On our drive back from Oklahoma over this past weekend, I had much time to consider and think about many things. As Darin was driving, I found myself thinking about Reformation Day, which is today, October 31st. Many of you may know, but some may not know, that it was on this day 499 years ago that the great reformer Martin Luther, posted his "95 Theses" on the doors of the church in Germany. This one act of standing up for truth would begin a chain of events, that would herald one of the most significant times of change in church history. Since it all began with "protesting" against what they felt was in error in the church of the time, the movement became known as the Protestant Reformation. This movement revolutionized the church and the world as they knew it.
As I was pondering what it must have been like for Luther to take such a stand against the status quo and what was considered "the norm" of his day, I thought how much we need more like him in this day and hour! I continued thinking about this on our drive, and the Lord began to speak to me about raising up reformers in this next season. After arriving home here in Georgia yesterday afternoon, Darin and I headed to a prophetic prayer assembly where we were scheduled to lead worship. The worship lead into prophetic songs and declarations, and during this time the Lord began to clarify and continue what He had spoken to me earlier regarding the arising of reformers.
I heard the Lord say ~ "I will cause many Reformers to arise in this next season, and they will begin to call for a "Reformation", they will call out those things that need to be changed, those things that have been perverted...in My Church, in the government, even those things done in secret that are not discussed. These Reformers will have the anointing and tenacity of Martin Luther, and they will not back down from the truth, regardless of what others think, say, or do. They will begin to declare "Enough is Enough!", and will stand up against what they know to be wrong, even in the face of much persecution, knowing that I have called them for this hour to stand for truth and justice! They will stand between the porch and the altar, they will intercede, they will raise a standard of righteousness, and they will begin to birth the Awakening that I have ordained for this hour!
These that I am raising up will have no fear of man, but will have reverential fear of Me alone ~ they will only strive to please My heart, and will listen to My Voice alone! They will burn with a desire to see My truth come forth, to see My light shine in the darkness. They will stand against injustice ~ they will stand against compromise ~ they will walk in My Glory, and be branded with the Fire of My holiness! They will stand against the altars of Baal that have been raised up, and like Gideon, they will be the ones to tear down even the altars that were raised by their father's house. They will stand for truth, and expose lies ~ they will stand in light, and expose darkness! They will know and expose the difference in the holy and the profane. They will be of every race, of every tribe, of every generation, both male and female.
My Spirit will be with them and will guide them, as they follow His leading into the battle ahead. They will be lead by My wisdom, and will know when to speak and when to stay silent. They will know when to move, and when to stay still. They will know when to war, and when to love. They will understand the balance in My judgments, and they will move, as I do, in as much justice as they do love.
By this time next year (which will be the 500th anniversary since the first Reformation began) you will already begin to see many Reformers arising. You will see these Reformers arise in many different spheres of influence...in business, in education, in media & arts, in government, and most importantly, in My Church. They have been brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this, and I will raise them up, to lead a revolution among My people, among those in governmental seats, and in many other spheres in the earth, even in the world's systems. Now is the Time....begin to declare: REFORMERS ARISE!!"
So I stand in my place, and I declare: REFORMERS ARISE!! Arise from every corner of the earth, from every wilderness place! Arise and take your place...Arise and bring the Reformation and Awakening that is so needed in this hour! Arise in courageous boldness and take back the territory the enemy has stolen! Arise and Shine!!
Note: Although I don't agree with everything that Martin Luther stood for, or even everything he believed (specifically in regards to the Jewish people), I have come to realize that God used him as a reformer to radically change the church, and the world, in spite of his wrong beliefs, errors, and issues. He was anointed to do what he did, and the Lord raised him up as a Reformer in his time. God has, and will continue to use many people that we may think He should not, or that we think are unworthy of being used. We see this all throughout scripture, and I for one am glad that the Lord chooses to use imperfect people to see His will be done. As I like to say, "Well, if He can use a donkey..."