As we all know 2020 was a year of extremes. Many experienced extreme losses and at the same time, many in the Church experienced extreme transformations. But, without a doubt, all of us were subject to the deep darkness of evil that was revealed and vile accusations that came from the evil one.
I saw a picture this morning of a woman who was returning from a long and treacherous hike in the wilderness during the winter months. She had scaled mountains, walked through deep ravines, crossed valleys, and climbed over obstacles that blocked her way. She was muddy, weary but also so grateful for all that she had experienced, learned, and overcome from the journey.
Then, in this vision, the Lord sends angels to attend to her. First, they removed her muddy boots and outer garments, then they removed the backpack off of her back. Then they ushered her into a warm home with a cozy fire burning. In this room, there was a tub filled with steaming water and the rest of her garments were removed. She stepped into this warm tub of clear water and then the angels began to pour warm, clear water over her head. As the water ran down over her, it washed away all the residue from the long journey she had taken. The angels washed her hair, her face, her hands, her feet until they were washed clean. Then they poured oil over her to anoint her. This oil touched her heart and mind and softened it to keep it tender and sensitive (for she had seen things and experienced things on the journey that sought to harden her heart). Then they brought soft, white linens to clothe her in; including what looked like a towel or turban for her head. All of these garments were white but around the edges (sleeves, neck, ends, and surrounding the towel/turban) were many words sewn in gold thread. As I looked closer I realized that they were scriptures from the Bible.
One of the scriptures was from Ephesians 5:26-27,
“…to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.”
Another was from John 15,
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (vs. 3)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit because you can do nothing without Me.” (vs. 5)
There was also the verses from Hebrews 4:12-13,
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.”
There were more but those were the three that I am aware of. I found it so beautiful that the first scripture in Ephesians is from the chapter regarding how a husband should treat his wife. Our Bridegroom, Jesus, was doing just that for his bride in this vision. He was cleansing her by the washing of water by the word. Then he was clothing her in garments that represent purity, fruitfulness, unity, and the sword of his authority.
I believe that 2021 is beginning with a washing of his bride. All of the residue from the long journey of the past year is being washed away. We are being anointed with oil and we are being clothed in purity, oneness, and the authority of his Word!
The Word of God is your sword and shield. More than any other time, this year you will need to be equipped with his Word as your weapon and protection. You must clothe yourself in the Word of God and saturating your mind in his Word (wearing it like a turban). His Word will cleanse you! In a year of even greater exposures; his Word will clothe you, cover your nakedness and keep you pure. His word will wash you and keep you joined to the true Vine so that you will produce fruit.
His Word will be a tent or canopy over your life, your family, and your home (even your ministry or business). It will be warmth, water, and fire for you. Begin each day by reading his Word and praying his Word over all that pertains to you. Declare it over your home, your city, your nation, and overall who sit in seats of authority. For his Word is a two-edged sword that will separate the holy from the profane.
I heard the words, “My Word is your key to success and fruitfulness! My Word gives victory and triumph to all that it touches. My Word keeps you pure and gives you peace. My Word is your authority and it brings heaven to earth.”
Let us saturate our lives and this year with the water of his Word!
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Inscribe Ministries
Featured Image by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
