The Vision of 2024
It all begins with an idea. The Presider sets the vision for 2024.
To: The Body of Christ
From: The Desk of ArchBishop Celena Spain-Frank
Date: June 22, 2024
In 2024, we have experienced many highs and lows. We have encountered hurt, setbacks, and challenges, and have found ourselves persevering through difficult times.
But, can I propose an idea to you? Perhaps we are going through all of this because we are nearing the mountaintop.
Isaiah 2:2 states “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.” When I reflected on this scripture, I was reminded of another passage from Isaiah, which says “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
When I consider these together, I notice two things:
- The Lord’s Temple will be established at the highest point of the mountains.
- Those who bring the Good news, their feet will be beautiful on the mountain.
Have you ever been camping? When my family goes camping, we rent a cabin for a week and enjoy nature and each other's company. We roast marshmallows by the fire, sing songs, tell stories, and catch fireflies. We play games (I usually win in spades), and we cherish time with friends and family. But as I think about it, almost the entire time we are there, we do not wear shoes: no high heels, flip flops, or sandals the entire vacation.
When our vacation is over, my wife and I usually schedule a pedicure appointment. We have just spent an entire week walking on dirt, rocks, and sand as we enjoyed our quality time. We have washed our feet, but we still need a deep cleaning. We need the dead skin gone. We need a deep rejuvenation. We need some TLC.
The scripture says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news," We have to make sure we are on the mountains in order to receive the TLC of God.
We need to no longer stop AT the church and BE the church.
We need to stop complaining about the rocks, the sticks, the stones beneath our feet and start asking, "Am I on the Mountain?"
Am I where God has called me to be?
Am I doing what God has called me to do?
Am I showing what God is calling me to show?
Am I giving what God told me to give?
Am I moving in the Spirit of God?
Am I loving?
Am I on the Mountain?
Once we are in the right place at the right time, we can make it to the highest place, where the temple of God is!
So, if you are tired....
If you are hurting...
If you are weary...
If you are ready to give up...
HOLD ON... because we will reach the mountaintop if we faint not!