Tagline: God favours all on earth, but He chooses those who serve Him with pure hearts.
In Yoruba, Ajokè ayé means “the darling of the earth” — the one whom people cherish, celebrate, and honour. Asàké ọ̀run means “the darling of heaven” — the one whom God Himself esteems, treasures, and chooses.
God’s love is universal — “He makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). His mercy reaches all corners of the earth. But His special favour, His deep friendship, and His eternal inheritance are reserved for those who purely serve Him.
In every generation, there are those who shine on the earth — adored by men, admired for their achievements, and celebrated as role models. We call them Ajokè Ayé — the darlings of the world.
But heaven has its own roll call. There are those who may be unknown, uncelebrated, or even despised by men, yet they are deeply loved and specially chosen by God. These are the Asàké Ọ̀run — the darlings of heaven.
The question is: Which one are you?
1. God’s General Favour – For All
The sun rises for both the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 5:45). Rain falls on the farm of the believer and the unbeliever alike. This is general favour — the kindness of God that extends to everyone regardless of their choices.
Life Story – The Music Star:
Consider Tunde, a talented gospel musician whose fame spread like wildfire. Invitations poured in, his songs trended, and people cheered. But in the middle of his success, Tunde drifted away from a life of holiness. Though celebrated (Ajokè Ayé), his personal walk with God grew cold. Years later, he realised that applause on earth does not guarantee approval in heaven. His story reminds us that earthly popularity is not proof of heavenly endorsement.
2. God’s Special Choice – For the Pure in Heart
Psalm 4:3 says, “The LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself.”
While everyone may experience God’s general blessings, His intimate friendship and eternal treasures are for those who serve Him with clean hands and pure hearts according to Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? … He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…”
The earth can celebrate your wealth, beauty, or talent (Ajokè ayé), but heaven celebrates your obedience, humility, and holiness (Asàké ọ̀run).
Biblical Example – Mary of Nazareth:
Mary was an ordinary village girl. She was not on the world’s radar, yet heaven handpicked her to carry the Saviour of the world (Luke 1:30). Her humility and purity made her Asàké Ọ̀run.
3. The Danger of Being Only Ajokè Ayé
Popularity on earth does not equal acceptance in heaven - Jesus warned in Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
Being universally loved on earth can be a spiritual trap — it can feed pride, compromise truth, and shift our focus from pleasing God to pleasing people.
Many chase the applause of people but lose the approval of God.
The Pharisees were honoured by men but rejected by Christ (Matthew 23:27-28).
Life Story – The Politician:
Chief Ade was a celebrated philanthropist, loved for his generosity. But his wealth came from corrupt deals. The world saw his donations; heaven saw his deception. He died suddenly without reconciling with God — a sobering reminder that the applause of men is a fading crown.
4. The Honour of Being Asàké Ọ̀run
Being the darling of heaven means your name is written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20). It means heaven backs you even when the world misunderstands you.
God protects, guides, and provides for His chosen ones in ways the world cannot understand.
Mary was unknown to the world but chosen by God to carry the Saviour (Luke 1:30).
Biblical Example – Daniel:
Daniel was not just a successful administrator; he was a man deeply loved by God (Daniel 10:11). Though exiled in a foreign land, he refused to defile himself, choosing heavenly approval over earthly acceptance.
Life Story – The Teacher:
Mrs. Omolara taught in a rural school with little pay. She was unknown outside her village but known by heaven for her faithfulness. Through her, many children found Christ. At her funeral, testimonies revealed how God used her quiet life to shape destinies. She was Asàké Ọ̀run indeed.
Conclusion
Being Ajokè Ayé is not a sin — but being only Ajokè Ayé without being Asàké Ọ̀run is dangerous. The goal is to be both — to impact the world and have heaven’s approval. But if you must choose, choose heaven.
John 12:43 – “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
The world may forget you, but if heaven remembers you, you have everything. Strive to be Asàké Ọ̀run (heaven’s darling)— for eternity is longer than any earthly award ceremony.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to value Your approval above the praise of men. Make me not just a darling of the earth but the delight of heaven. Amen.
For counselling and prayer send a WhatsApp message to 08166008359. You are blessed in Jesus name.
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