FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

light of timing, commissioning, function and application. The book of Jeremiah contains a wonderful example of this. Jeremiah 1:4 “ Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then said I: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." 7 But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord. ” Here the Lord is calling Jeremiah into his commission as a prophet. From Jeremiah’s perspective, he is just now being called, from God’s perspective he was called and ordained before he was even conceived. So was Jeremiah a prophet before the Lord called him in verse 5? The answer is, in heaven he was, on earth he was not yet. Perspective is important to timing. John the baptizer likewise was special in his calling, in that he was also called before he was conceived, yet it is clear his commissioning came much later. Luke 1:15 “ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. " Luke 1:44 “ For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord ." Matthew 11:7 “ As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.' 11 "Assuredly, I

1