2016: A Year of Change - Nathan Shaw

2016 is a year of change. Many will begin to operate in greater dimensions of kingdom authority and kingdom provision.

In Matthew 16:19 Jesus said to Peter:

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven (I have used the NASB because it translates the future perfect passive verbs correctly).

This verse refers to a prophecy from Isaiah 22 in which Isaiah prophesies that Eliakim will become the chief administrative officer for the king.

I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, when he opens no one will shut, when he shuts no one will open (Isaiah 22:22).

The keys are those of the storehouses so that appropriate provision can be made for the king's household (France, R.T., The Gospel of Matthew, NICNT).

A Year of Promotion

Many who have been pursuing Jesus are about to be promoted. A key is a small thing. It's significance lies in that which it opens. A key gives us access to our cars. A key gives us access to our houses. A key gives us access to our offices and workplaces. We only entrust these keys to people we trust. The keys of the kingdom of heaven give access to something far more valuable – the storerooms of heaven. These keys are entrusted to those who will represent the interests of the King.

A Year of Permission

Many are going to receive the permission of heaven that will enable them to walk in much greater dimensions of the kingdom. The keys of the kingdom give authority to open and shut doors according to heaven's permission: Whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. The initiative is with heaven. Firstly Peter received keys. Secondly he received the permission of heaven. Many feel like their lives and ministries are hindered by major limitations. When permission comes from heaven natural limitations will no longer control and hinder our lives and our destinies.

A Year of Provision

Many are going to start accessing kingdom resources. Keys open doors. When strategic doors open everything changes. Life is not the same as it was before. Behind each door is a room full of strategic provision. If money was not an issue what would you do? Most people have a long list. Natural provision enables us to do natural things. Likewise, spiritual provision enables us to do spiritual things. Natural and spiritual provisions radically alter the way we live our lives. Peter's life was radically altered because of heavenly keys, heavenly permission and heavenly provision.

A Year of Change

We can expect to see significant change this year. There will be governmental shifts in the natural realm and in the spiritual realm. During any season of change it is most important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and stay close to Him. Regardless of your present situation, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (Colossians 3:1-2). When Jesus promised Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven it was an invitation for Peter to respond in faith. Peter's faith was tested (Luke 22:31-32) but he came through it with less confidence in himself and more confidence in Jesus.

This is a year of promotion, permission and provision. Stay close to Jesus and don't let go of your faith!

© 2016 Nathan Shaw.

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