How Beautiful are the Feet!
Everything about the "new creation man" is described in detail in the Bible. It is hidden in language that the carnal mind cannot understand, known only by the Spirit. But it is there, in specific detail, so that God's elect will not be led astray or deceived by counterfeits or substitutes. However, knowing these things in your mind, having sat under ministries that preach these truths and mentally assenting to them, does not guarantee that you will become a part of that new creation. These truths must become a part of you, and become a living reality in your life. The Word must abide in you.
The scribes and Pharisees in Jesus' day had a theory that I am in agreement with. They believed that there would be a prophecy in the scriptures concerning any major messenger from God that came forth in their day. In other words, they felt that they had a right to judge any move of God by the Word, and that Moses and the prophets would have foretold of events and persons who were to have a great impact on Israel. Now this is a good theory. Jesus said: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not." (Matt. 23:2-3). Tho they knew the letter of the Book, yet they could not do the works of God, for their spirits and their lives were not right. And if your spirit is not right, it is dangerous to try to interpret the divine will. You may read the same Book as others, but you will not see the same truths.
So the Pharisees had the theory, but it produced no life or divine activity in them. When the Wise Men went to Herod to find out where the Christ was to be born, he called the scribes and chief priests together and asked them. They gave him the answer without hesitation (Matt. 2:5), for they knew that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem. But were they on the scene, waiting for it, when it happened? NO! They knew what the Book said, but it had not produced any living faith in them. So they missed the greatest even of their lifetime.
"Mystery of Bethlehem"
Nathanael was one who knew that Christ was to come from Bethlehem. He also knew that there was no prophecy indicating any good thing from God coming out of Nazareth. So when Philip met him and told him that they had found the Christ, he was excited until he found that it was Jesus of Nazareth. Disappointed, his answer was: "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth"? (John 1:46). "Come and see" was Philip's answer, and Nathanael's spirit was right (John 1:47), so he was willing to look. And he found the Christ. Immediately his theological arguments went "out the window," and he confessed that in spite of his lack of understanding the scriptures, this man was the Son of God and the King of Israel.
Actually, Jesus was from Bethlehem, as we all know now. But they didn't know it then. And Jesus obviously didn't bother to set the record straight. It was one of those "blessed stumbling stones" that kept everyone out except those led of the Spirit. It gave those legalistic minded scribes, priests, and Pharisees a way out, a "back door" to escape and justify their rejection of Jesus. God will always give you a way out, if you cannot hear the voice of the Spirit.
In the seventh chapter of John, at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, there was a great controversy over Jesus. Some thought He was God's Man because of the works that He was doing, and the anointing that rested upon Him. But others rejected Him, strangely enough, because of the Scriptures. Verse 40 says: "Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the Scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him." And the Pharisees said in verse 52: "Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet."
One time Jesus told them: "Ye have not His Word abiding in you; for whom He hath sent, him ye believe not. Ye search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:38-39). In Hebrews 10:7 the words of Christ are quoted from the Psalms: "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me), to do Thy will, O God." So the first coming of Jesus is described in detail in the Book. His nature, His characteristics, His works, everything about Him is pictured in the O.T. Law and prophets. But only if you have eyes to see by the Spirit.
"Who are You, John?"
The news of the birth of John the Baptist, with all it's strange events listed in Luke Chapter 1, was noised throughout all Judaea. His father was Zacharias, a well known priest whose lot was to burn incense on the golden altar in the Temple. So John was not a stranger to Jerusalem. And when (In John 1:19) the Pharisees sent priests and Levites out to the River Jordan to ask John "Who art thou?," they didn't mean for him to say "I am John, son of Zacharias the priest." They all knew that. They meant, "Where do you fit in with the fulfillment of prophecy? Where is the Scripture that describes your ministry to Israel?" They knew that with the impact that John was having upon Israel, after 400 years without a prophet, he would be spoken of or described in the scriptures if he was from God. They asked him if he was the Christ that the prophets said was to come, and he answered: "I am not the Christ." Then they asked him if he was the Elijah ministry that Malachi prophesied would come and restore all things. His answer was: "I am not." Then they said: "Art thou that prophet?," referring to a prophecy by Moses in Deut. 18:15, but he answered, "No." In the fullest sense he was absolutely correct in all his answers, tho he did come, as one individual, in the spirit and power of that great last day Elijah ministry, which Jesus himself acknowledges in Matt. 17:11-13, and Matt. 11:14.
"Well then," they said, "If these scriptures do not refer to you or your ministry, just who are you, and where are you described in prophecy?" And he told them: "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." (Isa. 40:3). So the coming of John was spoken by the prophet, and even Judas Iscariot was described in Psalms, also speaking of the curse that came upon his children. (Psa. 109:8-9, 54:13-14, 41:9).
The New Creation Man
So the theory of the Pharisees was correct. The Word does describe major prophetic events. And if it was so specific, and in such detail, concerning the first advent of Christ (and other persons connected with Him at the time), how much more will there be a description of the Second Coming and the New Creation Man, that many-membered corporate Son. So if the restoration of that glorious Church is to be a reality in our day, we should be able to look into the Word and let the Spirit show us where we fit into the picture. If it shows us so clearly the glory of the Head, surely it will have something to say about the rest of the Body. For He is one with His body.
The Word is very plain that this new creation Man is a many-membered Body, with Jesus as the Head. The world is waiting for the manifestation of this Man, God's corporate son. There are some things that must happen on this earth in connection with the coming forth of this body of the Overcomer. Isa. 52:7 says: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"
Now notice several things in this verse: First of all it is "him," a singular and masculine. Not a bride, but a man. Notice that the beauty of this One will be seen in his feet. Praise God! And he has a word for Zion. God reigns, and the watchmen see eye to eye, when God brings again Zion (vs 8). "How beautiful are the feet of HIM." The same thing is said in Nahum 1:15: "Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace!" Masculine and singular. Now turn to the New Testament and see where Paul quotes this scripture in Romans 10:15, but giving us the fuller revelation of what God is saying: "As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!"
One New Man
Now Paul was not ignorantly misquoting a scripture. The Holy Spirit is revealing here that we all are a part of that which God is bringing into One in these last days. "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him." (Eph. 1:10).
In the gathering of all things together, there will be those who will still be living on the earth at the time. Just as Jesus was designated as Head of this Body, these will be known as the feet, the part of the body in contact with the earth. When the High Priest went through the Vail on the Day of Atonement, into the Holiest Place, he was barefoot. He wore no shoes. Description of the garments of the High Priest are given in detail in the Law, but no provision is made for shoes. The place where he stands is holy ground.
There are three parts of the High Priest visible as he passes through the vail, his head, his hands, and his feet. And his robe or garment hides his feet until they start walking. What a picture of the manifestation of His glory! We see it in Jesus Christ, the Head. And we see it in a glorious hand ministry in perfection. We also see it, finally, in that company of overcomers who carry the entire Body through this vail.
Head and Feet
There is a special relationship between some members of the Body. Turn to that familiar scripture in 1 Cor. 12:12-27. He plainly says here that just as our body has many members, yet is one body, so Christ is not just one man, but is made up of many. "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
Certain members have a special relationship with certain other members. Notice in verse 15 that the foot and hand are mentioned together. You see, the foot especially needs the hand ministry, because it is the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers that bring this foot company to perfection here on earth. Verse 16 talks about the ear and the eye, and throughout the Bible we find these two members mentioned together: "Eyes to see, and ears to hear." There is a ministry of "seeing" in the Body, revelations, visions, etc. But this ministry must be subject to the "hearing" of the Word of the Lord in order for true faith to come. Notice in verse 17 that hearing is mentioned along with smelling. There must be discernment or "smelling" in the Body in order to separate the precious from the vile, and to know the true Word of the Lord from the many voices of Babylon. "The eye cannot say to the hand (vs. 21) I have no need of thee." There are those who would say: "I am an eye in the Body. I can see the program of God, I can get my own revelations and search out truth for myself. I do not need the hand ministry." But let me declare to you, beloved, that the greater your revelations and visions, the more you need the divine government of the Body. You must be willing to submit to the ministry and authority of God anointed apostles and prophets and pastors, etc. This business of the "eye" staying at home alone and reveling in it's great revelations and vision is not in divine order, and is a dangerous thing. If a foreign object gets into the eye, it takes the hand to get it out, as rough and calloused as that hand seems to be.
The Feet are Needed
Now we come to the crux of this message. Verse 21 says that the Head (Jesus) cannot say to the Feet (a company of saints living on the earth); "I have no need of you." Col. 1:18 and Eph. 1:22 confirms that Jesus Christ is "the head of the body." In a normal birth, the head is the first and the feet are the last to be born. So it is with this Manchild, the New Creation Man. We have come to the hour when the feet are being brought forth into the fulness of His glory. But it must be done to a company of saints still living here on the earth. "We shall not all die," the apostle tells us. There is a change coming, and something is going to happen to us right here on the earth.
It is this feet company that I want to write about today. The Word is full of this truth, giving the nature, characteristics, and activities of this great people If the scriptures had so much to say concerning John the Baptist, Judas, and the first coming of Jesus, is it strange that there would be so much written about the people who come to the end of the age and bring forth the manifestation of the Sons of God? We have many times read over scriptures that spoke of the Feet, and never gave it a thought. We never realized that God was speaking to us of a company of people that we were to be a part of. Now let us open our hearts for divine revelation, and look into God's Word to see what He has to say about the Feet of this Body of Christ.
Washed from all Earthly Filth
The great need for those who live here on this earth is that they come to a life of absolute perfection and purity. There can be no true and full manifestation of His glory out of a people who are loaded with sins and bad spirits. The feet must be washed. In chapter 3 of Zechariah, we see Joshua the high priest standing before the Lord in filthy garments, and the devil standing there to accuse him. But Joshua is cleansed and made holy and able to properly minister. He is a type of that "Branch" (vs. 8) that shall come in the last days, and (vs. 9) God says He will remove the iniquity in one day. Did not Jesus say: "I am the vine, and ye are the branches"?
"I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word." (Psa. 119:101). There cannot be a full keeping of His Word until a people living on this earth have refrained from every evil way, and are walking in perfection. Someone may say: "But that is impossible." Impossible with God? He has promised it. Jesus commanded it: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48). The picture is given in John chapter 13 where Jesus washes the feet of His "church." Jesus warned Peter that if his feet were not washed, he would have no part in the glory of this Kingdom. He also told him that it was only the feet that needed washing. For it is just the people who live on this earth that need cleansing. There is no purgatory for the dead. The saints who have already gone on do not need a perfecting work done on them while up there in heaven. It is the ones here on the earth, the Feet, that we are concerned about getting cleansed. He will wash them, by the Word, until He refrains His "feet" from every evil way. Speaking of His church on earth in Eph. 5:26 he says: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." That sounds like a perfected company, doesn't it?
Washed by the Word
You see, there is to be a people in the last days who come into a greater knowledge of His Word than anyone who has walked this earth, except Jesus. Even Paul said: "Now I know in part." The part shall be done away, and the perfect shall take over. For if we are to be perfectly washed and cleansed, we need a perfect understanding of His perfect Word. This New Creation Man shall be clean, perfect, no longer bearing the image of that earthy Adam. And to bring us to that, we need a strong cleansing agent. His Word, clearly understood, is that agent. Psa. 119:105 says: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Why not a "lamp unto my eyes"? Because God is telling us here that the part of the Body of Christ that needs the light of the Word, is that feet company that is living on the earth at the time this Body is manifested in His glory.
In Nehemiah chapter eight, we see a tremendous picture of Israel being brought into a knowledge of the Word of God. Now notice several importance things: First of all, it was taking place in the "seventh month" (verse 2), on the first day of the month. This was the time for the "blowing of the trumpet" for the Feast of Tabernacles. This is very significant. Since Passover speaks to us of Justification and Regeneration experience, and the Feast of Pentecost is symbolic of the Holy Spirit coming upon the church, the Baptism in the Spirit, gifts of the Spirit, etc., then this last great Feast of Tabernacles in the end of the year speaks to us of another great realm of the Spirit for His Church. It is the time of the fulness, the "ingathering."
It is at this time that there is a great impartation of understanding the Word. Notice also that this is a post-captivity book. That is, the remnant of Israel had come out of Babylon to rebuild the Temple and the City of God. Isn't it strange that during the 70 years the people spent in Babylon, they did not understand the word? They had the Book. But they did not receive understanding of it until they had come out of Babylon. What about the majority of Israel who had remained in Babylon? We have no record of the word being made alive to them. When Babylon fell, they fell with it. It was those who had come out of Babylon that God took into a realm of revelation of His Word. Verse 7 says: "The Levites caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the Book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Verse one says that the people had gathered themselves as "one man." Let me say to you that until that "one man" has come out of Babylon and been gathered together "unto Him," that there will be no fulness of the word revealed, nor shall the watchmen see eye to eye. However, we are even now moving toward that place, and as a result there is a glorious light from the Word breaking upon us. We are now seeing truths that have been hidden from ages and from generations. The people wept (vs. 9) when they saw how far short they had come of God's perfect plan. But Nehemiah told them not to weep, that it was a holy day, and for them to eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to others. "The joy of the Lord is your strength" he said. And truly this is a day of joy. It is a day when His Word is coming forth in power and clarity, and the scriptures are being made alive to us. The doctrines and traditions of Babylon are being blown away as chaff before the fan, to be burned in the furnace of fire.
Teaching the Nations
Not only shall this feet company be cleansed by the washing of water by the Word, but out of them shall flow a fountain of living waters to bring life to this world. The nations shall sit at His "feet" to learn wisdom. "Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand; and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words." (Deut.33:3). We find a story of a demon possessed man in Luke chapter 8. This man represents this lost world who is ruled over by the powers of darkness. You know the story of this man of Gadara. He met Jesus, God's New Creation Man, and was delivered from the rulership of Satan. Now where did the people find this man when they came running out from the city? "Sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind." (vs. 35). This world will feel the impact of this last day New Creation Man (the harvest of Jesus the Seed). This world will be set free from the bondage of corruption, and the rulership of principalities and powers in the heavenlies. Then the world will sit at His "feet." That is, they will learn from and be governed by a people living on the earth who have come into the fulness of Christ
Turn to Luke 10:38-42, and see two women, representing two kinds of churches. One was very busy rattling pots and pans, doing works. She was on the "servant" realm, and "troubled about many things." She did not have time to "sit at His feet." And she was disturbed at those who did. "Why aren't you working to increase your Sunday School? Why can't you get busy and get some programs for your women, a fellowship for the men, and something to hold the young people? You've got to get a building fund started. You must start fighting Communism, pornography, and racial prejudice. You must join the Ministerial Alliance and start working toward ecumenical harmony. You've got to "cook up" something to show your ability as a cook." Pots and pans. Sure I believe there's a place for pots and pans. But now the Christ is here, and there is something far more important. Something eternal that shall not be taken away. All these other programs and efforts shall vanish, but there was one sitting at His feet receiving something that would never be taken away. And there is a church today willing to lay aside all programs and activity just to sit at His "feet" and learn from Him.
Feet Like Brass
Daniel saw a vision of a man (Dan. 10:5-6) whose arms and feet liken in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. What he saw was a prophetic vision of God's New Creation Man, a multitude, complete, with Christ as the Head. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John sees the same one. In chapter 1 verse 15 it says: "His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters." In Rev. 2:18 we read: "These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass." Then in Rev. 10:1 it says that his feet were as pillars of fire.
Now all these scriptures speak of His "feet" in connection with brass, fire, and a furnace. Fine brass, polished brass. Now brass is a symbol of judgment, as seen clearly in it's use in the Tabernacle. This tells us that this feet company will go through a judgment, and will come out of the furnace polished and clean. There is to be much tribulation for those who press into the fulness. None of Adam can go into that kingdom. So whatever comes your way, rejoice in it. Stop whining and crying, and begging God to go easy. Quit worrying about what great sin you've committed to cause Him to be so hard on you. This furnace of fire is a necessary thing for the "feet" to come to their place in God.
A People of Praise
"In all things give thanks," the Word instructs us. This seems hard to do sometimes. But this anointing of Sonship just naturally brings forth a spirit of praise. This feet company shall be the greatest people of praise the world has ever seen. They are a people who know the supernatural joy of the Lord in the midst of sorrow and tragedy. For this Feast of Tabernacles is a "feast of joy," and the people are commanded to rejoice throughout this feast. "My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless the Lord." (Psa. 26:12). In Psa. 22:22, Jesus speaks and says that: "in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." (Heb. 2:12). "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem." (Psa. 122:1-2). "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." (Psa. 100:4). So the gates or entrance into the city of God is praise. And this is where the "feet" shall stand. This indicates that in these last days, as a people on earth enter into His fulness, they will enter a realm of praise higher than anything man has known. I realize that Miriam danced on the banks of the Red Sea, and that the children of Israel praised God with a loud voice on high many times. I know that Paul and Silas could sing and praise God in the midnight hour in prison. But neither the Old Testament saints nor the Early Church have ever known the heights of praise that God is now bringing His people into. It is the feet company that enter the City through praise. "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19).
And in Psalms 149 we read of a people who are joyful in glory, and who sing aloud upon their beds. "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand." (vs. 6). With this they go forth to execute vengeance against sin, to bind the devil and principalities and powers. This honor is for his saints (vs. 9). So praise the Lord, saints of God! It is your privilege, and your strength!
Feet Protected by Heaven's Host
There is a special promise given to the feet company in Psalms chapter 91. In verse 11 there is a promise of protection to the Son of God that even Satan recognized. "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." In Matt. 4:6 where Satan was tempting Jesus to prove He was the Son of God, he applied this scripture to Jesus: "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down (from the pinnacle of the temple), for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone." But tho Jesus knew the verse in Psalms was speaking of Him, yet He wouldn't fall into Satan's trap. He didn't have to prove He was the Son. God had already spoken it! He stood on the Word, not on some sign He could produce. A true son of God does not have to run all over the country claiming and proving His sonship. God will speak for him. When the chips are down, the real goods will be there.
The glorious thing about this scripture is that it is addressed to the Head of the Body (Jesus), but it has reference to protection for the Feet. "Lest thou dash thy foot". It certainly was meant for Jesus while He was walking here on this earth, in the likeness of humanity. But it's meaning now is for those in the "feet" company, those who are alive on this earth. Angels are not protecting the saints in heaven from harm or danger. It is those on the earth who are in need of the angelic host. And the promise is ours! It did not say: "Lest thou bump thy head on a tree," or "Lest thou break thy arm in a fall." But it is "Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Divine Intervention for Sons
As the Sons of God give themselves over completely to the Father, putting aside their own desires and wills, so the Father intervenes on their behalf, that nothing but the perfect will of God overtake them. Day and night, 24 hours a day, for He does not sleep. Psa. 121:2-3 says: "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber."
This book, and many more, could be filled with the testimonies of how God has had His angels watching over His children. Many great experiences of deliverance from danger and harm could be recounted. A teenage girl, a close friend of our family, was in Japan with her missionary parents. A man attempted to attack her, and when she resisted him, he shot her in the heart at a point blank range of six inches. Her blouse had a hole burned in it, and her skin over her heart was red from the explosion of the pistol. But the bullet lay harmlessly on the floor. A modern day miracle of protection. In the courtroom, where the man was tried for assault with a deadly weapon, the defense attorney tried to argue that it was not a deadly weapon or the girl would have been killed. Whereupon the prosecuting attorney fired the pistol into a thick bundle of cardboard (the only time it had been fired since the assault), and proved that it was deadly, and the only reason the girl was not dead was a miracle from her God. A modern day book of Daniel. We have printed her entire testimony in another pamphlet, "The Powerless Bullet." "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." (Psa. 34:7).
This feet company must come through to overcoming victory. God has ordained it. In Prov. 3:23-26 we read: "Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Glory to God! There is a rest for God's people who dwell here on this earth, and it is this feet company who shall enter into it. Hannah prophesied in 1 Sam. 2:9 that: "He will keep the feet of His saints."
When we have learned this valuable truth, then we will come to a glorious peace, and a dominion unknown by others. In Luke chapter 8 is the story of a group of fishermen who got caught at sea in a storm. They came to the end of their strength and ability, and were sure that their end had come. Other ships had gone down in storms like this, and other men had lost their lives, and they felt sure they were ready to perish. But there was a Son of God on board that ship who had committed His life entirely to the Father, and was quite willing to accept anything the Father chose for Him. He was the only one not disturbed by the adverse situation, therefore He was the only one who had dominion over the situation. He was, in fact, so undisturbed that he was sleeping in the midst of the worst of the storm. When they awoke him, he simply took command of the situation and, for their sakes, rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. In amazement and wonderment they cried out "What manner of man is this?" He's the manner of man He wants all His sons to be. Undisturbed by any adversity, living above every human circumstance, and in complete control of every situation. The Sons live in confidence and rest, with faith that the Father is watching over with care and tenderness, and knowing (like Elisha), that every mountain of adversity is full of the host of heaven. "Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." This does not mean that the Sons will not have problems or persecution or tribulations or afflictions. It means that every problem or obstacle is only there to be overcome. "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."
And in the great battle of the ages facing this "feet company" of the Body of Christ, this promise of protection by the angelic host will be more meaningful than ever before. Those who walk in the realm of sonship, in the fulness of the spirit, will know in the fullest measure the value of this provision. The angels are, as Heb. 1:14 tells us, "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."
All Enemies Under the Feet
David sang a prophetic song in 2 Sam. 22 and Psa. 18, and I will quote the portions dealing with this feet company: "He (the Lord) bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under His feet. God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise; yea, they are fallen under my feet." For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me. Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad." This beautifully harmonizes with what Malachi prophesied concerning those that feared the Name of the Lord in Mal. 4:3. "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts."
Paul tells us in Ephesians chapter 6 that our enemies are not flesh and blood, but principalities, demons, wicked spirits in the heavenlies. And these are the enemies which shall be trodden under the "feet" of Christ. The least of those who walk in this Kingdom realm here on this earth shall have complete dominion over every devil. Cancers, narcotics, arthritis, hate, lust, fear, and even death shall not stand before them.
Treading on the Dragon
Back again in Psalms 91 and verse 13 we read the rest of the promise to the "feet." Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet." Now I'm sure you are aware here that he is not talking about natural snakes and lions. These are symbols of the demons and spirits of darkness. They shall be under our feet. Paul says in Rom. 16:20 that: "The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." The promise in Gen. 3:15 was that the Seed of the Woman was going to bruise the serpent's head. Obviously, Paul was saying that this was still a future event with the Body of Christ, and that the seed spoken of was the saints of God. Well, it looks like I'm mostly just quoting scriptures here, but when the Book is so clear on such a tremendous revelation, you don't have to do much preaching.
Joshua gives us a beautiful picture of the work of Jesus and the sons of God in putting all enemies under our feet. In Joshua chapter 10, we see the defeat of the five kings, the meaning of whose very names describe the self-life, and the spirits that operate there. First Joshua sealed them up in a cave, then he brought them forth and had his captains put their feet on the necks of the kings before he slew them. This was to demonstrate that even the captains of Joshua's army had dominion greater than the greatest of their enemies. And beloved, before the ultimate end of Satan and his hordes, there will be a manifestation and demonstration of the absolute authority of the Sons of God over every enemy. In other words, woe unto them that dwell on the earthly carnal realm, for Satan is come down to you having great wrath. But at the same time there will be a people who have entered into a new dimension in God, and who walk in the heavenlies and sit on His throne. This "feet" of the Body of Christ, while still in the earth, are not of the earthy nature, but have entered into the fulness of God. They shall demonstrate the power and dominion of their God, "putting their feet on the necks of the enemy." "Till His enemies be made His footstool." (Heb. 10:13).
"But We See Jesus"
Hebrews chapter two gives us to understand that this present "world" or age has been put in subjection to fallen angels, but that the age God is speaking of is to be in subjection under the "feet" of the Son of Man. This was the promise of God given in Psalms chapter eight, but Heb. 2:8 says: "But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus. crowned with glory and honour." The fact is, that all things are under the Lord Jesus Christ. He said in Matt. 28:18 that "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." So He is in complete control. But the work will not be complete until all enemies are under His "feet," that is, the saints who are living here on earth in visible physical bodies. This is the victory He has ordained, and is moving toward. I realize that most preachers cannot see the possibility of such a glorious victory, and therefore teach that none of the saints will ever reach that state of perfection and dominion on this earth, so must be caught up into heaven to receive their rewards and their glorified bodies without ever having overcome all their enemies in this body. That is a doctrine of fear and defeat, and does not fit the character of our God at all. Dominion will not and cannot come without perfection. For as long as the enemy has any hold upon us at all, there will be no entering into the fulness of God. Jesus said that Satan came and found nothing in Him, therefore He had a perfect dominion over all that He encountered. So shall it be with His sons, those who come in His likeness and are conformed to His image.
"The Place of My Feet"
The glory of this people of God is spoken of by the prophet in Isa. 60:13-15: "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations." Can you believe that? It's in the Word!
Sure I know that Heaven is glorious! I still believe in heaven and hell. I know where the saints are, and I know where the sinners are. But all the glory of Heaven is going to be manifested on this earth. "I will make the place of my feet glorious." Did not Jesus pray: "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven"? My friends, let me tell you something: God is calling an end to this wicked age wherein man has rebelled against God and Satan has run rampant through the earth. But God has not given up on His creation, not even this physical ball of mud we call earth. He is going to make it glorious. God has a surprise for the people of this world, and He is just about ready to spring it on them. Glory to God! What a Saviour!
Did you know that the Body of Christ will rule and reign on this earth? Were you aware that a living physical people were going to overcome all enemies, and that even the nations of the world would be subdued under them? Read Psa. 47:3 where it says: "He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet." So the feet company of this glorious Body of Christ shall bring the nations under subjection to the rule of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! But first we must be brought completely in subjection to Him.
The Feet and the Throne
"And He said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile." (Ezek. 43:7). Hallelujah! Here God is saying that He has a throne, and dwells, in that feet company. Yes, God will have a people in whom He rules supreme right here on this earth. Glory! The people living on this earth have been defiled with sin, and sad to say, even those who are called by His holy name have not escaped. But He is bringing them out of all sin, setting up His throne in them, ruling over them completely, and dwelling in them. Praise God!
We have thought much about the throne of God, mostly from our desire to sit with Him on His throne, and rule and reign over the earth. But there will be no ruling for the sons of God, the feet company here on earth, until He has set up His throne in them. For until you have submitted completely unto the Lord, He will not put the world in subjection to you! I know that His throne is in the heavens. I know His will is done in Heaven. But I look for that time when His throne will operate in a "feet" people, a people on the earth, and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Then shall we see the world, with all it's chaotic systems, brought in subjection to God and His sons. Then shall the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Praise Jesus!
Entering the Inheritance
Moses brought the people of Israel across the Red Sea, took them to Sinai and set up a divine order for that unorganized bunch of ex-slaves. He gave them the laws of God, and began to teach them to walk in the ways of God. Through the ministry of Moses, God gave them Manna from heaven and water from the Rock. He sustained them 40 years in the wilderness and brought up a new generation that lusted not for the leeks and garlics of Egypt. He thoroughly dealt with the rebellion of that old generation, until He had a people that walked in obedience and faith.
But Moses never brought the people into their promised inheritance. That was left to Joshua. In Joshua 12-3 we read: "Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses."
Notice that the promised land lay before them, their inheritance was in plain sight. But the only part God had given them was that which the sole of their feet tread upon. This is a striking picture of the Body of Christ. Heb. 6:12 tells us that there are those who "inherit the promises" through faith and patience. But Heb. 11:13 says that those who died in faith did not receive the promises, but saw them afar off. Heb. 11:39-40 says that those who died did not receive the promise, but needed a people called "us" in verse 40 to come to complete perfection. The "us" is that feet company that Paul spoke of in 1 Cor. 15:51: "We shall not all sleep." They are those who walk the earth at the time of perfection. They are the "feet" that tread upon the inheritance right here on the earth.
In other words, plain and simple, everything that God has promised the entire Body of Christ as their inheritance must be entered into by a living people here on this earth. Someone may say: "What about heaven?" Did not Jesus pray that the Kingdom of Heaven would come to earth? And it will. What about resurrection life? 1 Cor. 15:54 says that when a people right here on this earth has put on incorruption and immortality, then shall be brought to pass the scripture dealing with victory over the grave. Everything that the Body of Christ is to inherit, must be entered into and manifested by the "feet" of the Body. They must tread upon their inheritance. "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you."
Caleb claims his inheritance in Joshua 14:9 by reminding Joshua the promise Moses had made to him: "And Moses sware on that day, saying Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's forever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God." As one of the twelve spies at Kadesh-Barnea, Caleb had entered the promised land at the time of the first ripe grapes (Num. 13:20). He had tasted of the "firstfruits" of the land (Rom 8:23, Eph. 1:14 Ampl.). He had put his feet on his inheritance. Now he could claim it and enter into it. There are those today who have been sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, the earnest of the inheritance, the firstfruits of the Spirit. They have tasted the heavenly gift (Heb. 6:4-5) and the powers of the world to come. Now, as Caleb, they are saying: "Give me this mountain." They are ready to do battle to obtain the fulness of this Kingdom. They are the feet company, and the plan and purpose of the entire Body waits their treading down all enemies on this earth. We know that in ourselves we are not able to do this, that we are facing a powerful enemy. But look at the glorious promise in Deut. 11:23-24: "Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves. Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours." Remember the ringing challenge of the Apostle Paul in Phil. 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Lift up your heads and rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh! The feet of Christ is about to enter into the fulness of His inheritance. Glory to God!
The Overcomer
There is a great wilderness to be crossed. Israel had 40 years of it. But in all that time we read in Neh. 9:21 and Deut. 8:4 that their "feet swelled not." They never suffered so much in the heat of that desert wilderness that they could not maintain their walk with God toward ultimate victory and entry into the promised inheritance. Yes, they had a wilderness, a "Waste howling wilderness"(Deut. 32:10), but the Bible makes it plain that the wilderness was overcome by the feet.
There is a Babylon system to be overcome. We know that God has already decreed it's fall, and as far as God is concerned, it is already overcome. But He is going to let His "feet company" tread down Babylon. This Babylon system shall be destroyed by a people manifesting the fulness of the Spirit right here on this earth. Isa. 14:24-25 says: "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand; that I will break the Assyrian (Babylon) in my land, and upon mountains (sons) tread him under foot; then shall his yoke depart from off their shoulders. This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: "Not only is God going to cast Satan out of heaven, but He is going to defeat him right here on the earth. God will "tread him under foot," that is, let a people living here on earth manifest a complete victory over Babylon and every work of Satan.
Jeremiah declares this victory over Babylon in chapters 50 and 51. Listen to these verses: "The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God, the vengeance of His temple." (50:28). Remember beloved, that you are the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16, 2 Cor. 6:16). "Make bright the arrows; gather the shields (faith); the Lord hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of His temple" (51:11). Their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon. The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail." (50:42-43). Here is Joel's Army, set in battle array against Babylon. See Joel 2:1-10.
And now we see the people who destroy Babylon: "The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the Lord of hosts is his name. Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war; for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms. And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the Lord." (51:19, 20, 24). Glory to God, this mighty feet company shall tear down all of Babylon's glory!
In Isa. 26:1, we read: "In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks." Now we understand that this is not a natural city spoken of, that this is the people of God, the Bride of Christ, the Holy City. But notice in verse 5 that he speaks of another city, even Babylon: "For he bringeth down them that dwell on high (Babel); the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy." Who are the "poor" who shall tread down the "lofty city"? In Luke 4:18 Jesus said: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor." And in Luke 6:20 Jesus said: "Blessed be ye poor: for your is the kingdom of God." Yes, it is that glorious "feet company" in the last days who hear the everlasting Gospel of the Kingdom, and who press their way into that Kingdom, that shall tear down Babylon's walls and set her captives free! Don't expect an angel to come from heaven to perform this great task. This victory and this honor has been given to saints of God living here on this earth. And I can assure you that the saints who went on by way of the grave shall rejoice with the "feet" in this glorious triumph. (1 Cor. 12:26). Notice what it says in 1 Cor. 12:23: "And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness." Yes, how beautiful are the feet!
Death is Defeated by the Feet
We know that the Bible tells us that: "We shall not all die." This is truth, absolute and final. But how does it come about? Does the Bible teach anything about death and the "feet company"? Yes, it does. Notice in 1 Cor. 15:25-28 the declaration of victory over death: "For he (Christ in His glorious Body) must reign, till he (God the Father) hath put all enemies under his (the Christ) feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he (God) hath put all things under his (the Christ, the Son of Man, Heb. 2:8) feet. But when he (God) saith all things are put under him (the Christ), it is manifest that he (God) is excepted, which did put all things under him (the Christ). And when all things shall be subdued unto him (the Christ, the Son), then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (God) that put all things under him (the Son, the Christ) that God may be all in all."
So God has declared that not only is death defeated by His Son, but that it shall be put under his "feet." So people living here on the earth shall clearly manifest a victory over death. It is one thing for a young man or woman who has not even yet come to full maturity, to declare that they have overcome death, and to claim divine health in their body. But let me see one in whom the aging process is clearly visible, one who shows the effects of the death principle working in their bodies. And let that one so come into His life, that the process is reversed, the stooped shoulders straighten, the gray hairs regain their life and color, and all signs of dying disappear. Yes, I know that the "strong man of the house" is bound in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and a new master takes over in that house. But it takes a while to "spoil his house," to carry out his furniture, install new furniture, and manifest the victory for all to see. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption." God is going to let the whole world see and know that He is God. He is doing this through His Church.
Crossing Over Jordan
The third chapter of Joshua is the story of Israel crossing Jordan into the promised land. No reason for me to quote the entire chapter here, as you can read it in your Bible. But notice verses 11-17 where it tells us: "Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest), that the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan."
Glory to God, what a scripture! What a tremendous day in Israel! The waters were rolled clear back to Adam. It makes it very plain that no waters of Jordan were rolled back until the "feet" of those who bare the ark of God (His glory and His presence), were dipped into Jordan and come to rest on dry ground in Jordan. Now we all know that the River Jordan is a Bible symbol of death. Jesus was baptized here, showing death and resurrection. There was no entering into the fulness of the Inheritance until this river had been conquered. They did not have to cross Jordan at Kadesh-Barnea to spy out the land and partake of the firstfruits. And we do not have to die completely to the self life to get the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and partake of the firstfruits of the Spirit. But to come into the land of promise to settle for good, there must be a crossing of Jordan. This means a death to self, and a defeat of natural death. There has to be a priesthood that bares His glory, His presence. And the "feet" of that body of priests have to come to rest in Jordan. Then shall all Israel defeat death, cross Jordan, and enter into their Inheritance. And not before. Oh, friends, perhaps you cannot believe for such a glorious body of people as this sons of God company, this Melchisedec priesthood, but you better hope that there is such a thing, for your inheritance depends upon it. The promise was given to Abraham, it was paid for by Jesus on Calvary, but it yet remains in heaven veiled from our view, until it is revealed in the last time (1 Pet. 1:5). We are now living in the day of that unveiling or manifestation.
Reality Manifested
Notice in Luke 24:39-40 that when Jesus wanted to convince His disciples that He had returned to them in resurrection reality and power and glory, He showed them His "hands and his feet." He did not say "Look at the scars on my head made by the crown of thorns." But He said: "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself." And in this day of His appearing, He shall manifest His "feet," as well as His hands or ministry, and declare that He has returned in resurrection power. The world is going to know, because of the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom 8:19), that Jesus has really returned to this earth in flesh, and not just as a spirit or vision.
The Feet Anointed
This feet company, or sons of God being raised up in these last days, must be anointed with the precious ointment or anointing that came upon the Head of this High Priest (Psa. 133:2). We know that Jesus was anointed with the Spirit without measure, that He had the seven spirits of God (Isa. 11:2), but what about the rest of the Body? Paul says that we only have a "measure" of faith, and knowledge "in part." Is it possible that God has ordained for a people living on this earth to be anointed with this "precious ointment" that the Head received? Yes, glory to God, it is! In John 12:1-5 we see the story of Jesus having supper at the house of Lazarus. Mary and Martha, his sisters, are there. Martha is still rattling pots and pans, still on the serving realm (vs. 2). But Mary took costly ointment, worth three hundred pence (vs. 5), and "anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."
Now three hundred is the number of divine deliverance, as shown in Gideon's army, Noah's Ark, Moses' Tabernacle, Solomon's shields, etc. What we see here is that the "feet company" of this glorious Body of Christ receives a special anointing for the deliverance of groaning creation. (Rom. 8:21-23). Mary's hair speaks of the submission of the true Church to this anointed company of sons.
Did you notice, dear ones, that "the house was filled with the odour of the ointment"? Let me tell you that the decaying stench of a dying putrefying world will be changed when this feet company puts all enemies under the Body of Christ. The stench of hate, fear, deception, lies, murder, pain, torment, death, riots, war, etc., will be replaced by the fragrance of this precious ointment. The fragrance of His presence, His glory, His truth and His love shall fill the whole earth! Glory be to God! Praise Jesus! He shall bring this about through His Church, His triumphant, victorious Church. His "feet" shall enter into every battlefield of human life, and put down every enemy. They shall walk on the tops of the mountains. "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places." (Psa. 18:33). Praise God, how beautiful are the feet! We give glory to God that we are privileged to live in this great hour of the manifestation of the sons of God, the shining forth of God's glory through His many-membered Son! Look up, children of God, your redemption draweth nigh! Jesus is coming! And how beautiful are His feet!
Bill Britton How Beautiful are the Feet! 