Christ’s Ambassador

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven”

Mathew 18:21-22

This is a necessary follow-up to my earlier posting titled Betrayed But Not Defeated. If you have not read it, it was a story of Mama Abutu, my mother in-law’s sustained faithfullness to her marriage vows even when her husband deserted the house and was not seen or heard of for seven years. She used that bitter disappointment as a launching pad for a more intimate relationship with God. The last one to graduate of her seven children, Grace, a Journalist, is now on the one-year National Service program at Akwa Ibom state. The Lord restored the fortunes of Abutu family when, as a thief in the night, baba walked in on 27th August 2008. This, I must confess happened because you people prayed for the family when you read the that post, for it happened ten days after the publication came online. Thank God for hearing your prayers on behalf of the family.

Baba, David Bala Abutu a retired cop, came in sober and repentant. He, like the Biblical David approached Mama and pleaded guilty. He confessed that Mama did not offend her in any way and that he was sorry for inflicting so much pain on everybody when he abandoned his family. He confirmed that he had suffered greatly from the heat of the Holy Spirit who kept on convicting him. He came back home when he could not bear it any longer. He wondered if Mama and the children would have him back?

Mama’s joy knew no limits. She at first thought she was in a dream. Her doubts cleared when she conducted all tests of reality, straining her eyes, pinching herself and still Baba’s presence before her was as real as it could ever be. According to her, she could not say a word other than “God! How great you are!” In response to the question, she bursted out singing her favourite song “Praise God Halleluyah, Praise God Amen, Praise God Halleluyah, Praise God Amen”. This she sang as she prepared a warm bath for baba who had travelled over 800 kilometeres to reach home. And while he took his bath, she still sang as she prepared food and served her husband for the first time in seven years. All the while, she was marveling at what God has brought about in her life.

When the man had finished eating and is refreshed. They settled down to talk. Old wounds were re-opened so they could be given proper treaatment for healing. Baba was taken by surprise at what he found out. He never expected that he would be received quite easily and even with gratitude to God. He never expected an easy forgiveness from a woman who had never enjoyed marital love and care for almost forty years, no thanks to him. What eventually became a seven year-absence from home started with short absences, uncaring attitudes and unwillingness to make provisions for the family needs. He knew mama as a good believer and servant of God yet he was overwhelmed by this grace of forgiveness and acceptance without him having to pay a limb for it.

Mama’s attitude is rare in these evil days. It could be likened to the Father rushing out to meet the prodigal son even when he was still far off from the house, lest the poor boy became frightened and change his mind. She took her husband back demonstrating that vengeance is of God. It is in man to sin but its nature of God to forgive. She recognized the fact that if she refused to forgive, her own sins would not be forgiven and her prayers will be hindered as Jesus warned clearly in Mark 11:25-26. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” KJV

After about three days when Baba had rested well and they had discussed at length, Mama arranged for her husband to meet with the Elders of the Church. The elders prayed for them and asked all the necessary questions, which Baba answered to their satisfaction. For those who had known him before, here was a repented David Bala Abutu before them. For some of them had counseled him several times in the past when it was obvious he would fall into the sin of abandoning his family.

To show he was ready to turn a new leaf, he accepted the Elders’ counsel that he started attending a baptismal class at once upon the conclusion of which he would be accepted into the Church fully and then prayers would be organized for his family. He had since concluded the training and had been given an immersion baptism. The climax of it was the marriage blessing which held on 28th November 2008. It was a grand occasion for the members of Qua Iboe Church in Makurdi and other parishes in Benue State and Abuja, and all the members of Heart Of Faith Ministry which Mama founded at the beginning of her trials.

This is a clear testimony that “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” Mama held onto the Lord. The waters of the storm did not drown her and the fire of trials did not consume her as God promised through Isaiah (Isaiah 43:2) God has replenished the oil in her marriage. I rejoice with her greatly. My congratulations also go to Mama’s children; Samuel, Hassan Paul, Hassana Suzan (my wife), Victoria, Stephen, Grace and Rose. They, in obedience to Mama’s teaching and following her example, have allowed the Holy Spirit to take control of their emotions. They all received their father back with forgiving hearts, compassion and honour. God will surely honour them back for treating their father with honour and kind regards. Ex 20:12 says “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee”. God is not unjust to forget this labour of love.

As you read this piece, perhaps oil has dried up in your own marriage and you are going through a hard time? Perhaps you are in one problem or the other and you cannot see the end of it for now? This is a sure, real-live contemporary testimony that God sees your tears and he is concerned. Jesus knows about your troubles and if he is in the boat with you, you can smile at the storm. He will guide till the day is done. God is on your case, do not conclude yet. He has good plans for you. Perhaps you are keeping someone’s offence warm in your heart and you are not ready or able to forgive them? Think of all you owe Jesus Christ himself who died for your sins. Ask Jesus to make your heart tender and give you the ability to forgive. Remember what Joseph said to his brothers who had inflicted him with great pains? “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive” Ex 50:20

Or are you the one who has offended someone and you think it is impossible for you to be forgiven? You only need to confess your sins and repent genuinely. Learn to say “I am Sorry” and make sure you mean it. Pray and be ready to repair the broken relationship. If the Spirit speaks to you today, do not harden your heart.

Finally, train your children in the way of the Lord if God has blessed you with children. Mama trained her children to forgive and to live in peace with everyone. She herself is having peace under her roof now with her husband because her children have not departed from the teaching she gave them. To God be the Glory.