Revive us again!
And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people.
(Josh 24:24-25)
You are warmly welcome to Kakumba Chapel!
After a lengthy teaching one day, Jesus said that the person who hears His words and puts them into practice is like the wise builder, whose well founded house did not fall even after heavy rains and storms. Every teaching or sermon demands a response. In the face of many forces pulling the believer down and off the Way of salvation, the response could be a firm resolve to continue in the faith, recommitting one’s life to Jesus Christ for a lukewarm or backsliding Christian, or first time conversion and commitment for one that had never surrendered one’s life to Christ. At his retirement, Joshua preached his final sermon and challenged the people to make the ultimate choice (Josh 24).
Joshua reminded the Israelites of all the wonders of Jehovah throughout the Exodus until they conquered and possessed the Promised Land; he reminded them of the instructions God gave them to guarantee their welfare, longevity and productive stewardship. And Joshua demanded a response as he threw to them the challenge of making a choice. What follows is a rushed acceptance of the people who promised to serve Jehovah, but Joshua contested such a response. The decision must be deeply rooted and not just an emotional excited flame that dies down as soon as you go back home.
I recently read this passage to a couple that was mending their troubled relationship; the husband promised to understand and respect his wife more and stop using abusive language. I quickly announced to him, he could not change; like Joshua, I warned this man that mere verbal promises may not change much, if he did not deal with the roots – the attachment to his own family members that fed him with rumours, and the much drinking which inspired his uncouth language. No wonder he had apologized for the same mistakes many times before but fallen again and again! He then realized he needed the power of God to enable him change completely and build on a rock.
Are you craving for a revival? The response to God’s word must go beyond mere words. Deal with the roots of the sin and you will be free indeed. And Christ Jesus is the only Saviour – He gives power to defeat those addictions and indulgences, any form of weakness. When you totally surrender and covenant your life to Him, receive and obey his Word, you are safe and secure and will surely come out of every storm and rain unharmed.
God bless you.