The prophetic word—centered on the dangers of performing for human sight (the “to be seen of man” motive), the necessity of examining one’s works and motives for the coming judgment, and the warning against cultic submission—strikingly relates to the late Christian apologist and speaker, Ravi Zacharias, who was based in the state of Michigan during a critical part of his ministry. The Failure of Motive and the Hidden Life Ravi Zacharias was a highly visible, globally respected Christian leader whose ministry, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), had a major presence in Alpharetta, Georgia, but he lived in Atlanta, and a key figure in his early ministry, and his first US board meeting, was held at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the 1980s. The prophetic warning about motive—that the desire to be seen can corrupt giving, praying, and spiritual activities, and that all works will be tested by fire—is precisely the tragedy that unfolded posthumously. After his death, multiple independent investigations revealed widespread sexual misconduct, including abuse and sexual assault, against numerous women, often masked by his ministry travel and the authority of his office. His public ministry was a monument of intellectual defense of the faith, appearing on the surface as the pure “righteous acts” described in Matthew 6. However, the revelation of a pervasive, secret life directly contradicted the image he projected “to be seen of man.” The prophetic word warns that the motives behind the works will be tested. In Zacharias’s case, his impressive public works—his global speaking and apologetics—were fundamentally tainted by a hidden life of sin and abuse of power, demonstrating that the very thing Jesus warned about (a secret life of darkness under a veneer of public righteousness) was in operation. The eventual judgment of his ministry by the broader Christian community became the fiery test that revealed the true, corrupt “sort” of his inner life and motives, shattering the edifice built on fame and performance.

Chapter 1: The Altar of Intent

Hear now, O generation of the swift and the seen! The Spirit of the Lord speaks gently yet firmly: Guard the gates of your heart. You live in an age where applause echoes louder than obedience, where devotion is measured by the roar of the crowd instead of the whisper of conscience. But the Holy One calls you higher. He calls you to the secret place—the altar unseen by men—where intention becomes incense before His throne.

Let your heart remember the words of Jesus: “Do not perform your righteous acts before men, to be seen by them” (Matthew 6). The hunger for human approval is a subtle poison, dressed in robes of generosity, fervent prayers, and strict fasting. Yet the Lord, who sees in secret, weighs every motive. He looks not at the show of sacrifice, but at the spirit of surrender behind it.

A day is coming when every deed will pass through fire—not to condemn, but to reveal. What was done for the praise of men will crumble like straw. But what was done from love and truth will shine like refined gold. So judge yourself now, beloved! Let the Spirit search your motives and cleanse the altar of your intent. For if we purify our hearts now, we will stand unashamed before the Judge of all.

The Stewardship of the Present

And to you who lead—whether a home, a business, a city, or a nation—the Lord reminds you: You are stewards of what is sacred. Your small sphere of influence is holy ground, entrusted to you by the King of Glory. Each act of diligence, each quiet decision for righteousness, becomes eternal currency.

Jesus, the Faithful Steward (Luke 12:42), watches how you manage what you’ve been given. The crown of authority in His coming Kingdom will be awarded not by title or talent, but by faithfulness. Every humble task done without fanfare, every hidden labor done as unto the Lord, is preparing you for the age to come.

So do not despise the small place! Every moment of obedience is a stone in the foundation of your eternal reign. You are being trained for the throne. The present is the preparation for the King’s return.

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Chapter 2: The Quickening and the Kingdom’s Cost

The earth groans, waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God! O children of promise, remember—what you see fading around you is not the end, but the trembling before a divine unveiling. The world’s systems, its economies, its glittering distractions—all are passing shadows. Lift up your eyes! The Bridegroom comes quickly.

You say, “Two thousand years have passed—where is His coming?” Yet to the Eternal One, it has been but two days (2 Peter 3:8). He is not slow, beloved—He is merciful, giving time for His people to awaken. Every shaking in the earth, every headline, every stirring of revival or rebellion is setting the stage for His return.

The Power and the Price

Look to the first believers—burning, broken, and bold. When conviction fell in Acts 2:37, the path to power was repentance, not pride. The Holy Spirit is not a concept but the very breath of God, transforming sinners into saints.

Yet the Spirit warns: Do not seek miracles for your own fame. Power without purity is perilous. The anointing that heals the sick can also destroy the proud. God is not withholding His power; He is searching for vessels strong enough to carry it without breaking. Die to self, that resurrection life might flow through you without mixture.

The Frog, the Prince, and the Shepherd’s Trap

The Kingdom of God is the story of divine transformation. Like the cursed frog kissed by pure love, so were we—creatures of dust, transformed by the kiss of Christ into royalty. But beware of the counterfeit enchantments! False shepherds will promise power but lead into bondage. They will demand submission to men instead of surrender to God.

True authority liberates. False authority controls. The real Shepherd leads His flock to still waters and freedom. So keep your eyes on Jesus, the returning King, and let no man enslave what Christ has set free.