Righteousness Exalts A Nation - Proverbs 14:34

For over a month we have been travelling through this delightful country praying for Norway and ministering in a wide variety of churches and denominations. One highlight was a visit to the impressive Nidarosdomen in Tronheim and to nearby Stikelstad, where Norway’s great King Olaf the Holy was killed in battle. Buildings and sites such as these carry so much history and treasure for a nation. The dramatic stone statues of the cathedral’s western façade depict the crucified Christ and multitudes of saints from both the Old and New Testaments. There is an ancient legend, or prophecy, that when the final stone is placed into the Nidarosdomen, Tronheim will fall into the fjord. One of the  figures on the western façade is a stone mason who forever holds on to the final stone so that this dire prediction cannot come to pass.

I was reminded, however, that the true Cathedral of Norway is the present-day Church – the Body of Christ – made up of Believers of all generations and denominations. I also felt impressed of the Lord to declare over Norway that the final stone that must be placed into the Church in these days is the foundation stone of holiness. If the Church of Norway will pursue holiness with all her heart, then Tronheim will not fall into the fjord, but the sea of God’s glory will spill out of the Cathedral and cover all of this great nation:

For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD,

As the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

Here are 7 strategic foundations of holiness to pray over Norway and all the other Nordic nations:

• Holiness is not an option for the Church in these days. It must become the cornerstone of our faith just as it is the foundation of God’s throne (Ps. 89:14), and we must hunger for it and search for it with all our hearts (Matt. 5:6; Matt. 6:33).

• The Lord will hear the cry of those who are rooted in holiness (Ps. 34:15).

• The authority to declare the Kingdom of God and His reign comes from, and through, a holy people (Ps. 45:6).

• The Church must be clothed with righteousness (Ps. 132:9; Is. 61:10; Rom. 6:13-20).

• Holiness and righteousness will bring peace and life to God’s people (Prov. 11:19; Is. 32:17; Is. 54:14).

• Holiness is the light of glory that will be revealed in, and through this nation (Is. 42:6; Is. 56:1; Is. 58:8) – then God’s people will catch the attention of all nations (Is. 61:11; Is. 62:2).

• Righteousness (not riches or power) will make our nations truly great (Prov. 14:34).

Even as the façade of the great Nidarosdomen bears witness to the history of the Church — from Christ’s crucifixion onward—so, too, the history of God’s Bride is shared through our lives. We are the testimony of His greatness and we will be a demonstration of His glory in all the earth. Any nation’s destiny hinges on each of us building holiness into our lives, both personally and corporately. This is the great “stone” that must be placed into the Church in order for God’s glory to be revealed.

Nordic churches: Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. (Hosea 10:12)