The widows in the church

The Bible Calendar for 19th October 2024.

2 Kings  21: 19–22: 20

Lamentations  2

1 Timothy   5

POINTS:

1. How to Avert the Wrath of God

2. Knowing Your Value

3. The Widows in the Church

1.  HOW TO AVERT THE WRATH OF GOD

The wrath of God burns more than any fire we can describe, it can move from generation to generation because He is a jealous God and He stands by His words, but His wrath can be averted and His pronouncement can be changed on us when we repent our ways and ask for forgiveness. The attitude of Josiah changed the wrath of God that was purposed over Jerusalem and the evil was delayed till after the death of Josiah. The way to avert the wrath of God is to change from evil to good. However, the wrath can be transferred to the coming generations, but if the generations can maintain the relationship with God and good deeds till the fourth generation such wrath will be totally eradicated. Some usually think that the pronouncement of God must be fulfilled, yes, but Prophet Ezekiel says if evil is purposed on someone. He changes from his wicked ways and does good, such evil will not be fulfilled, and if good is purposed and the person does wickedness such good words will not come to reality. Josiah humbled himself before God having heard the purpose of God on Jerusalem which was desolation, sent people to the prophet for guidance on what they could do to avert the evil. Many people will believe that the wrath of God has no remedy, even believe that the purpose of evil on someone will not allow him to do well, but this is not so, He has given us free will and if we can change our attitude and pray, He will turn away his wrath. He says if my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves, repent from their evil ways, and pray and seek my face; I will hear from heaven and heal their land. Do you sense any generational curse in your life? Have you been judged and serving punishment for your sins? If you can call His name in humility, He will avert His wrath from you and your generation. Because by one person, sin came to the world but by the righteousness of someone there shall be forgiveness, you may be that man to remove that long-time problems in your family and your generation. Cling to Jesus Christ who removed our curse from the cross, he had been bruised and died for your sake, He will attend to you immediately when you call Him.

2.  KNOWING YOUR VALUE

You may not know your value until you are tempted and face challenges, that’s the time you will hear much mockery from people you don’t expect it from.  Jeremiah lamented for seeing nobody to be merciful at Jerusalem on her falling. Her children were crying because there was no food, both old and young, but nobody gave them things for their necessities. This is the state of some generous people when they are tempted, the most painful aspect is how people mock such people, how they ridicule such, some will even run away from them, and some in the church will see no one to wish them well or to pray for them, especially among those that have benefitted one way or another from such fallen ones. Such a situation makes you know your value among those so-called friends and members. God didn’t tell us to desert the falling ones, the scripture gave us the assignment to be closer and to restore them but the reverse is the case in today’s church, and we have lost many people to other denominations and some to the hand of Satan for such uncared attitudes towards those passing through temptations. Our utmost concern here is to make us know that you don’t have any value in the sight of men. “Good man”, “Sir”, and many appellations given to you because you have not fallen, don’t be brainwashed, keep your stand in the Lord, He is the only one who knows your value and He cannot leave you in the time of temptations. Are you passing through temptation, confess your sin before God, seek for His mercy, and call on your Jesus your heavenly advocate, certainly, God will not cast away His people forever; He will restore you. q

3.  WIDOWS IN THE CHURCH

Paul settles some problems here in the church as he categorizes the widows in the church. According to him, we can see three categories of widows here, first, is the young widow, whom he told to remarry so that they may not fall, or cause problems for society and the church. Second, the widows who have children or grandchildren to care for them, such should not be a burden to the church, they too can also care for some other widows and needy in the church. And third, are the widows above sixty years, and the one who performs good works for the saints, who cares for the church members or church maintenance should be cared for by the church. Though, everybody needs care the care of the widows and the fatherless, strangers, the needy and the ministers should be a burden in the minds of all Christians. I pray may God provides for us to perform our responsibility in the church and in our family, so that may receive a great reward at His coming in Jesus’ name.

Pastor M. O. Shodipe

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