THE GOD OF WONDERS - Part 2

This sermon will concentrate on the wonders of his healing. 

God is able to heal physically, spiritually and emotionally. And He said in Ex 15:26b, "For I am the LORD that healeth thee."  The Son, Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, the sick, the injured and those with infirmities. The healing performed by Jesus was brought about by the power of the LORD present in him. And Jesus confirmed in Jn 5:19 and Jn 10.30, "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. I and the Father are one."  Whatever healing performed by the Son was performed by the Father. And miraculous healing is still on till date by the Father and by the Son.

Let us consider a few of the healings as recorded in the Bible.

• Healing the centurion's Servant at Capernaum
• Healing the mother of Peter's Wife.
• Healing the deaf and mute man of Decapolis.
• Healing a crippled woman.
• Healing the paralytic at Bethesda.
• Healing a man born blind.

Healing the centurion's servant. Matt 8:5-13.

The Centurion requested that Jesus heals his servant who was paralyzed and lying at home. Jesus volunteered to follow him home to heal the servant but the Centurion objected and only asked Jesus to send word to his servant. Jesus ascribed this to the Centurion as great faith and he asked the Centurion to go. "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that moment. Jesus backed up the Centurion's faith with word to effect the healing.

Healing the mother of Peter 's wife. Matt 8:14-16.

The wonder about this healing is that Jesus only touched the hand of the mother of Peter's wife who laid in bed with a fever and the fever left immediately. She got up and began to wait on Jesus. Because of this event when evening came many that were demon -possessed were brought to him and he drove out the spirits with the Word and healed all the sick.

Healing a deaf and mute Man. Mk 7:31-37.

Some people brought a man who was deaf and could hardly talk to Jesus and begged him to place his hand on the man when he was in the region of Decapolis. Jesus took him aside, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man's ears, he spat and touched the man's tongue, looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh and said to the ‘deaf and mute man," Ephphatha!" (which means" Be opened!"). At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak plainly. What a wonder!

 

Healing a crippled woman. Lk 13:10-17.

As Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. Jesus called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Jesus put his hands on her and immediately she straightened up and praised God. She was wonderfully healed by the word "you are set free from your infirmity." and by touch.

 

Healing the paralytic at Bethesda. Jn 5:1-9.

At the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem was the paralytic man of thirty eight years of infirmity among others who were impotent, blind and withered. He had no body to help him into the  water for healing as it was customary for an angel to come and stir the water seasonally and whoso ever first  stepped into the water after, no matter the disease received healing. This man had nobody to help him into the water and when Jesus saw him lie, he had compassion on him and said to him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And the man answered, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." And Jesus said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked.

Brethren, infirmity of thirty-eight years was healed within the short period he had an encounter with Jesus. What a wonder! Jesus word came out with healing power. In this case he did not even touch the man.

 

Healing a man born blind. Jn 9:1-12.

Jesus saw a man born blind and his disciples queried whether the man sinned or his parents did, that made him to be born blind. But Jesus answered, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Neither had sinned. Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes and told him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam”. He went, washed and came home seeing. And that was how he was healed. Miraculous healing in the "spit " of Jesus.

He also healed the blind man at Bethsaida. Mk8:22-26. The blind man was brought to Jesus by some people and he was begged to touch him. Apparently, these people would have known and heard about the wonders of healing by his touch. Jesus gave consent and spat on the man's eyes and laid his hands on him. Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" The man looked up and said he saw people like trees walking around." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes and his eyes were opened, and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Again, he healed blind Bartimaeus who was so desperate to see. Blind  Bartimaeus   frantically called on Jesus as he passed by him,  and despite being discouraged by the disciples he shouted the more and Jesus was attracted to him and asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And Bartimaeus said,"Rabbi, I want to see." And Jesus said, "Go,your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mk10:46-52.

The wonders of his healing cannot be exhausted. What made these healing wonderful were so evident in the sense that none of the healed was admitted anywhere for examination, no payment was made, no medication and the healings were instantaneous, total and whole. All that were involved were sometimes by touch, or a few words spoken by Jesus, such as: ‘you have been made whole’, or ‘your faith had made you whole’. Or sometimes questions such as; ‘what do you want?, what can I do for you? Sometimes he employed materials such as spit, and mud mixed together or directing them to go and wash in a particular river.  What a God of wonders.

Brethren, it is still possible to experience these wonders in any area of your life. All the healed mentioned above had an encounter with Jesus. Where do you need healing? Physical, spiritual or both? Brethren, these wonders are meant for you and you can access them if you so wish.

 

• You need to have an encounter with Jesus.-Mk 5:21-43, Lk 8:48.
• Have intimacy with Jesus by spending quality time in his presence. Acts4:13-14.
• Have a knowledge of the word by reading and studying. 2 Tim2:15.
• Believing and acting on the word. Mk 16:17-18
• Have faith in Christ and act it out. Mk 10:51-52.
• Be obedient to the instruction given. Jn 9:7.
• Earnestly desire to be healed and seek it. Mk 5:28, Matt 7:7b. As you seek, you will find in Jesus name. Amen.

 

What is the purpose of God's wonders to humanity?

Wonders have specific purpose in the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth. They are expressions of the goodness of God and his unfailing love to humanity. To show compassion and to meet human needs and alleviate our sufferings. These wonders bring spiritual and physical healings to our lives. They show that God is with his people and these also enable people, especially believers to be completely dependent on God for all their needs. They are proofs of His wonderful power and these wonders also substantiate that Jesus is the son of God. The good news about Jesus was spread all over through the healings and other wonders performed. The good news is still being spread all over the world. The wonders reveal the character of God.

 

Brethren, God is a God of wonders and he is still in the business of doing wonders. There are wonders of his love, salvation, restoration, reconciliation etc. Since He will continue to perform wonders, His wonders are therefore inexhaustible.

 

Prayers. O my Father, in any area of my life that needs your touch and your word for wonders, grant me the grace to receive in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

THE GOD OF WONDERS : PART 1

Wonders are miraculous deeds or events, and they are remarkable phenomena. They are deeds that are amazing, uncommon, surprising, fantabulous, excellent and marvelous.

God's wonders are supernatural acts that are beyond human comprehension, with miraculous power breaking into the natural world of man and doing what is impossible by the ordinary natural physical laws. The  great acts he has performed made him to be the God of wonders and he is still in the business of performing wonders. No wonder the Bible says in Job 5:9 "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." His marvellous works are unique and they go beyond human ability and power. Therefore, the God of wonders means God who carries out miraculous deeds which are beyond human knowledge and understanding. Not only that God performs wonders, he enables his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to perform wonders like himself and one of the names given to him is " Wonderful', that is, one who is full of wonders ( Isa 9:6 ) and  he that performs wonderful things. Jesus Christ himself confirms that he does what his father does and that the Father is in him as he is in the Father. So also when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that Jesus did and the children were hailing him in the  temple, and saying 'Hosanna, to the son of David'; they were sore displeased.Matt 21:15. as He healed the blind and the lame that came to him in the temple. The wonderful deeds of God actually reveal his characters in various ways. He also empowered and is still empowering people to perform wonders as he, himself did. His wonders are on a continuous basis since he is God for ever. Heb 13:8. He changeth not. The Bible reveals so much about the wonders of God.

Let us consider some statements written by various Prophets and some men of God in the Bible about his wonders. Moses, Joshua, King Solomon, King David, Job, Isaiah, Daniel and a number of other men of God acknowledged the wonders wrought by God viz:

Deut 26:8 -  "And the LORD  brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:"

Jos 3:5 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: For tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."

1Chron16:24 - "Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations."

Job 37:5 - "God's voice thunders in marvellous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding."

Psa 72:18 - "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things."

Psa 78:4- "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done."

Psa 86:10- "For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone."

Psa 98:1a- "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hart done marvellous things:"

Psa 136:4- " To him who alone does great wonders, his love endures forever.

Psa 145:5- "I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works."

Isa 29:14a- "Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder."

Dan 4:2-3a, "It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed  for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!"

Brethren, above are just a few of what the Bible says about the wonders of God. His wonders cover all aspects of life ranging from creation to eternity. Wonders of creation, healing, deliverance, provision, and salvation. There are wonders on earth, beneath the earth, above the earth and wonders in heaven. All these wonders are evidence of his divinity and character.

Let us consider some different aspects of the wonders of God.

The wonders of the Creation:- Gen1:1-25.

The earth was bleak and void before God acted and in the midst of the void he acted and his Spirit moved upon the face of the waters. By his spoken word there was light, he created day and night, evening and morning, firmament in the midst of the waters, seas and creatures to live there. And beneath the sea he deposited minerals of different kinds. He brought forth grass, herb yielding seed, fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, and beneath the sea he deposited minerals of different kinds. He created seasons and living creatures to bring forth creatures after their own kind. Lastly he created man fearfully and wonderfully in his own image and blessed them. All the body parts of man are created for wonders, for example he created our hands to clap so as to produce music. Ps 47:1.;  our mouth to sing praises unto him Ps 34:1.; our ears to hear the word of God so that we can build  our faith Ps 94:9.; and  also to hear him when he is talking to us or responding to our prayers; and our legs to dance before him 2 Sam 6:14. And he created all for his pleasure. Rev 4:11.

God declared that everything he made was good. The foundations of the earth were laid that it should never be moved; he assigned a  permanent place for the water so that it does not run over the earth, appointed moon for seasons and the sun knows  when to rise and set. Stars know when to shine and  he gave each its own glory. The animals have their own habitat and plants and herbs were planted for animals and man, for food and other uses; and he  made the Nature to be very perfect, for all were created for his own pleasure all within six days. Psalm 104 shows and explains the goodness, the greatness and the  wonders of God in his creation. I admonish you to read this psalm.

The wonders of multiplicity of languages:-Gen 11:1-9

In the beginning, the whole world had one language, and a common speech. Gen 11:1. It was easy for mankind to communicate with each other and understand one another until they decided to build a city and a  tower whose top would reach unto heaven. They thought of making a name for themselves and remain together and not wanting to be scattered  over the surface of the whole earth.

The LORD came down to see the city and the tower they were building. And God said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." Then the LORD confused the language of the whole world and scattered them over the face of the whole earth. This act brought about the multiplicity of languages and they were unable to understand one another and the building had to stop. This was a great wonder, for God did not use any force on them but just by the spoken word. It was the same reason the city was called Babel meaning  'there, the LORD confused the language of the whole world' and the tower is referred to as the Tower of Babel. What a great wonder!

The wonders of  Heaven:- Rev 5:11-13.

Heaven is a wonderful place to behold. It is the throne of God and the earth is his footstool. Isaiah 66:1. God himself is the builder and the architect and the master planner of his holy  place and all things  are made perfect there. No death, no sorrow, no crying, no pain. Rev 24:1. No sun for God gives the light;  the day is endless and praise is non stop there. Rev 4:8. Nothing impure will ever enter it because it is a holy place and only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter. Rev 21:25-27. All these are the wonders of heaven created by God. No wonder Apostle Paul says in 2 Cor 5:8 " We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. He longed to be in heaven with the Lord, for things eyes have never seen are in heaven and things ears have never heard will be revealed  there. 1Cor 2:9-10.

Brethren, the wonderful thing about heaven is that Jesus is the only way to this glorious place and only those that are blameless, pure, holy and without spot will be qualified to be there.

Prayer .

God of wonders, do wonders in my life, my family, in your church, in our country and in the whole world. The whole world is currently on lock-down due to Corona Virus  pandemic (Covid19). Father, wonderfully withdraw this virus from the whole  world, we ask in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Brethren, the wonderful thing about heaven is that Jesus is the only way to this glorious place and only those that are blameless, pure, holy and without spot will be qualified to be there.

Prayer .

God of wonders, do wonders in my life, my family, in your church, in our country and in the whole world. The whole world is currently on lock-down due to Corona Virus  pandemic (Covid19). Father, wonderfully withdraw this virus from the whole  world, we ask in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul says in 2 Cor 5:8 " We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. He longed to be in heaven with the Lord, for things eyes have never seen are in heaven and things ears have never heard will be revealed  there. 1Cor 2:9-10.

Brethren, the wonderful thing about heaven is that Jesus is the only way to this glorious place and only those that are blameless, pure, holy and without spot will be qualified to be there.

Prayer .

God of wonders, do wonders in my life, my family, in your church, in our country and in the whole world. The whole world is currently on lock-down due to Corona Virus  pandemic (Covid19). Father, wonderfully withdraw this virus from the whole  world, we ask in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

THE END OF THE WICKED

The key words in this phrase are "end" and "wicked". "End" means an outcome, conclusion, bringing to a final point or termination of existence.

"Wicked" means evil, morally bad in principle or practice, mischievous, unpleasant, dreadful, ill-natured or sinful. The end of the wicked could also mean, the outcome of someone  who is evil or mischievous.

Some of the characteristics of the wicked are:-

• They delight in evil, do evil at free will and hurt others with no remorse.
• They have no fear of the Lord, they are merciless and they take God's grace for granted.
• The word of God has no impact in their life.
• Their mouth is full of lies and threats.
• They borrow and do not repay.
• They oppress, extort and shed innocent blood.
• They earn deceptive wages, amass wealth unrighteously and their heart is set on dishonest gain.

What does the Bible say about the wicked?

• Job 8:22b - "The dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought."
• Job11:20 - "But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost."
• Job15:21b - "In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon the wicked."
• Job18:5a & 6b - "Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine."
• Ps 7:11b - "God is angry with the wicked everyday."
• Ps 34:21a - "Evil shall slay the wicked."
• Pro 10:24a - "What the wicked dread will overtake them."
• Pro 11:21a - "Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished."
• Pro 12:21b - "But the wicked have their fill of trouble."
• Ecc 8:1- "But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God."
• Isa 3:11 - "Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done."

Brethren, just a few of what the Bible says about the wicked are written above and note that the word of God stands for ever. You are admonished to not toe the path of the wicked because disaster is upon them and everyday God is angry with them. The Bible says woe unto them, so have nothing to do with them.

 

Let us consider some examples of the wicked.

JEZEBEL. 1 Kings 16- 2 Kings 9. She was a Phoenician princess from Tyre married to king Ahab of Samaria. She was a Baal worshiper. She had a dominant influence on Ahab that she persuaded him to abandon Yahweh,  God of Israel and to establish the religion of Baal in Israel. As soon as she became the queen, King Ahab built a sanctuary for Baal in the heart of Israel and she led Ahab to worship Baal instead of Yahweh. Her desire was to convert the people of Israel to her own religion and turn them to idol worshipers. To achieve her aim,  she influenced the killing of many prophets. She also threatened to kill Prophet Elijah but for God.  Ahab condoned her evil influence on religious policies and her  principal role behind arbitrary execution. 1 Kings 21:25 reads, "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols." 

She also influenced Ahab negatively to forcefully appropriate Naboth's land, and to kill him. Close to Ahab's palace was Naboth's vineyard and Ahab requested for the land with an option to give Naboth another vineyard or pay for the worth. But Naboth did not agree to both options for he said it was the inheritance of his ancestors. Ahab went home sullen and angry and would not eat. Jezebel being aware of the reason why Ahab was sullen promised him that she would get Naboth's land for him. How? 1 Kings 21:8-10, "Jezebel said, Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'II  get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city with him." 

She wrote, "proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite and have them bring charges that he cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death." The elders and nobles did as Jezebel directed in the letters she wrote.  1 Kings 21:14-15, "Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned to death." As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead."  And Ahab went to take possession of Naboth's  vineyard.

Jezebel's wickedness was unfathomable. The Bible referred to her as a cursed woman; 2 Kings 9:34. And of course her end was an unpleasant one. And concerning Jezebel, the  LORD says "Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel." 1 Kings 21:23. Jezebel was thrown down through the window by some eunuchs and some of her blood spattered the wall and horses  tramped upon her. She could not be buried because only her skull, feet and hands were found. So Jezebel came to a ruinous end. The Bible in 2 Kings 9: 22 says Jezebel's whoredoms and witchcraft are so many that there could be no peace in Israel. Also in verse 32 she was referred to as a cursed woman. Not only was Jezebel's end calamitous, her three children did so much evil that their end was also disastrous.  Ahab, her husband, was not spared in the calamity that befell her.

Brethren, you are admonished to enter not the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, to avoid a disastrous end. The Bible in Num 23:10b says, "Let me die the death of the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), And let my end be like his!" It was not so for  Jezebel, she did not experience the death of the righteous so her end was  disastrous.

 

HERODIAS. Mark 6:14-29. Herodias was married to Philip the brother of King Herod of Galilee. Herod was having an affair with Herodias and this made her to divorce Philip for King Herod who was still married to his first wife. John the Baptist rebuked him for this act and he said, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." But this did not go well with both Herod and Herodias.  Herodias thus nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a holy man. Perhaps Herodias was waiting for an opportune time to strike. Herod gave orders that John be arrested, bound and put in prison for the sake of  Herodias. On King Herod's birthday, he gave a banquet and invited high officials, military commanders and leading men of Galilee. Herodias's daughter came in and danced and she pleased Herod and his guests. Herod was so pleased that he asked the girl to ask for anything and the king promised to give whatever she asked for. The girl went to Herodias, her mother and said, "What shall I ask for?" Of course the opportune time for Herodias came to avenge John. She answered her daughter, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried into the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter." So the king immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and it was presented to her and she gave it to Herodias her mother. Wickedness of the highest order!

Brethren, Herodias a wicked and an adulterous woman, spent her time in the palace planning how she would avenge John and have him killed. She could not ask her daughter to ask for something else other than the head of John. What a bad influence on her daughter. Also she influenced Herod badly that all he did to his brother Philip was because of her.

How did Herodias end? Herod lost his kingdom, he was banished and he went on exile. Herodias went to join him in exile. No further news was heard about them. But history has it that she fell on frozen ice, perished and died unsung. Her daughter died the same way she died.

 

HAMAN. Esther 2-9. King Xerxes of Susa needed to replace Queen Vashti who disobeyed his orders and arrangement was made by king's personal attendants with commissioners in all the provinces of Susa. Among the virgins brought was Hadassah also known as Esther, a Jew brought up by her uncle Mordecai as his own daughter - having lost both parents. Esther won the heart of the king and became the queen. While Esther was undergoing the beauty treatment, Mordecai her uncle walked back and front to find out how Esther was fairing and he was always sitting at the king's gate. It  was there he heard about the plan of the two officers of the king who planned to assassinate the king. He told Esther who reported to the king. These two officers were impaled on poles while the record of this good deed was recorded for Mordecai. After the events, the king honoured Haman one of his officials by elevating him. Consequently, all the royal officials at the King's gate knelt down and paid him honour except Mordecai. The royal officials challenged him and they eventually reported him to Haman. Haman was enraged by Mordecai's attitude and having learnt that he was a Jew, he planned to destroy him, all his people and all the Jews in the kingdom of Xerxes. 

Haman reported to the king and fabricated a story thus, "There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the King's laws; it is not in the King's best interest to tolerate them, let  a decree be issued to destroy them, I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king's administrators for the royal treasury."  The king bought his idea and asked him to do as he pleased except that the king asked him to keep his money. Haman was so desperate to destroy the Jews and was ready to pay the people who will carry out the assignment for him all because Mordecai did not bow down to honour him as others did. He summoned all the satraps, province governors and the nobles. He gave orders and letters were written and sealed in the name of the king with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews - young and old, women and children on a single day. The letters were distributed in the whole of Susa. There was great mourning among the Jews and Mordecai could not be comforted for he was in great distress. Esther learnt about the plan against the Jews and Mordecai pleaded with Esther to beg the king for mercy since Haman gave the impression that it was the king's wish to kill, destroy and annihilate the Jews in Susa. Esther declared three days of fasting for her people with herself in preparation to meet the king.

Esther in Est 4:16 says, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." After the fasting, Esther in her royal robes appeared before the king and she was honoured; the king asked for her request and it was granted. She requested that the king and  Haman should come for a banquet that day. Haman felt so honoured that he was the only one the queen invited to join the king and the banquet was to follow the second day. Haman was infuriated on his way out from the banquet on the first day seeing Mordecai at the king's gate as he was the only one who did not bow to honour him again. Haman got home to inform his wife and friends and they advised him to make a pole of  fifty cubits and impale (nail) in preparation to get Mordecai killed. He was delighted with the suggestion and set up the pole in his house. But the very night of the first day of the banquet the king could not sleep, he ordered for the book of Chronicles. It was discovered that Mordecai had not been honoured and recognized for exposing the plan of the two attendants who planned to assassinate the king. So I would say God opened a book of remembrance for Morcedia at the appointed time. Haman too came in at the appropriate time to be used even though it was the second day's  banquet he came for. The king asked him, "what should be done for the man the king delights to honour?" Of course, since Haman thought no one else except himself was deserving of such honour,  he gave the best recommendation. The king asked him to go at once and do to Mordecai all he suggested and not to neglect anything.

Haman robed Mordecai  in king's regalia and led him on horseback through the city streets. After the ceremony, Haman came to join the king for the banquet and there Queen Esther told the king every plot of Haman against the Jews. The king got up in rage and said, "Impale him and Haman was impaled on the pole he set up for Mordecai. He fell in to his own net. That same day the king gave Haman's estate to Queen Esther and the signet ring reclaimed from Haman to Mordecai. Mordecai became second in command to the king, the position Haman occupied before he was impaled. Esther appointed Mordecai over Haman's estate. Henceforth, Jews in Susa became free and Mordecai became prominent in the palace. Haman's joy was short lived, he ended shamefully, died unsung and his ten sons were also impaled.

Brethren, considering what the Bible in Pro 11:21a says that the wicked will not go unpunished and considering the end of the three characters studied, they all got their due and they did not go unpunished. You are hereby admonished not to be wicked and not to have anything to do with them otherwise you may share the calamities of the wicked. Do not enter the path of the wicked and never go in their way and do not toe their line.You are enjoined to not be envious of them; for their prosperity and everything about them are temporal and their end is disastrous.  Be aware that the wicked will be completely destroyed and their offspring will perish as well. Ps 37:28b.  Also, the Bible admonishes us to speak out to dissuade the wicked from doing evil if you have them around you or know them.

However, there is a way out for the wicked who is ready to repent while still alive since there is no repentance but judgement after death. For God has no pleasure  in the death of the wicked. The Bible in Eze 18: 23 says, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wickedly? Declares the Sovereign  LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" God gives room and chance for the wicked to forsake their ways, turn to Him and He will have mercy on them, for He will freely pardon. Isa 55:7.

How does the wicked forsake his ways?

• Admit that you are wicked and sinful.
• Confess your sins.
• Repent and ask God to forgive you.
• Be not wicked and sin no more.
• Give your life to Jesus and return to God.
• Since God has promised to have mercy, he will have mercy on you and freely pardon you.
• Free yourself from all guilt.
• But don't take his grace for granted.

Prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word concerning the wicked. Ps 139: 23-24. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting".  If there is any wickedness in my life, please, forgive me. I wholeheartedly forsake all the evil I have done. I repent all and I plead for mercy. Henceforth I depart totally from all forms of wickedness. I want to end well and I pray to die the death of the righteous. Grant me that grace O LORD. For in Jesus's mighty name I prayed. Amen.

NEVER REPAY EVIL WITH EVIL, BUT REPAY EVIL WITH GOOD

Text:- Romans 12:17-21.

The key words in this sentence are Never, Repay, Evil and Good. 'Never' means at no time, on no occasion, in no circumstance, not at any other time, not at all. 'Repay' is to give in return, to give back, to do something for someone in return of what he or she has done. It is to make a return in any way that may be good or bad. 'Evil' is anything which impairs the happiness of a person or deprives them of any good. Anything which causes suffering of any kind or injury or harm or calamity to an individual. Evil is wickedness and it is injurious. 'Good' is acting in the interest of what is beneficial, and it is free of distress or pain. Good is pleasant and satisfactory for a purpose and it could be in form of kindness.

What does the Bible say?

Prov 20:22. Do not say, "I will repay evil; Wait (expectantly) for the Lord, and He will rescue and save you."

Mt 5:44. Jesus said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

Rom12:17 & 21. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

1 Peter 3:9. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

Brethren do not repay evil with evil is mentioned not less than three times in the Bible and this signifies emphasis. Therefore, you are admonished to not repay evil with evil. As children of God, you must detest evil for evil because our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ detests evil. For example, the Lord makes His sun to rise upon the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust. Mt 5:45. Also our Lord Jesus Christ lived by example. He rejects revenge and retaliation as depicted in Mt 5:39 when He said, "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person (who insults you or violates your rights): but who ever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also (simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate- maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise)." Even when Judas betrayed Him with a kiss He just said "Judas you are betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" and His followers sensed what was going to happen, and said "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest who participated in the  arrest of  Jesus by cutting off his ear. One would have expected Jesus to be pleased with that act, but instead Jesus answered,"Stop! No more of this!" And He touched the man's ear and healed him. Despite the fact that  it was during His arrest, He did not return their evil plan with evil.  When He was being crucified by the Jews all He said was "Father, forgive them;  for they know not what they do."Lk 23:34. Right at the height of His pain and agony, He still prayed for His enemies. God, our maker and Jesus our Lord and saviour have shown us examples.

Let us consider two characters in the Bible who did not repay evil with evil. David and Joseph.

David:-1 Sam 17-24.

David had a great opportunity to repay king Saul's evil deeds but he did not. He had the chance to take revenge from King Saul who desperately wanted to kill him when he found him sleeping in a cave but he chose not to. David staked his life to face Goliath the Philistine who was always terrorising the Israelites. David being a small boy and not a warrior did not get the support of his brothers but he went a head to face Goliath the giant. God gave him victory and he brought down Goliath and even cut off his head. The king and the Israelites were happy and pleased to the extent that the women went about singing and jubilating and they sang thus "Saul has slain his thousands, and David,  his tens of thousands."1 Sam18:6. This did not go well with Saul, he was  greatly displeased and became angry for he thought they have credited David with tens of thousands  but him with only thousands. He then concluded David will take over the kingdom of Israel.  This was the beginning of David's problem with Saul. Saul planned to kill David at all cost and he applied different strategies. He quarreled with Jonathan his son for being friendly with David. He encouraged David to serve him bravely and to be fighting battles with the intention that David will be killed by the Philistines during the battle. When he knew his daughter Michal was in love with David he was so pleased and he thought he could use that as a snare for David so as to achieve his aim. Saul then demanded no other thing for the bride price other than a hundred Philistines'  foreskins. His plan was that David will fall by the hands of the Philistines. 1sam 18:25. But Alas!  David went and brought him  two hundred foreskins of Philistines. So David became his in -law. David kept going to battles and was returning with success. Saul thought Michal her daughter would sell out David but when she didn't, Saul was displeased with her and he rebuked her. Again Saul ordered his guards to kill the priests of the Lord  because Saul claimed  they sided with David.1 Sam 22:17. He was ready to destroy the city of Keisha when he learnt David was there so David had to move out of Keisha on time. He went on and on with his men pursuing  David with an intention to kill him. When he went  to relieve himself in a cave  not knowing that David too was far back in that cave, David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Though David 's men thought it was an opportunity  for David to avenge  but he rebuked his men sharply and did  not allow them to attack Saul. So Saul left the cave unknown to him that David had cut off a corner of his robe. David went out of the cave and showed Saul the piece of the robe that he cut and said "See my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand!  I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you." David knew very well that vengeance belongs to God. So he handed Saul to God and did not repay his evil deeds with evil. After David's speech Saul wept aloud and said "You are more righteous than I. You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. May the Lord reward you well for the way you have treated me today."1 Sam 24:16-18.

Saul realised that he had done evil deeds against David but David did not repay him despite the fact that he had the opportunity to do so. Brethren, you are admonished not to take revenge, not to repay evil with evil but with good, just hand over everything to God and allow Him to avenge for you.

Joseph:- Gen 50:15-21.

Joseph did not repay his brothers with the  evil they did unto him despite the fact that he had the opportunity to avenge them for selling him into slavery. When eventually they met in the land of Egypt, Joseph treated them very well and made them very comfortable. He settled them and gave them property in the best part of the land in the region of Goshen in Egypt around where he lived. But after the death of Jacob their father, his brothers were so distressed and anxious and thought that Joseph would repay them. His brothers said "Joseph will per adventure hate us, and will certainly require us all the evil which we did unto him." They went to him and fell down before his face, and said behold, we be thy servants, Joseph said unto them Gen 50:19-21, "Fear not : for am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." Joseph being a governor then and being in charge of many things in Egypt where his brothers came to search for food had a great opportunity to avenge but he did not. He was so magnanimous and kind to them even to their disbelieve. Brethren, let us learn  from Joseph how he managed the situation and how he was able to overcome evil with good. If Joseph was able, you should be able to as well.

You may not experience what David or Joseph experienced but you are admonished to give blessing for a curse, a favour for a wrong, replace words that tear down confidence with words that build others up, exchange careless words that hurt with words that soothe and overcome the negativity that pushes people away,  but become a well of positivity that draws others in. Replace discouragement with encouragement, hate what is evil and cling to what is good.

Beloved, you may be wondering whether it is possible to repay evil with good always. By the grace of God and by the help of the Holy Spirit it is possible.  Ask God to grant you the grace to do good always and ask the Holy spirit to teach you what to do at all times. Why you should not repay evil with evil?  Because:-

·       It is a command. Rom 12:19. Mt 5:43-45.

·       It is divine. 1 Peter 3:17.

·       It is to proof that we are children of God. Mt 5:9

Benefits of not repaying evil with evil.

·       It preserves you from evil.

·       You become an overcomer.

·       Your act may influence someone to turn from evil ways.

·       It makes you to conquer evil and be victorious over sin.

·       God will rescue you and save you.Pro 20:22.

·       You shall obtain mercy. Mt 5:7.

Prayer:

Father, grant me divine grace  to be able to keep myself in check and fill me more with your spirit so as to  exhibit  godly character in all circumstances and never to think or consider anything evil nor consider revenge.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

REMINDING GOD OF HIS PROMISES.

The key words in this sentence are Reminding, Promises and GOD. Reminding is the act by which somebody's attention is refocused on an issue. Promises are oaths, vows or affirmations; while GOD is the maker of the promises, oaths or vows in this context.

Therefore, when you remind GOD of His promises, you bring to His notice that not to forget the oath or vow or promise He had made concerning a particular situation. GOD's promises are numerous and they are intended for us. The LORD wants us to remind Him of these promises as occasion warrants. Hence He says in Isa 43:26, "Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." He wants us to remind him of His promises. His promises are meant for us, in our life's journey and in all spheres of life, we need the fulfillment of God's promises. You are admonished to put the LORD in remembrance of His promises and not to keep silence.  Never be silent day or night and do not hold your peace, keep praying and keep reminding GOD until the promise is fulfilled. Isa 62:6.

Our strongest plea is to remind GOD of His promises. Echo back to Him what He promised. He says in Isa 55:11,"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Brethren, note that GOD is not slow in keeping His promise. 2 Peter 3:9a.

Sometimes our struggles and challenges make us feel we are alone. We think GOD is far away from us especially after we have prayed, fasted and nothing seems to be changing positively, we feel dejected and feel abandoned. No, it should not be. You have the privilege to express your feelings to GOD. Tell Him what you are passing through, present your case with humility, sincerity and faith. GOD is not preoccupied and His ears are not heavy. He is always ready to listen to us. The psalmist says we should pour our heart to Him, "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for GOD is our refuge." Ps 62:8. Find a promise that fits your situation or challenges and build your prayers around it.

How do you remind GOD of His promises?

• By believing it and praying through it.
• Through praise and worship.
• By echoing it back to Him all the time and mentioning the promise appropriate to the situation or challenge.
• By reminding Him of the previously fulfilled promises in the life of people and nations.

Let us consider some characters in the Bible who have reminded GOD of His promises. Characters like Moses, Nehemiah and Jacob.

Moses put GOD in remembrance. Ex 32:11-14.

When Moses went to Mount Sinai to commune with GOD and to collect the two tablets of Testimony, the people he left with Aaron became impatient, agitated and thought Moses was not coming back. As a result, they asked Aaron to make them gods to worship and to sacrifice to. Aaron succumbed and used their earrings to make them a molten calf which they worshiped and made sacrifice to. He went ahead and presented the Calf and said, "these are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of  Egypt." Exo 32:9. 

GOD was so displeased with the people that He told Moses that He would consume them for going against His command by worshiping molten calf and for being stiff -necked. Moses sought the favour of his LORD and said "Why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was evil intent that He brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'?. Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land  I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever." As soon as Moses reminded GOD of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Israel concerning their descendants, GOD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster He had threatened.

He honored His word as soon as He was reminded.

Nehemiah  reminded GOD of his promises through prayer of remembrance. Neh 1:1-11.

GOD promised that, "He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth." Isa 11:12. And the Lord said, "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. And bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where  I have banished you, declares the LORD, and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jer 29:10,12,14.

The Jews actually went into exile and were scattered all over. When Nehemiah heard that the Jews that were left in captivity were in great affliction and reproach, and that the wall of Jerusalem was broken and burned with fire he wept, mourned, fasted and prayed for some days. He recalled the sins of Israel and GOD's promise of restoration in the land. He exalted GOD and pleaded with Him to listen to his plea. Nehemiah was released by the king of Persia (who he was serving in the palace as his cupbearer) and he returned to Jerusalem as a governor. He got the support of the king and some others to rebuild the wall. The wall of  Jerusalem was rebuilt in fifty two days. GOD gave him success and victory despite discouragement from Sanballat and Tobiah. The exiles returned and GOD's promise of restoration in the land was fulfilled;  this was testified to in Neh 9:8, "You have kept your promise  because you are righteous." The land He promised Abraham's descendants was given to them."You made their children as numerous as the stars in the sky, and you brought them into the land that you told their parents to possess. Their children went in and took possession of the land." Neh 9:23.

Jacob reminded GOD of His promise to him. Gen 32:9,12.

The angel of GOD said to Jacob in a dream Gen 31:13, "I am the GOD of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land."

Jacob got this message after his relationship with Laban his father in-law had gone sour;  he planned to flee from his father in-law to go to the land promised him. He set out with his family, maids, servants and livestock. When he was about to meet his brother Esau (whom he supplanted) he was in great fear and distress. He sent messengers ahead of him with gifts to appease Esau. He then prayed and reminded GOD of His promise to him. Gen 32:9.11-12, "Then Jacob prayed, "O GOD of my father Abraham, GOD of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me,'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper.' Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, "I will surely make you prosper and will make you descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted."

GOD answered Jacob's  prayer and also fulfilled His promise. Esau his brother received him favorably and he got to Cannan safely with his family, entourage and livestock. He pitched his tent at Cannan and built an altar called El Elohe Israel.

Beloved, is there any situation or challenge you are passing through? Search for the appropriate promise in the Bible and faithfully pray it out to remind GOD. His promises are for you. The three characters discussed above reminded GOD of His promises and He fulfilled them. Our GOD honours His word.

Benefits of reminding GOD of His promises.

• It reassures us of GOD's love and care.
• It makes us realize how valuable we are to GOD and that we are His treasured possession.
• It enables us to focus on GOD rather than our challenges.
• It enables us to interact with GOD.
• It raises our hope.
• It drives away fears and doubt because He is ever faithful.
• It keeps us abreast of the word and reassures us that GOD can be trusted always.

Let us consider few of His Promises in various circumstances:

To a distressed nation:- 

2 Chr 7:14.The LORD says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

In troubled and perilous times:-

Ps 91:15-16. The LORD has promised, "He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salivation."

In intense panic, fear and uncertainties:-

Isa 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy GOD: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold  thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isa 41:13, "For I the LORD thy GOD will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isa 43:2-3a,"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your GOD, the Holy One of Israel, your savior;"

In situations when we cannot comprehend :-

Jer 33:3, He has promised-"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Says the LORD.

Beloved, you are encouraged to go through the Bible to read the promises. His promises never grow old and they never  come late. Rely on His promises and with faith apply them to your situation. Num 23:19, "GOD is not human, that He should lie, not a human being that he should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" The promises are for you. Keep reminding Him, and do not relent.

Brethren, do you know that you can also remind GOD of what He has done before that is related to what you need Him to do concerning your case? Is it healing, restoration, provision, breakthrough, blessing, protection, fruitfulness, just name it. He is forever GOD, He changeth not and He is capable of repeating what He has done before.

Prayer.

Father, thank you for the promises. They are meant for me. Honour and fulfill them whenever I remind you of them in Jesus' name. Amen.