When Jacob reached the age of fifteen, his grandfather, Abraham, died. So far as can be seen, the godly example set by the patriarch was entirely lost on his grandson. Jacob belonged to a new generation. His motto was, that if a man was to go far in life, he had to be sharper than the other fellow. Gordon Lindsay
Generational succession is an interesting thing. Being progressive and adding younger blood for new ideas is an excellent thing but not at the expense of selling and sacrificing the life, spirit and anointing of the past. Strangely there is often or even always a trade when this transition takes place. Something has to go or ‘give’.
In my own life and ministry I have made a few of these at times, only to realize that there is something missing. I speak of the trade between real and relevant. I wrote the next paragraph earlier this year:
Imbibing the seeping culture of the world in the church and cutting our cloth to the pattern of the world may lead to an outward attraction but will not bring about much change in the human heart which we all so desperately need. These days we seem to so easily make the purchase and trade of ‘trendy and relevant’ with the coins of God’s presence and anointing. I personally believe our millennials may seem to be impressed with these but wait ‘til they really encounter and touch God!
“Flipping through a magazine recently, I came across a church conference advertisement that at first glance seemed run-of-the-mill. All of the essential information was there–dates, times, speakers, location. Then I noticed words to this effect printed at the bottom: “The first 100 paid registrants will receive a personal prophecy.”
Can ministers really promise someone a prophecy? What if God didn’t have a prophetic word for each of the first 100 paid registrants? We’ve all been exposed to excesses in church fundraising through the years, but today it seems as if dubious strategies for receiving offerings and generating funds belong to the realm of the banal.” B. Courtney McBath
By the way, the word banal means: so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.
Holy men of old…“For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so–it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 AMPC
As He chooses. God ‘graces’ his children as and when He sees the need and opportunity. “All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.” 1 Corinthians 12:11 AMPC
It seems as if we have assumed the role of the Holy Spirit; dangerous move. Anything done outside of God’s word has consequences.
Back to the Gordon Lindsay comment we began this article with. Jacob was known as deceiver, or supplanter – a supplanter takes over or takes the place of someone else, usually on purpose. If usurping thrones is your thing, then maybe you have a future as a supplanter. A supplanter takes the place of someone or something that was there first.
I do know of an enemy, the devil who would love to deceive us and get us to replace or even to take the place of God’s way, method and plan.
Let’s get back to the face of God.
Let’s drop our earthly methods and embrace the heart of God.
Let’s wrestle this thing like Jacob and call out to Him and know that even Jacob’s name was changed to Israel…one who looked into the face of God and received power from God to prevail.
Lastly, here’s a good buy!
“So I counsel you to purchase gold perfected by fire, so that you can be truly rich. Purchase a white garment to cover and clothe your shameful Adam-nakedness. Purchase eye salve to be placed over your eyes so that you can truly see.” Revelation 3:18 TPT
