The Living Among The Dead: A Portrait Of A Manipulated Destiny

The Living among the Dead: A Portrait of a Manipulated Destiny

Study Text: John 11:32-44, Revelation 3:1

Introduction:

Lazarus was not supposed to die, because Jesus said his sickness was not unto death, but his destiny was manipulated.

He died, and was buried four days before the Lord could get there. His case was closed by the enemy and the purpose of God for his life was terminated.

In the program of God, Lazarus is a living Soul, but in the realm of darkness, he had been declared dead.

There was only one thing wrong with Lazarus, but as a result of that one thing that was wrong with him, all things were wrong with him.

What was wrong with him? He was dead. Popularity does not count much when a man is dead. Handsomeness is irrelevant when a man is dead. Beauty has no value when a woman is dead. Academic qualifications have no voice when a person is dead.

In fact, all things that we think are important lose their importance when death comes. All things that we hold dear lose their attraction when death comes.

So many people today are like Lazarus, they are physically alive, but their destiny and glory are getting rotten in the grave.

We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. The Reasons for Manipulated Destiny

2. The Results of Manipulated Destiny

3. The Recovery of Manipulated Destiny

1. The Reasons for Manipulated Destiny

There are several possible reasons for manipulation of destinies:

1. Living under a Curse or Walking on a Cursed Path

Gehazi would have received the double portions of the anointing of Elisha, but rather, he received a curse, and His glorious destiny was manipulated.

Curses can be pronounced upon unprotected people by those having legal spiritual authority over you.

Moreso, some people were not cursed directly, but they walked upon a path that was cursed.

2. Operating under Evil Covenant

Evil Covenant can be entered into personally, being conscious or not, or can be entered into by representation being conscious or not.

Covenant can be made through words, through blood and or by invoking demonic spirits over any material or action steps. They are supervised by Satanic spirit to remain binding on the parties unless broken by a superior power.

3. Manifestations of Family Evil Background and Cycles

There are evil family backgrounds due to occultic practices and idol worshipping.

There are evil cycles which runs through the family. Examples include, sickness common in the family, delay in marriage or barrenness, limitations of various kinds and so on.

4. Reaping the Evil Seeds Planted by Self or Generations

The law of sowing and reaping is applicable in many ways. Some people's destiny was manipulated because they are reaping the evil seeds planted by them or by someone in their generation.

Jacob deceived his father to steal the blessings of Esau, he was also deceived at the point of marriage, and his own children deceived him concerning Joseph.

5. Yielding to Negative Influence

So many people with a glorious destiny could not fulfill purpose because they yielded to negative influence.

Judas was chosen among the twelve disciples, but could not fulfill purpose with them because of negative influence.

6. Demonic Oppressions due to Carelessness or Prayerlessness.

Some believers are under the oppression of demons either because they open doors for demons in their life due to carelessness or prayerlessnes.

7. Lack of Genuine Salvation in Christ

The world has a large population of dead people who move about as if they were living, because they failed to receive the free gift of Salvation that Christ offers. Acts 4:12

It is a common sight to see dead men eating, drinking, laughing, crying, and getting married and moving all over the place.

Everyone living now, is certainly physically alive, no doubt. But no one should assume that he is spiritually alive.

2. The Results of Manipulated Destiny:

There are some simple signs that you can use to tell whether you are dead or alive. It is a simple thing to find out whether you are spiritually alive or dead.

1. Dead men have no appetite.

When Lazarus was alive, he got hungry regularly. But once he died, he lost all interest in all the food his sisters were preparing. Why? He was a dead man.

So one of the signs of spiritual deadness is a lack of appetite for God. This does not automatically imply a lack of appetite for church. You may be coming to church, no doubt.

This does not indicate a lack of appetite for praise, worship, dancing, and shouting that God is good. You can have an appetite for church without an appetite for God.

Lack of hunger for God means no spiritual appetite, and that usually means spiritual death.