“As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day” (Joshua 15:63).
TEXT — Joshua 15:48-63
Message
Most terminal illnesses become very dangerous and fatal because in most cases, they are not discovered on time and dealt with immediately and in the right way. Many fail to pay attention to the early signs and symptoms they have. They dismiss that little lump or pain. They claim they have nothing serious to worry about, and delay to take action on it. When they eventually do act, it becomes too late to manage and results in untimely death or other permanent deformity.
Our text details the portions of the cities allocated to the tribe of Judah as their inheritance. Despite their success in defeating and casting away the inhabitants of the other cities, they were not able to conquer and drive away the Jebusites who dwelt in Jerusalem. The effects of this failure and delayed action tarnished the history of the children of Judah for a very long period.
There is a serious danger in delayed action. When a Christian fails to deal with an object that proves inimical to his spiritual life immediately, it festers and may go on to become a major drawback in his life. Many fail to deal with an object or individual that poses a strong temptation to them early enough. They choose to tolerate and manage such in their lives. This explains why they do not enjoy victory in their Christian lives.
Sin, however little, cannot and should not be tolerated at all. Do not hesitate to immediately deal with anyone or anything that can weaken your spiritual life and bring you again into captivity. Let every enemy opposed to the Lord and righteousness be completely defeated and vanquished in your life without delay. This is the secret of ensuring and enjoying total victory in Christ.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
1 comment
A stitch in time may save nine. Timely seek for a soul to win, to follow up, to pray for may cover multitude of sin and crime in the community – “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20). Timely reconciliation with the offended will save you from guilt or condemnation. Timely redemption of vows, payment of tithes, helping the needy etc can lead to aggravated unfaithfulness and open the door for financial devourers. Delayed obedience is dangerous.
A stitch in time may save nine. Timely seek for a soul to win, to follow up, to pray for may cover multitude of sin and crime in the community – “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20). Timely reconciliation with the offended will save you from guilt or condemnation. Timely redemption of vows, payment of tithes, helping the needy etc can lead to aggravated unfaithfulness and open the door for financial devourers. Delayed obedience is dangerous.