Prophetic Themes
Peter Gross
April 3, 2009
In 1997, the Lord revealed to me the keys to the anointings. There is an article on these keys on etpv website (23 December, 2007). Also, there is a booklet on these keys on upstream ministries website. I provided the reader with a somewhat abstract interpretation of sections of Zechariah and Malachi, which contain the keys. However, I could not be all that specific about some passages because the Lord has not put the keys into service just yet. I believe that these keys will come into play further into the end-times.
The first key is Zech 10:1(HCSB) 1 Ask the LORD for rain in the season of spring rain. The LORD makes the rain clouds, and He will give them showers of rain and crops in the field for everyone.
Here, rain represents anointing. Just like rain, the anointing is life-giving. If we desire to flow with the anointing, we need to ask God for the anointing. In Bobby Conner's CD series, "Keys To The Anointing," he shares his experiences going to Pentecostal churches to receive the anointing. At one church, a person told him to "let go," then another person told him to "hold on." He didn't know what to do, so he looked to the Lord, the Anointed One. The Lord said, "I have been waiting for you to ask me for the anointing," or something like that. This was a wonderful confirmation of this key. However, further into the end-times, the Lord will not pour out His anointing on churches just because they ask for it. I believe that there will be a true bride and a false bride, but only the true bride will receive God's anointing. It is interesting to note that, in parts of Israel, one town may receive rainfall, but another town that is in close proximity to the first town may not receive rainfall. This is where the other keys come into play; one church may receive the anointing, but another church in the same street as the first church may not receive the anointing. For instance, the second key is, "The Two Shepherds."
Underscoring this key is Zech 10:3 3 My anger burns against the shepherds, so I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts has tended His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His majestic steed in battle.
There will be 2 shepherds during the end-times. First, the Lord is the good shepherd, and second, Satan is the bad shepherd. The true church will follow the Lord, whereas the false church will be deceived into following Satan. The Lord will not pour out His anointing on a church with 'bad' leaders. As we go further into the end-times, there will be a polarization of leaders in churches.
I was interested to read, "The Closing Of The Gates Of Grace," Maurice Sklar, etpv, Mar 30, 2009, because the third key is, "The Grace Of The Lord."
Underscoring this key is Zech 12:10 10 Then I will pour out a spirit of grace (and prayer) on the house of David and the residents of Jerusalem, and they will look at Me whom they pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly for Him as one weeps for a firstborn. I have put brackets around "prayer" because "the spirit of supplication"(NKJV) is the fourth key. It is only by grace that we receive anointings. God's grace will be withheld from the false church, so she will not receive anointings, or perhaps she will receive counterfeit anointings that will cause her to become 'drunk.' This anointing may enable people, including Jewish people, to see that Jesus is the Messiah. Rev 3:18 mentions an "eye ointment."
I was also interested to read, "Beauty And Bands," Michael Russo, etpv, Mar 31, 2009, because Zech 11:7 mentions 2 staves: one was called "Beauty" (KJV) and the other was called "Bands." Although I did not go into details about Zech 11 in the booklet, my understanding was that the Lord will divide Beauty so that "divine blessing" (Boda, 2004, p. 463), or anointing, will not flow into the false church. The Lord will divide Bands so that there will be division between the true church and the false church. I remember saying to an anointed friend that, "God will divide the church into the anointed church and the unanointed church." He did not like the idea of separation in the church. Rom 16:17 implores the church to watch out for those who cause division in the church. But when I explained that the true church will have to be separated from the false church, he felt an anointing come upon him and he said, "There's anointing on that." In his article, Michael viewed "Beauty" as goods.
Indeed, Zech 11: 10-11 (HCSB) reads 10 Next I took my staff called Favor and cut it in two, annulling the covenant I had made with all the peoples. 11 It was annulled on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me knew that it was the word of the LORD. In an abstract (analogical) rather than a natural (logical) sense, this means that the Lord, who will care for the afflicted of the flock (the remnant that will be persecuted by the false church), will separate His flock (the true church) from the false church, and His flock (the anointed) will understand that it is God's will that there be separation in the church. The Lord said that he will bring division in Luke 12:51. Although Verse 10 refers to the covenant "made with all the peoples," Verse 11 refers to "the flock." In other words, there will be division in the church, the blessing will be divided, just like cutting a staff in two--note that this is a sign-act.
The Lord gave me a decree several years ago: "My people shall be an anointed people," which parallels Ps 28:8 8 The LORD is the strength of His people; He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. Further, Ps 28:9, 9 Save Your people, bless Your possession, shepherd them, and carry them forever. parallels Zech 11:7 7 So I shepherded the flock intended for slaughter, the afflicted of the flock. I took two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock.
Regarding the other staff, Zech 11:14 reads 14 Then I cut in two my second staff, Union, annulling the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. So, there will not be unity between the true church and the false church. Rather, the false church will persecute the true church. Verse 14 also describes a sign-act. The annulling of brotherhood can be seen in Mal 1:2-3 2 "I have loved you," says the LORD. But you ask: "How have You loved us?" "Wasn't Esau Jacob's brother?" /This is/ the LORD's declaration. "Even so, I loved Jacob, 3 but I hated Esau. I turned his mountains into a wasteland, and /gave/ his inheritance to the desert jackals." Here, the true church is represented by Jacob and the false church is represented by Esau. Boda (p. 463) comments that the sign-act in Zech 11:14, "...affects the issue of the inheritance of the land" and Esau sold his birthright. The true church, not the false church, will inherit the land. In his article, Michael viewed "Bands" as unity. In his article, there was a relationship between Beauty and Bands--that unity that is based on goods is false unity. My view is that unity that is based on anointing is true unity. I am not trying to read things into the texts, I am simply pointing to abstract or analogical relations in the texts.
I thought I would cast my net out further and I decided to look for themes concerning the anointing and leadership in other articles that were in the same batch (31 March) on etpv.
1. Hidden Oil by Andy Sanders And Bill Yount
"This hidden oil is for you," says the Lord. "Do not be afraid to allow this oil to touch every area of your life. I am going to heal and restore you to get you positioned and ready for the next moment I have ordained for your life." "For there is a new season coming; a season of the revelation of my oil," says the Lord. "I am going to stop up some of the enemy's paths. I am going to confuse the enemy both coming and going. I will also humiliate the oppressor and accuser that have risen up against my children."
2. From Glory To Glory by Eva Marsee
Then last Tuesday night as I went into prayer an anointing came over me that I have never experienced before. The anointing has stayed several days now. I can feel it on my skin as though my skin is being changed from physical to spirit. There is a preparation for the LORD's return as the ten virgins had oil but five had extra oil in their lamps. Remember also that it wasn't the oil that Jesus was looking for but the fire on the virgins lamps. You have to have oil to have fire but some may have oil and not fire as well. You have to have fire. Fire brings light and glory. The LORD has also been telling me there are three things He is releasing on His bride and it is the verse at the end of the LORD's prayer. for thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever. There are anointings with each of these and He is releasing them now on His bride.
3. The Unashamed Bride of Christ by Richard Justman
But the "Bride of Christ" under false leadership has become so culturally compliant and cowardly that many of them that think they are going with the bride groom when he comes are going to be sadly surprised to find out they are probably going to be left behind as the foolish virgins mentioned in the parable of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins.
4. Where Eagles Gather by Shanna George
We are the elect if we are in Him, He called the church to be the elect, but because of the false prophets and teachers that are leading many in the church astray, they are not going to be where the Lord wants them they will not be prepared, their mind will be on things of this world. Thee Lord said not to love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world the love of the Father is not in you.
5. The Cross Of The Church At The End Of The Age by Vern Kuenzi
Those are the few years of the last lap of the battle between good and evil, and it takes place on earth between the antichrist system and the saints of God who believe in Jesus Christ.
6. The Silent Cry by Cheryl Johnson
I also got a sense that within this large group, there were various smaller groups of people who were responding differently to this cry within them. 1. Some were standing in a place of brokenness and humility sincerely seeking to know God.
2. Others were agreeing with the cry, but only with their lips and not with their hearts.
3. Others were wrestling with this cry because of an unholy fear based upon a carnal and incorrect understanding of God.
4. A fourth group had decided to ignore the cry altogether however, because they had decided that they already knew who God was. I then knew that God's response to each group would differ.
7. Who Was That Masked Man by Bill Somers
If Joshua knows him, why does he ask him, whose side are you on? There are two ways to answer this. One speaks of division in the church where the denominations are at war with each other. [Civil War in the Church] So the question becomes what denomination are you with? And the Lord's answer, Nay, but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come, is a way of saying I'm not here to take sides, I'm here to take over. It is also a way of saying I'm not for any denomination, I'm here to take charge and eliminate the denominations to bring my body into unity. Two is the idea that God's judgments against his own house will be severe like they were against Jerusalem in David's time. This will be to the point where we will wonder if in fact God is for us or against us.
8. Visions For The Church by Kathleen Pirl
I am engaging a change of leadership. I am rearranging the alignments of ministries to strengthen the backbone of my church.
9. Abusive Spirits In The Church by David Walters
Christians who commit to these kinds of churches are putting themselves under a controlling and legalistic spirit. False Shepherds love to abuse the sheep and rob them of their birthright. They intimidate their church members by keeping them prisoners. Fortunately not all churches operate this way, but many do, otherwise Kathie would not have to set so many hundreds of beaten down saints free. The true church is not like that at all; First it is organic, rather than political or ecclesiastical. It's spiritual life dwells in a living Body, not in church buildings, denominations, programs, man made empires and the elitist's spirit. It is not to be run by "Kingdom Builders," men or women who want to build their own religious kingdom rather than participating in building the Body of Christ as true servants. It is not controlled by a hierarchy of bishops or elders, prophets, pastors or Popes, but by the spirit of God. You were not created to be beaten up by religious demons. You were not created to have your inheritance stolen from you. So go where you will be appreciated and loved. Find that body of believers who will encourage you to operate in your gifts and fulfill your potential.
10. Demented, Delusional, Disastrous, Demonic by David Heimbold
The Remnant on the Good side got distracted by the love of money! While the Contest was going on, they were filling their Barns with Stuff. They could care less about the Holocaust going on within their own Country. Their Shepherds, day and night, were not fighting the "Good Fight", but were preaching Materialism, Selfishness, and Death of the spirit i.e. the Prosperity Message. "Lo, and Behold! Do I see an Impostor in the Sanctuary of your heart? Has a usurper moved into the Temple with his stuff? Have I been dethroned from your heart by another who promises to give you the Kingdom? Was it not I who have sustained your life and has given you every breath? And now you have abandoned Me when another has promised you the Moon? All prophecy is essentially political. It is Kingdom against kingdom. Right against wrong. Good against bad. Blessing or cursing. God calls the Prophets to WARN against certain destruction; not to pour soothing oil over your wounds; but to put the fear of the Lord in your stony hearts. The Prophet speaks the Word of Judgment, Warning, and ultimate Deliverance. "Believe God, repent and turn from your evil ways and you will live; disobey the Lord and His statutes and in your stubbornness you will die".
11. The Angel, The Sword And The Catch Net Of Light by Dieter Beständig
There were also other Christians who were under the catch net. They had also the possibility to reach the other side of the flashing sword, if they were ready to bend down and move in a stooped position under it, in order to go through. But they were too big, bloated and too proud. They could not bend down, because it was unworthy of their position to bend. Thus they stopped before the sword of the angel. Over their heads hung the gigantic net which they could not see, because it was a catch net of light and delusion, while they were caught by erroneous perversions and corruptions of the word of GOD without them sensing it. Several of the people standing in the foreground, looked like princes and kings who were aware of their dignity and of their stature. They gave to themselves & each other honor and accepted each others gifts. I saw those prophets, like they stepped with incense vessels before the princes, kings and their followers and they flattered them with false prophecies. Intoxicated from the incense and the fragrance coming from it, a sweet heaviness fell on these people and they could hardly stand and swayed forth and back. Erroneously they thought it would be the Holy Spirit who touched them.
12. The Destiny of Nations by Catherine Brown
Malachi states, "Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the Lord Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." (Verses 1 and 2)
13. The Adoption Of Sons by Rosemary Ann LaVigne
There have been far too many messages sent out that bundle all of the Lord's people in one lump, and not all will be of those who will reap the blessings and great favor of God that is about to be made manifest. It will be those who have "chosen" to fear Him, and to follow the righteous ways of the Lord. Those who have chosen to walk in that narrow way that leads to life. This is a people that have willingly paid the price of rejection, misunderstandings and in suffering for His name's sake and that have been willing to sacrifice all for the gospel of Jesus Christ. A people of no reputation, a poor and afflicted people the prophet Zephaniah writes. The remnant of Israel (who are a part of the "one new" man that are in Christ that shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies. They will have no deceitful tongue in their mouth: for these shall lie down and none shall make them afraid. They are the poor and afflicted ones that the Lord shall leave in the midst of the people. These shall trust in the name of the Lord! Writing to you... It's very, very late to get right with God...I am sending this again with more added as the Lord for some days has been speaking to me to make plain what it means to be a wise virgin and not a foolish one...For as some have not taken the time to read and study out this word and it is a vital word to digest and to take Heed of NOW while it is still yet day and we can work openly. May we the Lord' people see perhaps there is little time to make preparations and to yet seek Him for that extra oil which is the "light and revelation of God." The extra oil that is needed to keep our lamps burning to be gathered into our VESSELS along with the oil in our lamps. The foolish virgins (seen as Christians) in our Lord's parable of the wise and foolish virgins-- ten in all. It is the custom for a Jewish wedding to take place in the evening at twilight and the beginning of the new day as their days in Israel start in the evening not like our day starts in the morning at DAY LIGHT. The foolish virgins did not take the time to gather extra oil in their VESSELS while there was yet time to do so. For as Jesus parable tells us of the wise and the foolish virgins that is found in Matthew 25:1-13. Please rehearse this parable of Jesus as it speaks ... will you? For when the Bridegroom came as that Cry was make at the MIDNIGHT HOUR--- The door was shut to them who were among the foolish virgin Christians. Just listened to it Nathan Leal's audio...and it was good and needed and heeded here as have seen this for many years...And unfortunately the messages have fallen on many deaf ears. There is a two fold truth dealing with the "rains"... and draught that is in the land that is allowed by our God...It is because of the sinning church that has not heeded to the message and call of and unto repentance and a turning to God in brokenness and humility...See 2 Chronicles 7:13-14... Verse 13 speaks of how God withholds the "rain" because of sin and Deuteronomy 11 tells us why...as God does not change...Eccl 1:9-10. It is because of not heeding to our God's ways that He sends the four sore judgments as he died to natural Israel that are found in Ezekiel chapter 14 and in what is the Lord shows us in Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26. Blessings IF we obey Him and the curses if we do not obey Him. Obeying Him brings the refreshing rain for our thirsty and land seen in this end time as the former and latter rains...See Joel 2:21-32
14. America, I AM the ONE by Beverly Juelsgaard Fischer
I alone am the One, who is with you through every trial, temptation, and tribulation. I alone, am the One who will protect you, guide you, and lead you in the days ahead. Look to no other. For, there are others who are rising up, who are false saviors. There are those who are rising up, who seek to win all to themselves, for they are not the One. They are not Me and well you and all those who seek Me should and will know, if you seek Me and no other as Lord of your lives.
15. The Kingdom Of God Not By Observation by Ian Johnson
Revival sees the Lord walking on streets of sapphire and goes up the mountain To worship, abandon ourselves and fellowship with the Lord. Religion sees the Lord walking on streets of sapphire and makes an idol. Lifts up a program or a leader or church and puts all our affections and energy into maintaining that idol.