Jewels from the River: The Cloud of Witnesses Part II – And A Child Shall Lead Them
Judy Bauman
September 28, 2011
The Cloud of Witnesses Part II
Though there is still great joy at the River, the sound of the music has softened and the people stop where they are to worship. Some are at tables and some are lying on the grass; some are still in the circle where I saw the Lord dancing with them. Everyone is now in quiet adoration. I see Jesus, who is also in worship, giving all praise, honor and glory to the Father. This surprises me because what I expected was that we were there to worship Him, but Jesus was offering up all the praise to the Father. It is deeply enriching to watch Jesus worship the Father as He directs everyone’s attention to the Throne of Grace. He is leading us by example in the pure worship the Father seeks. (See John 4:23, 24, Hebrews 4:14-16)
As I lovingly watch and record this corporate worship, I ponder how the life of Christ was a model for us in every way. When Jesus was tempted in the desert He didn’t fight Satan with His own human words, but with the established word of God. Though He had the authority as the “Word made flesh” to do so, He knew we do not. The manner in which our Savior fought off Satan’s temptations was done for our instruction. Jesus didn’t do anything unless He first saw the Father doing it, nor did He say anything without hearing the Father say it. His mission was to reveal the Father. He taught us by example how to walk a life of obedience to the Father’s will, and is something we should continually strive to achieve in our daily Christian walk. (See John 5:19; 12:49; 14:10)
My deep contemplation is broken by the soft voice of a young boy who looks to be about four years old. He is worshipping at the feet of Jesus. His little face is cradled in his hands which are palms-up on the ground; he is on his knees and his bottom is resting on his feet. The Great Shepherd looks down lovingly at him, but the boy doesn’t look up. Love-filled adoration is pouring forth from the depths of his young, little heart; but much to my surprise I also hear him sobbing about being a terrible sinner and unworthy of the Father’s love. This boy is very young! What depths of sin could he have committed at this tender age that would cause him to lament before the Lord with such deep sobs? His cries are real and very heartfelt. His tears cause me to weep as I write. I feel his desperation in my own heart; I look over with great anticipation to see what Jesus is going to do.
The Lord looks up and I see Him nod to the Father. He looks back down at this young lover of God and joy and delight broaden His face. Suddenly the countenance of the Messiah begins to glow with a golden white light – He is so glorious I can barely write! I know I cannot stop because I am commissioned to record this encounter, so I take a deep breath and continue to scribe.
The radiant light of the Lord stretches out over all the people there, but the heavenly light from Christ’s face cradles the boy. Jesus places His hand lovingly on the lad’s head. The boy looks up into the brilliance of the Holy One of Israel. Joy and light, love and freedom radiate from his hope-filled, beautifully innocent face!!! The urge to run and scoop him up in my arms and hold him is now overwhelming me. It seems if I could hold him I would be holding – literally holding – the love of God! However, this moment between the boy and the Lord is not to be disturbed. Then I notice everyone in the crowd is also containing a deep longing to hold this child.
Jesus looks over at me and my heart races! He is so glorious! He smiles and signals me to come to Him; He whispers in my ear and gives me specific instructions. I nod and go to a dwelling that is seated on the hill above the River. This is a secret place the Lord has brought me to before. I go to His desk drawer and in it is a small pearl box. I quickly bring it back and stand ready while the Lord picks up the boy, brushes him off, and wipes off the tears of repentance from his sweet, little face. Jesus holds out His hand for the pearl box and I carefully present it to Him. He opens it and in the box is a ring. The Lord puts the ring on the boy’s finger. He takes off His cloak and lays it across the lad’s shoulders. Jesus takes off His shoes and puts them on the child’s feet.
As Jesus presents the boy these gifts, I see they supernaturally fit him. I also understand they will “grow” with him into manhood. Though he is a small child, there is no mistaking that he walks in the full authority, sonship and calling of God. He will have these gifts all the days of his life.
The Great Shepherd looks over the Cloud of Witnesses and says in a loud voice, “And a child shall lead them.”
To that everyone cheers and claps and there is great joy over this little one! Jesus lifts the boy onto His shoulders and dances with him all throughout the company of believers. After a long and joyful time of celebration the Lord comes back to where I have been scribing, and sets the boy down in front of me. He gives a wink, a smile, and a nod. It is my turn to now love on this child. I lift him up with a quick toss in the air – and to that he giggles with delight. I catch him and twirl around and hug him deeply. The Love of God pours out through this joyful interaction between the boy’s heart and mine. As I put him down, the child looks at me with the sweetest smile – then scrabbles off to the next set of awaiting arms. I am filled with great satisfaction and a deepened love for My Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
~End Vision
Vision Date: August 19, 2010
The way the Lord comforted this boy reminds me of an encounter I had with the Lord.
Scriptures to ponder:
John 5:19; 12:49; 14:10; Mark 10:38, 29; Matthew 26:39; Isaiah 11:5-7; Luke 15:7, 11-32
I believe this illustration is about the Lord calling us into sonship when we give our life to Him is not to be confused with prophecy that has been fulfilled or the part is yet to be.
It is the purpose of this ministry is to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. If “Jewels” are a blessing to you, please remember us in your giving. 100% of all funds that come from the internet go to the orphan’s fund – there is always great need for these little ones who cannot take care of themselves. Monies are only sent to those we know personally and operate in truth and integrity. Please consider Isaiah 1:17 and James 1:27.
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father’s love richly bless you!
Judy Bauman
Because of the blood of Christ we are fellow-citizens of God's household - being carefully joined to become a holy temple to the Lord. It is in this dwelling where God lives by His Spirit.
