GO WHERE IT IS HAPPENING

MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2022

Luke Chapter two tells us about the story of Jesus' birth and how an angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds living out in the nearby fields, while they kept watch over their flocks at night. As the glory of the Lord shone around them, the shepherds were terrified but the angel of the Lord assured them not to be afraid because they brought them a special good news that would initiate a lasting joy for all people. Shortly after delivering the message to the Shepherds, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel of the Lord, and kept praising God. When the myriads of angels left them and went into heaven, the shepherds advised one another and quickly, they left and hurried off to locate where it happened.

Reference: Luke 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV) 'When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."'

Without delay, the shepherds left to meet the Son of God, the Saviour, the Lord and King of kings. When they saw Him, they spread the word concerning what they were told about Him, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they heard and saw, which were just as they were told. From then onwards, they kept spreading the news, and I can confidently surmise that everything changed for good and their lives never remained the same again.

Today, where does the Lord mainly command His blessings on His people? The answer is found in Psalm 122:1 (21st Century King James Version), where King David said: I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord." This was the kind of instruction or invitation that gladdened the heart of David. As a King, he was so delighted in seeing the people of God coming together as one family to worship in the house of the Lord. He encouraged the love for God and continual worship in His house, as the focal point of loyalty toward God, as well as the empowering basis of his nation's political success.

Beloved, the Bible says, "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25 BSB). Why? This is because a lot happens in the midst of God's people, when they gather to worship. In a nutshell, the miraculous is the latest trend in every true and sacred house of God. No wonder Psalm 133:1-3 (NKJV) says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing - Life forevermore."

What is the significance of oil on Aaron's beard? It denotes Aaronic blessings, which can spread from one person to another; the transfer multiplies and the blessing endures. When the precious oil was sprinkled on Aaron to anoint him, it ran down his beard, until it dripped on the edge of his garments, thereby refracting the warmth of God's favour and turning into tangible blessings over time. Today, when the saints gather, the oil, which is symbolic of the anointing of the Holy Ghost, oozes in a rapid and plentiful stream, loosening people's heavy burdens and dispelling all the speckles of strong-willed rust, representing any mark of disgrace, as well as hearts hardened by sin's deceitfulness. The oil eliminates stubborn doubts and corrosive unbelief in the minds of the saints, as they receive the Word.

Brethren dwelling in unity which is likened to precious oil running down Aaron's beard also represents consecration, and it's the Greek word, "hagiasmos." According to Leviticus 8:28-30 (KJV), after Moses made the ordination-offerings, which were a gift and pleasing fragrance to God, he took the anointing oil and sprinkled it on Aaron and his garments, as well as his sons and their garments, in order to consecrate them. In this context, hagiasmos is the process of making or becoming Holy, set apart, sanctified or consecrated and in the process, sanctification of heart and life is actualized, which also leads to the Greek terminology, "hagiazo", indicating - being regarded as peculiar or the state of purity. In line with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Hagiazo (purification) is also translated as a Hebrew idiom or expression, observed by the Jewish religion, culture, or tradition.

Beloved do not forsake the gathering of God's people or take church meetings for granted, for there, the Lord commands the blessing and consecrates His people - Life forevermore. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:5; Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 3:13; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:19-25.

Exuberant Declaration: Dear Father in heaven, it is wonderful to think of your extensive and rewarding preparation for your people as they gather to praise and worship you with all gladness of heart, which is for your glory and their lasting benefits. Therefore, I acknowledge that your presence among your people is supreme in importance because in the community of your people, you command your blessings in a special way. Thank you Lord for the zeal and inspiration to always anticipate the miraculous and receive the best from you, anytime I worship in your presence in Jesus' Name, Amen!