The Twelve Gates Of The Holy City

Chapter Thirteen

(The Sixth Gate of The City, Issachar)

 

Gen. 30:18 says,

"And Leah said, God has given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband, and she called his name Issachar."

The key word in this verse is hire, because the name Issachar means hired. It also means reward. The NIV renders this verse as: "God has rewarded me." This word can also mean the payment of a contract or compensation; a benefit, a price, it can mean wages.

Here is the principle: It is not enough to just become identified with the body; but in Issachar you cannot be bought. You cannot be hired. There are those who have passed through Zebulun and are identified with a local assembly, yet they are sucking the breast of the harlot. They have identified themselves with and are drawing their life from a system that God is going to destroy.

Babylon, which means confusion, is a spirit. Any spirit that comes forth and says, "Let's make a name for ourselves" is a part of the Babylonian system. If you were to say, "Every man has his price", Issachar would give you an argument. Issachar cannot be bought, because he has already been bought and he is under contract to another. Someone else has purchased the exclusive rights to Issachar.

There are a lot of people that would like to get hold of this kind of ministry, but he will not be bought. He will not serve another. You cannot serve God and mammon. He is under contract and cannot be bought. Rare is the ministry and rare is the man that has made it this far into the City. Many owe their life to the system. Many owe their allegiance to Saul, because they have their retirement plan already made out. Many were trained in Saul's schools, and many have their lives invested in a head and shoulders system.

Jesus could not be bought. Satan showed Him all the world systems. Five thousand men and women wanted Him to be their pastor, but He refused.

Naaman tried to give money to Elisha but Elisha refused. He said, "My servant can, but I can't be bought."

Abraham took 318 men that he had trained himself and defeated five armies. The king of Sodom said to Abraham, "Let me pay you for this." Abraham replied in Gen. 14:22,

"I have raised my hand to the Lord God Most High. Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread of a thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, `I made Abram rich.'" "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."

And Abram said, "That is ok Lord, but where is my son?" "All I have is Eliezer of Damascus and I don't want to leave my estate to him. "You promised me a son and I have sold out to you and have left my home and family and have even got rid of Lot."

I wonder how many people will be excluded from the City because they cannot pass through the sixth gate?

After you have passed through Zebulun and are able to discern the corporate body of Christ, you will come in contact with people who will try to buy you. They will come to you and say, "Do you really agree with what the Pastor is teaching?" "Did you know, have you heard.................." "Well, I think this is the way it should have been done, don't you?"

Some are Pastors themselves. Some are mothers in Israel and would like to possess you and manipulate you, control you. "Bishop, the Lord told me you should be doing this." "Well, I discern something strange is going on around here."

Issachar cannot be bought, and he will not buy you. Pastors who have passed through Issachar will not Lord over God's possessions.

I Chronicles 12:32 says,

"And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the time, to know what Israel ought to do: The heads of the men were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command."

There are few today that know what God's people ought to do. What you ought not to do is lay with the harlot. Issachar is a man of understanding and he understands that this is the time that you cannot be bought.

I want to give you an example of four men who would not lay with the harlot. You say, "Brother Johnson, what do you mean by harlot? Well, I could say the Catholic Church is the mother of harlots and the Protestant churches are the daughters and granddaughters of her. It goes back much farther than that, all the way back to the dawn of civilization. Clear back to Nimrod. Even back to Cain because he was a fugitive and a vagabond. He was marked with the beast system clear back there.

God's people need to be men of understanding and we need to understand that we are not to lie with the harlot. Proverbs 7:1 says:

"My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, `you are my sister,' and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words."

The harlot system is a ministry that flatters you. Verse 6,

"At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, (Note: The one that is going to get snared is said to be among the simple. The word simple means immature.) I saw among the young men (or I saw among the immature) a youth who lacked judgment, (or understanding. What did Issachar have? He had understanding.)"

In Verse 8,

"He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in."

Note that only a man with the lack of understanding will walk straight into the snare of the harlot. Also the greatest manifestation of the harlot system will be at the last day when the dark of night sets in.

Verse 10 says,

"Then came out a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now is the squares, at every corner she lurks."

The second characteristic of the harlot system is that she is loud and defiant and never stays at home. The third characteristic is that she has a church on every corner.

"She took hold of him and kissed him, (She caught him and probably offered him a job. She said he could teach a Sunday school class. We need you to lead our young people." Let me make you feel important. You just got saved, "Do you want to preach?" )

"She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: (Note how religious and the imitation of purity.) I have peace offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows, so I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you."

Here is another characteristic of the harlot system; they will come after you, badger you and harass you.

Verse 16, "I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt." Where did she get her righteousness? Egypt.

Verse 17, "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon." If you made a study of the Song of Solomon you would see that this is an imitation.

Verse 18, "Come let us drink of love till morning; Let us enjoy ourselves with love!" This is s false love that gives only temporary satisfaction. When the day breaks it is gone and leaves a bitter taste in your mouth because you have been used. Your time, your talent and your youth have been prostituted.

Verse 19, "My husband is not at home;" Isn't that the truth? You will not find an intimate relationship with Jesus there. He is outside knocking (Rev. 3:20) trying to get in, but she will not let Him in because she would have to change her (doctrine) ways. He has gone on a long journey. He has been gone so long that we don't heal anyone here anymore and we don't speak in tongues and haven't in years.

"He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."

The moon is a reflection or an imitation of the real light and has no power source of its own. The full moon is an indication of 666 or the full manifestation of that which is false. Note that this is when Jesus comes back.

Verse 21, "With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk."

This is how the harlot system manipulates you through fear and intimidation. If you don't follow our doctrine we will ex-communicate you. If you can't believe it the way we do, you will miss the rapture. The root meaning of the word rapture is rape.

Verse 22, "All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose, till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life."

Committing fornication with the harlot is a life or death situation. You cannot participate with her in her smooth and righteous sounding man-made doctrines and not get burnt. The Word of God says, "Come out of her!"

The rest of the chapter tells the advice given to the sons of the kingdom.

"Now then, my sons, listen to me: Pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray to her paths. Many are victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death."

Allow me to summarize this chapter for you. Those who refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them through the experience of Issachar; are simple, are among the foolish, the immature, and will be seduced by smooth flattering talk of those who want to control and manipulate them to their way of thinking in order to build a kingdom for themselves under the guise of doing it for Jesus. You cannot afford to become a part of any system that prevents the free flow of the manifestation of the Spirit of God.

Now, let me give you four examples of men who could not be bought.

1. Joseph, in Gen. 39:7-23, ran from the harlot system and she persecuted him by telling her husband a lie. She was filled with righteous indignation because she did not get her way, and she turned on him like a viper. Joseph, as a result, had much of his youth stolen from him…..his reputation, his integrity and his ministry. God restored the years that the canker worm had eaten.

       2. What about Moses? Heb. 11:24-27 says,

"By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible."

       3. What about David? I Sam. 20:24-25 says,

"So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon festival came, the king sat down to eat. He sat in his customary place by the wall, opposite Jonathan, and Abner sat next to Saul, but David's place was empty."

This describes Saul's table and all of his dignitaries were there except David. You will not find David at Saul's table.

       4. Finally, what about our Jesus? John 6:15 says,

"Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again into the hills by Himself."

It can be a lonely road, especially when you first refuse to go along with the harlot system. But after God tries you and tests you in that commitment, He will then cause you to be identified with others who cannot be bought.

Heb. 13:12 says,

"Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the city's gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through the shedding of His own blood, and set them apart as Holy for God. Let us then go forth from all that would prevent us, to Him outside the camp, at Calvary, bearing the contempt and abuse and shame with Him. For here we have no permanent city, but we are looking for the one which is to come."

If you cannot be bought, I have one question for you. What is your reward? Is it dying and going over yonder to get it? If it is, then we have a problem because Rev. 22:12 says He is coming down here and bringing His reward with Him. So don't miss Him on the way up, when He is on the way down.

God told Abram in Gen. 15:1 "I am your shield and your very great reward." Your reward is Him. His reward is you. We are His family. For the reward set before Him, He endured the cross. Jesus could not be bought because He knew He would be brought into a living union with a people who would have the same nature as His, that could not be bought.

Jesus said in Matt. 6:6,

"When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly."

This is talking about a nature. A reward that is open is a reward that is revealed. The book shall be opened. Your nature will be revealed for what it is. Someone says, "Well, I just don't believe that!" Will you believe what the Apostle Paul said about our being an epistle read and known by all men? If you are going to be found in the book of life, it will be on the day when everybody's nature is revealed by fire. My goal is to have an open reward in that day.

Gen. 49:14 says, "Issachar is a rawboned donkey laying down between two saddlebags (or two campfires)."

The word donkey or ass as used in the Bible means strength or noble character. We use the word to mean simple and we use the phrase, a dumb ass. (KJV) says, "Issachar is a strong ass crouching down between two burdens. Notice the following" Issachar is a strong noble character. He lies down or is crouched down indicating humility. He has a balanced ministry which is a burden for the lost and a burden for the Church.

"And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute." (forced labor)

Issachar rests in Zion from his labors. He humbled himself to be a love slave. How many Spirit-filled people are voluntary love slaves to death? Some Spirit-filled people have the attitude, "God what can I get out of this?" Like Judas, they have their hand on the table. Because Jesus said, "The hand that betrays me is on the table." John had his hand on the table. This describes Spirit-filled people who are over balanced in areas of healing, deliverance, and their emphasis is meeting the needs of man. What can I get from God?

If this is where you are in your development in the Lord, I do not say these things to condemn you but that I might encourage you to come higher. You see, all of us go through this stage of development. My problem is with those who refuse to go higher. Another attitude some Spirit-filled people have is, "What can I do Lord?" This is a good attitude and it is nice to have people like this around. The only danger with these folks is that too many times, it is just them doing it and not the Lord directing them. These are usually more interested in doing than in being. Like Martha, they think serving is more important than worshipping.

Issachar is a strong ass, he is bearing two burdens, he is a worker, he is spending and will be spent for this Gospel. His attitude though is, "How can I serve?" There are too many Christians in the Pentecostal-Charismatic realm that are only looking for rewards. I am not looking for a reward. I am looking for an opportunity to be of service to the Body of Christ. Someone says, "Brother Johnson recognize me from the pulpit. Ok. You've got your reward!

Do you know that strange as it may seem, the Kingdom of God was able to hold together before I got here. If something happened to you and me, I am sure it would still stand. If you are a pastor and the work that you are involved in isn't growing and nothing is happening, what would is your attitude? God did not call you to be successful. He called you to be faithful. God is getting ready to unveil a reward that will blow all our minds. And it would not surprise me if it is through little known ministry.

Deut. 33:18-19 says,

"Rejoice Zebulun, in your going out, and you Issachar, in your tents. They shall summon peoples to the mountain and offer sacrifices of righteousness; they will feast on the abundance of the seas (people), on the treasures hidden in the sand."

Isaiah 60 is commentary on this passage and it says, " ARISE! SHINE!"

Zebulun rose seven places from birth to number two on the breastplate of the High Priest. Issachar was the ninth son and rose seven places on the High Priest's breastplate, to number three position. The stone on the breastplate that Issachar's name was written on was a beryl. There are two different kinds of beryl. The stone is aquamarine or a pale blue/green. Some stones are a light gray color. The blue/green stones carry with them the idea of two elements mixed together to produce the third color. The light gray stone also has two elements which are mixed together which produces the third color.

The two elements are silicate of aluminum and beryllium. Beryllium is the only stable lightweight metal with a relative high melting point. It takes a lot of fire to melt beryllium. Beryllium has an excellent electrical conductivity. It has good mechanical properties. It is use for structural and thermal applications and nuclear reactors. It is used because it can withstand a lot of heat and is strong. Of course, nuclear reactors have to do with atomic changes.

This is the Eighth Foundation and eight is the number of new beginnings. You can now understand why beryl is the stone in the eighth foundation. The Eighth Foundation is praise and worship. It starts in the Holy Place or the Feast of Pentecost.

Remember that the golden altar of incense was taken by the High Priest into the Most Holy Place or Feast of Tabernacles once a year?

Blue is one of the colors of the beryl stone and blue is the color of the heavens. It is a heavenly color.

It is not enough to just become identified with the body of Christ; but in Issachar you cannot be bought. You cannot be hired. There are those who have passed through Zebulun and are identified with a local assembly, yet they are sucking the breast of the harlot. They have identified themselves with and are drawing their life from a system that God is going to destroy.