Topic: Are you learning from history?
Bible Reading: Daniel 5-6; 1 John 4.
Memory Verse: “And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;” Daniel 5:22 (KJV)
God humbled Nebuchadnezzar by turning him to a beast and drove him away from his throne into the wilderness where he ate grass like oxen. He was kept in the wilderness for seven years before he regained his understanding, humbled himself by giving glory to God and his body was changed back and restored to his position as the king! (Daniel 4:33-37). Inspite of this, his son Belshazzar, who knew this information still debased the Almighty God by using the vessels of God’s temple to drink with his lords, wives and concubines and praised gods of silver, gold, brass, iron, wood and stone! ( Daniel 5:23 KJV). This is why Daniel said to him in Daniel 5:22 (KJV), “And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;” He paid dearly for his refusal to learn from history as he paid with his life! ( Daniel 5:31).
This is the same thing that several people are doing. Knowing the consequences of disobedience to God and also knowing clearly the precepts of God and going ahead to disobey Him. The consequence is death and eternal damnation. However, God has provided a way of escape for those who are willing to retrace their steps by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Acts 3:19 (KJV) says, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” God is ready to forgive you no matter how wicked you have been as long as you are truly remorseful and ready to turn a new path by surrendering to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Unfortunately, the lies that satan told Eve and Adam that caused them to sin and abandon righteousness is still being told by the same devil and people still find it easier to believe him than trusting the Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise how can you explain a situation where a young man is told that he can acquire so much wealth by killing other human beings and he goes ahead to perform such rituals. It’s apparent that such a person does not believe the word of God but rather believed satan because of the material allurement. The problem for those who do not learn from history is that it will be too late for them when they realise they have been fooled.
The richman who died and ended up in hell begged for a finger’s tip of water to cool his tongue but it was too late because he left the decision too late (Luke 16:20-26 KJV). Don’t wait till it’s too late before surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, please help me to remain true to You till I die.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero