2012 TIME TO TAKE YOUR PLACE AND SHINE

TAKING OUR PLACE, BUILDING AND SHINING

2012 is a time to take our place, to build and shine.

In Josh 18 there were 7 tribes who although they were in the promised land, they had not yet taken their place in the nation.

Joshua encouraged these nations to survey their land and take what was rightfully theirs. 

These 12 tribes then built a nation and from the moment they arrived, they continued and even unto this day continue to attract the attention of other nations.  Throughout their journey they brought us the first 5 books of the bible and upon this nation the entire Old Testament would be built.   The bible says the Jewish people brought us the Word of God.

Romans 3:1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 

They started with 12 tribes and in the New Testament, we started with 12 apostles.  In the New Testament, we as the body of Christ are built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. As we take our place in the body, a nation of believers is built!

Ephesians 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone

Just as they began laying foundations and building a nation, when we come into our assignments and take our place in the body, we are laying foundations for future generations.  These Israelites may have not realized the significance and the importance of coming into their inheritance and taking their place.  The Messiah himself would come to the world through this nation. The entire Word of God would be brought to the world through this nation. Today we continue to learn doctrine, reproof, correction and encouragement from the foundations laid through these original Israelites.

Our Assignment is to Shine

In the same way the Israelites would become a nation that would attract the attention of the world around them as time after time God would bring them victory as long as they walked in his ways, so we are to be an example to the nations. As Christians take their place, leaving all others behind and live a life consecrated to the Lord, so he will shine through us and show forth his glory in us.

We are led out of darkness & we know the way out!

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

The glory of the Lord is seen upon us causing others to come:

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come!  And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,  And deep darkness the people;  But the LORD will arise over you,  And His glory will be seen upon you.   3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,  And kings to the brightness of your rising. 

May this be a year that we as a body take our place, laying foundations that are much farther reaching that just our own lives.  We truly are building a city on a hill, a shining light for all the world to see.  It's time for the body of Christ to leave complacency behind, take our place and build!  It's time for the Lord to shine through us! You are the light of the world, so take your place and shine! Amen!

Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.