It may seem a paradox to the human intellect, but when difficult circumstances occur in believers' lives, God can use them to turn into something good (see Romans 8:28).

 

28 And we now know that unto those who love God, all things help them unto good, to those who according to the purpose are called to be saints.

The Paralyzed Man And His Four Friends

In this context, I would like to refer to the story where Jesus was in a house in Capernaum. Inside as in front of that house was a large crowd of people because of His presence, so that it was impossible for many people to even see Jesus Christ. Among the crowd, there was also a paralyzed man who was carried there on his bed by four men.

Though they couldn't get closer to Jesus because of the crowd of people, these four friends decided to go up to the roof of the house where Jesus was and had removed the tiles from the roof in order to place the paralyzed person on his bed in front of Jesus. On that day because of their action the paralyzed man became part of the message of Jesus, which had preached. Jesus preached to them about the power of forgiveness. Through His sermon Jesus confronted the hearts of the present scribes who accused Him of blasphemy.

 

At that time, Jesus served in the anointing of the word of knowledge and the discernment of spirits, so that He revealed the heart attitude of the scribes. Jesus then healed the paralyzed man as a sign of God's forgiving power.

As a result of this healing taking place, the people have seen something that they had never experienced before and thereupon began to enter into the worship of God (see Mark 2:1-12).

 

Mark 2:1-12:
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.

2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.

4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?

9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?

10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Unlocking The Presence Of Heaven

Without the intent of being admonishing at this point, it unfortunately happens now and then in gatherings of saints that Jesus is there with His presence, but a religious spirit simply keeps the eyes of believers shut as blind, so that the Lord wouldn't get recognized with His presence among His people. Especially in these situations it is essential for saints to rise up against the sneaky influence.

 

Those saints should rise up who understand how to open the heaven by faith, spirit-filled revelation and the power of God's Word in order to remove the covering of slavery (see Exodus 1:14; note: for example, to become righteous out of deeds) and to contribute to a renewed mindset that is activated by applying the blood of Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 9:14).

 

… 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, making mortar and brick and in all manner of service in the field; all their service, in which they made them serve, was with rigor.

 

Hebrews 9:14:
… 14 how much more shall the blood of the Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from the works of death to serve the living God?

The Four “Gatekeepers”

The four friends who opened the roof of the house can also be described as the four gatekeepers who stayed at the “Parbar”, meaning the annex on the western side of the temple of Solomon (see 1 Chronicles 26:18).

 

18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

The word “Parbar/Parwar” is a Persian word and means “light bringer, open hall”.

Therefore, the four men or friends of that paralyzed man became the stewards of fresh revelation of Jesus' forgiveness, even though they may not have been aware of it.

Their compassionate and active intervention led to the fact that people who found themselves weakened by the adversary from the past can enter into the process of restoration in Jesus Christ, so that resistance gets silenced.

The Number 4 And The Door

It is no coincidence that there were four people carrying the paralyzed person onto the roof.

The Hebrew letter “Daleth”, which has the numerical value “4” and means “door”, carries also the pictographic representation of an “open tent door”.

The opening in the roof was not just any opening. It was like an open door that made it possible for the light of heaven to shine into the house where Jesus was. This light was like a spotlight shining from above onto the Son of God emphasizing the meaning of His message.

Bringing The Paralyzed Circumstance Into The Center Of Jesus

Since the four men were on the roof and therefore could not necessarily be aware that Jesus Christ was in the house exactly where they had opened the roof, it is obvious that their action was taken in faith as it was the guidance of the Spirit to bring that “paralyzed circumstance” into the center of Jesus Christ (see John 6:44).

 

44 No one can come to me unless the Father who has sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

It is also interesting to note that there were altogether five men (note: the four friends with the paralyzed man getting healed) who helped to reveal the forgiving power of God. The number “5” is related to “grace”, which is not cheap at all, but powerful, to lead a pure and holy life as well as being the possession of God, which produces good works (see Titus 2:11-14).

 

Titus 2:11-14:
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live temperately, righteously, and godly in this present world; 13 waiting for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works.

Conclusion

There are situations in our lives that we should look at from God's perspective in order to be able to be with the right people at the right time in the right place, helping people who are unable to help themselves. This includes the natural and the spiritual dimension, as illustrated by the two friends at the two corners of the back and the two friends at the two corners of the front of the bed (see Galatians 6:1-2).

 

Galatians 6:1-2:
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

It is left up to the particular situation in which the Holy Spirit leads and inspires saints to decide how this assistance is to be provided. Important is that this help or support can be given in concrete terms in prayer for a person or matter for the Lord. It can also be an act of love, which in faith always has an effect in the power of God bringing heaven “down” (see Romans 12:9-13).

 

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

This kind of assistance and support can cause people who are in our environment to gain a greater understanding of the truth (see 1 Timothy 2:4-6).

 

… 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

 

Amen and Amen.

 

In His Wisdom,

 

Daniel Glimm

According to the humble and ministering heart of Elisha and his commitment to his spiritual prophetic father Elijah, I would like to point to the end of a time and the beginning of a new time.

 

God leads us as His people into a new season.

The Number 12

Elisha was called by the prophet Elijah to follow him and subsequently served him. In this context, the number “12” is of greater importance because Elisha was plowing with the twelfth yoke of oxen at the time of the appointment with Elijah.

The number “12” is also related to the apostolic order of God because Jesus had twelve disciples whom He had called by discipleship. Since the year has twelve months and this measure of time also indicates the end of a year. (see 1 Kings 19:19-21).

 

1 Kings 19:19-21:
19 So he departed from there and found Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed by him and cast his mantle upon him.
20 So he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again, for what have I done to thee?
21 And he returned back from him and took a yoke of oxen and slew them and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen and gave unto the people and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and served him.

 

The Pouring Of Water Over The Hands

There is a testimony to this day about the commitment of Elisha to the prophet Elijah, which was known to the political world by one of the servants of the king of Israel. This servant reported to the king of Israel, the king of Judah and the king of Edom how Elisha had poured water on the hands of his spiritual father Elijah.

 

Elisha's serving act was a testimony of confirmation of his ministry in the office of the prophet, so that even political powers came to Elisha to receive divine counsel from him. (see 2 Kings 3:11-12).

 

2 Kings 3:11-12:
11 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's slaves answered and said, Here is Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.
12 And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

The Sign Of The Washing Of Hands

Looking more closely to this act of washing of hands in a prophetic context indicates that an old time being expired is pointing to a new season getting started.

Washing hands is therefore also a sign that reflects to finish the old time in order to prepare for the new time to come. Since God's prophets are destined to give divine instruction, the washing of hands is the sign for the phase of direction for entering the new time.

It is also no coincidence that, according to the Word of God, the hands were designed for the transfer of healing and the impartation of anointing (see Mark 16:18; James 5:14 i.c.w. Acts 6:6; Acts 8:17; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

Therefore, Elisha's washing of hands means that he had the understanding of when obsolete times would come to an end and new times would begin.

 

By the washing of the hands of Elijah, Elisha made clear that he was in agreement with his spiritual and prophetic father, including that the time of the past (note: works which have already been completed) was coming to an end and a new time has begun. An old time and season then was washed away so to speak, in order to receive a new time and season from the hand of God.

Elisha understood the end of a time and the beginning of a new time and therefore knew when Elijah has entered the new phase of the Lord's time. This is obvious in reflecting on this persistent succession of Elisha when Elijah was about to be caught up by God into heaven. Elisha would not abandon Elijah until he had received the double portion of the anointing of his spiritual father which is represented by Elijah's mantle (see 2 Kings 2:1-13)

 

2 Kings 2:1-13:
1 Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. The Lord was going to use a strong wind to take Elijah up to heaven.

2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here. The Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “I won't leave you. And that's just as sure as the Lord and you are alive.” So they went down to Bethel.

3 There was a company of prophets at Bethel. They came out to where Elisha was. They asked him, “Do you know what the Lord is going to do? He's going to take your master away from you today.” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied. “But don't talk about it.”

4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha. The Lord has sent me to Jericho.” Elisha replied, “I won't leave you. And that's just as sure as the Lord and you are alive.” So they went to Jericho.

5 There was a company of prophets at Jericho. They went up to where Elisha was. They asked him, “Do you know what the Lord is going to do? He's going to take your master away from you today.” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied. “But don't talk about it.”

6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here. The Lord has sent me to the Jordan River.” Elisha replied, “I won't leave you. And that's just as sure as the Lord and you are alive.” So the two of them walked on.

7 Fifty men from the company of the prophets followed them. The men stopped and stood not far away from them. They faced the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan River.

8 Elijah rolled his coat up. Then he struck the water with it. The water parted to the right and to the left. The two of them went across the river on dry ground.

9 After they had gone across, Elijah spoke to Elisha. He said, “Tell me. What can I do for you before I'm taken away from you?” “Please give me a double share of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

10 “You have asked me for something I can't give you,” Elijah said. “Only the Lord can give it. But suppose you see me when I'm taken away from you. Then you will receive what you have asked for. If you don't see me, you won't receive it.”

11 They kept walking along and talking together. Suddenly a chariot and horses appeared. Fire was all around them. The chariot and horses came between the two men. Then Elijah went up to heaven in a strong wind.

12 Elisha saw it. He cried out to Elijah, “My father! You are like a father to me! You are the true chariots and horsemen of Israel!” Elisha didn't see Elijah anymore. Then Elisha took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart. 13 He picked up the coat that had fallen from Elijah. He went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan River.

 

To Go Ahead With A Grateful Heart

The Holy Spirit showed to me how important this is for all of us to recognize the end and the beginning of God's times like Elisha did, so that we would not remain in the past as saints.

 

As the present time quickly becomes the past, it is important that we sensitively recognize the times in the Spirit of God and know what to do by Spirit.

There have been times in the past when men and women of God have served men and women in their regions powerfully, by doing signs and wonders commissioned by God. Unfortunately, it frequently happens that people who have experienced powerful things with God in their past do not want to let go of these times and hence, hold on to the past and end up being stuck. This means that they are blocked from accepting the new time and the new things of God which he has prepared, because of being unwilling to let go the past times.

It is important that we are grateful for the miracles that God has done in the past and that we respect and honor them, but we should stretch ourselves for moving forward, moving ahead in gratitude and entering into our predestined future by the grace of God (see Psalm 103:2 i.c.w. Philippians 3:13).

 

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: …

 

13 Brethren, I do not reckon to have laid hold of it yet, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and extending myself unto those things which are ahead, …

God Doesn't Change, But Time Does!

As people of God, we should be aware of the fact that, as we know, God never changes in His nature, but He has unquestionably determined that times on earth will change (see Isaiah 41:4 i.c.w. Ecclesiastes 3:1).

 

“... 4 Who has made that happen? Who has carried it out? Who has created all of the people who have ever lived? I, the Lord, have done it. I was with the first of them. And I will be with the last of them.”

 

1 There is a time for everything. There's a time for everything that is done on earth.

 

 

If we start to recognize the times of God and position ourselves correctly, we can get confronted with difficulties including the fact that other believers who have a mindset of the old time can be opposing us because they are not prepared to change. Those believers simply don't want to adapt to God's time, because it seems either uncertain or strange to them.

 

Furthermore, changing times and seasons of God can also lead to fear being triggered in the hearts of the respective believers, because there is war in the spiritual realm and powers of darkness do not want the Body of Christ to enter a new field of responsibility as taking the Promised Land for this time and generation (see Numbers 13:25-33)!

 

It is necessary, however, that through Jesus Christ, who is Alpha and Omega, we would open the door to the new time as a new field and go through it in order to find the provision of the future determined by God (see John 10:9; Psalm 23:2).

 

9 I AM the door; whosoever enters in by me shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture.

 

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters.

 

 

At the end of Elijah's time and life in the prophetic office, God had planned a time of prophetic shift by declaring that Elijah should be raptured to heaven in a supernatural way, so that Elisha could be equipped with Elijah's double prophetic portion (see 2 Kings 2:9-13).

 

2 Kings 2:9-13:
9 And when they had gone over, Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee before I am taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
10 And he said, Thou hast asked a difficult thing. If thou shalt see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee, but if not, it shall not be so.
11And it came to pass, as they still went on and talked, that, behold, a chariot of fire with horses of fire separated the two, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.
12 And as Elisha saw it, he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more, and he took hold of his own clothes and rent them in two pieces.
13 And lifting up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, he went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

 

 

It is also no coincidence that fifty prophet's disciples looked to the Jordan river from some distance witnessing the prophetic change they received through Elisha (see 2 Kings 2:7).

 

7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood in front of them afar off; and the two of them stood by the Jordan.

 

The place where the prophet's disciples had watched the two prophets of the LORD (note: Elijah, Elisha) was the place where they later saw Elijah's anointing resting on Elisha (see 2 Kings 2:15).

 

15 And seeing him, the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho said, The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha. And they came to meet him and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

 

 

Therefore, it has a deeper meaning that between the event of the fire and the wind, as Elijah got raptured into heaven, “fifty prophet's disciples and fifty strong men” were positioned on the other side of the Jordan.

These “fifty strong men” were instructed by the fifty prophet's disciples to look for the old prophetic structure -Elijah- even though Elisha had told them that their project would not be successful (see 2 Kings 2:16-18).

 

2 Kings 2:16-18:
16 “Look,” they said. “We have 50 able (note: strong) men. Let them go and look for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has lifted him up. Maybe he has put him down on a mountain or in a valley.” “No,” Elisha replied. “Don't send them.”

17 But they kept asking until he felt he couldn't say no. So he said, “Send them.” And they sent 50 men. They looked for Elijah for three days. But they didn't find him.

18 So they returned to Elisha. He was staying in Jericho. Elisha said to them, “Didn't I tell you not to go?”
 

This scripture makes it clear that whenever God opens up a new time or season on earth, the enemy tries to keep believers imprisoned in the present state of knowledge, and mindset by thinking that it does not require any change in structure and time.

 

By this revelation of the “fifty strong men” the Holy Spirit wants to point out to us, that we should not seek or maintain an old, worn-out structure (note: Elijah: “God is YAHWEH!” => statement of truth), but to live in His new given structure (note: Elisha: “My God is salvation!” => statement of a testimony => the experience of salvation). This is very important as in the same way as at the time of the Apostle Paul it was a ship with the sign of “twins” (note: double portion) which brought him to a new place (see Acts 28:11).

 

11 After three months we headed out to sea. We sailed in a ship that had stayed at the island during the winter. It was a ship from Alexandria. On the front of it the figures of twin gods were carved. Their names were Castor and Pollux.

 

 

We are called to move in God's schedule because He has appointed times and seasons from eternity. The Torah or the first book of the Bible begins with the words “In the beginning” and is a revelation of God to us that He has set up a schedule of time on earth from eternity (see Genesis 1:1).

 

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

 

So, it is crucial to understand that God has a prophetic being and has woven time (note: months) into the earth realm because it is His desire to release it prophetically so that we may walk in the center of His creation. This includes a lifetime in God's creativity allowing us to move forward with a new mindset in order to implement God's plans on earth.

 

If we were aware of what God has put into the different periods of time (note: years, months, …) of revelatory power, then we would have faith for the things He wants to do in the coming periods of time.

 

Faith for the things that God wants to do in the next months can be intensified when we are convinced that we are in God's schedule of time. The Lord calls us to move forward in His creative power to see the impossible possible (see Luke 18:27)!

 

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

 

Amen and Amen.

 

In His Wisdom,

 

Daniel Glimm