. These are, of course, Christians for they bear the name of Christ Himself. In fact these shall come forth as Saviors.
The prophet Zechariah returned from Babylon with a great company of Jews to rebuild the temple and believe for a return of glory of the tabernacle of David. But Zechariah was given a vision and a strong word to share with his fellow laborers. The Lord told him and showed him that He would rebuild the temple Himself. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6)
Since that time there have been many captivities and many returns to rebuild the temple. But no glory has or ever will return to a man made temple. The glory shall posses the remnant and the heathen called by His name (as Amos said). No wonder the Apostle James declared in Acts 15:16 that Amos’ prophesy was being fulfilled when the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles. We are that temple of the Holy Ghost (I Cor. 3:16) in whom and upon whom the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. (Isa. 60:2)
God has called every blood-bought, born-again, Spirit filled believer to come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:13) That you go in and out no more but be a pillar in the temple of your God. (Rev. 3:12) He has called and chosen you and I to be Kings and Priests unto Him. (Rev. 1:6) He has chosen us to be the revealing of the Lord in our life time. (I Thes. 1:10) “The Lord shall arise upon thee and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isa. 60:1, 2) In this, beloved, “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” (Isa. 40:5)
2. Eternal Life Now
Like Melchizedek, we are called to walk in resurrection life power, in the here and now; to enter into eternal life now, to receive everlasting life now; not just the promise, by faith, some day in the great by and by – but HERE and NOW.
Jesus said, “I AM the resurrection and the life…..he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (Jn. 11:25) He didn’t say only if you are dead, yet shall you live. He said even though you might be one of the ones who die, you too can enter into resurrection life. But it is clear that this promise of Resurrection Life, eternal life is for “he that believeth” and not just for “he that believeth yet is dead.” In fact verse 26 states, “whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall NEVER die.”
Jesus walked in this Resurrection life. Speaking of His life, He said, “I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again.” (Jn. 10:18) No one killed, murdered or assassinated Jesus. He laid his life down willingly. His blood wasn’t spilled, it was shed! His resurrection from the dead was proof that He had entered into “the power of an endless life” after the order of Melchizedek. Even Paul walked in resurrection life for he says he was in deaths oft or died many times. (2 Cor. 11:23) To the Philippians he even confessed that he was caught in indecision. He said he wanted to go home to be with the Lord, he wanted to die. But because they had need of him, of his mighty working as an apostle, he decided to stay for their sakes. If he was executed, stoned (2 Cor. 11:25), or thrown to ferocious beasts (I Cor. 15:22), he just got up after it was all over and went about his business preaching and teaching the Good News of the “Resurrection Life” in Christ.
No wonder He taught us to pray “thine is the Kingdom (authority), the Power and the Glory!” These three anointings, the power, authority and glory are described in picture and allegory in the life of David. They are revealed in the life of Jesus and they are manifest in you and I, the believers, the saints. These three anointings are the fullness of God. This is the “Rest” spoken by the writer of Hebrews. He goes on, “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Heb. 4:9) For “We are come unto Mount Zion and unto the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…..and to God, the judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” (Heb. 12:22 & 23) Thus we, “are built up (to) a spiritual house,…..in Zion, a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood (kings and priests), a holy nation that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous Light!” (I Pet. 2:5-9)
3. Conclusion
God is calling forth a people in this hour to return to Zion. The power, the authority and the glory of the Lord will be revealed in them, through them and upon them. These shall walk in resurrection life, eternal life, in the here and now. Like Jesus and Paul, they shall walk in timelessness for they shall inherit immortality in their life time. The fire of God’s glory shall purge the dross of their sinful natures and they shall receive the divine nature. This is the righteous remnant, the redeemed of the Lord, that shall return unto Zion. These shall possess the fullness of God to be revealed at the end of this present age. These are the Sons of God. These are kings and priests to the Most High, a Royal Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
This is the Body of Christ, God’s expression on earth. This Body is to come forth to be revealed in glory as the ark was when returned to Zion. These shall rule the nations with a rod of iron. These shall walk in oneness with God Himself. He who “fills all in all” shall rule and reign supreme on the earth, for He shall rule in them and through them.
Beloved, you have been called to walk in this promise. Press in to receive all that God has for you “that your joy may be full.” The hour is short and this present day draws to a close. “He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Seek Him for the abundance. Seek Him for “Life Abundantly.” “He will do exceedingly above all that you ask or think.” He is your portion, your inheritance, your life. He is come to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS.
In Revelation 14, John records a multitude of 144,000. These stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They speak not their own words for their sound is the same as that of Jesus; “the voice of many waters.” (Rev. 1:15 & Rev. 14:2) Unlike the company of 144,000 recorded in Revelation 7 who were gathered from the twelve tribes of Israel, these are redeemed from the entire earth. (Rev. 14:3)
Many believe this to be a literal number. But this is a spiritual book written for those with spiritual understanding. The message throughout this book is, “To him that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
This 144,000 is a spiritual number for it describes those who have returned to Zion. The number is understood as it is 12 x 12 x 1,000. In the Bible, 12 has a dual meaning. It speaks of authority for there were 12 tribes of Israel by which God’s people were governed. Christ also chose 12 apostles. The number 1,000 speaks of a dispensation when God’s divine power will be manifest throughout the earth. Hence these 144,000 are the redeemed of the Lord who are crowned with the divine glory of Zion. They walk in apostolic power and authority as they rule and reign with Him 1,000 years on the earth. This is the manifestation of the Sons of God. These are ONE with God!
God has called you to number among those in Zion on that day. Open your heart and believe for ALL that He has prepared for you!
Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)