A Divine Message for Today By Major Frank Materu
Key Bible Scripture:
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15 (NIV)
Introduction:
Today, I want to share with you a deep and urgent message that speaks to the heart of God's call for His people.
In times when corruption, confusion, and falsehoods pervade our world, the Lord is calling us to mourn for His people. He longs for true shepherds—those who will lead His flock in righteousness, justice, and truth. Let us explore this divine message and reflect on what it means to truly follow God's guidance.
The Call for Mourning for God’s People
The first call we receive is a call to mourning for God’s people. This mourning is not a sign of despair, but a deep sorrow for those who are lost, wandering in darkness, and those who have been led astray by false teachers and corrupt leaders. In the book of Jeremiah, God makes it clear that He desires shepherds who will lead His people with knowledge and understanding.
But where are those shepherds today?
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15 (NIV)
The world is filled with false promises and empty teachings, leaving many to wander aimlessly. In the face of such challenges, God calls us to rise up and take responsibility—to lead His people back to the truth, back to His word, and back to a life that honors Him.
The Curse of Fruitless Churches
It is written that God has cursed the fig tree that bears no fruit. Similarly, God has spoken of His displeasure with churches and religious systems that do not bear the fruit of righteousness and holiness.
This curse is not a random act, but a reflection of the brokenness within our spiritual communities. We must ask ourselves: are we producing the fruits of the Spirit? Are we walking in the fullness of God’s calling?
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Matthew 7:19 (NIV)
God desires for us to be fruitful in all things.
We must not be content with mere outward appearances of spirituality but must seek true transformation through faith and obedience. The church is called to be a living testimony of God's work in the world, bringing forth the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Dangers of Religious Performances
It is easy to get caught up in religious performances—activities, rituals, and ceremonies that may appear righteous on the surface but lack the depth of a true relationship with God. Jesus Himself warns against empty religion, saying that outward actions without an inward change of heart are meaningless.
True worship, true service, and true faith begin within the heart and are shown through our actions and lives.
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” – Matthew 15:8 (NIV)
It is not enough to simply go through the motions.
God desires our hearts, our devotion, and our complete surrender to Him. We must seek a deeper intimacy with Him, not simply follow religious practices to meet human expectations. God is not impressed by ritual alone—He desires a life transformed by His love and grace.
Put Religion Aside to Embrace a True Relationship with God
In the message that God delivers, He calls us to move beyond mere religion and to embrace a true relationship with Him. Religion, when it is reduced to mere rituals and human traditions, can become a barrier to the intimate connection God desires with His people.
When we set aside the constraints of human-made religion, we open ourselves to the fullness of God’s presence and power.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 (NIV)
True freedom comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a freedom that surpasses the limitations of religion, one that empowers us to live according to the will of God, to seek His kingdom above all else, and to serve Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds.
The River of Life: Cleansing and Renewal
God’s desire for us is to be cleansed, renewed, and made whole. Just as a river flows with water that refreshes and sustains, God's presence flows into our lives, washing away our sin and restoring us to a life of purity.
This river of life is not merely a concept but a living reality for those who walk with God.
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” – John 7:38 (NIV)
As believers, we are called to drink deeply from this river of life, allowing God to cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, and empower us to live a life that reflects His glory. It is through this continuous flow of God's Spirit that we are made whole and able to bear good fruit in our lives and in the world around us.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on this powerful message, let us remember that God is calling us to rise above the empty rituals and religious performances of this world. He is calling us to seek His truth, to bear good fruit, and to live in intimate relationship with Him. It is only through His power and grace that we can truly walk in the light and fulfill the purpose He has for us.
Let us not be distracted by the world’s definitions of success or spirituality but instead, let us follow the true Shepherd, who leads us with knowledge, understanding, and love. Only by following Him can we experience the fullness of life that He offers.
May we each embrace God’s call to live as His people—set apart, transformed, and empowered by His Spirit. Let us walk in the freedom He has given us, forsaking the empty religion of this world, and living lives that glorify Him in all things.
May God bless you as you seek to follow Him in all things.
