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NO JUST MEN

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Sep 27
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Genesis 18:16-33

Psalm 103:1-4,8-11

Matthew 8:18-22

 

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Every action carries a consequence. And sometimes the consequences can be so grave that you are brought to the judgment seat where decisions have to be made. In Genesis 18, Abraham appeals to God on behalf of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because their sins were crying to heaven for justice. These cities were notorious for sexual depravity and lack of hospitality. An interesting dialogue takes place between God and Abraham. “Perhaps there are fifty just men in the town”, Abraham said. “Will you really overwhelm them, will you not spare the place for the fifty just men in it?” God said I will. What about 45? God agrees. What about 40? God says I will spare them. What of 40? I will not harm them. What about 30? Okay. What about 20? Fine! What about 10? I will spare them. What we discover in the end is that there were no righteous people left, and they were destroyed. Sins that incur such wrath are called “Sins crying to heaven for vengeance”.


The concept of "sins crying to heaven for vengeance" refers to certain grave sins that, according to religious teachings, are considered so grievous that they evoke a divine response and demand retribution. These sins are often described as piercing the heavens and reaching God's ears, prompting him to act on behalf of the oppressed or wronged.

They include:

  • Wilful Murder: The classic example is Cain's murder of his brother Abel, where God declares, “the voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). Think of all the violence and senseless bloodshed all across the world and in our country. Proper atonement has to be done for them. Otherwise, we are all in trouble.

  • The Sin of Sodom: The wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, often associated with sexual immorality and inhospitality.

  • Oppression of the Poor: Scripture highlights the injustice of mistreating widows, orphans, and the poor, with God promising to hear their cries.

  • Defrauding Labourers of Their Wages: Withholding fair pay from workers is a grave offence that calls for divine justice.


These sins are considered particularly serious because they involve a violation of fundamental moral principles and a disregard for the dignity and well-being of others. Actions have consequences, and God is a just judge who will not tolerate such injustices. If this is the case, why are serious sins still rampant, and why do evil people continue to wield power? Sin is degenerative. People get worse as they sin. Yet, God is merciful, often giving us multiple opportunities to repent and amend our lives. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfil His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God does not want a half-hearted commitment either. In Matthew 8, Jesus rejects some people from following him because their motivations were wrong. We follow God neither from fear nor because of some favour we seek.


The Psalmist in Psalm 103 gives us genuine reasons for which to seek God:

  • From the heart of thanksgiving.

  • From a heart mindful of God’s blessings.

  • A heart mindful of His forgiveness.

  • A heart aware of God’s healing.

  • A heart conscious of God’s compassion and love.

  • A heart that learns from God’s kindness and quickly forgives.

  • Mirror God’s life by the things you say and do, the places you go, the people you interact with and the things you do with them.

JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud.  “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, I come to you today with complete sorrow for my sins and a desire to do better. Help me, by Your grace, to live happily here on earth and secure eternal happiness with You forever.

  2. Eternal Father, recreate me from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet. Heal my memory, fill my heart with your holy presence, renew my mind with wisdom and grant me grace to live for You and spread Your peace and joy everywhere. Amen.

 
 
 

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