Memorize: “And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee” (1 Kings 13:2).
Devotional Reading: 1 Kings 13:1-8
We often talk about God as God of compassion, mercy, love, kindness, gentle and long suffering, these are all true attributes of God. But as true as those attributes are, God is also God of judgement; there is a side of God that has “WRATH” Hebrews 10:31 says It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. While Hebrews 12:29 declares another attribute of God – For our God is a consuming fire.
Israelite’s’ pollution was occasioned by their idolatrous activities. One day, as Jeroboam went to worship a strange god at the altar in Bethel, God sent a prophet who announced that He would raise a king, Josiah, from the family of David, to cleanse the system. Josiah would sacrifice the bones of the priests, who had worshiped other gods on the altar. As a sign for the authenticity of the prophecy, the prophet said the altar would fall apart, while the ashes upon it would pour out.
Jeroboam was not comfortable with the prophecy and ordered the arrest of the prophet. But his hand, which he pointed at the prophet, dried up instantly and became lifeless. He was unable to move it. With that event, God proved that Jeroboam had no power over the prophet. Jeroboam then pleaded with the prophet to pray to God to cure him. The prophet did and God healed him.
Today, God is still sounding His warning of imminent purging and judgement coming on the Church. Many Christians, including some leaders, now live a compromising life. Money and fame is now their god while others who live in immorality still mount the sacred pulpit to preach or sing. Many have turned the house of God to house of comedy. Some so-called Christian husbands have turned their wives into punching bags, while wives have lost respect for their husbands. Many fervent believers have gone cold while some have gone back to the world of sin they once denounced due to the lock-down on churches, the church is falling away.
The Lord is calling everybody to repentance to avoid his wrath and eternal damnation. His clarion call remains as potent as ever. Therefore, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
There is no doubt that Jesus is coming back very soon, when he returns, will he find faith in you, your family and ministry?, there is not much time left, Awake!, Awake!!, Awake O Zion!!!
I pray for everyone that we will awake and make our election sure, let us serve God in holiness and righteousness so that we will obtain mercy and not His wrath, we will not fall into the hands of the living God, you & I will not be destroyed in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O LORD, please save me from your wrath in Jesus name.
Key Dose: God is not interested in the death of a sinner, but for the sinner to repent and be saved.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
