A Gathering of Troops

From the Book Jewels from the Harvest (Page 56-63)

©2018

ISBN –13: 9781545622322

By Judy A Bauman

“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness” Matthew 13:41

The Thunderous Riders

While worshipping on the guitar, a deep thunderous sound comes forth that reminds me of the sound of many horses galloping. Putting my guitar back in its stand, I sit with my journal and instantly see myself walking down the path leading to the River. Suddenly, the ground beneath me begins to shake, and though I understand it’s not an earthquake, it’s still startling! The ground feels the way rolling thunder sounds, and I am not the only one startled; the whole forest is on high alert! In the clearing near the River’s bend, a troop of seven riders on horses suddenly appears and quickly brings their spirited mounts to a halt! They form a tight circle where their Captain awaits them on His white horse. The riders are there to receive orders and seem eager to put them into action.

Captain of the Heavenly Hosts

I recognize the Captain to be Jesus, Yeshua the Messiah. His majesty is bright and glorious; His splendor is everlasting. I see “KING OF KINGS” and “LORD OF LORDS” written on a banner draped down the side His of leg.[1] The material seems to cascade like a waterfall, and other names of God appear and disappear on it as it moves. They are names that I know well and bring me great comfort.[2] Amongst them I see “Savior,” “Deliverer,” “Healer,” “Shepherd,” and “Friend;” however, there is an unfamiliar name written in a language I don’t know.[3]

The Fear of the Lord

Yeshua turns and directs His gaze at me. At first, I am thrilled that He looks my direction until I see His face. The Lord’s appearance is shocking; His eyes are as fierce as a lion’s and in them, I see blood and fire.[4] Even though He isn’t angry with me, terror strikes my heart! The sound and sight of the thunderous riders has already deeply shaken me, so seeing the ferocity in my soon-coming King’s eyes causes my physical strength to fail me.

Even though I have experienced God’s love, and know there is no need to be frightened, I shake and cry like a terrified child. Unable to continue, I call out for help. The Holy Spirit infuses peace into my soul and strengthens me to write.

Commissioning the Riders and their Mounts

I look again and observe the Lord addressing His troops in a language unknown to me. The riders are attentive to His every word, and while I don’t know the exact strategies He is giving them, their demeanor tells me that what He is planning is imminent.[5] The Captain finishes His general briefing and then gives each one of the riders their specific orders.

What happens next is extraordinary, and I marvel as I watch it unfold. A sword comes out of Yeshua’s mouth, flies up into the air, spins end over end, and the intended rider catches it firmly in his hand! Each rider receives a sword in like manner. The weapons are unique, exquisite, and skillfully forged. Their sharp metal blades shine like rays of sunshine, and the crossguard on each handle has a unique design containing inlaid precious metals and jewels. These swords symbolically testify of the rider’s calling, history, and commitment to the King of glory.

Once each rider has received a sword, the circle tightens, and the horses bow their heads. Yeshua guides His horse’s head to touch the head of the horse to its right and then to its left. Those horses then turn and touch the horse next to it and so on around the circle. It would seem the Lord is giving them one mind for what lies ahead.

Seeking Interpretation

I ask, “Father, what does this mean?” His reply is firm and immediate. “You are seeing the gathering of the troops of heaven. This is not a natural army, as I do not do things the way mankind does. My ways are holy and right. We will bring permanent change in the earth.[6] The shakings have started.[7] At no time in mankind’s history has the earth shaken as it is doing in these days. It is in labor, crying out in pain.[8] I’m birthing something new and few will truly understand.[9] Some will even try to rebuke it.”[10]

Unexpectedly, He states, “We are finished here for the day.” Shocked, I protest, “But what about the troops?” The Lord answers with an uncharacteristically sharp reply, “What about them?”[11] Confused, I ask Him, “Isn’t there anything else You want me to write?”

Jesus fixes His gaze upon me to see if I have the faith to receive what He is about to say.[12] Evidently, He sees that I do, even though I have no idea of the seriousness of this moment. Yeshua delivers this meaty message with boldness, coupled with a spirit of love and mercy, and His words are direct and clear.

An Urgent Warning from the Lord to the Church

“Everything is already written and can clearly be read in the Holy Scriptures for those willing to see.[13] My people are lazy and want to be spoon-fed.[14] They want others to explain every scripture to them when I have made it clear they are to be workmen who can rightly divide the word of truth.[15] I Am the Teacher.[16] My Holy Spirit teaches what My word says and means.[17] My people perish for lack of knowledge.[18] They constantly engage in worldly and empty chatter that leads to ungodly pursuits.[19] Is it not written that foolish and ignorant speculations lead to arguing? My beloved has gone astray. My Church is filled with quarreling children who all want to be right while the lost look on and shake their heads. My people are called to be patient and kind to all, able to teach, and quick to forgive.”[20]

I stop and take a deep breath, thinking about what the Lord is saying to me. With the advent of social media, this issue has escalated to dangerous levels. As in the days when Jesus walked the earth, the Lord is most upset with those who should know better but instead lead people astray through vain imaginations and folly.

Drink from My Cup

He continues to reveal His heart in the matter, “Many who are called by My name are lukewarm at best.[21] They eat the bread that they want but spit out what I desire to feed them.[22] Though I have said there would be trouble in this world, many pray merely for Me to release them from it.^[23] Few pray for MY WILL to be done in their lives; instead, they want Me to grant that their will is done. Few will drink from My cup or are willing to be baptized in the baptism of My suffering.^[24] It is written, all who desire to live godly lives will suffer persecution.^[25] My own fail to see the day and hour as one to be seized in My name. Even though My word states there will be an eternal reward for following Me, they fear retribution and loss of property.^[26]

“My prophets refuse to rebuke and reprove with My grace, while hired hands invoke My name to beat and fleece My sheep.[27] This should not be so! Reproof and rebuke is never for the sake of shaming, reaping ill-gotten gains, or controlling people. Correction is for the purpose of giving hope and leading mankind to the truth of My love poured out for them.[28] As a result, My Church will be lifted and built up. You must root up and tear down ONLY for the purpose of BUILDING My kingdom – not man’s.”[29] ~End Encounter

Reflections:

This vision speaks of the urgency of the days we live in and the admonishment from the Lord not to be lazy believers. It is time to rightly divide the word of truth and sharpen our ability to discern a lie from the truth. We see daily where the line between right and wrong is being blurred, and need to be careful not to use the grace of God as an excuse to disobey His commands. We need to be gentle as doves yet alert and watchful for ‘wolves.’[30] Instead of looking for ways to comfort our flesh, we are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus daily. Let’s not consult ourselves about what offends us, but ask God what is causing us to stumble in His sight. It is time for the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of the ministry; it is time for all believers to realize God expects us all to be His ambassadors of reconciliation to those around us.[31] I pray that we will be people willing to do what the Lord asks of us, not out of a sense of duty, but out of a profound love and trust of Jesus – Yeshua our Messiah and King!

Concerning the appearance of Jesus, one time I asked the Lord why He doesn’t reveal Himself more as He really is. He answered, “If you saw Me as I Am, it would continually overwhelm you, and we wouldn’t get anything done.” He has proven this more than once! John, the Beloved, describes his reaction when seeing the Lord in the Book of Revelation saying, “I fell at His feet as dead.” He records that the Lord touched him and then instructed him to write.[32] While Jesus has revealed Himself as our Friend, He is also Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, the Lion of Judah, and the Creator of all things. Though He calls you and me His friends, I pray we remember the power and authority of the KING OF KINGS! [33]

Praying about the riders in this vision, I believe they are the angels Jesus spoke of that gather the tares for the fire and the wheat for the barn.[34] He said of that day, “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”[35]