Released December 5, 2017
Through Theresa Harvard Johnson
INSIGHT BEFORE THE WORD
I was listening to a conversation among ministers, when I heard someone refer to members of their congregation as “dumb” sheep, as in unintelligent. They justified their comments by quoting a passage of scripture from a popular bible translation that uses the phrase. As you know, the word dumb (Isaiah 53:7) is actually referring to a state of being mute or silent – not stupid.
In love, I interrupted the conversation of the minister to add insight on the meaning of this word in context with the pastor. Thank God it was received. I learned, in further conversation, that table talk among pastors sometimes hold ungodly beliefs that sheep (which represent the people of the congregation) are not smart. Of course this misconception is rooted in such arrogance and pride.
Immediately, my spirit was quickened with the word below. So, when I arrived home I took the time to record what I heard. I pray that it reaches the ears of those assigned to it.
PROPHETIC WORD
Beloved, I am ripping away the belief that shepherds are overseeing unintelligent people. I am tearing down the mindset that has caused my people to set themselves as “better than” or “above others” among the congregation. I am causing them to renounce the sin of pride, arrogance and self-rightousness. I am causing them to renounce the haughty heart that is thriving within them. In this season, get ready to see the hearts of those who shephered my people crushed before me. Get ready to see waves of repentance wash over them and their minds shift from religious and traditional beliefs that have long been held dear.
I am sending forth a wave of repentance, deep healing. And as they are healed, many who have stood among them and heard the conscending beliefs create an atmosphere of shame and humiliation, will forgive and receive their healing. The floodgates of repentance and healing are opening.
Beloved, I am dismantling dividing lines that have set the stage for slavery, dishonor and the devaluing of my people and the awakening my servants to truth. This is the day of the better way. This is the day of breaking shackles of religion, legalism, patriarchy and other systems of oppression. This is the day awakening those long set in their ways from a deep slumber. Personal revival is at their doorsteps. Watch. See. Know. Receive. Return to me.
I am opening eyes. I am opening minds. I am softening hearts. I am shining blinding light in darkened places. I revealing prejudices, wrong thinking. I am removing obstacles to see and hear me. I am revealing my will concerning leadership (kingship) in a new way. I am aligning leaders after my heart with my heart. Yes, I desire all to come to repentence and follow me.
Beloved, strong distinctions are being made between those who are known by my love, and light is being separated from darkness. Where there has been a struggle to distinguish good from evil or to discern my intent or desire, I am making it clear as walls of confusion come down in the hearts of my people and they embrace healing streams.
My sheep know my voice and a “stranger” they will not follow. MY sheep know MY voice and a stranger they will NOT follow. My sheep know my voice and a stranger they will not follow. My sheep KNOW MY VOICE. Truly, I have begun and will continue this work among my people. I am demolishing wrong mindsets among leaders in my congregations, and setting their hearts afire for my people. It is a time of great repentance for my leaders. EMBRACE IT!
Luke 15:4-7 NIV, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
