Rocky Statue

Here is the Rocky Statue, returned to Philadelphia by reluctant art purists. You see, this statue is more a popular symbol than a work of great art. There are sculptures by Rodin (the Thinker) just across the street for those looking for higher art.

The local politicians have woke up and realized that the statue has become symbolic of the city. People identify with it. As such I believe it potentially has prophetic significance for this region.

The opening of the Rocky movie is striking because it is of a very earthy fight scene in a low-profile, low budget venue. It is being held in a church that was converted into a boxing arena. I’m not completely sure but I think I recall stained glass and a picture of Jesus looking down on the scene.

The church in this region similarly is struck down but not destroyed. It is in a very low-profile state right now. It will either remain silent or will be taken through a process of endurance and trial just like Rocky. Rocky had heart and the ability to persevere and take a huge beating from his opponent. He is an overcomer.

The church in this region will perservere. Paul wrote to the church in the original Philadelphia, “I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.” (Rev. 3:11-12)

William Penn

I shot some video today during a prayer walk at Penn Treaty Park just outside center city Philly. William Penn made a covenant apparently with the natives in 1

682 here, pledging to live and trade in harmony with them. Unfortunately this was quickly broken within a generation or 2 after his death.

There was a tree that he stood under when he made this compact. It was destroyed in 1810 during a storm. But the Philadelphians took cuttings of the tree and replanted a descendant of that tree in the park.

It gives me hope that this city that was founded in liberty to serve God has the DNA of that spirit in that park even today. The city founded on love has been temporarily turned to lust. Divine freedom has morphed into lawlessness and doing right in one’s own eyes.

 

But there is divine DNA on the premises, and to me it is a symbol of the proper divine foundation that Penn laid here. I’ll keep coming back to pray into this.