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April 13 - May 13, 2020
Apostolic ministry is characterized by mega-power as well as mega-grace.
matter how strong or organized the enemy may be, he can be overcome and defeated by sent ones with the help of the Lord. This was a key to Uzziah’s success. Seeking God releases the Lord’s supernatural aid and assistance against the enemy.
Wealth is released when the enemy is defeated and subjugated, for there are spoils (goods) to be captured.
There are many cities and nations that are spiritually dry, where there is no flow of the Spirit.
Churches established through apostolic ministry will become wells in dry places, points of refreshing in the midst of dry religion and tradition.
They plow through tradition and anything that keeps the soil of men’s hearts from being broken up.
After pruning, the vine brings forth fruit abundantly. This is harvest time. Apostles will go through the tough work of plowing, sowing and pruning to achieve the prize of reaping a harvest of souls.
These mighty warriors will be strong and courageous with the ability to make war and help their leaders against the enemy (see verse 15). They enable the apostolic ministry to overcome principalities and powers, to break through spiritual opposition and to build.
“But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction” (verse 16). This verse uncovers a major weapon the enemy will use to stop strong apostolic ministry: pride. Apostles are susceptible to the spirit of pride. Any ministry that accomplishes as much as an apostle is capable of is in danger of becoming “lifted up.” The New English Bible says that Uzziah’s “fame spread far and wide, for he was so wonderfully gifted that he became very powerful” (verse 15). This was Uzziah’s downfall. His name became
Apostles must walk in humility and guard against pride and presumption. The snare of Uzziah’s pride made him a leper and cut him off from the house of the Lord. Pride goes before destruction (see Proverbs 16:18). It is difficult to be wonderfully gifted and powerful, yet not yield to pride. But the trap of pride can be escaped if apostles recognize and remember that their gift is by the grace of God.
