Rising to High Places: Embracing the Unfamiliar with Faith
This past Sunday morning, something extraordinary happened at Kingdom Center Rockford. As our congregation gathered, a hawk swooped low over the parking lot, then rose up to perch on a tall lamp post, silhouetted against the sky with the moon still visible in the background. It was a stunning image—a powerful, unexpected reminder of God’s calling for us in this season.
At Kingdom Center Rockford, we recently entered the new Jewish year of 5785, prophetically known as the Pey Hey year—a time characterized by grace, words, and the wind of the Spirit. This year, as Apostle Jonathan Byrd has been teaching in his series "Embracing the Unfamiliar Places," we are focusing on ascending to supernatural high places, learning to live more in the spirit and less in the natural realm. It’s an unfamiliar journey for many, but one that promises spiritual elevation, resilience, and closeness with Christ.
In the Bible, the hawk is a symbol of war and might, a creature representing the strength to conquer and the vision to navigate battles. In Job 39:26, God asks, "Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom?" Here, we see the hawk as a reminder of divine guidance and the strength that God alone grants us to overcome challenges. The hawk’s ability to soar and rise above is a prophetic call for us to do the same—to lift ourselves above worldly troubles and enter the high places where God calls us to rule with Him.
Adding to this scene was the moon, still visible in the morning sky, representing God’s faithfulness. As it says in Psalm 89:37, "It shall be established forever like the moon, a faithful witness in heaven." Just as the moon remains steadfast in its orbit, God’s promises and guidance are constant, unwavering, and ever-present. The moon reminded us that even as we journey into new spiritual heights and unfamiliar places, God’s covenant remains, a faithful witness lighting our way.
Prophetic Significance for 5785: Battling for the High Places
This year, the theme of "Battling for the High Places" resonates deeply with the vision God has given our ministry. As Apostle Byrd has taught, the high places are where we encounter God's supernatural power and where we learn to live in victory over spiritual forces. Many of us are far more familiar with the natural world than the spiritual, yet the Bible tells us that as believers, we are called to live "seated with Christ in heavenly places" (Ephesians 2:6). To reach these high places, we must break through the barriers of comfort and familiarity, letting God guide us into new realms of spiritual understanding and authority.
The hawk's appearance, along with the moon in the sky, seems to be a prophetic symbol aligning with the battles and victories of this new year. We are in a windy season spiritually—a time when the breath of the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully, stirring up hearts, and equipping us to rise above life’s storms. Just as eagles and hawks soar by catching the wind, we are called to ascend by relying on the Spirit’s guidance, allowing God to lift us higher.
Lessons for the Journey: Trust, Strength, and Discernment
As we reflect on this moment, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual qualities we need to cultivate: trust in God’s direction, strength for the battles ahead, and discernment to navigate unknown territories. The journey to high places requires a steadfast heart and unwavering faith. It’s about stepping beyond what’s comfortable and familiar, embracing the wind of the Spirit, and allowing God’s vision to become our guide.
This season, let us take inspiration from the hawk and the moon. Just as the hawk rises and the moon stands as a faithful witness, we too are called to rise in spiritual strength, following God’s guidance with bold faith. In doing so, we not only conquer our own battles but also serve as witnesses to others, pointing them toward God’s grace and the supernatural power available through Christ.
As Apostle Byrd’s series "Embracing the Unfamiliar Places" continues, we invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s ascend together to the high places, equipped for the battles and blessings that lie ahead, trusting in God’s unwavering covenant as we step into the unknown with courage and conviction.
Comments