Why many are stuck in life: US-based pastor Joe Tarkon speaks at Lagos crusade
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Dr. Joe Tarkon, a US-based Pastor of the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Atlanta and a practicing medical doctor, has revealed reasons many people get stuck in life.
He made the disclosure during a three-day mission that culminated in a crusade on December 6 in Agbowa, a community in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The mission included free healthcare for thousands and leadership empowerment skills training.
Highlights of the crusade included performances by the popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, and Psalm 100.
The sermon: ‘The man who saw jesus’
In his sermon, titled ‘The man who saw Jesus,’ Tarkon referenced Mark chapter 10 verse 52 from the Bible, which tells the story of the blind Bartimaeus whose sight was restored after he cried out for the Messiah’s help. Before recounting the encounter, the pastor laid out the reasons he believes people get stuck in life.
Tarkon used the story of Bartimaeus, who was “sitting by the road side” while others moved, to illustrate the problem of being stuck “in one position”.
He emphasized that God’s will is for people to move forward “from grace to grace, from glory to glory, from favour to favour, from one level to another level”.
He quoted the Bible which states that “the pathway of the righteous, he shines brighter and brighter, into a perfect day”.
The pastor identified several factors that keep people stagnant:
Laziness: He said this causes people to “stand in one spot” and not want to move, such as sitting in front of the computer, TV, or social media all day.
Sickness: He said Sickness is a major factor, as it can restrict movement and cause people to spend all their money trying to get well, which prevents them from moving forward in life. The Bible, he noted, says: “God anointed Jesus to go about healing all manner of sickness”.
Demonic Power: He said the devil can keep people in one place, preventing them from breaking out. He cited the children of Israel in Egypt, who were held in a place by the “principality of Pharaoh” until Moses commanded, “Thus says the Lord, let my people go”.
Lack of Vision: Tarkon connected this to the biblical warning that “where there is no vision, the people will perish”.
Tarkon noted that Bartimaeus was also a beggar. The pastor stated that God does not want people to be beggars, having made them “rich, wealthy and free”. He cited scriptures that promises prosperity and health, stating that Jesus became poor so that we can be rich.
Bartimaeus’ deliverance
He said the story continued with Bartimaeus hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. Tarkon says Bartimaeus began to shout, ‘Jesus son of David have mercy on me.’ He said some tried to silence him, but Bartimaeus cried out even more.
The preacher noted that the Bible states that Jesus stopped because of one man crying out. He said Jesus then called Bartimaeus and asked him, “what do you want from me?”. He said Bartimaeus requested, “open my eyes,” and Jesus replied, “your faith has made you well”.
The pastor concluded the sermon by praying for the thousands in attendance.
Food items were distributed at the crusade, which has the support of Vital Health, RCCG City of David, General hospital Agbowa, PFN Lagos, CAN, and Africa Missions Global.
