We are on a discipleship journey from knowing in our heads, the biblical truth, that we are beloved sons & daughters of the Father, to knowing & experiencing it in our hearts and being.
The journey is moving from our orphan places, where we feel alone in life, into a place of knowing who we are and who we belong to.
Often we can feel that the things of Heaven are a little out of reach. We have such a big need to connect with something physical, to have a physical experience, something tangible we can touch and feel and engage with.
One way that can help us see and open up our vision and experience of the things of God, is through the use of symbols. Visual, material, earthly things that we can engage with, that point to God and the true things of Heaven.
Jesus was the ultimate symbol. 1. John 1:1 – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands”.
River
From the river comes life to us!
We sit and lie down in the river, soaking, being refreshed, being washed, drinking deeply where we are thirsty.
John 4:14 – “…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Throne Room
We need a restored vision of God as the compassionate Father, welcoming us to His throne of grace.
Hebrews 4: 16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”.
Trinity Table
We are invited to take our seat at the table with the Trinity! To say “I am included, I am in this circle. I’m adopted by the Trinity family”.
Practically: We set up 4 chairs around a table. Table, cloth, 4 cups, Trinity labels. Sit and talk with them and allow them to speak back to you. You can choose who it is that you want and need to sit next to, or speak with.
Robe of Righteousness
It’s a real sign of belonging in the family, as it was when the prodigal son came home.
Luke 15:22 “…the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet”.
Crowns
… because we are sons and daughters of the King!
Isaiah 61:3 -“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair”.
Rings
…symbols of authority, honour, favour and being chosen. When the prodigal son comes home, he gets a ring on his finger. A sign of his place as a real son in his father’s house.
Staffs and Swords
These symbolise our authority in Christ as sons and daughters. Usually used when we stand as this helps us connect to our authority.
If you feel you need the Shepherd with you, or you are shepherding others and you need God’s help in that role. Sometimes we need to take up the sword of the spirit…the word of God!
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”.
Ephesians 6:17 – “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.“