SUSTAINING RESTORATION AND REVIVAL (1)

Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 18:9-19.

GOLDEN TEXT:

“For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” Deuteronomy 18:14-15,19 (KJV)

FOREWORD

As we gathered before the LORD last week, He spoke to us on how we can bud, blossom and fruit in the face of acute recession. Isaac survived in Gerar and became exceedingly great, when others in the same land were dying of hunger! We saw that the secret of Isaac’s greatness was not the use of special fertilizer, but in currying and accessing the secret place of the Most High. He learnt to take divine instructions therefrom and to obey them, even when such instructions contradict his own plan and understanding.

The table will change and the tide will turn in our favour, if we do not take God’s Word for granted. We can take economic leap, and bounce into supernatural abundance if we take the instructions from the Bible seriously, as we should take them.

We cannot ignore the fact that our lives and our economy will play great roles in the matter of the kingdom, and the revival that is breaking forth in our time is no exception.

Hence, we need to look at the instruction God gave to the people of Israel, a principle we saw in Isaac, that brought such greatness to him in Gerar.

THE LIFESTYLE OF OTHER NATIONS

“For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.” Deuteronomy 18:14 (KJV)

At the time of the above account, there were two nations – Israel and others! And now, there are still two nations all over the world – Believers in Christ (Christians) and others! The earlier we know this, the better for us.

God, trying to impress it on His people that they differed from other nations, informed them of the wrong lifestyle of the nations that previously occupied the land He gave to them. What was the wrong lifestyle? The Bible says, they hearkened to “observers of times and diviners”. Whatever hearkening to observers of times and diviners meant, truth is, God never wanted His own people to copy such a lifestyle!

The word ‘hearken’ means ‘listen’, and it is mostly used with imperative, requiring, as it were, attention or action. It follows that, when God said those nations hearkened to observers of times and diviners, He meant they listened with attention to the observers of times and diviners and took actions based on whatever they told them.

But there was a stern warning, “the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.” This means Israel was not permitted to live as those nations. It will be wrong if we do not know that we also lack permission to live as others.

What made the difference between the Butler and the Baker was the Butler’s focus on (hearkening to and trusting) the Vine (Jesus) and the juice (Blood) of the Vine! The Baker, on the other hand, trusted in himself and thus carried three baskets of food on his head. This great personal effort of his, earned him nothing but death! Why bearing the burden when there is One who truly cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7)?

The spiritual state of the Church smells dryness, sterility and hopelessness. It seems it does not worth any trial. Most debates and discussions going on among brethren are not appealing to faith and hope. Sometimes, it is like one should just not waste his seed, for there should be another land where one can sow his seed.

The Nigerian economic situation does not bring any encouraging music to the ears and hearts of citizens. Not many people will give this nation any chance, not even men of God. Do we all now run away from this nation because of the prevailing famine? Shall we listen to observers of times and diviners, whose voices are the loudest on our streets and on the social media?

Perhaps, the men of Gerar robustly and openly discussed the prevailing situation, especially on social media and the consensus may be that people should not waste their seeds by sowing that year. The meteorologists, with great scientific understanding of measurement, may have also advised the citizens on what to do, which could have influenced Isaac’s desire to travel to Egypt.

THE APPROVED LIFESTYLE 

God promised Israel to raise a Prophet among them, Who will tell them everything they needed to know. And we know that this Prophet was and, still is, Jesus! He is the One we all must listen to. He is the One to give us direction, not the observers of times. Who are these observers of times? New American Standard Bible says: 

“For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to THOSE WHO PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so.” Deuteronomy 18:14 (NAS) [Emphasis ours]  

We could see from the translation above that observers of times are those who practice witchcraft! We could also see that listening to them is abhorred by the LORD! These observers of times are different from the sons of Issachar. The Bible says:

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (KJV) 

Practical Discussion:

• What is the difference between observation and understanding? (Lk. 17:20,21)
• What therefore is the difference between “observing times” and “understanding of the times”?

First, the definite article “the’ makes a lot of difference between the two times. To observe is to watch attentively. Understanding is to know or have a hold of something. Whereas, it would have been great to watch attentively before taking steps or actions; but, unfortunately, what they watch is time, which are the unfolding events, happenings etc. Meanwhile, what we are to understand or know or hold are not events but Christ! (Eccl. 11:4,5). Do you also know the way of the spirit?

The Bible says:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 (KJV)

While it is laudable not to lose our faith and hope over the Church, our nation and even your life, family, business, investments etc., it is worthy of note that faith that is stained by our personal efforts, skills, philosophies and experiences will not help us out– for they are flesh altogether; they bring death, instead of life! Always bear in mind that steps outside Christ will attract grave consequences!

If you and I would look at the budded, blossomed and fruiting Vine (Christ), and set Him always before us, then we shall not only be restored to our former estate of fruitfulness, we shall sow prayers, faith and grace in this land and reap a hundred fold! No price, no stress and no sacrifice! All expenses paid! Just look and live.

Let us pray!