A CALL TO MOURNING By Major. Frank Materu
Introduction:
God, the Living One, calls us to a season of mourning and repentance.
His warnings are evident, and His righteous judgments are being unleashed upon the earth.
For too long, humanity has turned a deaf ear to His voice, refusing to acknowledge its sins and rejecting His call to repentance.
But the time for grace is running out.
The question remains: will we heed His voice and turn back, or will we face the terrifying reality of His wrath?
Key Scripture:
"Now, therefore,” declares the Lord, “turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity." – Joel 2:12-13
1. The Urgency of Repentance:
The time to repent is now, not tomorrow.
Many live in selfindulgence, assuming that all is well, yet the reality is far from it.
God sees every sin and rebellion committed before Him.
Those who refuse to turn to Him will face devastating consequences.
Scripture Reference:
"But if you do not repent, you will all likewise perish." – Luke 13:5
God's wrath is not something to take lightly.
He warns us through His word and sends His Spirit to convict us.
Ignoring these warnings leads only to destruction.
Diseases, calamities, and ultimate separation from God await those who persist in rebellion.
2. The Call to Mourning and Weeping:
This is not a time for pride or complacency.
The Holy Spirit grieves over our sins and calls us to share in this grief through heartfelt mourning and weeping.
Mourning is not a sign of weakness; it is a response to the seriousness of sin and an act of submission to God’s will.
Scripture Reference:
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." – Matthew 5:4
Action Steps for Mourning:
Acknowledge your sins:
Do not justify or hide them.
Cry out for mercy:
God is compassionate to those who genuinely repent.
Intercede for others:
Mourn not only for your sins but also for those of your family and community.
3. The Consequences of Ignoring God’s Call:
The Bible is clear that those who refuse to repent will face severe consequences.
God’s judgment is not a human invention—it is a reality rooted in His justice and holiness.
Scripture Reference:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 6:23
God will strip away false securities, exposing the nakedness of human pride and sin.
Those who reject Him will face unimaginable sorrow and devastation.
4. God’s Desire for Restoration:
Despite the warnings, God’s ultimate desire is not to destroy but to restore.
He is gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
He longs for us to return to Him so that we may experience His mercy and healing.
Scripture Reference:
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." – 2 Chronicles 7:14
God has promised that those who turn to Him with a contrite heart will find forgiveness.
This is the hope we cling to in the midst of mourning.
Conclusion:
The call to mourning is not a message of despair but a plea for renewal.
God’s arms remain open to those who seek Him in humility and truth.
Let us not wait until it is too late.
Begin today—repent, mourn, and turn back to the Living God.
Key Takeaway:
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." – Proverbs 28:13
In this season of grace, let us not harden our hearts but respond with humility.
Repentance is not just an act; it is a lifestyle that aligns us with God’s purpose and ushers in His peace.
Let us pray:
"Lord, create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. May we mourn for our sins and walk in Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
