MEMORISE:
Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake. Psalm 44:26
READ: Matthew 13:24-30
24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
MESSAGE
The presence of wickedness and the acts of evil perpetrators on earth are indicative of a continuing rebellion against God’s holiness. This poses a constant threat against the people of God, and persistently attacks God’s plan and purpose for humanity. The Lord Jesus Christ, in today’s Bible reading, clearly reveals the source of this situation as the devil. Matthew 13:25 says:
“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”
Thanks be to God, the Holy Spirit further reveals that we are empowered to pull down the strongholds that the devil uses to perpetuate wickedness in this world (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The devil and his cohorts are not only against the children of God, they are also strongly opposed to God’s plans and purpose on earth. For this reason, an appeal to God for assistance against these enemies usually yields immediate results. Only God’s mercy and the hope repentance compel God to delay His judgement on evildoers (Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). Nevertheless, when God finally arises, His enemies are scattered and made to disappear like smoke, causing the righteous to rejoice exceedingly. The joy and celebration of the righteous is understandably great whenever God puts an end to the evil activities of the wicked. I prophecy that very soon you will have great joy, as God will silence all your enemies and detractors in Jesus’ Name.
Whenever God arises, it is always bad news for His enemies for many reasons. First, the rising of the Lord is mostly sudden and unexpected by the camp of the enemy. The Lord thereby throws them into confusion and inflicts terrible damage on them. Whenever God arises, He scatters His enemies and violently overthrows their domain without resistance. No one ever hardens his heart against God and prospers. When God arises, He sits as the Righteous Judge to pass the deserved sentence upon the wicked just as He did to Pharaoh, Haman King Herod, Judas Iscariot and several others. The day of God’s judgement is usually the day of complete and final destruction of ungodly people. However, God arises as an act of mercy to bring comfort, joy and celebration to His people. When God arises, His children are comforted after enduring persecution, injustice, oppression and sometimes prolonged hardship. They rejoice at witnessing the destruction of the enemy and they celebrate the freedom and liberty to continue the pursuit of their destiny. It is usually a time of singing and dancing on the victory march towards the Promised Land. In the Name that is above every other names, you will celebrate with exceeding gladness over your enemies this year.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please arise and let all Your enemies be scattered in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 12-13, 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 11: O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST
1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
2. Under the shadow of Thy throne,
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure
3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same
4. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away:
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
6. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
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