The Extended Royal Scepter

I had an incredible experience at Oasis Church in Birmingham where I went for the first time this morning to "test it out" as our new home church. The worship began and was led by a passionate young woman playing her guitar and we sang the well-known Phatfish song, "Holy, Holy is the Lord". The Scripture flashed into my mind from Isaiah 6:5;

"Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."

I really did feel a sense of utter hopelessness and unworthiness. But then unbidden, uninvited but marvellously welcome came this vision. I saw a throne room with an almighty hush resting over it. I couldn't even see the One sitting on the throne because it was simply too great, too high, too vast. All I knew was that all eyes were on me. And I saw a hand holding the most wonderful, beautiful scepter and it lifted slightly towards me. There was a rush of sound, an gasping in across the gathered heavenly masses and the Scripture from Esther 5:2 came to me;

"When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter".

I heard God speak to me and say;

"My son it really doesn't matter how you feel - either worthy or unworthy. It doesn't matter who passes judgement upon you in My Church telling you you are welcome - or that you are not. What matters is that My Son paid a dreadful price for your access. Because of that price My Sceptre will always be lifted when you come into My Holy of Holies. You are always welcome here! Never hold your breath that I might condemn you to death for daring to enter. One has gone before you! One who stands still to intercede for you and I am satisfied to look on Him and pardon you. So come in! Come fellowship! Come worship! I am delighted you are here!".

I need hardly say that my worship of God was transformed after that. How wonderful it was to go on and sing "My Jesus, My Saviour!". All because of Him! The scepter is lifted towards us! We can enter in! The price has been paid! The debt settled!

Ali McLachlan may not want to get started on prophets or prophecy but I am profoundly grateful for this gentle reminder of the objective truths of the Gospel. Was the Gospel and the Word of God complete before this morning's vision? Of course it was. Did my vision add to the completeness of the Scripture? Of course it didn't. But did the vision glorify the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes absolutely. Did it confirm Him as Lord? Yes most definately. Did it add to my longing to worship Him? Most surely. That for me is why I believe Paul commands us to earnestly desire the gift of prophecy.

Thank You Lord for speaking still!