Joshua 5:2-3 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
The generation of the children of Israel could not possess what belonged to them or have dominion over their enemies while the flesh still controlled their lives.
Despite following God and seeing His glory every day, the children of Israel were still controlled by the flesh; that is why they needed a circumcision of the heart before they could walk in God’s promises and victory.
Circumcision is a change of heart produced by the Holy Spirit. While Joshua circumcised with a knife, the Holy Spirit performs this work through the Word of God today, bringing true transformation of the heart. Yet, there is a generation following the Lord and seeing the fire and the cloud whose hearts remain unchanged. (Romans 2:29)
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
We cannot walk in the promises God has given us until there is purity and holiness in our lives.
You may wonder why you are not yet walking in the promises of God. Could it be that there is still filthiness of the flesh and spirit that has not been dealt with?
Many have followed the Lord for years in salvation, but their hearts haven’t truly changed. Oftentimes, believers focus on what they can receive from God, yet God desires to transform their hearts first.
1 Samuel 16:1-6
When God desired to anoint a king for Israel, Samuel went to the house of Jesse to sanctify the family. Although Eliab possessed all the outward qualities of a king, the Lord rejected him because He looks at the heart and not outward appearance.
Samuel performed the rituals of cleansing, but those rituals did not touch the hearts of Jesse’s sons because they were not living consecrated lives, and as a result, they were disqualified.
David, however, lived a consecrated life: he was a man after God’s own heart, and consecration was his lifestyle. When David arrived, he was anointed by Samuel.
Could it be the state of your heart disqualifying you from sitting on your throne all these years? Ask the Lord to circumcise your heart, and cry out to Him to search and cleanse it, just as David did (Psalm 139:23-24).
Zechariah 3:1-3 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. [2] And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” [3] Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.
Joshua was the high priest who represented the entire nation of Israel before God once every year. Yet, Satan stood before him, opposing him and hindering his ministry because he was clothed in filthy garments.
If you are clothed in spiritual filth, you carry no authority or representation before God, regardless of whether you are an apostle, businessman, leader, or hold any other title.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the areas of your life that are preventing you from walking in authority. Grow tired of the ordinary life and enter into a life of spiritual authority so that you may fulfil your assignment.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Filthiness is not limited to sexual immorality; it also includes idols hidden in the heart, such as the worship of the body, money, or anything that takes God’s place. Aaron himself was a high priest, yet he made a golden calf. What idol are you carrying in your heart?
The sins of the flesh and spirit are often hidden in the heart: bitterness, envy, lust, fear, doubt, unbelief, etc. These forms of spiritual filth can be dressed in priestly garments, yet they remain destructive. It is the little foxes that destroy the vine.
Like Achan’s disobedience in Joshua 7 brought destruction upon himself and his family, whatever you do in private affects the entire Body of Christ.
May the fear of the Lord return to the house of God, which house you are. May God find rest in you, knowing that He has a man, a woman, and a people He can trust with His assignment. Child of God, strive by the grace of God to live a pure and honest life, edifying the Body of Christ and keeping your body holy, for it is the temple of God
STAY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVOURED, WE LOVE YOU.
PASTOR BEN OCHOLA.