Today’s Reading:
Neh.1:4-11 (Jn.14:2)
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (Jn. 14:2 NKJV)
This passage no doubt refers to the rapture at the end of age, when Jesus Christ returns to take his own to heaven (1Corin.15:51-54; 1Thes. 4:13-18). Our hope in him will not be in vain, in Jesus name. Amen. He has promised an abode, a dwelling place for all who believe, have faith and come to him. After rapture, the church will celebrate the marriage supper (Rev. 19:7-10), be rewarded (1Corin.3:10-15; 4:5, 2Corin. 5:9); and then Christ will set up his millennium reign (Rev. 19:11-20:6). We are not talking here about his coming back in glory and power to destroy the wicked (Matt.13:36-43, 47-50). It is the event of his coming back to gather his own that are alive and raise the bodies of those that have slept in the Lord, and take them all to heaven to be with him.
Nehemiah like Ezra and Daniel, in his prayer, recognised that Israel's situation was not as a result of God's covenant of unfailing love. It was Israel's persistent sin that brought about the punishment detailed in the covenant. He therefore identified with his people's sin and his own, without any excuse. He recalled God's curse on sin, which is still relevant in the lives of Christians today, and his promise of restoration (Deuteronomy 4:25-31; 30:1-5).
Dispersion is the inescapable consequence of our frequent sin, disobedience and unfaithfulness against God. During the time of David, Israel occupied a place of honour among the ancient nations of the world. But because of yielding sin her honour, her places of pride were brought to shame and dishonour. In many places of the Bible, we read that God used the heathen nations as weapons of punishment against Israel. He scattered them abroad many nations.
Today, the same sin is here with us. A high percentage of Nigerians are in the diaspora and is on the increase by the day. We daily read and hear reports of wicked minded people under the cover of ministers of God, perpetrating evil and at the same time leading the people of God astray. All sorts of wicked, unrighteous, envious, murderous, greedy, evil, strife and deceitful acts are being perpetrated on hourly basis and unless we genuinely repent of our wicked ways and turn back to God, preach the gospel as we should, ... May God have mercy on us.
But we serve a loving and compassionate God. In his mercy he has plan to restore us, when we turn to him. And to those who continuously call on the name of God, let us not relent, we should have courage with faith and God will have mercy, strengthen our hearts and he will make us the light in his nation to bring about his salvation (Acts 13:47). Amen.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, thank you for my hope in you is not in vain. No matter the pain, suffering and sorrow; my place in heaven with you is secured and much better, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything in me that you have not planted and is hindering me from retaining your fire and power, in Jesus name.
Father revive my prayer life and prayer altar, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining Nigeria with your power and fire. Give our leaders fresh hopes, vision, knowledge, revelation, inspiration and direction to take the nation to the next level. Let there be love, peace and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
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