“Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God, observe kindness and justice, and wait [expectantly] for your God continually.” — Hosea 12:6
Introduction
Repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin and a sincere return to God. It is not merely an emotional feeling of regret but a complete change of heart, mind, and direction — choosing to walk in obedience to His will. Repentance opens the door for God’s mercy to flow, for His favour to be restored, and for His glory to return to a people or nation.
This week, we will share an article adapted from The Watchman Newspaper that carries a sobering yet timely call for the Church, leaders, and every citizen of Ghana to examine ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and seek God’s face.
We believe it will be a blessing to you as it stirs our hearts toward righteousness and national restoration.
CALL FOR NATIONAL REPENTANCE
Once upon a time, a woman noticed that the glory of God had left Israel, after she heard the report of the defeat of the army by the Philistines and their capture of the Ark of God, and the death of her father-in-law Eli. Phinehas’ wife suddenly went into labour, and she named her son, Ichabod [The glory is departed from Israel], even as she was breathing her last in childbirth (1 Sam 4).
Strange, indeed, that the presence of the Ark on the battlefield could not save the army from destruction, as Israel had hoped. The Ark of the Covenant still carried its power, as the Philistines realised later, but the God of the Ark would not fight for Israel. Why? Because Israel had angered God with her sins of idolatry and immorality. God was equally angry at the Priest Eli for not disciplining his children, Hophni and Phinehas, for their atrocious and unbridled sins on His altar.
This was coming on the heels of God’s warning through His prophet and also little Samuel thus: “I have sworn to the house of Eli that the sinful behavior of Eli’s house (family) shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever” (1 Sam. 3:14, AMP). The Prophet Ezekiel also was shown the vision of the glory of God departing from the temple in Jerusalem in response to Judah’s sins of idolatry and immorality: “Then the [Shekinah] glory and brilliance of the God of Israel (the cloud) went up from the cherubim on which it had rested, to [stand above] the threshold of the [Lord’s] temple” (Ezek. 9:3a, AMP).
Next, the man with the inkhorn in Ezekiel’s vision was asked to go through Jerusalem and “put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh [in distress] and grieve over all the repulsive acts which are being committed in it.” But to the others He said, “Follow him throughout the city and strike; do not let your eyes have pity and do not spare. Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women; but do not touch or go near anyone on whom is the mark. Begin at My sanctuary” (Ezek. 9:4–6, AMP).
Thereafter, Babylon could have access to the temple to pillage and destroy it. God had warned the land earlier on:
“When anguish comes, they [of Judah] shall seek peace, but there will be none… Disaster will come upon disaster and rumor will be heaped on rumor… I will deal with them in accordance with their conduct, and by their judgments I will judge them. And they will know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord” (Ezek. 9:25–27, AMP).
How Do These Concern Ghana?
Perhaps, all other nations can live as they wish, but not Ghana. God has a covenant with us and is carefully monitoring it. Whether we call ourselves sacred or secular does not change that paradigm. We have enjoyed so much of His mercy and goodness under this covenant, though we have ignorantly spurned its tenets. It is time for Him to act to show us that He is God and He is holy.
We should be careful to consider why God is so angry with us:
The church continues to live in apathy, lukewarmness, and prayerlessness. The idols of men, money, means, and methods stink before the Lord. Our arrogance and disobedience to His commands can no longer be covered.
Our political leadership is stained with the blood of the innocent, in their pursuit of power. The arrogance, greed, avarice, and insensitivity to the plight of the poor and needy cannot be overlooked anymore.
The people are seriously reviving idolatry; truth is now eschewed; stealing is acceptable; wickedness is the new sword sending many to their untimely graves through occultism.
Thus says the Lord: Hosea 5:8–15, AMP
Blow the horn in Gibeah [Ghana]… Until they acknowledge their offense and bear their guilt and seek My face; In their distress they will earnestly seek Me.
Caution for the Nation Ghana
Hosea 13:12–13, AMP
The wickedness of Ephraim is bound up… For it is not the time to delay [his chance at a new birth]…
The Only Way Out!
Hosea 12:6, 11, AMP
Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God, observe and highly regard kindness and justice, and wait [expectantly] for your God continually.
Then follows the daily prayer points and scriptures as given in the original Watchman Newspaper article… (Amos 9:8; Jeremiah 5:1; Hosea 7:8; Amos 9:9–10; Amos 8:11–12) — calling for urgent intercession for Ghana and the nations.
Conclusion
Ghana stands at a spiritual crossroads. The signs are clear, the warnings are loud, and the mercy of God still calls out. The message is simple yet urgent: Repent and return to the Lord. We cannot delay, for the hour is late.
If the Church will humble itself, if our leaders will seek justice, and if our people will turn from idolatry and wickedness, the glory that has departed can return. But if we harden our hearts, we will see the consequences foretold in Scripture.
Let us be among those who grieve over the sins of the land, who intercede for mercy, and who walk in righteousness. May God grant us the grace to repent, the courage to change, and the faith to believe that His glory can yet fill this land again.
Remain Blessed!
Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.
