Bible Reading: Jeremiah 48, 49: Hebrews 7
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood” Jeremiah 48:10 (KJV).
The above scripture gives a vivid description of what shall not obtain in the camp of the LORD, the Mighty Man in battle. Pretentiousness, deceitful living and not being ready and alert are misnomer in the camp of Christ Jesus. The first part of our focal scriptures talks about doing the work of the LORD deceitfully. How can we do the work of God deceitfully?
This can happen when we live in sin secretly and pretend to be zealous for God. When our Christian life is not an example of righteous living. When we use the name of God to deceive people while we are operating by the power of darkness. When we wear satanic ring to do miracles and prophecy in the name of the Lord. When we live unrighteous life and use scriptures to cover our evil deeds. When we work for our self-glory by enriching ourselves and not for God’s glory. When we glory in the praise of men taking the glory that belongs to God. The bible says, “curse is he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully.” To abide in the great army of Christ, the royal Master, one must be thoroughly purified and refined by fire. Malachi 3: 2(KJV) “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like a fuller’s soap.” To be enlisted in this army and operate without deceitfulness requires a baptism of fire. The military formation and modus of operation of this army is well documented in Joel 2:2-11. This great army of the Lord is a product of fire as stated in Isaiah 33:14(NKJV) “The sinners in Zion are afraid; Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites. “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings.”” These are those purified by the fire of righteousness, who walk uprightly, despises the gain of oppression and refuses to take bribe. These are men and women conscripted into the army equipped with ammunition of fire as described in Joel 2:3a(KJV), “A fire devoureth before them; and behind a flame burneth:”
The song “Onward Christian soldiers” helps us to see that we have a foe to contend with, and to overcome him, we must fasten our sword by our side. Constantly, we must look at the royal Master who is going before and who has graciously enlisted us in the battle. As the battle get fiercer by the day and progresses, there are casualties manifesting in lukewarm attitude and backsliding among soldiers of Christ. We must ensure total commitment and absolute dedication to the work of the Lord, in intercessory prayers, winning souls for Christ, studying the word of God, almsgiving and loving and caring for the poor and the needy. The warning is clear from both the Lord and Paul, the apostle: “But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now and I have been working” John 5:17 (NKJV). Paul submits: “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” Romans 12:11 (NKJV). It is a call to duty, a call to fervency and a call for total commitment. Apostle Paul encourages fervency to serve the Lord as His representatives here on earth. We must on daily basis ask ourselves if our level of commitment to the work of God is enough. Have I gone extra mile with the work of God compared to my secular work? You should constantly remind yourself that as a soldier of Christ, you are not to relent because our adversary the devil is working round the clock to have more harvest to himself.
With that understanding, we should not draw back our sword from fighting. Please, let the sword keep on moving, there are more lands to conquer for Christ. When we fail to do this, we shall undoubtedly incur the wrath of God just as the Scripture for our consideration reveals: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” Brace up now and avoid deceitful handling of the work of the Lord.
Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, help me to understand the time and season of the church era so that I can be properly guided.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo