OCCUPY ! !

Occupy Wall Street


We are witnessing a phenomenon all across the world -- in New York, it is called "Occupy Wall Street".  In every major city in the USA, there is some type "occupation" going on.  Although I don't understand all the reasoning, it does remind me of the 60's when people flooded the streets to protest the Vietnam War.  It reminds me of "Woodstock" when "free love" was freely being portrayed in a somewhat dramatic and graphic manner.
The participants of these protests range from students to politicians -  it seems that most of them are definitely among the "unemployed" or at least the "under-employed" of America.  They seem to be bolstered by what the media has called "Arab Spring" - when we witnessed entire governments toppled by protesters throughout the Arab world -- Egypt, Tunisia, Libya.....


I looked up the definition online of the word, "occupy" -- just to clarify for myself what we are talking about.  I found 5 different definitions:
1.  To fill up  (time or space)
2. To dwell or reside in
3. To hold or fill (an office or position)
4. To seize possession of and maintain control over by or as if by conquest
5. To engage or employ the attention or concentration of

Seems that these protestors are content on definitions # 4 and #5.

11-11-11
I am writing this blog today on November 11, 2011.

Although this is traditionally Veterans Day, and we do honor and appreciate the sacrifice of every person who has served in our military - to serve and protect the United States of America.  God bless our Vets!
However, because of this unique day, all around the world persons of faith are praying for the move of God, and for His mercy to be extended to mankind.  We definitely need the intervention of God in our lives.

As I was meditating on this thought, the Lord kept reminding me of the verse of Scripture found in Luke 19:13. Now the story Jesus is telling is about a businessman who was leaving to go on a trip for some time, and gave his servants "minas" ('pounds') -- money!
Jesus said the businessman's instructions were simply, but emphatic:
"OCCUPY TIL I COME"

I looked up that word in the original Greek (the language in which the New Testament was written), and the word used is transliterated "pragmateuomai" --  and it is rendered "TRADE YE"

This verse in various translations:
King James Version:   "Occupy til I come"
New King James Version:  "Do Business till I come"
Message:  "Operate with this, until I return"
New Living Translation:  "Invest this for me while I am gone"
Amplified Bible:  "Buy and sell with these while I go and then return"
New International Version:  "Put this to work until I come back"

It is clear that the businessman in this story by Jesus fully intends his money to be invested and used to the fullest for the good of his business.  When he returns (in the story), he rewards the servants who succeeded, and curses the servant who failed to even try.

This is a story that completely applies to us today.  Yes, there is greed on Wall Street, and there is greed on Main Street too!  Yes, there are abuses of the system, but that should not excuse anyone from working.
Yes, we have higher unemployment that we need -- and we pray that God will help us turn this around quickly.
The heart of the matter is not the RICH against the POOR.  It really is about JOBS for those willing to WORK.

As these dear citizens protest the abuses ... they are NOT working, are they?
Can't look for a job, living in Zuccotti Park -- or any street park in America!
Some have even degenerated into criminal activity - and that will get them a jail cell, quicker than anything!

Beyond the obvious need for jobs in America, I believe there is a broader and specific message out of all this for the Body of Christ.

Jesus taught the lesson recorded in Luke 19 not just to promote a good work ethic.  He was teaching a spiritual lesson that as the "Body of Christ" on earth, we are to OCCUPY UNTIL HE COMES BACK.

We are not to just fill up space .... we are not to just dwell and reside on earth ... we are not to just hold  or fill up a position in life --- we are to represent the Kingdom of God for good.

We are called to DO BUSINESS for God!  We are called to INVEST our lives in the lives of others!
We are to WORK for the causes of Christ -- to serve HIM as we serve our fellowman.
We are to pray and serve!

As I was preparing to write this blog .. I received a prayer alert from Cindy Jacobs that prophetically speaks to what we as Christians MUST do.  Below is what she wrote:



"For the Lord says the United States is fast approaching her 'tipping point.'  I am ready, say God, to reach out and balance but even if tremendous prayer is poured out, it will only steady the nation for a season unless there is a heart-felt turning back to the Lord.
The Lion of Judah is shaking His mane over the economy and shaking of many systems of greed will be brought low. The constriction of the financial structures will hit the poor but it is time for my people to understand that if they give to the poor they will not lack.
There are hidden plots being hatched on many levels that need to be uncovered. Plots of anarchy on various levels from minor to large. The Spirit of Anarchy will try and manifest to hold captive and terrorize the cities and this must be turned in prayer.  Terrorist are moving behind the scenes to hit more than one target at a time to strike terror in the hearts of people.
However, one will put a thousand to flight and two, ten thousand! I will expose and uncover those who plot together with unlikely partnerships if my people pray!  There are some nations who are saying they are at peace with the United States but it is only a ploy. Intercede for exposure of these alliances.
I am calling the world, says the Most High God, to stand with Israel against her enemies for the plots planned for the U.S. involve the two nations.  The spirit of Babylon is even now being exposed and is roaring but I will unravel the structure its economy."

Given through Cindy Jacobs
Detroit, MI

IT'S TIME TO PRAY

IT'S TIME TO OCCUPY

IT'S TIME TO INVEST EVERYTHING FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST

HE IS COMING BACK SOON, AND WE MUST GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR INVESTMENTS!