Bounds and Breakthrough

Sometimes spiritual breakthrough comes through a single step of structure.

David wanted the Spirit to move beyond measure in the temple. So he took measures to prepare:

“David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph … who prophesied with lyres … [and] who prophesied under the direction of the King. “[The sons of Heman] were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king.” (1 Chronicles 25:1-6)

David’s preparations for temple singers followed two patterns.

He made space for Spirit-filled songs.

And he formed clear structure, where each singer was “under” order and direction.

David didn’t think that structure was unspiritual. He heard God bring heavenly harmonies through tight harp strings. He saw Yahweh send victory through organized armies. He believed that it was the Lord who formed “lines ... in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6).

David made bounds to make way for breakthrough.

God’s dwelling place with man comes with dimensions. Eden and the temple and the New Jerusalem all have boundaries (Genesis 2:8-14; 1 Kings 6:2; Revelation 21:15).

When God wants to bring a garden out of our soul, he sends his Spirit to face the chaos in our lives. He lights up the dark with his Word. And at last, he sends flowing rivers to set boundaries between good and evil. Within these bounds, God makes a place where bountiful cultivation is possible.

It is not unspiritual to pursue order. It is unspiritual to look away from the chaos and let vines of disorder choke out our fruit. The Spirit of God faced the formless void (Genesis 1:2). And by his power we can face the chaos—the messy havoc we'd rather avoid—and bring it under the dominion of grace (Romans 6:14).

Where do you need bounds to make way for breakthrough?

Setting tiers of singers makes way for prophecy. Digging a trench makes way for fire (1 Kings 18:35). Preparing an upper room table makes way for the body and the blood (Luke 22:12).

Breakthrough can come from a single step of faith to clear the chaos and make room for the Lord.