At this time of year when many are reflecting on the birth of Jesus, I like to take a closer look at the story in the first few chapters of Luke’s Gospel. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is fascinating, yet on this episode of the Presence Pioneers podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network, what also sticks out to me are the other Bible characters involved in the story of His first coming.
When God chose to manifest His promise on the earth, He chose to partner with people like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Anna and Simeon to bring forth the Messiah. This is the pattern throughout history. God always brings His kingdom to earth in partnership with humanity.
Just as there were “forerunners” who partnered with God and prepared the way for the first coming of Jesus, God is raising up forerunners who will prepare the way for His return. As we near the second coming of Christ, God is wanting to raise up prophetic voices who speak and sing God’s word with accuracy, power and clarity in this hour of history.⠀
The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isa. 40:3).
The voices that will carry true kingdom authority are the forerunners forged in the wilderness of prayer, fasting, humility, consecration, serving and hiddenness. Many want the voice without the wilderness.⠀
The wilderness is a time of preparation before entering the fullness of your destiny. David was chased by Saul in the wilderness. Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years before entering the promised land. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before launching his public ministry. The wilderness seasons cultivate humility and dependence on God in the secret place of prayer and fasting.
God is preparing the bride of Christ for His return. Before Jesus comes again, the Holy Spirit will raise forerunners out of the “wilderness” of a hidden life in God who become the prophetic messengers for God’s heart and purposes in their generation.
Because God always brings His kingdom to earth in partnership with humanity.
Discover the importance of these supporting characters—listen to Presence Pioneers now. {eoa}
