Raising the Standard

Even though I am no longer an active duty United States Air Force officer, I still work full-time on a military base and continue to receive revelation about the nature of God through every day events.

Recently I was walking to my car after a long day at work, somewhat unconscious of the time, I heard a loud trumpet over the radio.  I continued walking knowing I wasn’t going to make it to my car in time.  I was tired and mildly frustrated by the inevitable delay.  The trumpet that I heard is a familiar sound to those who have spent any time on a military installation.  It is a 12-measure introduction to the Star-Spangled Banner.  Once the National Anthem begins, civilian pedestrians that are outside are to face the nearest flag and either place their hand over their heart or at their side as a sign of respect, while those in uniform are to render a salute towards the flag, and those in their car are to come to a full stop.  For the duration of the song all traffic rules on the base are abandoned!  Green lights don’t matter, if you are in the middle of the intersection it doesn’t matter.  Where will you be when the trumpet sounds?

As I stood there looking at the flag that represents America, I heard the Lord say “I am raising the standard”.  I began to analyze the actions that took place.  First, the trumpet sounds.  Trumpets, or shofars are often used in the bible as a precursor to another action: coming together in unity, preparing for war or an awakening.  There is a unity that comes over the entire military installation during the Anthem.  Conversations cease and all activity stops while the anthem plays over the “giant voice” (a public address system that can be heard over the entire base and several miles off base).

The Lord is speaking to His people!  To all the ministry leaders….remember the Word of the Lord as recorded in Luke 12:48: to whom much is given, much is required.  Teachers and leaders ARE held to a higher standard.  Those that are moving into the area of teaching and leadership WILL be held to a higher standard! 

As I begin to meditate on this message, I realized this is a “relative elevation”.  In other words, the standard is being raised for those which the Lord is elevating.  Please understand that Godly promotion comes with another level of consecration, prayer, fasting, and studying.  Too often we operate in today’s promotion with yesterday’s anointing.  THE "GRACE PERIOD" IS COMING TO AN END.  Do an evaluation!  Were you recently promoted, given a new position or larger scope of responsibility?  The trumpet has sounded, the standard has been raised…are you ready?

 

photo credit: kevygee

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