How All Twelve Tribes Must Mature Before Christ Returns | Word for Now | Jul 21, 2025 | CR

Crystal Rivers | Word for Now | Jul 21, 2025 You must understand that the Book of Revelation is not a mysterious prophecy about distant future events, but rather a practical manual given to guide you and the church in bringing the Lord Jesus Christ back to earth. When scripture says these things "must surely come to pass," it means you are commanded to ensure they happen through your obedience and spiritual growth. ## Your Dual Calling Your Christian journey operates on two essential levels that must both be perfected. First, you must develop an intimate, vertical relationship with God—loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is your personal faith in Jesus Christ. Second, you must cultivate deep, sacrificial love for your fellow believers—the horizontal dimension of unity with the saints. These two forces working together create the spiritual atmosphere necessary for Christ's revelation. ## The Process of Transformation As you walk in the Spirit, you will experience what are symbolically called the seven seals being broken in your life. The first four seals involve the ministry of four living creatures—also known as chariots of fire, the four winds of heaven, or the four rivers of Eden. Their purpose is to systematically destroy the fleshly, worldly life within you. This isn't comfortable, but it's necessary. They kill off carnality, selfishness, and attachment to this present age. When you reach the fifth seal, something profound happens. You discover others who have also died to worldliness—souls "under the altar" who share your consecration. More importantly, you begin to understand your specific ministry assignment to the body of Christ. You realize that God's power working effectively within you is not for your benefit alone, but to supply something essential to your brothers and sisters in faith. ## The Corporate Requirement Here lies a crucial truth you must grasp: Christ cannot return through individual perfection alone. Just as a physical body needs every part functioning, Christ's spiritual body requires all twelve tribes—representing different aspects of His nature—to be present and mature on earth simultaneously. You are part of one of these tribes, carrying a unique expression of Christ that no one else can provide. Think of it like preparing a complex meal. Every ingredient must be present in the right measure for the dish to be complete. You might perfect your contribution, but if other essential components are missing, the meal cannot be served. Similarly, your spiritual maturity, while valuable, cannot trigger Christ's return until all necessary parts of His body are ready. ## Why Revival Waits This explains why you may experience personal breakthrough yet not see corresponding global transformation. Angels are stationed across the earth, ready to release the spiritual winds that would bring revival, but they are commanded to wait. They cannot "hurt the earth" or release judgment and restoration until all servants of God receive the seal of His name in their foreheads—until the full number from all twelve tribes is complete. ## Your Responsibility to Others Understanding this should radically change how you view other believers. Their spiritual progress is not separate from yours—it directly affects your ability to fulfill your destiny. When a brother or sister remains spiritually immature, they hinder the entire body's advancement. This is why you must actively invest in helping others grow, interceding for them, and ensuring no one is left behind. The white robes given to those under the altar represent priestly ministry—your calling to help others complete their own journey through the seals. You cannot advance fully until your fellow servants also reach maturity. ## The Coming Release When all twelve tribes finally achieve the required level of maturity and unity, those restraining angels will release the four winds. The