Glory and gold

Last week, I said "God wants more kingdom millionaires."

For many years, I've had a God-given expectation for the riches of heaven's grace to be flooding the earth. I saw this at first as an endowment of heaven's grace falling on ministers of the gospel.

This was being given to leaders as an affirmation of God's intense desire to glorify Jesus in and through the church, to accelerate the harvest, so the earth could see his glory and honor the Son.

Now I see that my view was too restrictive. God wants everyone who knows Jesus to become a recipient of his greater glory in this outpouring. Men and women, young and old; God is generous to all! The whole church -- not just leaders -- will be blessed by God's glory.

Then I realized something else: the glory has material manifestations, not just heavenly radiance or spiritual powers. Specifically, glory includes wealth, gold, and money: all being bestowed by grace on his believing people.

When I first glimpsed this insight, it was purely by revelation. I was young, still new to the call of God on my life. I didn't know my Bible well enough to make a case pro or con. Now I do know the Bible well and I have a good grasp of church history and theology.

In addition, I am experienced at interpreting prophetic dreams and discerning God's epochs or seasons.

So I'm better equipped to explain what the Scriptures are saying in support of this word, the "urgent message" the Spirit has been saying about our new hope of glory.

This phase of open access to the riches of God's grace and glory was promised long ago for the church. I expected to see it arrive near the end of the age and I believe it has begun. The earthly corollary to glory, to be honest, has surprised me. It is an added bonus, I think, planned long ago in heaven but appearing suddenly on the earth -- different kind of glory being offered to us.

This other glory is the transfer of material wealth, of abundant financial blessings. Over time, I've seen that these great blessings are in no way restricted to servants of God or ordained ministers.

I'm not the only one predicting a season of glory. My belief is further strengthened by my lifelong conviction -- one I've held since God called me to minister his word -- that a glorious revival will occur and I'll live to see it. Another way to say what I'm seeing is this statement:

"Jesus will show up in his church, before he shows up for his church!"

-- Ron Wood is a writer and minister. Contact him at [email protected] or visit www.touchedbygrace.org. The opinions expressed are those of the author.