PROPHETIC INSIGHTS FROM 2002

Copyright Notice: Permission is given to freely copy and distribute these articles without omission and with contact details intact on mailing lists or forums. Please contact the author for permission to post on website pages.

GLIMPSES OF THE BRIDE

Cheryl McGrath

THE APOSTOLIC BRIDE

14 September, 2002

This vision came during a time of worship on an elder's retreat in mid-September, 2002.

In this vision the Bride was shown to me as an accomplished dancer, dancing across the earth. At first there were multiple representations of the Bride, though they were all the same form and danced in perfect unity, each movement being completely synchronised and in unison. The Bride was dressed in a simple white flowing dress and barefooted. I saw her as many different dancers, exactly the same except for their faces, which were ethnically and racially different. Some faces were black, others white, some were Asian, and many, many other cultures and nationalities. As I followed the Bride dancing across the earth, her face would constantly change from nation to nation, but the movements of these multiple representations of the Bride remained totally synchronised.

Then I saw all of these forms merge into a single form, still dressed in the same simple white flowing dress and barefooted, but this time with flaming red hair. She continued to dance with grace and precision across the earth for some time, to music that only she seemed to be able to hear.

Then I saw the Bride re-form into five different representations, all visually exactly the same. I cannot describe here her face except that there was nothing striking about it and because my attention was focused on her dance and her actions. These five were again dressed in the same white tunics and barefooted, and their arms were linked as they formed a line together across the earth. At first they danced together, but then began to take different actions, as they moved out from the line they formed across the earth. The first one on the left began to dance across fields and pastures, placing a ram's horn to her mouth and blowing loudly across the nations. Immediately to her left the next one also started dancing across the nations, but this one danced with a mighty sword which she wielded with great grace and accuracy, as though it was an extension of her arms. Then I saw another one step up. This one was placed directly in the centre of the line of five. She stepped forward, opened her mouth and began singing songs of proclamation across the nations of the earth. Immediately she was joined by the one to her left, who stepped up beside her and also began singing songs of proclamation across the nations. Their voices harmonised as they sang out together. Finally I noticed another to the left who began to dance across the nations as though she was as light as air. The grace of this one as she danced is very hard to put into words, but was exceedingly beautiful to watch, and as she danced in swift, leaping movements over the earth, seeds fell from one of her hands. She was not holding these seeds in any way, they were falling directly on the earth from inside the palm of her hand as she danced with great abandonment and purpose.

Interpretation:

The vision started with the many views of the corporate Bride from all nations, tongues and tribes. Then the maturing Bride, as she grows up into the fullness of the stature of Christ, emerged, her red hair representing the glory she carries. The final scene portrayed the Bride fully restored in the governmental authority of Ephesians 4:11.

The Bride with the ram's horn represents the shepherds (pastors), calling in the sheep from the nations. The sword-wielding Bride is the teacher who skilfully dances with the word of God across the nations. Next was the apostle bride whose voice resounds with authority as she proclaims the word and she is joined by the prophet. There is no competition or uneasiness between these two, their purpose is singular as each sings out their message in their own voice, but in complete unity of purpose. As their song of unity goes forth it forms a new sound upon the earth that calls the nations to attention and prepares the way of the Lord. The graceful dancer with the seeds falling from her hand represents the evangelist. She dances swiftly because she knows that the harvest is full and the light is fading. Her gaze is set on the nations and she is consumed with the earth's harvest.

VISION OF THE ROYAL DAUGHTER

, 11 December, 2002

In deep worship I was shown what appeared to be a long length of rich satin-like fabric stretched out before me. The middle section of this length of fabric was gold, and on each side there was a wide border piece of deep purple. Gold thread wove the three pieces together in long seams. At first, I didn't know what this length of fabric was, but as I followed it with my eyes, I saw that it gradually lifted up onto the shoulders of someone far off, who I could only see from the back. I realised then that this fabric was a most beautiful train, or robe, coming down from the shoulders of this person. The head of this person was radiant, with an almost blinding light coming out in long golden rays. I could not make out any facial features, because all I could see were the golden rays of light covering, surrounding and emanating from the back of the head of this one wearing this train-robe.

I heard the Lord then say "This is My Bride." I then saw Him standing far off and slightly above the bride. He said "The golden radiance you see is because she has her eyes firmly fixed on Me." I became aware that the brightness of the radiance I saw on and around her head was His reflection as she gazed at Him in adoration. Though I could not see her face, I knew her eyes were directed only at Him. Her stance was one of total readiness to obey immediately whatever He would say.

As I looked again at this long, long train, I said, wondering how she carried it, "Lord, it's so long and so heavy." After a short while, He answered, "It is long because it is growing. As My Bride walks on the earth the train grows wherever she walks. It will cover the earth. It is heavy with My Glory, but not too heavy for her, because I have made her shoulders strong."

At this point my view was "zoomed in" as it were to her shoulders, and I saw upon each shoulder a fringed, golden epaulet of the style that is sometimes worn on military uniforms of high rank, but much more beautiful. I knew the thread and fabric mix were pure gold. The Lord then said "This is my government. It is strong and secure and well able to hold the weight of My Bride's glorious robe." I remembered Psalm 45 and became aware as He said this that this robe was one of several robes the Bride wears. I believe this was the robe of the Royal Daughter.

Psalm 45:13,14. "The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace, her clothing is woven with gold. She shall be brought to the King in robes of many colours….."

My attention was then drawn again to the light-filled golden rays emanating out from around the Bride's head. He said "These are the crowns I am placing upon My Bride's head. There are many, but the greatest is the Crown of Righteousness." The Lord said this with quite obvious joy and a certain sense of holy pride.

"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8

Cheryl McGrath, Great South Land Ministries, Australia, 2002

www.greatsouthland.org Email: southland@greatsouthland.org

==================================================

A WORD TO THE SERVANT-SHEPHERDS

11 August, 2002

This is a message I received early Sunday 11 August, 2002. The Lord told me to bring this message to His Servant-Shepherds and to make specific mention that this word is not a word to the false shepherds who feed off His sheep, but a word to the true shepherds who FEED His sheep. This is what I believe I heard Him say and have conveyed this message as accurately as I am able. Please pass this message to those you know with the calling of a true shepherd and to those with pastoral gifts, whether they are currently in ministry or not. The shepherds need to hear this word.
Cheryl McGrath

"There is a malady among you, the shepherds of the Lord, that I would heal. It is a malady of the soul taking hold over many hours of sacrificial care and service to My sheep. It is the same false understanding I gently took issue with Peter over, on the night of the supper. And there are many of you, my true shepherds, to whom I gently speak now.

For your love for Me and your life for Me have become so service focused that you indeed have become unable to receive from Me. And you are unable to receive from the least of My servants. So long have you laboured under the heavy burden of solitude and isolation, but this was not My way or My perfect will for you as is revealed in the word of My covenant. And I have watched you with seering love and deep compassion as you have spent long nights in travail over my sheep and long days of toil for them. And My Shepherd's heart has reached out to you as your tears have fallen and there was no-one close by to comfort and lift you.

Understand that the gift of mercy, and the calling to shepherd and lead My people to safe pasture was bestowed upon you directly from My own Shepherd's heart. But one thing you have not seen, and it is needful. Your zeal to fulfil your call and to demonstrate your love for Me through serving My sheep has blinded you to your own need to receive from My Hand. For you, too, need a Shepherd and I am that rest and safe pasture for whom you thirst.

You know that I have said that those of you who would be greatest in the Kingdom must become servants of all. But you have not desired greatness, nor have you sought to be recognised for your service, as do the false shepherds. Your desire has been for My sheep to know Me and to grow healthy, strong and fruitful.

Great changes are in the wind such as My church has not known before and the temptation will be great for you to resist My Spirit as He ushers in My expressed will. In order for you to have your part in that which I am doing and will do in these coming days it is vital that you humble yourselves and learn the position of receiving. Peter would never have known the grace to walk where I later led him if he had not learnt the humility of receiving on the night when I washed his feet. Many times I would have washed your feet also if you would have allowed Me, but you were so focused on washing the feet of My saints that you did not see Me come with My bowl and My water to refresh your tired soul.

I have given you My Servant's heart, but I need to remind you that though I came to serve, I knew how to receive also. My disciples did not understand until much later why I received the anointing from Mary's hands. It takes humility to be the one who is served, rather than always the servant. The flesh of man is deceptive and even in constant servanthood there lies a snare leading to pride, and a deception lies in a life of service alone, that leads to dead works.

Because I love you, I admonish you to come and humble yourselves before Me that I may wash Your feet and feed you from My very Hand. There is much to be done in the days that lie ahead and there is need for My servant-shepherds to take their place, which is a different and a far greater place than you have previously known. But unless I refresh you now, unless you die to the old ways and take on the burden that is light and the yoke that is easy, how will you stand?

Come, cease from your giving only, and learn what it is to receive. I have prepared for you a banqueting table from which I desire to feed and strengthen you. And at this banqueting table you will find other servants who I have been preparing to come alongside you. They have much to bring to you, and you will find you have much to bring to them. Do not fear and do not resist Me as I lead you into this deeper place of abiding. I have new and greener pastures for you and the sheep I have placed in your care.

Come, true shepherds of the sheep, enter into My rest."

Cheryl McGrath, Great South Land Ministries, PO Box 6430, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 2450 www.greatsouthland.org ; email: southland@greatsouthland.org

THE LORD'S CHOICE

Cheryl McGrath, 19 April, 2002

I hear some of you saying "how long Lord?" And I would say also to you, how long? How long will you present your flesh to Me and expect Me to bless it? How long will you denigrate My Blood, yes, I say denigrate, watering down My Blood that you might add your works and your own form of righteousness to it? What? Has the sanctifying power of My Blood become such a common thing in your midst that you treat it so?

For in action and in word I see you choose your own brand of false religion over the grace My Blood stands for time and time again. Understand My Blood is spelled "grace", yes - G-R-A-C-E. But so many have lost the revelation and left the place of first love. Do you not know this is what I mean when I tell you to return to your first works? Return again to the revelation of grace inherent in My Blood. Cry out, yes repent and cry out to Me for a revelation of My grace to come again upon you.

And how will I demonstrate again to you My grace, that you might humble yourselves before Me and cleave to Me once again instead of your man-made religion? I will take what is weak and I will take what is foolish and I will take that which is base in the eyes of the world and in the eyes of the worldly religious spirit, and I will glorify Myself in your sight and in the sight of the world. And I will show My wisdom and I will demonstrate My power, for might and wisdom belong to Me, says the Lord.

Many in My Body believe they walk in wisdom, but I say to you it is not My wisdom, but a wisdom that belongs to the world. For which of you would send a child to speak to kings, and which of you would choose that which is despised and mocked to demonstrate power? If you would see My wisdom, look to Mary who anointed Me for My burial in the presence of many who were offended. And look to the sinner woman who wept over my feet because she was forgiven much, and therefore loved much. I tell you I delight to use the weak, the foolish and the base for My Kingdom's purposes. Yes I delight in them, as I delighted in that day. Know and understand these were chosen by Me, says the Lord, yes, MY choice!

And look to My Cross, yes look to My Cross, to see My wisdom. Is there anything more foolish, is there anything more despised, is there anything more base? Yet it was My choice, and with its wisdom was the evil one defeated.

And again I will choose the weak ones, the unclean and unwanted in the eyes of the world and the eyes of the worldly church, because that is MY wisdom, says the Lord. A humble and a contrite spirit I will not despise - though the world despise, I will NOT despise, but I will CHOOSE such vessels to glorify Me in the coming days. And you will see Me choose them time and time again because in such as these I AM glorified, and not the flesh of man.

And I tell you what I will not choose - I will not choose self-satisfied false piety. I will not choose those among you who have left your first love and have counted yourselves worthy, unless you repent and turn again to Me and embrace My undeserved grace, says the Lord. And I will come among you as a Rock of Offence and a Stumblingstone until you are no longer offended, but humbled and contrite, says the Lord.

You err, yes you err, and you grieve My Spirit, because you deny the sanctifying power of My Blood, the all sufficiency of My Blood, when you despise my broken vessels. Do you think you can add one drop of your own righteousness to these? Do you see how you insult My Blood and deny its power to sanctify? Is not this the spirit of antichrist? Do you think I will tolerate it in My church?

Let it be known that I will not! You will see Me war against this false spirit, for I am aroused against it, says the Lord. And you will see Me confound its wisdom with MY Wisdom, says the Lord. And you will see the demonstration of My mighty power and wisdom in my vessels of dishonour, says the Lord!. And you will see Me victorious and conquering, says the Lord. Yes, you will see antichrist defeated and humiliated through my weak and foolish ones! I WILL have a people who are free in Me and who walk in the revelation and power of My grace, says the Lord.

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

1 Cor. 1:17-32

Note: The Greek word in this passage for "base" or "low" is "agenes", meaning "without kin, of unknown descent". In other words "who is your father?" Isn't that what they said to Jesus?

Cheryl McGrath, Great South Land Ministries, 2002

www.greatsouthland.org; Email: southland@greatsouthland.org

Mailing Address: PO Box 6430 Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia

BACK TO PROPHECY PAGES

HOME