Reformation starts within

The cross was a symbol of torture in the early years. So before the cross became a common symbol of Christianity, the early church symbol was of the good Shepherd. This is a great picture to bring back to mind. Jesus is our Shepherd and like the Shepherd's in the Middle East and as His Word says, He is leading His people.

God reformed the church (which is His people not buildings), the first time through the new covenant, which Christ implemented via His death on the cross and resurrection three days later. There are ongoing reformations in the church, and we now find we are in the midst of another great reformation. It is like the Body of Christ senses this, knows it, but because we are not sure how the endgame will look, there has been a surge in responses that cause the pendulum to swing this way then that. Some start attacking the old order. Some start making great declarations of apostleship. Some eagerly run ahead saying "its got to be this way"

But we would like to suggest reformation starts within. Because if we do not allow the work of God within we may not embrace the new things God is doing in His Church. The key here is His church. Not our church. Let's wait on the Lord to direct His church, let His light illuminate our inward man, because things may have to shift in our thinking, in our "but this is the way it is..."

Let's not panic, let's not rush ahead. Reformation of the church is not a quick process, it takes time.

Take the time to meditate on the love of God, on His Word, wait on Him and let Him guide us through this great reformation. Often with reformation comes great turbulence and so we must keep our eyes on our Shepherd.

Below is a fictional Christmas story that reflects illumination in the soul and the breaking down of traditions. Maybe meditate on some traditions that God may be challenging in your life.

Enjoy!

WITNESS ACCOUNT

“Any animal to be sacrificed at the Temple had to be born within 5 miles from Jerusalem. Bethlehem is 5 miles from Jerusalem.” An excerpt from ‘The True Story of the Bethlehem Shepherds’ by Father Dwight Longenecker.

Meanwhile over 2000 years ago a witness from the fields of Bethlehem recalls a spectacular event, recounting it from their personal eyewitness and impact on their personhood.

Here is his account:

“It has always been this way, always. I am perfect, therefore I am chosen, therefore I must die. It is my life’s call. But last night a great shaking took place. I was always sure of my call, sure of my destiny. I mean some intrusive doubts were trying to flood into some weak crevices of my mind, trying to break forth into the light of day. But I could turn back to tradition, to what I knew, and assurance would settle back in. Every weak fissure plugged up again, I must admit temporarily like a wall stuffed with the gilling fibres of my own wool, an effectual attempt, but, no permanent solution to the impending pressure behind the cracks.

For some background, I come from a long line of chosen ones. I have no spot nor blemish. I am separated from my flock into the priestly flock and I will lay down my life for the life of others. I consider it a noble task. A call.

But last night in our field everything changed. It seemed my doubts were invited to the fore; it felt they were invited to be displayed to all without shame, without reproach. Instead, “my protected truth” the tradition, the call, the way things had always been were the ones cast into doubt and judgment. 

I can only describe it like an earthquake of the soul when your doubts are not castigated, but instead validated.

A myriad of angels appeared in the night sky, a chorus of voices harmonised, the vibrations of sound reverberated through the soul conveying the message by the Angelic Being; pronouncing and declaring “On earth peace, on earth goodwill” “born to you this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord” “ A baby wrapped in swaddling cloths”

Justice is not served as I recount what such a sight wrought to one’s inner being, the illumination of the sky integrated with the illumination of the soul. Heaven and earth meeting, it has to be experienced.

Our Shepherds visited that babe and brought back more stories and revelation.

My forelegs bent down first, followed by my hind legs. My head bowed.

No more will my kind be separated from the kin of their flock, no more would we be slaughtered daily in the Temple for tradition, for this Babe was taking our place once and for all, the Just for the unjust that He might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18).

Tradition is out. Truth has been presented. Truth is now available to all who will receive it.