Topic – Wanted: Absolute Turn Around [December 12, 2016]
Text: Isaiah 28:22-29
Key Verse: “This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working” (Isaiah 28:29).
A man recently lost his life because of his inability to heed simple health advice from his physician. He had the problem of alcoholism and was severally warned, in his own interest, to desist from the habit. Even when he had been diagnosed with liver problem (cirrhosis), he continued in his drunkenness until he was eventually slain by the evil habit. Whatever sin a man cherishes, if he does not repent, such is likely to lead him into some terrible and more complicated problems.
This was the point Prophet Isaiah wanted to make to sinning Israel. He had called to remembrance, the goodness of God to Israel and the folly of hypocrisy by the people. He had reminded them that if they continued to harden their hearts, God would consume them in his wrath. Isaiah warned them of the unfruitfulness of continuing in their mockery of the word of God (verse 22). The prophet reminded them that being in captivity was not even the worst form of punishment, but that the Almighty was capable of making their bands stronger and could wipe them away from the face of the earth if they did not repent. This captures the situation of some believers today who, though are passing through some challenges purely brought about by their disobedience to God, still remain obstinate in their folly.
Rather than repent and pray for forgiveness they begin to heap iniquity upon iniquity thereby attracting more punishment unto themselves. If you are in this category, you have the opportunity today to repent and seek God’s mercy. And He will abundantly pardon. For everyone graciously emancipated from sin, how we need to thread carefully the paths of this life which has the capacity to make the unwary miss the mark.
Thought for the day: He who avoids sin like the proverbial plague is wise.
Bible Reading in one Year: 2 & 3 John
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
