Heed Spiritual Leadership

And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand. (2 Chronicles 36:15-17)

In the Old Testament, God sent prophets to tell His people to turn from their wicked ways. God always sends a messenger, but the messenger is not always received well. Even though God repeatedly attempted to reach out, warn, help, and give words of wisdom and insight, the Israelites continued to reject and mock them.

God’s love for His people is evident as He persistently sent prophets to guide and warn His people, hoping they would turn from their wicked ways, even though they rejected the prophets repeatedly. In the same way, God continually reaches out to us, even when we miss it. He always allows us to return to Him. However, because of their constant rejection of God’s warnings and instructions in the Old Testament, their rebellion and disregard for God’s Word led to some severe consequences. The phrase in 2 Chronicles 36:16,  “till there was no remedy” signifies a point of no return, where the people’s hearts were so hardened that they could no longer be healed or restored.

Persistent disobedience always leads to dangerous consequences. When the Israelites would not listen or follow, God used King Cyrus, an unbeliever, to accomplish His plan on the earth. God's will shall be accomplished regardless of what is happening in the world or with those He desires to use.

Practical Application

Appreciate and respect the spiritual leaders God has placed in your life. Spend time praying for them today and consider giving them a note or gift of encouragement. Their guidance is a gift from God that helps you stay in His will.

Jeremiah 23:4; Jeremiah 35:15

Praying with the Holy Spirit

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

There are many forms of prayer, but prayer is often a petition or a request. Effective prayer is specific and scriptural. You can't go to a government office and ask for “help” in general. Could you imagine going somewhere and saying, “Hi. I need help,” and then expecting to get a response? They would say, “Well, how can I help you?” They can’t help you without information. Then, they would get documentation, numbers, and all the necessary info to see what type of help and support they could give you. In the same way, people tell me that they are “praying for” someone. If I ask, “Well, what are you praying for?” Many times, their answer is generic; it's religious. They pray for God to “help” so and so but don’t specifically petition God.

We all have limitations, particularly regarding knowing what to pray or how to pray effectively in every situation. We may miss too many “unknowns” and other factors. That’s why God has given us the wonderful gift of praying with the Holy Spirit. When you pray in the Spirit, you are praying for God's perfect will in an area.

Paul said that when praying in the Holy Spirit, He helpeth our infirmities. This means the Holy Spirit comes alongside us, supporting and strengthening us in our moments of weakness and ignorance. Paul also emphasized that God, who searches our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit. This tells us that praying in the Holy Spirit is always in accordance with God’s perfect will. Even when unsure of what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in ways beyond our comprehension but fully aligned with God’s purposes.

Practical Application

This week, spend at least as much time praying in the Holy Spirit for your leaders as you do praying in your native tongue. Pray God’s perfect will.

Zechariah 12:10; Romans 8:15

The Song of the Redeemed

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. (Revelation 5:9)

This text shows a tremendous moment of worship: individuals from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation worshipping God together. This picture reveals that God has offered us redemption from our sins by the blood of Jesus, regardless of our background, ethnicity, nationality, or past. We all have an opportunity to accept that redemption for ourselves.

God is just and will never hold someone accountable for information they never received. So, God will also do things supernaturally to make sure that most will get an opportunity to receive that redemption, even if it means He has to appear to them in a dream or vision or send an angel with a message to people.

God ensures that we all have an opportunity to be a part of the heavenly song in Revelation 5. Even that person that you were sure was going to hell, God has been fighting for them to get into heaven. He will send laborers across their path, give them dreams and visions, and put the Word in front of them to influence their decision to trust and follow Him. Even if, at the end of their life, the last breath on their lips is to accept Jesus, God accepts them, and redemption is applied.

Many of us will be surprised at who we see in Heaven. That's why we mustn’t judge people spiritually but always pray for them. Pray for laborers to come across their path and pray that God sends them dreams, visions, and confirmations of what God has already put on their hearts.

Practical Application

This week take time to pray for someone who is far from God. When you worship at church, see them worshipping with you as part of those whom God has redeemed. Choose to see others as God sees them through the eyes of redemption.

Psalm 96:1; Daniel 3:4