THEME: THE GREAT HARVEST LESSON: NINE
TOPIC: From Old to New: The Journey of Interruptions
TEXT: Ephesians 4:22–24; Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23; Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43; Mark 10:17–22
MEMORY TRACK
In our last lesson, by the help of the Holy Ghost, we saw that while regeneration begins with the rebirth of the human spirit, true salvation continues with the renewal of the soul and ultimately culminates in the redemption of the body (Romans 8:23). We understood that God’s goal is not merely to populate heaven but to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29; 1Peter 1:9; Hebrew 10:39). It is this ongoing transformation — from fleshly tendencies to divine alignment — that qualifies one to be called a child of the Kingdom (Romans 12:2).
The lesson highlighted the intricate link between the parables of the wheat and tares, and the parable of the Sower. While one reveals the goal — the raising and planting of Kingdom children in the world, the other reveals the process
— the transformation of the heart through exposure to the Word.
THE JOURNEY FROM OLD TO NEW
Man begins life on earth with a brand new spirit, soul and body given by the creator—but as soon as a baby is born, the old starts to act on it (Romans 7:9-13). This continues until the old nature completely takes over the running of the life of the being. The moment we are born again, (regeneration of the human spirit) Heaven expects that transformation of the soul should begin—a journey from old to new (Titus 3:3-5; Romans 12:2). This is not an easy journey. It is marked by interruptions—moments where God steps in and breaks the natural flow of life to redirect us toward His eternal purpose (John 21:18).
Without divine interruption, a believer—even if saved—may continue in a pattern that lacks fruit, growth, or eternal value. This lesson explores how Heaven interrupts our old life, awakening us to put off the old man and actively pursue the new life in Christ.
WHY GOD INTERRUPTS OUR JOURNEY
1. Because of God’s Love (Hebrews 12:6)
God’s interruptions are motivated by His deep love. He disciplines, redirects, and sometimes stops us abruptly because He is committed to our maturity and eternal well-being. Love does not leave us to perish in comfort or complacency—it calls us higher (Mark 10:21 – Love initiates the interruption). Blessed are you in the days of your flesh when like Jacob, you are divinely interrupted. Amen.
2. To Awaken the Soul (Romans 13:11–14)
Many believers remain asleep spiritually, living as though they are still bound under the influence of the old man. Interruptions awaken us to God’s agenda and break the numbing patterns of the world.
3. To Redirect Life Toward God’s Agenda of Salvation
The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–22) encountered Jesus—a divine interruption. Though he was young, had wealth, and power, Jesus offered him something more: the journey of becoming new. He was given a chance to lay up treasure where it mattered. He went away sorrowful and did not profit from this interruption, thereby losing an opportunity to secure his lot in God’s eternal agenda.
4. To Shift us from Existing to Living (John 10:10)
Life in Christ is more than breath—it is purpose, fruitfulness, and harvest. Interruptions force us to stop “going with the flow” and begin swimming against the current, toward eternal significance.
RECOGNIZING DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS
It is good to note that not all disruptions of one’s life are divinely orchestrated. Trials of life happen to everyone. However, divine interruptions come with a sense of purpose and call, though this is not always recognized immediately. The enemy sometimes takes advantage of this avenue to afflict the journeying believer. Being under spiritual covering and proper alignment to the leading of the Spirit will greatly help in deciphering between these experiences.
Whether a dramatic interruption like Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–6) —which transformed the persecutor to a profound apostle, or detours of Moses from prince to warrior to shepherd and finally the mighty deliverer of Israel, interruptions of one’s life are key to connecting divine destiny.
RESPONDING TO HEAVEN’S INTERRUPTION
- Obey Quickly and Fully (Hebrews 3:15): Delay can cost destiny (like the rich young ruler who walked away sad).
- Let Go of the Old Man (Ephesians 4:22–24): The redirection of your journey is key to “putting off” the old and “putting on” the new.
- Submit to the Renewal Process (Romans 12:2): The new man is not instant—it is formed through obedience to the word, and prayer.
THE OUTCOME: FROM OLD TO NEW
1. Fruitfulness (John 15:2) – Pruning brings more fruit.
Interruptions are God’s way of pruning us for greater harvest. Even after we have begun the journey of transformation (salvation of the soul), we will still receive fresh directives that alter our course in order to bear more fruit.
2. Spiritual Maturity:
Heaven’s redirection of our journey is how we mature spiritually. Through such interruptions, we move from spiritual sleep to active pursuit of the hope of the gospel. We migrate from being self-driven to Spirit-led, and thereby true sons of God.
3. Inheritance of The Promise (Eternal Life).
The goal of heaven’s interruptions is not for our survival or prosperity in the earth, but to grant us inheritance of His very life —to finish the journey fully saved!
CONCLUSION
If you are never interrupted, check if you are spiritually asleep. Divine interruption is proof of divine love. From salvation (regeneration) to salvation (transformation of the soul) and ultimately full and complete redemption (eternal salvation), the journey is filled with interruptions that shape the soul from old to new to all and finally to the realm ONLY (2Corinthians 5:17).