CHANGING THE VERDICT

Text: Matthew 15:22-28

A Verdict could be defined as a pronouncement made by a higher authority on what has been concluded
to be done about a person. A verdict could be passed by man or God.
 Ps 115:3 - But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.
 Ps 135:6 - Whatever the Lord pleases He does, In heaven and on earth, In the seas and in all
deep places.
 Job 9:12 - If He takes away, who can hinder Him?
 Numbers 23:23 - For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now
must be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’

Process of Effecting a Change of Verdict: (Matt. 15:22-28)

1. Don’t die in silence, CRY out to God
a. Matt. 15:22 - The Syrophoenician woman cried out to The Lord for Mercy to effect a verdict change
over her daughter.
b. Mark 10:46-52 - Blind Bartimaeus cried out to The Lord for Mercy that he may receive his sight.
c. Prayer: Father, please have Mercy on Me O Lord, JESUS Thou Son of David, I Need your Mercy.
2. Ensure a good communication and relationship between you and God
a. Matt. 15:23-28 - After Syrophoenician woman cried out to the Lord, she ensured a good discussion
took place between her and The Master.
b. Gen. 18: 1-33 - Abraham also had a good discussion with God before the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah.
3. Engage the Key of Worship
a. Matt. 15:25 she came and worshipped Him. The woman engaged the key of worship. She started
eulogizing (praising and exalting) the Lord and the evil verdict over her daughter’s life was changed.
b. John 9:31 tells us God listens to worshipper.
c. 1 Samuel 2:30 - God gave a verdict and rather for Eli to plead for Mercy he kept quiet. God honours
those who honour Him with worship.

No matter the evil verdict there is hope - “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout
again, And that its tender shoots will not cease” - Job 14:7. No matter the verdict over your life, God can
change it as long as you maintain a good relationship with Him; the battle is not yours, but His. Isaiah
8:10 - Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is
with us.”

In closing, Jesus said, Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest –
Matt. 11:28
ISAIAH 28:6: “And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that
turn the battle to the gate.”

MATTHEW 12:29-30: “Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except
he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and
he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
ISAIAH 26:2: “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.”

PSALM 24:7-10: “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory
may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up
your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he,
this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.”

Isaiah 60:11: “Your gates will be open continually; They will not be closed day or night, So that men may
bring to you the wealth of the nations, With their kings led in procession…”