Tag Archives: Mature Bride

How the Spirit of Understanding Reveals Profound Unfulfilled Prophecies Related to the Fall Feasts of the Lord

Did you know God gave us a blueprint of His prophetic calendar of redemption for mankind––from the ending to the beginning? It is all mysteriously hidden in the seven feasts of the Lord laid out for the Jewish people at their beginning. We can know our future in detail when we search for these hidden treasures by looking at our biblical past. The first four feasts have been fulfilled, so we will look more closely at the fall feasts of the Lord yet to be fulfilled.

This sixth article about the Spirit of Understanding is in the series, 7 Spirits of the Lord.  The Lamb of God on the throne is pouring out His Spirit on mankind around the world today (Rev. 5: 6).

“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him (Jesus) The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2).

“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound [who UNDERSTAND and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts]; they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance! “In Your name they rejoice all the day, and in Your righteousness they are exalted” (Psalm 89:15-16 Amplified).

The Spirit of Understanding spoke to Zechariah about these last days when he said, “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:23 NKJV).

Research for this article comes from five wise Jewish rabbis who agree on their knowledge and understanding of the feasts.

I was astounded at what I learned, and I believe you will be, too.

How the Spirit of Understanding Reveals Fall Feasts of the Lord
Photo Credit: patjesseecreations.com – Pat Jessee’s story is in my book, GOD Who Are You? AND Who Am I?

What are the Feasts of the Lord?

Leviticus 23 lays out in detail the seven feasts of the Lord. He says, “You shall proclaim these to be holy convocations, these are MY FEASTS!” Furthermore, He says they are to be a statute FOREVER throughout your generations.

These seven feasts are divinely ordained appointments WITH God, “appointed times” (móed) when God meets with His people, a holiday when God shows up! Why would He not show up for His own appointed feast holidays? And why should we not care about them AND JOIN HIM?

For simplification, I’ve put all seven feasts on a one-page pdf file for you with dates on the Jewish Calendar >> 7 Feasts of the Lord, God’s Prophetic Calendar of Redemption

The Psalm 89 Scripture above tells us we are blessed, favored and filled with God’s light in His presence when we understand and appreciate the feasts of the Lord. So, grab a cup of hot tea of coffee and give this very important information fifteen minutes of your time. Stay to the end for an recent ancient discovery that will astound you!

How are the Seven Feasts Divided?

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn explains the big picture well: “The sacred Hebrew year has two cycles or clusters of holy days, the spring cycle and the autumn cycle. And in each cycle, the holidays are joined together not only in their timing but in their themes.

“The theme of the spring cycle is the beginning, salvation, freedom, rebirth, new life, Passover and the Lamb.

“The autumn theme is about the ending and closing up of that which began in the spring.

If the spring cycle speaks of the beginning and Messiah’s first coming, then the autumn cycle would speak of His second comingand the end. The END OF HARVEST, the RETURN, the sounding of the TRUMPETS, the REGATHERING, the REPENTANCE, man and God FACE-TO-FACE, the JUDGMENT, the REDEMPTION the KINGDOM OF GOD, and all things returning to Him…THE CLOSING.”[i]

What are the Three Spring Feasts of Israel?

The major Festivals (or feasts) in the Jewish New Year are when, in ancient times, the people were required to make pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem. Following is a summary of the spring feasts, plus Pentecost 50 days later – all fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming. All the feasts reveal JESUS!

SPRING FEASTS – FIRST COMING OF THE LAMB OF GOD (JESUS/YESHUA)

PASSOVER (three feasts in one) 14, 15, 16 of Nisan (Mar – Apr)

  1. DEATH – Passover Day recalls when the death angel passed over because of the blood of the lamb on the doorposts of Israelites in Egypt at Exodus. 14 Nisan
  2. BURIAL – Feast of Unleavened Bread – to commemorate the bread the Israelites took with them at the Exodus. 15 Nisan
  3. RESURRECTION – Feast of Firstfruits – Jesus conquered death and arose from the grave on this third day of Passover. He is the first from death and hell; believers in Him are next who will also be resurrected. 16 Nisan

Tomb of the Risen Savior

PLUS the Feast of PENTECOST – 50 days after FirstFruits of Passover – Jesus sent Holy Spirit to take His place on planet Earth after His Resurrection for all who will receive. 6-7 Sivan (May-June)

Notice how the dates are EXACT dates in the month of Nisan (Mar – Apr), three days in a row, that coincided with Jesus DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION!

What are the Fall Feasts of the Lord?

FALL FEASTS – SECOND COMING OF LION KING JESUS OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH – (Sept-Oct)

Here is a summary of the three fall feasts of the Lord that will be fulfilled at Jesus’ second coming: at the rapture and after the tribulation extending into the messianic millennial period. Next we will look at each more closely:

  1. RAPTUREFeast of TRUMPETS (Rosh HaShanah) The Jewish New Year, 1 Tishrei

The growing season is over and the HARVEST is in the barn. The previous month is the most important month in their year. It is spent in fasting, prayer and repentance to be prepared for Rosh HaShanah.

  1. WEDDING DAYFeast of YOM KIPPUR (Day of Atonement – At-one-ment) 10 Tishrei Considered the most solemn and important day in the biblical calendar. Sin was merely covered by blood of bulls and goats. The blood of Jesus Christ makes us at one with Him today. for He washed away sin forever, sending it as far as the east is from the west.
  2. MARRIAGE CELEBRATION & REST Feast of TABERNACLES (Sukkot) 15-21 Tishrei

This seven days typifies the Messianic Kingdom when God’s people will have His rest and shalom/peace, a unique period that transcends nature for 1,000 years after the tribulation. Eternity will follow when heavens’ New Jerusalem comes to the new Earth––the Lamb’s wife (Revelation 21: 2, 9).

What is the Mysterious Feast of Trumpets at Rosh HaShanah? Leviticus 23: 24, 25

Blowing of the shofar at the Feasts of Trumpets

“Rosh HasHanah is scripturally known as Yom Teruah, which means ‘Day of Blowing,’ says Mark Biltz, founder of El Shaddai Ministries. “This is the only feast day when the shofar is blown one-hundred times during the service. The one hundredth blast is set apart and is known as the ‘Last Trump.’

“Idioms for Rosh HasHanah include The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, The Day of the Awakening Blast, the Day of Judgment, the Opening of the Books/Gates, The Hidden Day, the Wedding of the Messiah, and the Coronation of the Messiah.

“It is customary to eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize a wish for a good and sweet new year. It is also common to eat round challah (bread) to symbolize a crown that coronates God as King of the world.”[ii]

The late Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein agrees and adds more, “The quintessential symbol of Rosh Hashanah is the shofar, a curved ram’s horn that was used during biblical times to, among other purposes, signal when to break camp, call to arms, and usher in feast days and the Sabbath. During Rosh Hashanah, the shofar is sounded one hundred times on each of the two days . . . . The most important mitzvah (deed) to be obeyed during Rosh Hashanah is to:

HEAR THE SOUNDING of the shofar.” [iii]

Eckstein gives the best thorough explanations of how and why the shofar/trumpet is used in the fall feasts of the Lord. [iv]

  • Symbol of Revelation. The shofar relates to Mount Sinai. “On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled .. . and as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him” (Exodus 19:16,19). The shofar is a reminder to live according to the Word of God.”
  • Symbol of a Coronation. The sounding of the shofar is a reaffirmation of God’s sovereignty and kingship over us. In the words of Psalms, “with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn – shout for the joy before the LORD, the King” (Psalm 98:6).
    • Sid Roth with It’s Supernatural Ministries says, “The blowing of the trumpet signaled the calling of a sabbath or solemn assembly; a warning of danger, and action to be taken (such as a gathering of the troops to war); or an ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ARRIVAL OF A KING.[v]
  • Symbol of Akedah (binding of Isaac). The story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, is read on Rosh Hahanah. The ram, whose horn was caught in the bushes, was sacrificed in place of Isaac. The ram’s horn became an eternal symbol of Abraham’s and Isaac’s trust in God, even in the face of death.
  • Symbol of Humankind’s Need for Repentance. Just as the shofar was used during biblical times as a call for the people to assemble or as a warning of impending danger, the shofar is sounded on Rosh Hashanah as a wake-up call. It is a clarion call for moral introspection. “Awake, O you sleepers, awake from your sleep! Search your deeds and turn in repentance.”
  • Symbol of the Messianic Era. Finally, the shofar is sounded as a reminder of God’s promise to bring the Messiah who will usher into the world an era of physical and spiritual peace. Isaiah wrote, “And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem” (Isaiah 27:13).

YOM KIPPUR

BLOOD OF JESUS ATONEMENT of Yom Kippur Fulfilled at Spring Feasts
HOW JESUS’ BLOOD ATONES & CLEANSES FROM ALL SIN: HOW HE SEES YOU

Biltz says on his 2021-2022 Jewish Calendar, regarding the fall feasts of the Lord,  “Yom Kippur means ‘Day of Atonement.’ It is the last chance to change the judgment that will come when the books are closed, demonstrate repentance, and make amends with God.

“Yom Kippur was the only day the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. Yom Kippur is a fast day beginning at sunset on the evening before and ending after sunset on the day of Yom Kippur. It is customary to wear white on Yom Kippur to symbolize purity and cleanness from sin.”[vi]

In Old Testament times, the Day of Atonement was a time of offering a burnt animal sacrifice for sins that covered them for the next year. Since the temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70, Jewish people merely go the synagogue, fast, and pray, and make reconciliation with friends.

Unless they know who their Jewish Messiah/Jesus truly is, they don’t know their sins are eternally paid for – not merely covered  – because Jesus “entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12 NRSV).

SUKKOT – THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES – Leviticus 23: 29-42

The sukkah at TFeast of abernacles - Sukkot

Sukkot, also known as Feast of Tabernacles, is known as “the time of our happiness.”

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘say to the Israelites, “On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the LORD’S Festival of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days’” (Leviticus 23:33-34).

Specifically, during this week, Rabbi Jonathan Bernis, of Jewish Voice Ministries, tells us, “They are to recall how God supplied them with food, water, shelter and guidance [in the wilderness]. Jewish families re to live in small, temporary dwellings made of branches. At night they are to look up at the stars and remember God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens.

“This feast also commemorates the LAST HARVEST of the year and looks forward to the day when the elect from all over the world will be gathered into the kingdom of God” ( see Matthew 24:31).[vii]

Temporary dwellings (here on earth)

Cahn states, “By building a sukkah made of branches, wood, palm leaves, fruit, etc.; they camp out in their homeland, living in the Promised Land as if they were still living in the wilderness.

“In the Feast of Tabernacles, the two realms, the Promised Land and the wilderness come together. And that bears witness of a mystery; the realm of heaven and the realm of earth are joined. . . . . We are to learn to live in the heavenly realm while living on earth (Ephesians 2:6).[viii]

Leviticus 23:42-43 says, “Live in temporary shelters for seven days: all native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

It reminds us that our homes are temporary dwellings and our permanent home with God awaits us.

A Time for Hospitality

A beautiful tradition associated with Sukkot is ushpizin, inviting guests into the sukkah to partake in the celebration. Jews are commanded to do this, especially to those in need.

Eckstein explains, “Sukkot is a time of universal blessings. It’s considered the ONE festival that ALL people will be expected to observe in the messianic era [the millennial reign here on earth after the tribulation).

“We read ‘Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles’ (Zechariah 14:16). For this reason, Jews pray on Sukkot, not only for their own welfare, but for the entire world.”[ix]

WE MUST CATCH THIS. The Feast of Tabernacles is a time for ALL people, not just the Jewish people. We will celebrate the festival year after year as we do for any marriage anniversary.

Any family that does not come to the anniversary celebration, on them there will be no rain. “The family of Egypt” is mentioned by name; if they don’t come, they will have no rain.

My husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in Israel in October of 2019. We were there at the Feast of Tabernacles. For the first time, Egypt was there! Since 2008, people from all over the world have been going to Jerusalem for the celebration and Parade of Nations through the streets. Who was in the parade? All 8,000 of us there who support Israel, with banners and flags as Israelis shouted for joy on the sidelines. It was all broadcast on national television.

Our Banner at the Feast of Tabernacles Parade of Nations

LOVE FEASTS of the Lord

The feasts of the Lord are LOVE FEASTS. They are times chosen by the Lord to visit His bride. They are times He has chosen to make a banquet feast for her to express his love to her.

Do you remember when you dated your fiancé and planned a special meal for her/him? You had come to the time you wanted to present that engagement ring and ask her to marry you. You put out the best plates, silver, and gold candles. This is exactly how we are to enter the feasts of the Lord.

  • We examine our hearts to check our love for Him, repent of any wrong motives or thoughts.
  • We put on our best clothes only after making sure our inside attitudes are right.
  • We KNOW there is nothing that comes between us––no other loves or idols more important. He alone is our first love. He’s all they think about.
  • You know you are READY to see Him face to face. There is no thought of “only after such and such happens, then I will be ready.” Because . . . you are ready NOW!

UNDERSTAND How the Spring and Fall Feasts of the Lord are Joined Together

The book of Proverbs tells us that in all our getting to get an understanding. Consider these comparisons:

DEATH – Spring Feast of  Passover Day – At Jesus’ death the veil of the temple as torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51.

WEDDING DAY Fall Feast of YOM KIPPUR – Believers are made ‘one’ by Jesus’ blood in the atonement with direct access to Him. The veil is pulled back.

 RESURRECTION – Spring Feast of Firstfruits – Jesus is the first resurrected from the dead

RAPTUREFall Feast of TRUMPETS is the Rapture for the Church of Jesus Christ

The Bible does say no one knows the day or hour Jesus will come, only the Father, but we can know the season. And with there being so many different calendars used around the world based on lunar and solar years, or both – none of them agree to the day, hour and minute.

UNDERSTAND that the Fall Feasts of the Lord Point to an Ancient Galilean Wedding

HANG WITH ME ONE MORE MINUTE – for the most amazing mystery that ties all the feasts together:

In case you missed it, the film, “Before the Wrath,” * reveals a profound discovery from the time of Christ how the Galilean wedding transpired. It explains that Jesus’ disciples were all from Galilee where he also lived.

Before leaving earth, Jesus’ said to them, “In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2-3 Amplified).

In Jesus’ own words, we see Him coming for His bride.

The disciples understood Jesus to mean a wedding would take place.

THE GALILEAN WEDDING

The first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding at Cana of Galilee.

How the Spirit of Understanding Reveals Profound Unfulfilled Prophecies Related to the Fall Feasts of the Lord that show our Future From Our Past
Photo credit: www.patjesseecreations.com

Sequences of the Wedding:

  1. The betrothal – takes place at the main gate so everyone in the village can witness it (Ruth 4:1). A written proposal covenant is offered that the bride will sign––between both families. Dowry is paid as an insurance policy in case something happens to the groom, for they are considered married at this point.
  2. Groom pours wine in a cup and gives it to the virgin bride. He passes it to her. She has the choice to accept it or reject it. She could push it back. SHE is the final authority. Matt. 26:27.
  3. If the bride accepts, groom says publicly, “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until I drink it with you in my father’s house.” (I’ve given my body for you.) Matt. 26:29.
  4. Groom leaves His bride to prepare a room he will build onto his father’s house for them. John 14:2.
  5. Bride leaves to prepare herself with a white dress and will keep herself pure for the next year and will be ready with oil in her lamp. Matt. 25.
  6. When the room is ready, the groom says to his father, “I am ready for my bride.”
  7. Only the father can say when the right time is, because he has to be prepared to feed the wedding party for a whole seven days at the wedding celebration. Matt. 24.36.
  8. The father will say at midnight of one night to his son, “It’s time.”
  9. The son grabs his shofar and he and his groomsmen walk down the street to the bride’s house. Among lit lamps, trumpets are blaring to wake up the townspeople and the bride and her bridesmaids and family who are also ready and watching for the wedding.
  10. All the people meet in the street facing each other. After the bride looks into her grooms’ eyes after a long separation, she lowers herself onto a litter and is lifted into the air. She is carried to the father’s house with her groom walking beside her. 1 Cor. 13:12, 1 Thess. 4:14-18.
  11. THE DOOR IS SHUT! No one leaves for 7 days and 7 nights. [Compares to 7 years of the tribulation. For examples of 7 Years for 1 day, see: 14:33-34; Eze. 4:4-6; Eze. 20:8-11; 23:10-11.] Matt. 25:10.
  12. Those left behind would be subjected to the wrath and indignation to come. Matt. 3:7, Rom 1:18, Rev. 6:16; 12:12; 14:8; 15:1; 16:19.

Have you accepted your written proposal from Jesus Christ?

  • Before the day of wrath?
  • Before the feast begins?
  • Before the Rapture?
  • Before the thief comes to those unaware?

Reference Summary pdf file: Before the Wrath Review

 

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[i] Jonathan Cahn, The Book of Mysteries, “The Holy Day Finale,” Day 280.

[ii] Mark Biltz, 2021-2022 / 5783-5783 16-Month Calendar, El Shaddai Ministries, Fall Feasts Information page.

[iii] Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Holy Days of Israel, Your Inspirational Guide, (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Inc. Chicago, 2011) p 58

[iv] Ibid.

[v] Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural 2012 Biblical/Jewish Calendar, The Major Biblical/Jewish Holidays and Their Significance for New Covenant Believers Today.

[vi] Mark Biltz, 2021-2022 / 5783-5783 16-Month Calendar, El Shaddai Ministries, Fall Feasts Information page

[vii] Jonathan Bernis, “The Fall Feasts,” The Fall Feasts and the Coming of Messiah, Volume 46, Number 5, September/October 2012, p 24,

[viii]Jonathan Cahn, The Book of Mysteries, “Camping in Heaven,” Day 277.

[ix] Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Holy Days of Israel, Your Inspirational Guide, (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Inc. Chicago, 2011) p 111.

* Before the Wrath DVD, 2020, www.beforethewrath.com, www.ingenuityfulms.com, narrated by Kevin Sorbo.

M10B What Does the Mature Bride Look Like?

The mature Bride has an unwavering faith—toughened by hardship and endured bitterness

Chuck Pierce, vice president of Global Harvest Ministries and affiliated with the World Prayer Center, addresses endured bitterness of the mature bride. He says, “Esther 2:9-13 explains that 12 months of preparation were necessary before a woman could be presented to the king. That preparation consisted of two phases, one in which oil of myrrh was used and one in which beautiful perfumes were applied.

“The myrrh represented endured bitterness that ultimately produced a beautiful fragrance. After six months of wearing oil of myrrh, the woman was then given perfumes and other beautifiers that would enhance her appeal to the king.

“After this extensive preparation, Esther appeared before the king and found favor in his sight. Soon she was exalted to the royal position of queen.”[1] We will be exalted to this position beside Jesus on His throne as queen, the mature bride—if we overcome through endurance. Barbara Watts endured great bitterness.

Yellow cloud with text: God ie Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of hosts

Barbara Watts as an im mature bride

One of Barbara Watt’s earliest and very special memories is a picture of herself when she was eight years old. She was standing in a beautiful cathedral-like setting with the blessed sacraments of the Lord all around—her first communion. In the front row of children, she was dressed in a beautiful little girl’s bridal outfit, with a matching white veil and little white shoes and socks, with her brown hair cascading around her shoulders.

Even though Barbara was raised in church to know about God, she did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When thirty-three years old, she learned what true communion with the Lord was. She found a church with a women’s group who studied the Bible. The women talked about Jesus as though they knew him. The church soon had revival services which she went to on a Wednesday night. That evening she sensed Jesus coming up behind her and saying, “I AM the One you’ve been looking for.”

Barbara remembers that night as something like an explosion. All the Scriptures, the teachings, and the hymns she learned over the years seemed to suddenly erupt in her heart and mind, and an incredible flood of realization came bursting through—crumbling the wall that kept her from knowing the blessings of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit descended upon her and she knew in a moment’s time that Jesus was real. At the close of the service at invitation time, she bounded to the front and exclaimed what Jesus had just done for her.

The next day, Barbara ran all over town to her friends and family telling them, “Jesus is alive. He is a real Person!” Everywhere she went, she witnessed. She told them, “I will never let go of Jesus’ hand, no matter what happens.” She would soon find out what that meant.

The following year, she led her son and daughter to accept Jesus and many family and friends. The Holy Spirit led her from one divine appointment to another. One day, she stopped at a convenience store and her heart ached when she saw a tall, muscular man with tattoos all over his arms leaning on the building and just staring out into space. When she walked out, he was still there. The Lord spoke to her, “Tell him I love him and that everything’s going to be all right.”

“Lord, are you sure you want me to talk with this man?” Her heart started beating hard.

“Yes,” He replied.

Barbara obeyed, walked up to the man and said, “I know you might think this very strange, but I am a Christian and Jesus just spoke to my heart and told me to tell you that He loves you and everything is going to be okay and to just trust Him.”

All of a sudden, this big, burly man hung his head and cried; then he looked at Barbara and said, “Thank you so much.”

Barbara walked from one divine appointment to another which she told her husband Jerry about; he still did not know the Lord. He saw many changes in her, though, especially when God taught her to treat him “as to the Lord” (Eph. 5:22). She hated to make his lunches for work, but she began to put all his favorite things on them and wrote on a napkin, “I love you.” She continued to praise the Lord and to thank Him daily for Jerry’s salvation.

Barbara’s endured bitterness begins

Military wedding couple with text overlay: Healed of Multiple Sclerosis and the mature military brideThe day arrived when she ran into opposition to her witness. She and Jerry were at a restaurant for dinner with their friends. As usual, Barbara was witnessing to Jerry’s buddy, when a stroke-type thing hit her. She lost her speech as one hand flew up. She pulled it down with the other hand as tremors racked her body; however, peace consumed her as she knew God was still in her midst.

Her speech eventually returned; then, another stroke-like feeling. Her feet would only let her scoot to the car. Jerry wanted to take her to the hospital, but she wanted to go home first.

By the time they arrived at the house, Jerry had to carry her. While he called the hospital and doctor, Barbara, lying on the couch, heard a voice that filled her with fear, “You are going to die!”

She asked their friends, who had followed them home, to get her Bible. It fell open to Psalm 118:7, “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”

After many tests and weeks in the hospital, the diagnosis was multiple sclerosis. From there, her condition worsened and would get better. She was in and out of an electric wheelchair, a walker, crutches, and a cane to totally bedridden. The disease, affecting the central nervous system, caused migraines, extreme hot and cold episodes, and pain-like crippling arthritis. It felt as though someone was inside her body—shaking it for all its worth.

One day, Jerry and their children were watching television. Barbara was in bed—numb. She could have called for help but did not feel she wanted to. She wanted to get in there on her own, so she slid out of bed—fell on her belly and scooted down the hallway. When Jerry saw her, he jumped up and ran to her. Shortly after that, he accepted the Lord when he realized he could no longer bear this in his own strength.

Husband and wife become the mature bride together

Barbara mature bride healed
Image of a painting by Pat Jessee: Rise Up and Walk, of Barbara Watts. www.patjesseecreations.com

Together, Jerry and Barbara trusted the Lord for her healing. She discovered 3 John, verse 2 in the Amplified Bible, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.” This was confirmation that God wanted her to be healed. They waited, hoped and expected the Lord to intervene (see Ps. 27:13-14).

Finally, one very cold Sunday arrived. The family had not planned to go to church, but to listen to the service instead; cold was Barbara’s enemy. Cold makes multiple sclerosis flare up uncontrollably, but she heard a voice, “Go to church.” Recognizing the Lord’s voice, she called friends to pick her up.

Using her cane, she got to her handicap class in the sanctuary. Within five minutes, the affliction hit her bladder, and she had to go to the restroom. That happened five or six more times until she lost control of her whole body and could not stand. A friend loaned Barbara his own wheelchair as the service was about to begin.

Returning from the restroom the last time, Barbara, with her girlfriend, Jonnie, rolling her in the wheelchair, saw that the sanctuary doors were shut.

“Barbara, what do you want to do? I can get some help and get you to the car.”

War attacked her mind and body: “GO HOME . . . STAY . . . GO HOME . . .!” Tremors grew so strong that the wheelchair shook. A migraine hit her as her throat began to close.

“Open the doors, I’m going through!” Barbara finally said.

While sitting in the back of the church by Jonnie, she sensed the presence of the Lord. Many began to move from their pews to go forward. Barbara felt compelled to “go forth.” She said to Jonnie, “Get me out of this wheelchair.”

“Barbara, you can’t stand up.”

“I don’t care. Get me out of this wheelchair.”

Jonnie lifted her up and set her down on the floor. Barbara lifted her trembling hand and sobbed, “Jesus I love you. Jesus I love you.”

It was as if liquid love poured all over her . . . she heard the Lord’s voice, “My child, stand up.”

“I can’t. You know I can’t?”

“My child, stand up,” the second time.

“Lord, please help me.”

“My child, stand up,” the third time.

Finally, Barbara put faith into action and lifted her shoulders. At that instant, the power of God hit her head, went through her body, and raised her to her feet, healing her instantly. She ran from the back of the church, unclasping the hands of the people who were singing, “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place.” From the pulpit, she declared what had just happened—in a church with a history of not believing in divine healing—and for an incurable disease.

Barbara felt God had a certain date set for manifesting her healing, although Jesus paid for it with His blood so many years ago. During her illness, she had been given drama tapes that she acted out with her fingers. The Lord now brought even more tapes to her. She had told Him that when she could use her feet again, she would use them for His glory.

Barbara as the mature bride

the mature bride living in powerOne of the most compelling dramatizations Barbara performs is of the woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years (see Mark 5:25-34). With a dark cloak wrapped around her, she struggles down the isle to the front of the room. The Lord allows her to feel what that woman felt many years ago. More amazingly, her face becomes contorted as though she was the woman herself. When she arrives at the front where Jesus is standing and touches the hem of His garment, she demonstrates how His power rushed through her body, and He transforms her into a beautiful bride, with a pure dazzling white wedding gown on.

Dressed in her wedding garment and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Barbara moves, as the mature bride of Christ, to hurting individuals in the audience who are spiritually or physically bound. She speaks words of God’s wisdom and knowledge to them and prays for them. Before any presentation, she and other women stay the night before to fast, worship, and to pray and praise the Lord before the meeting. The Lord always shows up in His power, for they believe the evil one is overcome by the word of their testimony (Rev. 12: 11) and that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).

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What Does the Mature Bride of Christ Look Like?

[1] Chuck Pierce, “Women Transforming the World,” SpiritLed Woman, April/May 2000, p. 17.

 

 

M10A Lord of hosts [Jehovah Sabaoth]

For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His Name; the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth He is called.—Isaiah 54:5 Amplified

Your Maker Is Your Husband: Lord of hosts is His Name

Lord of hosts maker is husbandThis whole Bible study explores twelve of the more prominent attributes of God that help us understand who He is. This one module addresses twelve attributes the Church must possess if she is to overcome and be given the “right to sit with [Jesus] on [His] throne, just as [He] overcame and sat down with [His] Father on his throne” (Rev. 3:21).

The Bible tells us “Your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name” (Isa. 54:5). If He is our husband, then we must be His wife who will share His throne. Paul Billheimer writes in his book, Destined for the Throne, “The human race was created in the image and likeness of God for one purpose: to provide an eternal companion for the Son. After the fall and promise of redemption through the promised Messiah, Israel was born and nurtured in order to bring in the Messiah. And the Messiah came for one intent and only one: to give birth to His Church [believers] thus to obtain His Bride. The Church, then—the called-out body of redeemed humankind—turns out to be the central object, the goal, not only of mundane history but of all that God has been doing in all realms, from all eternity.”[1]

“From this it is implicit that a godly ‘romance’ is at the heart of the universe and is the key to all existence. From all eternity God purposed that at some time in the future His Son should have an Eternal Companion, described by John the Revelator as “the bride, the Lamb’s wife”[2] (See Rev. 21:9). We will be His Eternal Companion. In this module we will use the term bride—from the female point of view. The bride defined in Webster’s is a woman just married or about to be married; bridegroom defined the same way.

Sometime in the near future Jesus will come for His mature Bride. He does not want to marry an immature child, so He is willing to wait until she grows up. He is looking for those who have learned to overcome in His strength and power; thus, expressing His love— becoming as He is in this world.

This Bride exhibits an unshakable faith and determination as fulltime encouragers who worship and praise Him. He is looking for totally committed persons willing to spend time to know His mind through His Word. He is looking for—in the same persons—those who have dropped all excess baggage so they can fight the battles in the Promised Land Plan, and those whose trust—in Him and for one another—has matured. He is looking for those who have learned to respond rather than react, who communicate with Him about absolutely everything—including money—never trying to hide anything from Him. They cannot anyway. Their hearts are exposed so His love can flow through His royal red blood in them, reaching out to others.

Lord of hosts is looking for people who know who and what they are

Lord of hosts assembling troopsOur Heavenly Father, as Jehovah-Sabaoth, is looking for men and women who have learned to face where they came from so they can see where they are going in an interdependent relationship [marriage partnership] with His Son, Jesus Christ, right now on this earth. In other words, they know who they are—one with Jesus. Shortly before Jesus was crucified He prayed to His Father for his disciples and all future believers:

All I have is yours, and all you have is mine . . . I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one . . . . My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.—John 17:10-11, 20-21

This prayer of Jesus is no less than the traditional marriage pronouncement a minister gives the bride and groom after they have made their covenant vows of commitment. He says to them from Matthew 19:6, “‘[You] are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore, God has joined together, let man not separate’” (NASB). We have been made one in Jesus who was one in His Father through the Holy Spirit. He has given us His name in holy matrimony and is responsible for us, protecting us through the power of His name. He bought us for Himself with a great price by dying for us. He put a ring on our finger—a seal on our foreheads—“having this seal[3] the Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19; see also Rev. 9:4).

What does this mature bride look like who is still in the world—who proudly wears His ring and identifies with His name so that the world may believe? Three women, Barbara Watts, Pat Jessee, and Jo Anne Swezey, exhibit all the twelve attributes of the mature Bride. Although their stories are told in this chapter, it does not take away from the significance of other stories in this book. All are fully committed overcomers and reflect these values as well. These three women’s testimonies possess certain qualities in a more pronounced and easily discernable manner. However, before we look more specifically at the Bride, we need to understand just who Jehovah-Sabaoth is—the Lord of hosts.

Lord of hosts commander entire universe
Image of a painting by Pat Jessee: Out of the Darkness Into the Light: www.patjesseecreations.com

Who is Jehovah Sabaoth [Lord or hosts]?

  • Lord of hosts is husband to Israel and to us—as adopted Gentile believers. The Hebrew word for husband (bâal) means – “to be master, to rule, possess, marry, to be married, to be taken as a wife.” This is a verb, occurring more than 100 times in the O.T. God is the husband to Israel (see Isa. 54:5, Jer. 3:14, Jer. 31:32, and Mal 2:ll). The land of Israel is “married” (bâal) to Jehovah in the Book of Isaiah (see Isa. 62:4). This is similar to the relationship between Christ as husband of His people, known as the ekklesia (Eph. 5:21, “be subject to one another in the fear of Christ”). There is a covenantal tie of love and loyalty between God and His people. He has dominion over us (see Isa. 62:4).[4]
  • Lord of hosts is our bridegroom. Matthew, Chapter 25, tells the parable of the ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet their bridegroom. Five of the maidens’ lamps went out and they wanted the other five to give them their oil. They were told to go purchase their own. “And while they were going away to make their own purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10). When the five finally arrived and banged on the door to get in, the bridegroom said, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you” (vs. 12).Jehovah Sabaoth always victorious
  • Lord of hosts is Supreme Commander of Israel and the universe—ready to intervene. Host means, tsâbâ’, “The basic meaning is service done for a superior, usually military service . . . . Although the title of tsâbâ’ had military overtones, it pointed directly to Jehovah’s rulership over the entire universe. He stands ready to intervene for His people at any moment.”[5] The Lord of hosts took David from among the sheep to rule over His people Israel (see 2 Sam. 7: 8). He did this by working through David who killed the giant Goliath saying, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted” (1 Sam. 17:45 NASB); thus, the Lord of hosts intervened for Israel in defeating the Philistines through one willing vessel—David. Psalm 110:3 speaks of people who will volunteer freely in the day of His power—as in military service of the Lord.
  • He is the King of Glory. Psalm 24 is a beautiful picture of the Lord of hosts as mighty in battle. Who can stand before Him? Only those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who have not lifted themselves up to what is false. Lift up your heads, so the King of glory may come in. “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory” (Ps. 24:10 NASB).

The queen, who will share the King’s throne and His glory, has faced Truth and is living before Him with clean hands and a pure heart, right now, along with those who have already gone before.


[1] Paul E. Billheimer, Destined for the Throne (Minneapolis, Bethany House, 1975) p. 22.

[2] Ibid. p. 23.

[3] In the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament found in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, seal means “to stamp for security and preservation; impressed as a mark of privacy, or genuineness,” p. 70.

[4] Spiros Zodiates, Th.D., Executive Editor, The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, (AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 1990) p. 1716.

[5] Ibid. p. 1767.