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The Cost of Leaving Jesus Behind

Sermon by Rev. Emmanuel Ajuwon

14 Days of Glory 2026 (Day 2)
Prayer Meeting, Sunday, January 6, 2026

(Part 2 – Continuation from Luke 2:41-52)

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52 (KJV)

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Sermon Summary

In this passage, Mary and Joseph traveled a full day’s journey from Jerusalem before realizing that Jesus was not with them. They had assumed He was in the company of relatives and friends. It took them another day to return and a third day to find Him in the temple. This story illustrates a profound spiritual truth: many of us assume Jesus is with us, yet we journey through days, months, or even years without His active presence.

Yesterday, we examined what it means to leave Jesus behind:

1. Walking without His presence
2. Assuming instead of abiding
3. Prioritizing the journey over Jesus
4. Replacing His presence with the crowd
5. Forgetting that He is the center of it all

We also looked at signs that reveal we have left Him behind, such as prayer becoming a burden, the Word of God no longer stirring us, sin no longer convicting us, bitterness taking root, and fellowship losing its joy.

Tonight’s Message: The Cost of Leaving Jesus Behind

Leaving Jesus behind is never without consequence. Mary and Joseph loved Him deeply, yet they walked an entire day without noticing His absence. When they finally realized, it cost them dearly. In the same way, entering a new year—or any season—without Him will cost you something precious.

Here are the costs:

1. It Will Cost You Your Time
   Mary and Joseph lost three full days—one traveling away, one returning, and one searching. Time is irreplaceable. God did not give us money; He gave us time to convert into everything else. Without Jesus, progress stops, energy is wasted, and efforts become fruitless. You cannot expect Him to bless or fix what you are doing while you journey without Him. Do not waste this year achieving nothing because Jesus is not involved.
2. It Will Cost You Your Peace
   No amount of money can buy peace of mind. For three days, Mary and Joseph were filled with sorrow, anxiety, and fear. Without Him, sorrow replaces joy, anxiety replaces assurance, and confusion replaces clarity. But Isaiah 26:3 promises: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Carry Him with you, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper. In the fire or the flood, His peace will sustain you.
3. It Will Cost You Right Relationships
   Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was “in the company” and trusted the crowd instead of checking for Christ. The crowd is not Christ. Family, friends, and evil company can never replace His presence. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Relying on people instead of Christ leads to corruption and wasted time.
4. It Will Cost You His Presence
   The presence of God is greater than silver, gold, or any achievement. Moses declared, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). In His presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Distance from His presence means distance from joy, guidance, and strength. Run from sin—it drives away His presence. Lay aside every weight and sin that easily besets you. Never walk alone this year; let His presence go with you.
5. It Will Cost You His Protection
   Without Him, you become vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks and open to traps. John 15:5 declares: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Apart from Him, you are unprotected and exposed.
6. It Will Cost You Eternity
   The greatest loss of all is eternal separation from Him. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:23: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” What greater tragedy than to leave this life without Him and face eternity apart from Him?

Conclusion and Call

Jesus is coming soon—for a church without spot or wrinkle, a crucified and pure church, a prepared people. No one knows the day or hour; He could return this very year, even today.

As we seek God’s blessings and miracles in 2026, let us also prepare for eternity. Live every day as if He is coming now. Do not leave Jesus behind. Return to Him today, abide in Him daily, and carry His presence wherever you go.

May the Lord help us never to journey without Him. Amen.

(To be continued in Part 3)

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Where Did You Leave Him?

Sermon by Rev. Emmanuel Ajuwon
14 Days of Glory 2026 (Day 5)
Prayer Meeting, Sunday, January 5, 2026

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52 (KJV)

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Dear brethren, as we press deeper into these 14 Days of Glory, on this fifth day the Lord is confronting us with a heart-searching question:

“Where did you leave Me?”

Mary and Joseph faithfully attended the annual Passover in Jerusalem. When the feast ended and they began the journey home, they assumed the twelve-year-old Jesus was somewhere in the traveling company. They traveled a full day before discovering He was missing. Frantically, they returned to Jerusalem and, after three anxious days of searching, found Him in the temple—about His Father’s business.

Many of us stepped into 2026 just like that—assuming Jesus is still walking with us, yet somewhere along the way we have left Him behind in the rush, routines, and distractions of life. Some left Him in 2025 and carried on without noticing. Tonight, in this solemn assembly, the Holy Spirit is calling us to honest self-examination.

What Does It Mean to Leave Jesus Behind?

• Walking without His conscious presence
  Making decisions, pursuing careers, building relationships, and chasing dreams without the tangible presence of God. Like Moses, we must insist: “If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). Never walk alone again.
• Assuming instead of abiding in Him
  Mary and Joseph supposed He was with them—a costly assumption. Samson shook himself as before, unaware the Spirit had departed (Judges 16:20). When prayer, Bible study, holiness, and obedience fade, yet we still assume God is with us, we deceive ourselves.
• Prioritizing the journey over Jesus Himself
  Their focus was on getting home; Jesus was left behind. Today, careers, family obligations, personal ambitions, and packed schedules crowd out intimacy with Christ.
• Replacing His presence with the crowd
  They thought Jesus was among relatives and friends. Do not lean on people while neglecting Jesus. Never make any person—friend, family, or mentor—your primary source or god.
• Forgetting that Jesus must remain the center
  Mary and Joseph momentarily forgot the miraculous promise and divine identity of this Child. In 2026, keep Jesus at the absolute center of every area of your life.

Clear Signs You Have Left Him Behind

• Prayer has become a burden rather than a delight
  You pray only out of duty, not desire. No midnight encounters, no joy in communion—just hurried, mechanical words.
• The Word of God no longer stirs or excites you
  The Bible gathers dust. You rarely open it, yet expect divine direction and victory.
• Sin no longer grieves or troubles you
  You are comfortable with compromise. Your conscience is no longer tender toward holiness.
• Love for others has grown cold
  Bitterness, unforgiveness, and offense linger. You struggle to love as Christ commanded (John 13:35).
• Fellowship with brethren feels like a duty, not a blessing
  Church attendance becomes an obligation rather than a longing (Hebrews 10:25).
• You assume His presence without fruit to prove it
  You live and speak as though He is with you, but there is no evidence in your character or conduct.
• The things of the world excite you more than His presence
  Worldly pleasures draw your heart, while time with God feels dry (1 John 2:15).

A Loving Call to Return

If you have left Him behind, do not expect Him to automatically fight your battles, supply your needs, or manifest miracles in 2026. Where He is not welcomed, He withdraws.

But glory to God—tonight is a night of mercy and restoration! The Father is calling: “My child, come back home.”

• Forgive and reconcile with anyone the Spirit brings to mind.
• Release every root of bitterness and offense.
• Return to fervent prayer, diligent study of the Word, and passionate pursuit of His presence.

Let 2026 be the year His presence goes with you everywhere—into your home, workplace, decisions, and dreams.

Closing Prayer

Father, we repent tonight. Have mercy on us where we have left You behind. Restore the joy of prayer, the hunger for Your Word, and the fire of Your presence. We refuse to walk alone in 2026. Let Your presence abide with us continually. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray—Amen!

Do not leave Him behind again.
Take Him with you—every day, every step of 2026.
He must be about His Father’s business—and so must we. Hallelujah!

 

This Is the Lord's Doing – Your Testimony for 2026

Sermon by Rev. Emmanuel Ajuwon – First Sunday Service, January 1, 2026

Key Scripture: Psalm 118:23 (KJV) This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Beloved, as we step into this new year 2026, the Lord has given us a powerful declaration: In 2026, it will be the Lord's doing! It shall not be by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit of the Lord. And it shall be marvellous in our eyes!

Turn to your neighbor and declare: “In 2026, this is the Lord's doing!”

What Does “This Is the Lord's Doing” Mean?

1. It is not the work of man – No human effort alone can produce it.
2. It is a divine act of grace and mercy – Goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6).
3. It is not the result of manipulation – No scheming or shortcuts.
4. God Himself is at work behind the scenes – He orchestrates what eyes cannot see.
5. It defies human explanation – People will ask “How?” and your only answer will be: “This is the Lord's doing!”
6. It bears the divine fingerprint of God – Bringing miracles, blessings, and victory.

Biblical Examples of “The Lord's Doing”

• The Red Sea Crossing (Exodus 14-15) Pharaoh’s chariots were stuck while Israel walked on dry ground. All Egypt’s army perished in the sea. The people sang: “Who is like unto Thee, O Lord... glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). In 2026, the God of wonders will visit you every month!
• David’s Elevation (1 Samuel 16) While his brothers stood tall before the prophet, David was in the bush tending sheep. God said, “I have chosen him.” From the backside of life to the throne – that is the Lord's doing! God will lift you from minimum to maximum, from zero to hero, from tenant to landlord.
• Daniel’s Deliverance (Daniel 6) Thrown into the lions’ den, yet the lions became his friends. His enemies became “pepper soup” for the lions. Every trap set for you in 2026 shall catch the digger!
• Lazarus Raised from the Dead (John 11) Dead four days and stinking – yet Jesus called him forth. Impossible situations will turn around.
• Jesus’ Resurrection (Acts 2:23-24) Crucified by wicked hands, yet God raised Him – it was not possible for death to hold Him. The stone the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone.

Signs That It Is Truly “The Lord's Doing”

1. It is marvellous and astonishing – It leaves you speechless, dancing without music (Psalm 126).
2. It is beyond human explanation – Beyond logic, beyond calculation, beyond imagination. Protocols will be broken!
3. It is perfect and permanent – What God does lasts forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). No reversal, no miscarriage of blessings.
4. It comes suddenly – Joseph went from prisoner to prime minister overnight. The widow’s son rose when Jesus touched the bier. Suddenly, your story will change!
5. It produces joy and overflowing thanksgiving – You will return to this altar with extraordinary offerings that will shock your generation.
6. It bears the seal of grace, not human effort (Romans 9:16) – Not of him that wills or runs, but of God that shows mercy.

What Must We Do for It to Be the Lord's Doing in 2026?

1. Rely on God, not your efforts – Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). Human effort ends where divine help begins (Psalm 127:1).
2. Let faith meet obedience – Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5). Faith without obedience is dead; obedience without faith is mere religion.
3. Remain steadfast – Be immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). No more inconsistency in church attendance, service, or devotion.
4. Stay connected to Jesus – Abide in Him as the branch in the vine (John 15:4-5). Without Him, we can do nothing.

Altar Call and Prayer

If you are not yet connected to Jesus, or you wandered away in 2025, today is your day of return. He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

As we sang: “Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord...” Many surrendered their lives afresh today. The Lord has shown mercy and written names in the Book of Life.

Father, in 2026, let every testimony in our lives be stamped: THIS IS THE LORD'S DOING! Let it be marvellous in our eyes. Break protocols, exceed calculations, and fill our mouths with laughter and thanksgiving.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray – Amen!

What Do You See for 2026? | 28th Dec. 2025 | Sermon by Rev. Emmanuel Ajuwon

As the curtain falls on 2025 and we stand on the threshold of a new year, many of us are reflecting on the past twelve months—what worked, what didn't, the losses we endured, and the gains we celebrated. Businesses are closing their books, families are gathering for holidays, and individuals are setting resolutions. But God is posing a far more profound question to us today:

Not “What did you experience in 2025?”

But “What do you see for 2026?”

Key Scriptures

Let’s ground ourselves in the Word. In Jeremiah 1:10-12 (NIV):

“See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”

“I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.

The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

And in Genesis 13:14-16 (NIV), after Abram separated from Lot:

The Lord said to Abram... “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.”

These passages, along with the stories in Genesis 14 (Abram’s bold rescue of Lot) and Genesis 16 (God’s encounter with Hagar, naming Him “The God Who Sees”), reveal a powerful principle: Vision shapes destiny.

The Power of Vision

Write this down:

Seasons do not change destinies—vision does.

Time passes, years turn, but without corrected sight, there is no real progress. Many will step into 2026 carrying the same blurred perspective from 2025, expecting automatic breakthroughs. It doesn’t work that way.

Every new year is like an open scroll—a fresh chapter waiting to be written. But only those who see clearly will step into it with purpose.

God asked Jeremiah, “What do you see?” Jeremiah saw an almond branch—a symbol of God’s watchful readiness to fulfill His word. God replied, “You have seen well—I will hasten to perform it.”

In the same way, God instructed Abram to lift his eyes and look in every direction. “All the land you see,” God promised, “I will give to you and your descendants.”

The question echoing from heaven today is the same:

What do you see?

Spiritual Laws of Vision

Here are some timeless truths from Scripture:

1. All you can see is all you can dominate.

2. All you can become is tied to what you can envision.

3. Your dominion expands only as far as your vision.

4. What you have not visualized cannot become your possession.

5. A leader unaware of the full extent of his territory will lose ground.

6. The more you see, the more you possess.

7. Every person’s inheritance is limited by the boundaries of their sight.

Abraham saw beyond his circumstances. God later took him outside and said, “Look up at the stars—so shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). If you see nothing, you inherit nothing. If you see defeat, sickness, or stagnation, that’s what you’ll experience. It’s a spiritual law.

But God declares: As far as you can see in faith, that’s how far you will go in 2026.

• See prosperity where lack once ruled.

• See elevation and promotion.

• See restoration in broken areas.

• See yourself influencing kings and decision-makers.

• See divine favor opening doors.

• See yourself as a pillar of strength in your family.

Biblical Examples of Right Seeing

David didn’t see a giant threatening Israel—he saw an uncircumcised Philistine defying God, like a stray dog to be dealt with.

Joseph envisioned sheaves and stars bowing before him. The how wasn’t his concern; the vision came first.

And in Mark 8:22-26, Jesus healed a blind man in two stages. After the first touch, the man said, “I see people, but they look like trees walking.” Jesus touched him again, and he saw clearly.

Some of us are like that man—our vision for the future is partial, distorted. We need a second touch from the Lord to see 2026 with crystal clarity.

A Call to Clear Vision

Today, lift your hands and declare:

• I see victory in 2026!

• I see progress and breakthrough!

• I see promotion and divine acceleration!

• I see God’s favor surrounding me!

Reject blurred vision. Refuse to carry 2025’s limitations forward.

What do you see?

See big. See God’s promises. See yourself walking in the fullness of what He has prepared.

Because as far as your faith-filled eyes can see—that’s how far God will take you in the year ahead.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Where Are the Nine? A Call to Remember Thanksgiving

The Story of the Ten Lepers

The scripture tells us the story of ten lepers who cried out to Jesus for mercy. When He saw them, He said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

But one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back. With a loud voice, he glorified God, fell down at Jesus' feet, and gave Him thanks. This man was a Samaritan, a foreigner.

Jesus responded, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18).

These ten men stood at a distance, as the law required of lepers—they were stigmatized, isolated. They saw Jesus, they cried out for mercy, and mercy found them. He simply told them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And on their way, they were healed.

Yet, only one turned back. Only one fell at the feet of Jesus and said, “Thank you.”

And Jesus asked, “Ten were cleansed. One returned. Where are the nine?”

This morning, Jesus is asking you and me the same question: “Where are the nine? Where is your thanksgiving?”

Today is a day of thanksgiving. God is asking, “Where is your gratitude? Are you bringing the rest instead of the best? Where is your thanksgiving?”

What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude to God Himself. It is the art of showing and telling God, “I am grateful.” You express it through your thanks, and you must thank Him and give. It’s not complete when you don’t give. So God asks, “Where is your thanksgiving?”

Why Must I Give Thanks to God?

1. Because He is Good.
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). He is good, He is good, He is good. From January until now, He has kept you. He is a good God. You are sitting here because God is good. You can eat because God is good. You can travel because God is good. You can still think clearly because He is good. Everything in your life functions because He is good.

Even when that thing you’ve been praying for hasn’t come, He is good. Even when the storms of life rage around you, He is good. Even when things aren’t working, He is good. Even when you pray and pray and it seems your prayers hit the ceiling, God is good. That is the first reason you must thank Him.

2. Because He is Merciful.
He forgave me when everyone else thought I didn’t deserve it. When everyone labeled me a sinner, He forgave me. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” He is a merciful God. He said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Brothers and sisters, if God were to mark our iniquities, none of us could stand. We have obtained mercy.

3. Because He Gave His Life For Me.
He gave His life for me and to me. He didn’t just patch up my old ways; He gave Himself and reformed me, transformed me. He replaced my life with a brand new one. He took away the old man, messed up with guilt and sin, washed me with His blood, and gave me a life completely free from sin. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). That indescribable gift is that He came and died for you.

4. Because He Preserves My Life.
“O Lord, You have brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit” (Psalm 30:3). Sing to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks. Some of you take the gift of life for granted. Some went to sleep last night and did not wake up. He preserves your life. Every time the enemy shot an arrow, the angels of the Lord shielded you. Even when they said you wouldn’t see today, here you are, bouncing in the Lord.

Don’t you understand the testimony? I have seen death face to face. God preserved life. For the gift of life alone, we must say, “Thank You.”

5. Because He Delivered Me From My Enemies.
“The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God who avenges me” (Psalm 18:46-47). He delivered me from my enemies—those in my family, in my workplace, those who didn’t want me to live, who thought I shouldn’t even eat. He delivered me from known and unknown enemies. Someone shout, “Hallelujah!”

6. Because He Believed in Me When No One Else Did.
When no one else believed I had a calling, He believed in me. When everybody thought I came into ministry because my father was a pastor, He believed in me. Some of you, God believed in you even when you didn’t believe in yourself. That’s enough reason to give Him thanks.

7. Because He Healed Me and Kept Me in Health.
You were sick this year, and He healed you. He kept you in good health. “Who heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:3).

8. Because He Helped Me.
It is not by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit of the Lord. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). He shall not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. He is my help and my sustenance. He helped me this year.

9. Because He Provided For Me at Critical Times.
When everywhere looked dry, I don’t know about you, but this is my testimony: He provided for me. At critical times, He did not put me to shame. When school fees were due, He paid. When the needs of my family arose, He provided. Even when you were put to shame, when people mocked you, God showed up and said, “I AM.” Don’t take His provisions for granted. That provision you think is just “normal” is God’s grace. Beware lest you receive the blessing and forget to say, “Thank You, Lord.”

10. Because He is God.
Whether you thank Him or not, He is God. Whether you bring your praise or not, He is God, all by Himself. He is God from the beginning to the end. There is no place for argument. You are God.

• You are the Alpha and Omega.

• You are the Bread of Life.

• You are the Creator.

• You are the Defender.

• You are Emmanuel.

• You are the Faithful God.

• You are the God of my salvation.

You are God all by Yourself. You don’t need a man’s validation. You are the Everlasting God, the Most High. He is God!

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The Challenge

Your complaining doesn’t change who He is. He is God from the beginning to the end. That leaves no room for argument. He is God over your situation. He is God over your finances. He is God over your health. He is God over your family.

He is the Ever-living God. The Faithful God. The Creator of the greatest and the smallest. The Strongest of the strong. The Richest of the rich. The Wisest of the wise. What a mighty God we serve!

So I ask you again, with Jesus: “Where are the nine?” Let us be the one who turns back, falls at His feet, and gives thanks.

THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU (ME)

THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU (ME)

TEXT: ISAIAH 54:4

INTRODUCTION: Isaiah prophesied before the Babylonian Captivity. By his prophetic mantle, he prophesied that Judah will suffer shame and humiliation that would make her lose every hope of restoration. Using the imagery of the reproach associated with youths, widows and divorcees, Isaiah showed the severity of their sufferings. God will however restore their glory again.

 

The objective in this message is to reassure us that there is still hope for us whatever we are going through today.

 

I.  WE SHALL FORGET THE SHAME OF OUR YOUTHS—ISAIAH 54:4a “…" Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth….” (NIV)

 

a. The shame associated with Israel’s youth in this verse could refer to her suffering in Egypt.

 

i. Israel could be seen as in her youth at this time because as a national community she was still like a virgin. She entered into a betrothal when she was redeemed by God, and became His youthful wife through a covenant of love when the law was given at Sinai (Jer.2:2; Ezek. 16:60).1

 

ii. Like Israel, we also enter into a betrothal with God when we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We must however note that engage is not marriage. Our relationship with Jesus will only be consummated into a marriage union if we keep our garments pure till He returns—Rev.19:17

 

b. Given the severity of the Babylonian captivity; Judah would forget the pleasure she enjoyed in the days of her ‘honeymoon’ with Jehovah. God will however restore His people and they will not remember the shame associated with their past anymore.

 

i. This is also true in our today experiences. In the days of

trouble, we tend to remember only the troubles of our past. In the days of enjoyment also, we forget that we have ever suffered.

 

ii. May the Lord cause us to forget all our past sufferings and shame!

 

II.  THE   REPROACH   OF   WIDOWHOOD   WILL   NOT   BE REMEMBERED—ISAIAH 54:4b “…You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.”

 

a. Following the analogy given above (of Israel being in her youth in Egypt, and as married at Sinai); the most appropriate period of her widowhood was during her Babylonian captivity.2

 

i. This is not because God (her husband) was dead, but because other nations treated them as a widow for whom no one will avenge. The prophet assured them that with what God will do in their lives, they will not remember the reproaches of their widowhood anymore.

 

ii. We also face situations where life metes to us ‘widowhood-kind-of’ sufferings—with nobody anywhere to help. God who restored the glory of Israel will also restore our glory.

 

b. Using the NIV rendering, Isaiah identified four qualities in God that makes Him the most reliable husband (Isaiah54:5)

 

i. Their husband is their “Maker”—He made them in the first place and could remake them into a more pleasant bride.

 

ii. Their husband is by name “the Lord Almighty”—He can do anything to restore them.

 

iii. Their husband, who double share as their redeemer is “the Holy One of Israel”. Given His holy nature, He will not treat Them unjustly or allow any man to treat them unjustly.

 

iv. Their husband is called “the God of all the earth”. No nation on earth can stop His restoration agenda for His people.

 

 

c. Like the Israelites, we are here assured that our husband (God) is not dead, and cannot die. By His intervention in our lives, those who treated us as widows will realize that our Redeemer lives (Job19:25-27).

 

III.  THE DIVORCEE SHALL BE RESTORED

 

a. The imagery of divorce between God and His people usually illustrates their unfaithfulness and God’s punishment to them. In some cases, it shows God’s people divorcing Him to follow other men (gods). Other times, it shows God sending them away because of their gross unfaithfulness (e.g. Babylonian captivity).

 

b. Isaiah further shows that though Israel’s captivity was occasioned by their unfaithfulness to her husband, God will restore her again—Isaiah 54:6-8.

 

c. The implication of this is that even if our sufferings are results of our unfaithfulness to God; He wishes to restore us to Himself. All we need to do is to come to Him in repentance and we will find hope again in Him.

 

CONCLUSION: This message has come to reassure us that there is hope for us. Even if our condition is like that of a helpless youth, widow or a divorcee, we can trust God for a restoration!

 

PRAYERS:

 

1. Pray for restoration and renewal of relationship with God in any way we have been living as unfaithful bride or a divorcee.

 

2. That God will respond to every shame and reproach of our lives as He responded to the shame and reproaches of Israel’s youthfulness and widowhood.