Come into the Inner Courts.
The recent and increasingly frequent global disasters — the energy crisis triggered by the US‑Iran conflict, the severe earthquake in Venezuela, and other troubling events — must not desensitise us. These disasters are not random. They are warnings from the Lord, calling His people to sober reflection and spiritual readiness, like the wise virgins in Matthew 25 who prepared themselves before the midnight cry.
The late Ps Bailey reminded us of the three kinds of Christians pictured in the tabernacle: the Outer court, the Holy place, and the most Holy place. These represent childish or lukewarm believers, young men, and spiritual fathers. Scripture shows that those who remain in the outer court will have no protection when greater shakings come before Jesus’ return. As pastors, we carry the responsibility to sound the clarion call: God’s people must move closer to God — into deeper consecration, deeper obedience, deeper intimacy. The time is coming when the outer courts will no longer be safe (Rev 11:1–2). We must not leave anyone exposed.
By God’s grace, Australia is still experiencing relatively “good times.” But this is precisely the moment to pursue Him wholeheartedly. Some priorities may need adjusting; some habits may need breaking; some comforts may need surrendering. The Spirit is urging us to prepare now, not later.
“Break up your fallow ground” (Jer 4:3–4). Remove the weeds. Clear the thorns. Prepare the soil of your heart for righteousness. The cultivator breaks up the hard ground before sowing seed — so must we. THORNS (TV, Hobbies, Occupational-Obsessions, Revelry, Nothing) will only choke spiritual life and produce sorrow.
So let us sow our time wisely (Eph 5:15–17), not among thorns but into the Lord Himself. Let us choose the inner courts — the place of intimacy, worship, and consecration — while there is still time. We urge you, brethren, do not remain in the outer court. The cry of the Spirit is clear: “Come Higher, Come Deeper.”
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Amen.