Winter 2005
Entering a New Season
Wade E Taylor

We are about to enter a new season. I have been experiencing, in relation to the call of God on my life, the deepest “dissatisfied satisfaction” that I have ever faced.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14

I am “satisfied,” as I thank the Lord for all that He is doing in my life. But, I am “dissatisfied” because there is much “more” that is available, which I have not yet “apprehended.”

“For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.” Song of Solomon 2:11

The rain reaches down, touches the seed and says to it, “Wake up, wake up! It is time!” The warmth of the rain (Holy Spirit intervention) touches the “seed” (potential), and a new expression of life is released and begins to form within us.

“The flowers appear on the earth.” Song of Solomon 2:12a

This is you and I, the “planting” of the Lord, the seed germinating within us and beginning to give an expression of spiritual life - the “flowers” appearing (spiritual maturity).

I am asking the Lord for an “open heaven” where the “Son” can shine brightly, so that which is within us can be enhanced, and the glory of the Lord will begin to be manifest.

Years ago, while I was at the Bible school, there was an ongoing flow of a few visitors. Then there were “seasons” during which the presence of the Lord was intensified. Somehow, the word would spread and the available rooms would fill to overflowing. But when this time of visitation ended, within a few days they were all gone, and we were back to classes as usual.

My present heart searching and dissatisfaction is that these “short” times of visitation will become the norm, and we will live in the manifested glory of the Lord. A few can impact nations. Jesus, who came to bring redemption to all mankind, chose twelve to walk with Him. It is not quantity, rather it is “quality” that is needed for the release of an open heaven.

“The time of the singing of birds is come.” Song of Solomon 2:12b

This “singing of birds” speaks of a “harmony” in worship that will bring down the powers of darkness, and allow the true light of the world to shine brightly.

Like a songbird, there is something in “harmony” that satisfies. There is a higher level of worship that goes beyond the beat of drums and “rock” type music, in which the flow of worship will open the heavens, and the glory of the Lord will be released.

This “singing of the birds” speaks of the melody of heaven. When we harmonize, and flow with it, the heavens will open and we pass out of time into eternity. We have experienced touches of this, but we are not there yet, as the music of our day will not allow it. It brings us down to praise, which is good, but it cannot get us there.

“The voice of the turtle is heard in the land.” Song of Solomon 2:12c

This “voice of the turtle” is prophetic revelation. We need further revelation, a foretaste of the age to come. The Lord is taking us beyond history lessons of the past, and prophetic lessons of the future, into a “present” word.

There is an intense darkness that is about to come upon the world, but the light of the Gospel of the power and demonstration of God, is intensifying. It will come through a remnant of people who are hearing, comprehending, and understanding.

There have been “forerunners” in the past who were grossly misunderstood, criticized, and judged, because of what they were saying. Today, they would be gladly accepted, but then, there was no comprehension of their message.

A forerunner is one who has a “foretaste,” one who has received an experience concerning that which is about to come. As there were forerunners in the past, so also today, there are those who are speaking beyond the present level of revelation that is available, and these also are being judged and condemned.

“The fig tree puts forth her green figs” (Song of Solomon 2:13a) speaks of Israel and all that is happening.

“And the vines with the tender grape give a good smell” (Song of Solomon 2:13b) speaks of the Church – the Body of Christ. We are now in this time frame.

“Arise, shine; for your light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to you.” Isaiah 60:1-4a

This is beginning to happen. I am satisfied with what I have received from the Lord, but I am dissatisfied because there is much more. In order for the glory to be seen, the glory must be both within and upon us. This is speaking of an open heaven.

This is the time in which we should be presenting our bodies to the Lord, to become a receptacle, like the marriage in Cana, which is a marriage of the heavenly and the earthly. These “water pots,” filled with cistern water - which we presently are, are about to hear the word of the Lord and become the very best wine.

This “new wine of the kingdom” is about to be poured forth to the kings of this earth. They will come and respond to the glory of the Lord and marvel, as the master of the feast at Cana.

May we be ready for that day, “When He shall come to be glorified in His saints.” II Thessalonians 1:10

Before He comes “outwardly,” He must first come “within” us, so His glory can radiate out to affect the nations. Just as Jesus impacted the world in his first coming, there will be a powerful manifestation of the Lord in his second coming, through a corporate body.

There is a present need to present ourselves as being a place of habitation for the presence and glory of the Lord, beyond anything that has been seen - a witness of the glory of God that will impact nations.

May each 0f us pray, “Lord, we consecrate ourselves to be a part of Your corporate body, for the expression of Your presence and glory to the nations. Lord, let us become that beautiful flower, a people birthed forth to reveal your glory to this dark world.” Amen.