SERMON BY: BRO. (PROF.) D. U. EDUWEM
TOPIC: BE OF GOOD CHEER; WATCH AND PRAY.
This is definitely not the best of times in the Christendom and indeed the universe. The world is locked down by a pandemic of monumental proportion that has great morbidity and mortality. The economy is almost grounded with many businesses put on hold and even the supply of basic necessities of life – food, water, free air and medicine are threatened. The future is uncertain and fear and panic have taken over.
In desperate moves to checkmate the ugly situation, government of various Nations and States have ordered a total lockdown of activities while encouraging social distancing, with a ban on gathering of more than 2 people in the worst scenario (UK for instance). The Church of God and the “assembly of the saints” is thus threatened. We may no longer be able to come together as a body, the Church, in fellowship, if the ugly situation continues.
All of the above put together constitute a great tribulation and a “trial of our faith,” as many may be tempted to yield to fleshly and ungodly desires in order to survive the unpleasant consequences of the pandemic. Some may succumb to pressures from worldly authorities and dwindle in their faith or even forsake their divine responsibilities. It is in this time of crises and fear that the Master, our ever loving Saviour, whispers these tender words of encouragement: “BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD” (John 16: 33).
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, the author and finisher of our faith. In the world (as is happening now), fear, deadly pestilence, tribulation, and persecution, have taken over. There is no peace of mind. We must trust him enough, who has promised to deliver and still delivers (2 Cor. 1: 9, 10). We must not despair, but keep hope alive; for surely, our Redeemer lives. Even as He encourages us to be of good cheer, He also gives us a fatherly admonition on how to maintain the inner peace and escape from the looming danger.
“THEREFORE WATCH AND ALWAYS PRAY SO THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS THAT ARE ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE, AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN” (Luke 21: 36). Jesus was talking about the impending destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the world, but it aptly applies to us in the present situation.
Beloved, the circumstances surrounding the prevailing situation in the world today is beyond full human comprehension. Some of the Leaders of the so called advanced countries have acknowledged the inefficacy of human wisdom alone in curbing the spread of the disease and have called for Divine intervention. We need constant and fervent prayers for God to see us through. We cannot afford to toy with our prayer life, knowing that we have a Father who is rich in mercies and who is able to provide succour in times like this (Phil. 4: 6; Heb. 4: 14-16). We must also be on the watch-out, very vigilant, less we give the devil a foothold to capitalize on and bring us down.
We must WATCH our HEARTS very carefully, dispelling all fears and devilish imaginations, for out of it are the issues of life (Prov. 4: 23). We must WATCH our STEPS and refrain from moving around aimlessly, avoiding the company and counsel of the ungodly. We must stay away from gatherings that are not necessary for now. As it was in the time of Isaiah, the restriction of movements “is for a little moment, until the indignation is past… For the Lord has come out to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity” (Isa. 26: 20, 21).
We must also WATCH what we read in the SOCIAL MEDIA, so that we do not follow the multitude and do the wrong. It is not every post or advice from the media that we should adhere to. Some are unverified. Some can actually destroy. We should follow the advice from medical experts and counsellors and also listen to our leaders in faith, who watch over our souls. At this moment, we must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might while putting on the whole armour of God. God has promised that in all our trials and temptations, he will make a way of escape (1Cor. 10: 13; 2 Pet. 2: 9).
Surely in all these things “WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US” (Rom. 8: 37). May He who has promised to be with us, even till the end of the world, keep us safely throughout this trying period and even beyond, Amen.