THE PLAGUE OF THE WASTER By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Isaiah 54:16 – "Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy."
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Introduction
God is merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in love. However, He is also just and righteous, executing His perfect judgment upon those who reject His ways. Throughout history, God has sent warnings through His prophets, urging people to repent and return to Him. But when people persist in sin, refuse His mercy, and reject His truth, He releases judgment. One of the most severe forms of divine judgment is the unleashing of the plague of the waster—a consuming force that brings destruction upon the ungodly and the rebellious.
This teaching explores the nature of the plague of the waster, its causes, its impact on individuals and nations, and how we can escape its devastating effects by turning to God in repentance.
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God’s Mercy and Judgment
Lamentations 3:22-23 – "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
God takes no pleasure in the suffering of mankind. His joy is in showing mercy, drawing people to repentance, and granting them eternal life. However, when people persist in wickedness, despise His correction, and reject His call to righteousness, He executes His judgment.
Proverbs 29:1 – "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
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The Waster as a Divine Instrument
Isaiah 10:5-6 – "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against a hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets."
The waster is not a random force but a tool in the hands of the Almighty, used to execute judgment upon those who defile His name. Just as God used nations like Assyria and Babylon to discipline Israel, He has ordained various forms of destruction as punishment for sin.
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The Sins That Bring the Waster
Galatians 6:7 – "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The plague of the waster is unleashed because of specific sins, including:
• Rejection of God’s Mercy – When people consistently refuse God’s grace, they invite judgment.
• Idolatry and Hypocrisy – Claiming to serve God while following wickedness.
• Oppression of the Innocent – Exploiting the weak and leading children into sin.
• Greed and Corruption – Seeking wealth and power at the expense of righteousness.
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The Devastation of the Waster
Isaiah 24:3-4 – "The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish."
The waster does not discriminate. It brings destruction upon:
• Individuals – The proud and rebellious suffer personal loss and ruin.
• Families – Entire households can be wiped out through plagues, disasters, or economic collapse.
• Nations – Wicked nations are overthrown, their wealth and power reduced to nothing.
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Escaping the Plague of the Waster
2 Chronicles 7:14 – "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
The only way to escape the plague of the waster is through sincere repentance and a return to God. This involves:
• Acknowledging our sins before God.
• Turning away from wickedness and seeking righteousness.
• Trusting in Jesus Christ as our refuge and salvation.
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Summary
God is merciful, but He is also just. Those who refuse His mercy invite His judgment. The plague of the waster is a divine punishment upon the rebellious and unrepentant. Yet, there is hope for those who turn to God in humility and repentance.
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Conclusion
The time for repentance is now. The warnings of God are not to be taken lightly. Those who continue in sin will face the waster, but those who turn to God will find safety in Him.
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Call to Action
Do not wait until it is too late. Seek the Lord today. Confess your sins, forsake your wicked ways, and follow Christ wholeheartedly.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Psalm 91:1-2 – "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
God is our refuge in times of trouble. If we abide in Him, He will shield us from destruction and lead us into everlasting life.
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Prayer of Salvation
Jesus, please help me! I know I’m a sinner, and I can’t save myself. But I believe that You died on the cross for me, for my sins. I believe You can give me a new life. I’m truly sorry for everything I’ve done wrong. Please forgive me!
Wash me clean with the blood You shed for me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You. I choose to turn away from every sin I know of, and I commit my life to You.
Please, Jesus, baptize me with the Holy Spirit, and let me speak in new spiritual tongues as a sign of Your power in my life. Thank You for saving me, for setting me free from sin, from the ways of the world, and from the enemy’s grip.
Thank You, Jesus! Amen.
