We have finally arrived at Day 21 of the fasting exercise. This shows that with determination, one can attain any desired attitude.
The programme shall be concluded with the message that gives the KEY to SUCCESS at these turbulent times.
From our text, John the Baptist was in a kind of distress as there seemed to be a delay from Jesus. John had led an ascetic life as Elijah. He had earlier introduced Jesus (Jn.1:29) and confirmed His credibility (Jn.3) and had heard of the happenings in His ministry.
Jesus understood his disappointment and having known John’s destiny spoke “Blessed is he that is not offended in Me.” Then began to applaud John as a rugged, rare spiritual giant superior to Moses and Elijah, and concluded with the information that there be violent warfare – spiritual victory (Matt.11:12). If such a giant can come to a point where doubt prevailed, then all must be aware of the possibility of overbearing challenges in terrestrial life, hence our message.
Our message shall come under: (A) BRIEF ON WIND AND WAVE OF LIFE (B) BUILDING AN EDIFICE AMIDST WINDS AND WAVES.
(A) BRIEF ON WINDS AND WAVES OF LIFE
Winds and waves are figurative of strong life challenges that have the capacity to carry the believer or destabilize. Such are the likes of Abram’s experience with Abimelech (Gen.20:1-8), Job’s whirlwind (Job 1,2).
It includes (i) the tirade of mortal men like Haman (Est.3:8-15), Jezebel (1Kgs.19:1-8), Jewish religious bigots (Acts 23L12-14); (ii) the trouncing of lasting changing temptations like Joseph’s (Gen. ), and Gehazi (2kgs.5:20-27); (iii) The threat of sickness and famine or economic downturn like Hezekiah ( ), Asa’s ( ), widow of Zaraphat (1Kgs. ), indebted widow (2Kgs.4); (iv) and the terror of demonic oppression/possession (Mk.5: ; Acts 8:5-13).
(B) BUILDING AN EDIFICE AMIDST WINDS AND WAVES
The Lord Jesus illustrated life as a building project (Lk.14) and an edifice, a large imposing building is symbolic of a glorious life. Naturally, it is almost impossible to build amidst strong winds and waves, but with God, it is possible (Matt.19:26).
To do so will take an interplay of 5 factors:-
(1) Wisdom (Pro.4:7; 23:3; Job 28:22)
Wisdom will keep on away from sin, temptations of covetousness, immorality. Wisdom will make one use his common sense and confirmed facts (keeping heart with all diligence, making workable plans) . Wisdom will make one evangelize (work in God’s vineyard)
(2) Understanding (Pro.24:3)
Understanding means good judgment or spiritual insight. It is essential for the establishment of the building.
(3) Knowledge (Pro.24:4; 2Pet.1:5)
knowledge Gk. Gnosis primarily means ‘seeking to know, an enquiry, investigation, seek actionable information – scripture: Jesus’ accomplishment. Cultivate a reading habit.
(4) Love (Jn.13:34,35) – cardinal worth of disciple
– Love id God’s nature and is life – Love has the capacity to generate good health (spirit, soul and body) – Functional love will lead to the expression of all virtues and makes one rapture ready.
(5) Faith
Faith is implicit confidence in God (Jesus Christ) (Heb.11:6,1)
– Functional faith reflects in the speech of the possessor (Rom.10:17). – What one confess affects his state of mind; negative words make for negative traits – unbelief, doubt, fear, etc
Whenever fear comes, breaks the silence with a positive confession of the integrity of the word.
A believer that exhibits faith should seek to grow in it till he begins to enjoy the harpoon faith for catching large animals.