Peacocks are often used as a symbol of pride with their flashy "Look at me!" tail and loud "I'm here" hoot, yet I heard from our Father that in this next season, He is looking for the Church to be more peacock-like. See how the feathers collectively draw the hen's attention to notice the bird. In the same way, the Church is to stand in unity, side by side, all "eyes" and action directing the world to the head that wears the crown - King Jesus. There's no pushing for place, no individualism, but each feather takes the position it's been assigned. There is room for all stages of growth due to the support system, and we will support each other significantly across generations, communities, tribes and nations.
The peacock's feathers aren't self-made and have no life apart from the bird. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him. He knows that removed from His body, we become ornamental at best! Attached, the feathers see what He sees and follow where He leads. Did you know that when the peacock loses his tail feathers, it's a sign that he is no longer fertile and unable to reproduce? The feathers must grow and show if we desire to see the Kingdom of God expanded, replicated, and fruitful. God is calling us into maturity. There is a Grace for this to happen rapidly as our Father eagerly awaits the harvest He has planned.
We are coming out of a season of just quietly serving in the background, and there is such a drastic difference. It will take some adjustment, and we need to be kind to ourselves and each other during the transition. We will have to become accustomed to being seen and heard. Individually and corporately, there will be characteristics, habits and structures within the body that will be dethroned as we learn to walk as the Royal Priesthood.
Not everyone is going to appreciate the changing of the status quo. The Church will speak again with loving authority, which will be heard and received by the lost and broken. The "Pharisees" of the day will call this a "prideful hoot", wanting to silence the work of the Holy Spirit. There will be a split between those willing to die to themselves, becoming a small part of His wild peacock-like Church, and those who prefer the church to be a tamed, caged chicken. This will be a time marked by great humility, which is not easy for us to understand. We think it means making ourselves small and insignificant, downplaying our gifts. But this isn't what Jesus did. He healed, taught, fed, and served. Seen but always directing the praise and glory to the Father, as co-heirs of His Kingdom who are set apart by Him, for Him.
The Spirit of the Lord says, "My children, it is time for you to see yourself through my eyes.
Do you see yourself as Holy as I do? It is not I who calls you a sinner. You are forgiven, your sin removed as far as East is to West. There is no condemnation for those who live in my son. I see your failures, but My Spirit will teach and guide you my higher ways as you rest and trust in him.
Do you feel the glory crown I adorn you with? I have called you to display my kingdom wherever you go. You are a carrier of my presence, power and authority.
Do you understand the role you play as part of my priesthood? A priest worships and ministers to me and serves the people from this intimate relationship. You are my servants of salvation, healing, reconciliation, redemption and deliverance.
I have powers and principalities for you to dethrone in this next season. But you can only do this once you see yourself as I see you. Come closer. Ask me, and I will show you."
Am I using all that God has given me or am I holding back so as not to be seen?
Am I standing alone or connected and working in unity with other "feathers"?
Am I attached to the bird, (or using Jesus's biblical analogy, grafted on the vine)?
Am I showing off Jesus, and attracting others to His character and beauty?
Bible verses
Romans 12:1-3
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
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