THE CALL TO REPENTANCE: ESCAPE FROM RETRIBUTION AND RETALIATION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
— Ezekiel 33:11 (KJV)
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Introduction
In this prophetic moment in human history, God is raising His voice through His chosen vessels to call all people—men, women, and children—to repentance. The mercy of the Lord has been extended time and again, but the increase of rebellion, sin, and demonic delusion has intensified in these last days. Nations that consider themselves advanced have become hubs of pride, moral corruption, and spiritual blindness. God, in His righteousness and unchanging justice, is not silent. He speaks with clarity and warning, making His desire known: that none should perish but that all should come to repentance and walk in His revealed righteousness.
This lesson explores the deep urgency of repentance, the reality of divine retribution for unrepentant hearts, and the contrasting blessing for those who walk in the light of God's Spirit. It offers insight into the dynamics between spiritual rebellion and divine justice and reveals God's heart for His people to be preserved, protected, and productive in His Kingdom. Every sentence in this lesson comes from a direct cry of God’s Spirit, urging all who hear to respond with humility and obedience. This is not merely a call to reflect, but a divine mandate to act.
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The Ever-Increasing Rebellion of the Times
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…”
— 2 Timothy 3:1–2
God laments the reality that sins are not decreasing but increasing in these present times. The rebellion we see globally is not accidental—it is intentional and systemic. People, especially in nations that perceive themselves as "developed" or "advanced," have grown hostile to God’s truth. Pride, entitlement, and deception have hardened hearts. Sin is no longer hidden but celebrated, and repentance is seen as weakness or irrelevance.
The Living God reveals that His Spirit does not plead forever. There is a divine line that, when crossed, leads to judgment. As wickedness grows, God’s mercy still calls out, yet it will not strive indefinitely. Those who delay repentance presume wrongly that they are getting by with sin. But God's patience is not His approval—it is an opportunity for redemption.
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The Influence of Demonic Commands
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”
— 1 Timothy 4:1
When people are far from God, they fall prey to the influence of demon spirits. These spirits do not whisper holiness but shout rebellion, lawlessness, and destruction. Under the covering of demons, men and women act irrationally, forsaking divine wisdom for carnal indulgence. Their ears are deaf to truth, and their lives spiral into misery and ruin.
God exposes the fact that these demonic commands are responsible for the sorrow and misery gripping so many lives. Instead of pursuing righteousness, people follow deceit. Their minds become veiled, and their desires corrupted. The demonic delusion has made people dumb—unable to discern truth from error, life from death.
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God’s Desire: That His People Not Perish With the Sinners
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:9
God’s longing is not to punish His people but to redeem them. However, when believers yield themselves to the same rebellious behavior as the heathen, they align with the judgment appointed for the unrepentant. He does not intend for His people to become more sinful than the ungodly, yet when His people forsake His Spirit, they become chronic in sin.
God’s people are to be light-bearers—not imitators of darkness. He calls His church to holiness, to walk in the path of righteousness, and to be separate from the corruption of the age. The tragedy is that some who claim His name live lives indistinguishable from the world. This brings divine sorrow, for the people who should be walking in the light are swallowed up in darkness.
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The Righteous Commands of the Spirit
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
— Galatians 5:25
The Holy Spirit gives commands that lead to life, peace, and godliness. These commands are not grievous but life-giving. When people obey the Spirit, they are elevated in character, conduct, and purpose. God desires that His people live by these commands to enjoy His covering and favor, even in times of wrath and judgment.
Only those who heed the Spirit’s call will be preserved in the days of shaking. The obedient will find shelter, but the rebellious will be exposed. God's promises are tied to obedience, not mere association. It is not enough to claim God; one must obey God.
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The Retribution and Retaliation of God
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
— Galatians 6:7
God is just, and His retribution cannot be delayed forever. When He rises to judge, no nation, no government, no legal system can halt His hand. Proud leaders, proud people, and proud systems will fall under His mighty judgment. Those who have refused to repent will taste the bitterness of divine retaliation.
Yet, even in judgment, God makes room for mercy. Some will humble themselves during their personal humblings and find restoration. Others will resist, grow angrier, and attack God's messengers. But their rebellion will only hasten their ruin.
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Walking in Gratitude, Obedience, and Light
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
God calls His people to walk in gratitude and humility. To serve Him daily is a privilege, not a burden. Pride is the path to death, while humility leads to life. The closer one walks with God’s Spirit, the more light is given to discern truth from error.
While the world walks in darkness, God’s people must walk in light. The contrast must be visible. Obedience is the proof of love, and love is the fruit of a Spirit-led life. Those who walk with God will not be shaken by the coming judgments. They will be preserved in His peace and strength.
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Summary
God is urgently calling all people to repentance. The sins of this age are multiplying, and rebellion is saturating the nations. His Spirit continues to plead, but the time of grace will not last forever. Demonic forces are influencing many, leading them into destruction and delusion. God does not desire that His people perish with the wicked, but that they walk in His righteousness.
The commands of the Holy Spirit are life-giving, and obedience to these commands leads to protection, peace, and productivity in God's Kingdom. Divine retribution is real, and no nation or person can escape it unless they are hidden in Christ. The Lord desires grateful, obedient, Spirit-led children who reject pride and walk in the light of His Word.
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Conclusion
The voice of the Lord is clear: Repent and return. This is not a time to play with sin or flirt with rebellion. The consequences are eternal. Yet God, in His great mercy, still calls out with love. He desires you to walk in life, not death; in obedience, not destruction. Let your life be a testimony of one who hears the voice of the Lord and responds with submission, not resistance.
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Call to Action
Today, examine your life. Are you walking in obedience or in rebellion? Are you following the Spirit or the desires of demons? The Lord is calling you now to repent, to turn fully to Him, and to walk in the light of His Word. Don't delay. Respond while grace is available.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God is just—but He is also merciful. If you return to Him, He will return to you. You were not made to perish but to live in His presence and fulfill His purposes. Let this word awaken you, transform you, and send you deeper into a life of obedience, faith, and godliness. Your future is not in rebellion—it is in redemption.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today recognizing that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I repent of all my sins and ask You to forgive me. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again that I might have life. I surrender my life to You, Lord Jesus. Be my Savior, my Lord, and my King. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live a life of obedience and righteousness. I choose today to walk in the light and reject the darkness. Thank You for saving me and making me Your own.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
