LIFESTYLE OF AN INTERCESSOR 1

 Lifestyle of an Intercessor 1

Text: Ezekiel 1-3.

Our focus will be on Ezekiel 1-3. 

I encourage each of us to personally read and study Ez 1-3 from the point of view of looking into the life and ministry of Ezekiel. 

There is so much to learn from him concerning intercession.

As I mentioned last week that we as intercessors should work on our ability to:

SEE clearly in the spirit realm

FOCUS on Him with rapt attention 

HEAR Him through His Word clearly- Heb 1: 1-3.

WORSHIP Him in Spirit and in Truth

* Receive His WORD with understanding and meekness of heart.

We will look at these chapters in respect of the above.

Today’s focus is on Ez 1:1-15.

Let’s look closely at the need to See and stay Focused.

The name Ezekiel means - STRENGTH.

JOURNALING to discern TIMING: Ez 1:1-3.

As intercessor we must be able to recall timing. He was very specific about the time he saw the vision. He remembered time, season, location and his spiritual condition.... the hand of the Lord was on him.

This should encourage us to keep a journal and to make sure that all journals are properly kept safely so that we can always refer to what the Lord said to us even in past years..

As we go through them , we will be able to harness the vision together, as we do that , we will see a progression in the vision.

ACCURACY: 

He was able to build accuracy in disseminating his information and Word from the Lord through the use of prophecy, parables,signs, symbols to deliver God message to those in exile.

He ministered to them using the symbols that they were familiar with to drive home his points. 

Jesus also did the same.... as He taught in their agrarian economy, He used symbols like.... a farmer, plant seed, a fisherman, you will catch men etc.

We can also reach the people in our environment by using symbols they are familiar with to explain our teachings and the revelation we received from the Lord so that we and our team can pray effectively.

PRIESTHOOD 

Ezekiel knew and understood his own identity.. his background and priesthood.

He also Occupied his POSITION as a PRIEST and performed his priestly role.

Jesus said we should occupy till he comes. 

We should be conscious of our assignments and face it diligently and faithfully.

CLARITY of VISION 

 Ezekiel had ability to see vision... "Vision" here means revelation, mirror, seeing.

In vs 4-5, he saw the whirlwind and what is within the whirlwind wind, 

As intercessor, we should avoid distraction so that we can see clearly and have a wholistic picture of the message the Lord is passing across to us.

KEY to EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION 

From Ez 1:5-9, if we we replace ‘likeness of their face’ with countenance it means, they had :

1. Countenance of Man - speaks of our ability to fellowship with God.

2. Countenance of Lion- speaks of our ability to walk in authority and boldness

3 Countenance of an Ox - speaks of ability to carry burdens, strength for sacrificial work and labour for the Lord in His vineyard.

4. Countenance of Eagle - speaks of ability to soar high in the Spirit.

The above qualities will help us to intercede effectively even in the face of adversity, darkness or challenging situations. 

We will not turn back in the day of battle in Jesus name. ( Ephraim did, though armed - (Psm 78:9-11) 

Rather, we will be strengthened to turn back the battle of the enemy at the gate (Isa 28:5-6)

FOCUS and PROMPT OBEDIENCE 

From Ez 1: 12-15, we see the picture of focus... ‘each one went straight forward; they went wherever the Spirit wanted to go and did NOT turn when they went’ vs 12. 

This means we too should stay focused on the direction of the Move of the Spirit. Avoid distractions as much as possible.

We should also be able to navigate the spirit realm through the help of the Holy Spirit. Focused in God direction. 

If we are not able to pray harmoniously as intercessors, our efforts will look like beating the air.

Vs 13...’Like burning coal of fire’ gives a picture of Fervency in the spirit. The fire should remain bright.

Our spirit man must always be burning with His Holy fire ( Lev 6:12-13)

.......demons don't stay where the fire of God is. Gen. 15:17. Here, even in the midst of darkness, a smoking oven and a burning touch still passed between Abraham’s sacrifice.

~ Azuka Gbogboade.

To be continued...