Venue: MFM HQ Youth Church
Date: Sunday, 24th of January 2021
Ministering: Pastor Kunle Olaide
Text: 2 Chron. 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (KJV)
It can’t be disguised that in today’s world, homes are sick, families are sick, and our land is sick. However, God has promised to heal our land if we humble ourselves and pray.
Just before we go into unravelling our topic, I’d share a personal experience that would guide this topic:
‘‘Several years back while I worked for an organization, a senior colleague and I went on a trip to Kaduna and we needed to lodge in a hotel. As was customary, we were supposed to stay in different rooms but being frugal young men, we decided to both share a room and split the money for the other between us. As proceedings took shape, I decided to visit the salon. To my surprise, upon return, I discovered the room was locked, as my senior colleague was having a good time with a prostitute inside. When the door was finally opened, I made my entry and kept my cool. After several minutes of expecting me to berate him, which I didn’t, my colleague simply made a statement in Yoruba language which translates to “You of course would think I’m a child of the devil. No, I’m not. I’m the devil personified!”
You may wonder why I shared this story. The reason is to bring us to the awareness that there are people who belong to God and there are those who belong to the devil. So, when God said, “if My people…”, He wasn’t mistaken in making the distinction. There’s a selected group –the chosen generation- whom He made the object of this instruction. Scriptural backings for this are given in 2 Tim. 2:19, 1 Pet. 2:9.
At this juncture, it is necessary to acknowledge a few remarks about God’s elect –the chosen generation:
- Christians aren’t necessarily perfect people, although, we’re expected to strive towards perfection. We might fall into sin occasionally; however, we shouldn’t be given to falling. (Mic. 7:8, Prov. 24:16).
- It isn’t the church that’ll be raptured, but rather Christ’s bride in the church. (1 Thess. 4:18).
The points above reveal to us the need to be cautious in our walk with God.
Now, there are two halves to the crux of today’s teaching – humility and prayer. A reread of the scripture reveals to us that humility is key. In today’s church, this quality is missing. One case of our culpability in the subject of humility is this: Many youths today are in the habit of nit-picking a preacher’s message especially if the preacher happens not to be of the required eloquence or literacy. I put it to you that that’s pride in manifestation. God forbid our sophistication bars us from receiving the blessings of such bare messages. Listen beloved, a proud person cannot go far with God (Jam. 4:6).
Pride Indicators:
With humility being part of the crux of today’s teaching, its worthy of mention that quite several Christians aren’t aware pride often comes disguised. It is pertinent to know that one is proud if you: - Have a penchant for finding fault.
- Oftentimes are desperate for attention.
- Are high-minded.
- Are Defensive
- Are inclined to presumption before God.
Scriptural provisions for Healing:
As God as promised to heal our land, we could do ourselves a world of good by abiding to these health prescriptions. These include:
- The law of life (Rom. 8:2).
- Covenant of healing (Exo. 15:26)
- The name of the LORD (Phil. 2:9,10)
- The Blood of Jesus (Rev. 12:11).
- The Passover meal (1 Cor. 2:23-26).
- The gift of healing.
- Special instructions (2 Kings 5:10).
Prayer Points:
- O God arise and make my life your message in the name of Jesus.
- I remove myself from the group of those who have no future in the name of Jesus.