Oneness in God's Kingdom

    

     Oneness in god’s kingdom

By Dr. Sophia Devasahayam – pjm ministries

Qualities of a Ruler, Leader or Shepherd:

Judges 15:9 – 13

Vs. 12 , then men of Judah told Samson, “We have come down to bind you, so that we may give  you into the hands of the Philistines”. Samson answered them.  Vs. 13, “Swear to me that you yourselves will not attack me Qualities”.  They said to him, “No, we will only bind you and give into their hands; we will not kill you”.

     Who are the Judaeans. Jacob blessed Judah his son saying, “And the scepter will never depart of Judah”. On careful reading one can notice the birth of Jesus, prophesied so early. But we notice in the above verses, that they exercise no qualities of leadership, only servility. Why? Consecration, dedication, sincereity, sanctification, wholesomeness, in tune with God’s voice. hearing his voice, yielding to his guidance, are some of the qualities of a leader. They are set apart to be used by God. How they fail? We shall study this under the light of Samson and Saul.

     God first chose Saul to be the king of Israel. But he was neither trained nor tested. God unconditionally trusted him! Saul was soon seized by lust for power and authority. He couldn’t admire anyone better than himself, for eg. young David. He was seized by torments. He considered himself a Demi-God, we realize this when we read how he killed the priests ordained and set apart for God’s ministry. He offered sacrifice, which was a job meant to be done by only Samuel. He wanted to be everything. A king-priest. But that was not his call! Living within the borders of one calling, is the key to an unfailing relationship with God. When WE set ourselves for higher goals or victories, without his arm of strength as our support, we are bound to fail. I have admired how Saul was a not man  prone to weakness. He heart did not wander after wine, women, and wealth. He only seized himself power. But he intended to obey, when we notice him crying, missed being killed by David in the caves. He blesses young David as the next king, accepts God’s will. Humbles himself. But only momentarily. This was because his heart was not set on God himself but on what  God had to give him. We later notice how every male child in his family was killed, except Jonathan’s son who fell and broke his legs. Early in 2003, I was seated in a Christian organization, thinking this is how great I must climb in ministry, the Lord was quick to tell me something at that moment “Serve my heart and not my hands”. Pride killed Saul. He also failed to exercise oneness with God’s heart and his will. For a moment it is good to consider, how Samuel must have felt, when God asked him to ordain Saul and David as the future king of Israel. Imagine, called even in the womb, torn away from mother’s arm since a weaned child, served him in holiness and righteousness as a little child. Receptive to God’s voice, more than Eli. And yet, God Moved On! God’s focus is on what is best for his kingdom (in this case Israel) and not what is best for even Him! Parents raise your children in simplicity, discipline and fear of the Lord. This is not possible in your own strength. Set a day in a week just for them and fast and pray, indulge in alms giving,  my great - grandmother use to stand in the verandah of her house every evening, giving away money to the poor, saying “Cast your bread upon the water, for you don’t know may be all will return”. And God is still so faithful, in his call and will for her great grandchildren too. Unfailing Love.

Not taking God for Granted:

Judges 16:1, “Once Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to her”.  “So they circled around and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They kept quiet all night, thinking, “Let us wait until the light of the morning; then we will kill him”.

We all complain about the attacks of the enemy. Their schemes, plans, deceptiveness, lies, set – ups all intended to destroy us. Never peace. Struggle to the point, we are at the edge of this Christian journey. And may be, it could be God is just not setting you up. His line of plan for you is different, and not struggle. God set Samson a battle at his wedding plan, but not at Gaza. He set himself up. When we serve the Lord, fruitful in labour, the eyes of the enemy is always swift in making us fall, destroy us, and uproot us. The situation could be relationship, financial, neighbourhood problems, workspot, failing health, and carnal.  Analyse yourself in his presence, fast and pray in cleansing, let go , and set yourself free at his throne. He is faithful who called you, to redeem you. But to those who take him for granted, failing in this Christian journey again and again, God might just give you up soon one day. He might allow the Delilah. Iam telling you in truth, in my long walk with God, I have noticed how he not only sets you free, but also BLOCKS THE ROAD TO TEMPTATION!  The failure, which the world sees in your life, could only be a BLOCKED ROAD TO A FALL. You will not know yourself, unless you ask God, seated  at his feet , before his throne. When you are ready, he will PLUNGE YOU TO VICTORY!

Focal Point of Today’s Message:

Ch.15: 12 “We have come down to bind you, so that we may give you into the hands of the Philistines”.  Heart is filled with tears, writing this. How Samson could have felt. Great leaders of God, preachers, saints, prophets, struggle so much for His sheep through various battles. Broken by God in the furnace of testing and training. Broken by men through envy, jealousy, maliciousness and hatred. Tying Samson with chords. Evil witchcraft and voodoo regularly practiced against the saints and his family,  by God’s enemies. How much they struggle. Instead of supporting with their swords in battle, hometown men, blood line men, tied Samson with wounds. If you go through this road, you will not read this without crying. In my father’s ministry I have noticed how my parents gave everything to live and work for Christ among prostitutes, local rowdies. Daddy use to struggle so much on his knees in fasting and praying, and later voluntarily preach them the Gospel, at road meets, shops, stores. They were all soon saved, baptized and together ousted him out of his ministry. His heart broke through those roads. Blood use to be found at our staircase, witchcraft, to breakdown our home. Parents and children, husband and wife. It is through these roads as a young child of 12 years, I use to worship kneeling before the Lord from 3 to 6 every evening. Crying out to him, and he delivered us. My vexed father once laid his hands on my head and prayed, “God I believe this Child is my reward, release your storehouse of blessings into her life. Lead her to greatness”. He was so hurt, he didn’t even want to be rewarded in this ministry. Prayer warriors, preachers, prophets, support each other in prayer. Don’t speak evil of one another. Don’t try to destroy each other. Don’t be jealous of one another. This is the message God whispered to me this afternoon, Oneness!