Out of the depths of his travails, listen to David in Psalm 40 outlining his discovery of what God really wanted in man, the apex of His creation:

You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:6-8 NLT

not money but simple obedience and submission to God.

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. John 4:34

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:38-40

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do…I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. John 17:4,6-8.

These declarations of the Lord (John 4:34-38; 6:38-41; 17:4,6-8) prototyped in the words of the Psalmist (Psalm 40) also show that beyond David’s discovery and compliance to what God wants, comes the proclamation to the congregation (Psalm 40:9-10).

I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 40:9-10 NLT

Brethren, beyond the positional (implanted or seed of righteousness) we must move to living it out and transmitting the same. Can you affirm this of yourself or you are just a transmitter of unrighteousness, filth, greed and seduction to God’s heritage?

Are we transmitters of the righteous character of Christ (Philippians 1:10-11 NLT), His:

1. faithfulness,
2. salvation,
3. lovingkindness and
4. truth

because these are the things that will preserve His people. These four attributes speak to the character of God. From the very beginning, He established a pattern of blessing against the cyclical story of human experience (up today down tomorrow in their ways and response to God’s kindness).

He never abandoned but consistently provided redemption, restoration and progressive covenant faithfulness. Though humanity fails, God continues to make a way, working through imperfect people to bring to fruition His plan (Revelation 21:3; 22:3-5). In Christ’ coming, doing the will of God transcends just desire but to an actualisation. This is where grace empowerment comes in, John 8:11 aptly explained in Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:20-21.

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:11

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

In between desire and actualisation the daily process to follow is described in Isaiah 50:4-11, the daily life in God’s school of discipleship! Where perfect submission, devotion to God and patience in the face of sufferings and persecutions, even death are in the package. A bondservant who has no will of his own, yet it is out of love not compulsion (Exodus 21:1-6). Are you called? Selah.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele