(Edited and Re-titled)
Vision
In a vision last evening a man was shown sitting on a sofa. There was a rope dangling from the air; the top end so high, it could not be seen. He was grappling to hold onto the handle which was made of a solid substance. But it was let go and he slumped in defeat back on the sofa.
The Interpretation with a Word of Knowledge
While discussing this post in the comments section; it was realized that the person was attempting to climb higher in a way other than through the Door of the Sheepfold as preached by Apostle John in Chapter 10:1-18. John identified these people as robbers and thieves. In brief, the Pharisees.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (Jn. 10:1)
But who are the modern-day Pharisees? Many believe it is anyone who is religiously legalistic. While this is true, modern-day Pharisees can be anyone who self-righteously justify themselves and their fallen behaviors because they do not abide in the Lord’s Spirit of Truth and the Word of GOD. As I sat back and thought about that man’s predicament, the Word “Pride” was spoken!
Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit (Pride leads to a haughty spirit) before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (Prov. 16:18-20)
We are living in days when the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, is calling many to repentance and holiness. And it is such a blessing for those who will hearken to His call of elevation; to receive His corrections, guidance and comfort. The Lord is soon returning for a clean, spotless and holy Bride. And praise and thanks be to Jesus Christ (the Door/Jn.10:19) for paying the legal debt and making the Holy Spirit available to us through His finished works. Without Him (and the Word) continuously – daily – working in the minds and hearts of humble Believers; godly righteousness and purifying efforts would be a strenuous futile struggle….and would be Pharisee-like in nature.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is. (Holy, Pure, Righteous!) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 Jn. 3:3)
Recommended Reading and Links: The Warning of climbing any other way: 1 John 3:1-24 and the importance of Holiness: John 10:1-18
Keep the Faith, Onward and upward! Suzanne ❤ +
The path gets more steep, narrow, and risky as we climb towards righteousness. We look back, and worry about falling back into old habits & sins. We wrongly think ‘maybe I should just stay where I am now? Like Paul, we have learned to survive equally well, whether we are abased, or abound (Philippians 4:12). We have somewhat distinguished ourselves, as we occassionally hear a comment like “Oh, yes, you’re the Born Again Christians from…”. Surely this is proof positive of our efforts and results?
No, it’s not good enough. Our God is “holy, holy, holy” (Rev 4:8-11). We need to be fully purified before we enter Heaven, to be in the eternal presence of our God. We must burn off all the stubble, willingly go into the fire of affliction three to 7 times to purify us as God’s silver & gold.
We must continue to climp higher, to hate sin in the same way that God hates sin. We must protect our eyes & ears from experiencing evil. We must keep our thoughts pure, as we continue to climb higher, to be with our God.
God bless!
A good point, Glenn. If this was the reason for this person not being able to grab the handle and slumping back into comfortable old patterns or sin, I pray that the Lord will bring it to his attention.
A thought that just came to mind is: is that one attempting to climb ‘another way’ than through the Door of the sheepfold? (Jn. 10:1-18) Perhaps. In these verses, John was pointing to the Pharisees. But who are the modern-day Pharisees? Many believe it is anyone who is religiously legalistic. While this is true, modern-day Pharisees can be anyone who self-righteously justify themselves and their behaviors because they do not abide in the Spirit of Truth and the Word of GOD. As I sat back and thought about that person, the Word “Pride” was spoken.!
Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (Prov. 16:18-20)
So it appears I need to update this post.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Suzanne