Topic: True repentance touches God and Delivers from oppression
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 10:1-20
Memory Verse: “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3 (KJV)
The children of Israel suffered for twenty years after the Ark of God had been returned to them by the Philistines because they had abandoned God and were worshipping idols! (1 Samuel 7:1-2). Yes there are many churches in Nigeria but the land is full of wickedness on all sides and so there is so much suffering in the country. What is the way forward?
In the case of the Israelites, they took action that saved them; Samuel spoke to them and they obeyed him. In 1 Samuel 7:3 (KJV), “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
The children of Israel obeyed this charge, they left the idols, repented of their ways and followed God and this pleased God and He did several things for them. He delivered them from their oppressors of over twenty years (1 Samuel 7:10-13). Not only this, the cities of the Israelites that had been taken from them by the Philistines were restored back to them (1 Samuel 7:14). Thus, they were delivered from fear of the Philistines. What or who is oppressing you? You need to first check your relationship with God and repent of your ungodly ways. The Israelites in our text, fasted and prayed under the instructions of Prophet Samuel and they abandoned idolatry for God. You also need to look at what has been taking the place of God in your life; is it your work, your child, your relationships, family, business or finance. Identify it and go back to God focusing on Him and making Him the first in your life. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When you return to God in sincerity, He will restore not only your losses as He did for the Israelites in our reading text today, but also deliver you from whoever or whatever has been oppressing you.
But such repentance has to be total, not following Him today and going back tomorrow! Remember in Luke 9:62 (KJV), “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” You need to make up your mind to remain with Him consistently and He will also guide you continually.
Prayer point: Father give me the grace to follow you sincerely till the end in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero