Sermon Central
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Do It On God's Appointed Time
Contributed by Dr. Ade Oyeyemi on Feb 15, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Often we run our program and expect God to comply with what we are doing, but the easiest way to get things done and right is to work with God's timetable. Christians are to learn patience and reliance on God, anytime we operate on the permissive will of
The Ultimate Substitute
God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham’s precious son, to Him. Abraham did not ask any questions but obeyed because he trusted wholeheartedly in God and believed something was going to happen. God, in response to Abraham's faith and obedience, provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac (Genesis 22: 13).
Pray as follows: As the ram replaced Isaac in death, let the enemies of God in my life replace me in death in the name of Jesus.
In Matthew 27:26 we can see that Jesus was used as a substitute for Barabbas. Barabbas was a man known to be a notorious criminal, who had been sentenced to death. During the Passover Celebration, it was customary for Pilate to free a prisoner. The crowd requested for Barabbas to be freed and for our Lord Jesus to be crucified.
Pray as follows: O Lord, convert every injustice done against me to turn around and lay foundation for my glory in the mighty name of Jesus.
Just as Jesus was used as a substitute for Barabbas, so also has Jesus been used as a substitute for each and every one. Barabbas was a criminal like all of us. Look at the next person around you and tell them that they are Barabbas and Jesus took their place on the cross.
We all came into this world as sinners, tainted by the sins of our first parents, Adam and Eve. Jesus was innocent, pure and without sin and took our place in death. Jesus loved us so much that He wanted us to have hope and a future, and so volunteered Himself for us.
Although Jesus sacrifice was God's divine plan for mankind, we should note that it was the judgment of the crowd that led to Jesus being the sacrifice for Barabbas. We need to beware of allowing ourselves become part of a bandwagon. Most times the song being sung by the crowd is wrong. Many have been wrongly incarcerated due to the false opinion of the crowd. It was the crowd that led Aaron to err. It takes just one person to initiate a wrong opinion that can spread like a wildfire. So next time there is noise going on around you, don't take a position just because it is the opinion of the one making the loudest noise. Take a position because you have the facts and the truth of the issue. Be a part of the solution and not the error.
Pray as follows: O Lord, separate me from the crowd and do something wonderful in my life in Jesus name.
