PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
ELEMENTS OF FAMILY LIBERATION
MAIN
TEXT:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the
law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written; cursed is everyone who is
hung on a tree”, (Galatians 3:13)
WRITERS
QUOTE:
“Real freedom can only come where Jesus is
real”
INTRODUCTION:
The concept of “family liberation” is
fast becoming a household concept, especially in societies where idol worship
has prevailed over the years. Both proponents and exponents of this concept
hold that families are trapped into curses as a result of an unbroken
involvement in idol worship, as may have originated from the times of their
forefathers. However, as biblical as the foregoing concept may be, it is
important to correct an oversight which most believers have carried along over
the years. To such believers, the sins of their forefathers constitute their
setback(s), and as a result, family liberation becomes the point for freedom.
Be
it as it may, biblical emphasis shows that God punishes the children for the
sin(s) of the fathers, to the third and fourth generation of those who hate
him, but shows love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep
his commandments (Exodus 20:5-6). The point here, and according to the Scripture
citied, is that the non-believers (those who hate God) are punished or rather
suffer curses as a result of the sins of their forefathers to third and fourth
generation, (vs 5). Whereas, the believers (those who love God) are shown love,
to a thousand generations, (vs 6). Therefore, to say that any believer suffers
as a result of the sins or curses of the forefathers is not biblically sound.
HOW
SINS OF THE FOREFATHERS CAN AFFECT A BELIEVER
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old hasgone, the new has come”, (2 Cor.5:17)
By
biblical standing, every believer is a prospect of the new covenant of God in
Christ, free from curses and every entanglement of the old covenant, the law.
However, since the believer is also a member of a natural family whose members
may all not have received Christ, thus under the curses of the forefathers, it
becomes obvious that such a believer would naturally share the burdens of his
unbelieving relations who suffer as a result of the curses of the forefathers.
For an example, the believer may be disturbed from time to time to make
contributions to alleviate the sufferings of his unbelieving brothers and
sisters who are yet under the curses of the forefathers. In view of this, the
believer is affected by the curses of the forefathers, though not under the
curses.
THE
MISSING LINK IN FAMILY LIBERATION
“Do
not grieve the Holy Spirit, with whom you were sealed for the day of
redemption”, (Ephesians 4:30)
From
every biblical indication, it is now obvious that the curses of the forefathers
are never the portion of the believer who by believing and receiving Christ has
endorsed his love for God. Nevertheless, there are other ways the believer (as
well as the non-believer) can attract curses that can hinder his well-being.
Pointedly, most believers suffer setbacks as a result of grieving the Holy
Spirit. One grieves the Holy Spirit when one indulges in impurities like;
bitterness, rage (violent uncontrollable anger) and anger, brawling (rough or
noisy fighting) and slander (saying something untrue that harms a person’s
reputation), etc (Eph.4:31).
Furthermore,
one who deliberately disobeys God’s Word or direct instruction, grieves the
Holy Spirit, and in turn brings setback on oneself. For instance, one who
receives a direct instruction or leading to do a specific work in God’s
vineyard, grieves the Holy Spirit where one disobeys such a divine directive.
This often brings about economic setback, sickness, misery and other forms of
evil omens. Also, incomplete obedience as touching divine instruction grieves
the Holy Spirit and causes devastating problems. The account of Saul’s life
demonstrates the aforementioned,(see1 Samuel 15)
FAMILY
LIBERATION AND WICKED PERSONS IN THE FAMILY
The wicked man craves evil; his
neighbor gets no mercy from him, (Proverb 21:10).
In
most cases, family woes are blamed on either the “curses of the forefather”, or
that of the Holy Spirit. All the same, in today’s world, there is an increasing
awareness of the activities of the wicked members of the family who cast
demonic spells on fellow members of their family. To this end, fetish means are
used to enforce misfortunes on both the unsuspecting believing and
non-believing members of the family. In fact, this is one of the strongest
sources of family and community woes in the world of today. By this, it becomes
advisable that as one makes efforts in liberating oneself and other members of
one’s family from the effects of the curses of the forefathers and more, one
should not lose sight of the activities and presence of these undesirable elements
in the family, who are agents of the devil. However, this not a call to pray
that they die, (see Eph 6:12)
WHERE
FAMILY LIBERATION IS NOT NEEDED
“My father, it is possible, may this cup be
taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will”, (Matt. 26:39)
Often
than noticed, the wave of family liberation casts blind spot on stakeholders.
They seem to suffer from what may be termed “doctrine eclipse” and so, play
down on vital biblical teachings, like, “trial of faith”, “temptation” and
“divine training”. It is often in the plan of God that His people be tried to
demonstrate their qualification or otherwise for the Crown of Life, (James
1:12). Equally, God’s Word admonishes that one endures hardship as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ, (2 Timothy 2:3). More often too, God channels his
people into lack, disappointment, poverty and more, as way of preparing them
for the work of the kingdom. Under such situations, family liberation
exercise(s) becomes meaningless, as no one can change God’s divine order. What
one needs to do in the above instances is to patiently and prayerfully wait
until one crosses what may be figuratively termed one’s “Red sea” or
“wilderness training” after which one is blessed.
LIBERATING
FAMILY MEMBERS FROM CURSES
“Jabez
was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying “I
gave birth to him in pain”. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you
would bless me and enlarge my territory. Let your hand be with me, and keep me
from harm so that I will be free from pain” and God granted his request”, (1Chronicles
4:9-10)
“Curses
of the forefathers” carry the woes of economic setbacks and failures,
barrenness and fruitlessness, mental retardation and physical abnormalities,
short life span and all forms of demonic domination. Idol worship which gives
birth to “curses of the forefathers” equally gives Satan authority over one’s
life, family and generations. The unbelievers are in the exclusive list of
these problems. This is not to say that believers do not suffer similar
problems. They do, but similarly, “curses of the Holy Spirit” can result in
untimely death, hindrances, barrenness, restlessness, disappointments,
demotions, frustrations and more. Both believers and non-believers can be
pulled into these problems where they put up attitudes that grieve the Holy
Spirit. Furthermore, “spells of misfortunes” as are often projected by wicked
persons in the family can equally bring about untimely death through accidents
and witchcraft. It can as well enforce poverty and misery, miscarriages and
marriage problems, possession and obsession, as well as hindrances and
frustrations. On this note, and based on the evidences in the infallible Word
of God, the writer re-echoes that the Great God of Heaven and Earth, the Alpha
and Omega, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is very much willing to forgive, save
and set free from every bondage. Like in the case of Jabez, he will grant one’s
request if one takes concrete steps to:
i) REPENT:
Sin is the root-cause of all forms of curses, and also what gives right to
demonic powers over one’s life. Therefore, where the problem of sin is not
first tackled in any liberation effort, no curse(s) is removed or broken. Most
family liberation operatives play down on this vital point in family liberation,
for obvious and negative reasons. However, it is important to note by the Word
of God that, “no repentance, no liberation”. I tell you, no! But unless you
repent, you too will all perish” (even in your Family curses and spells), (Luke
13:3)
ii) CALL:
The fundamental preparation for family liberation is the repentance of
those who need the liberation. This is followed by a well organized and
formidable prayer forum, where God is called upon for rescue. The organizers of
the said prayer forum should uncompromisingly consider the spiritual undertone
that marks such an exercise. As such, pre-fasting and praying cells will be a
welcome front to ensure an adequate tackling of every stronghold “And call upon
me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me”, (Psalm
50 vs 15).
iii) SUSTAIN:
The point of sustenance is a very vital point in liberation exercise. It is one
thing to obtain something that is worthwhile, and another thing to keep or
sustain it. Experience and testimonies in God’s Word show that many who were
once liberated from satanic yokes are back to bondage as a result of laxity.
Therefore, for one who is liberated to continue in one’s freedom, the point of
holy living is very important, “when an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes
through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, “I will
return to the house I left. When it arrives and finds the house unoccupied,
swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other
spirits more wicked that itself, and they go in and live there. And the final
condition of that man is worse than the first”, (Matthew 12:43-45). BE WARNED
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