“From Nobody to Somebody”: Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu Explains How God Gave Israel a Reputable Name

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

A Compelling Sermon at , Wuse District Headquarters, Sunday, January 11, 2026, witnessed a spiritually charged worship experience at the Wuse District Headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Abuja, as congregants gathered for a service marked by deep teaching, prophetic insight, fervent prayers, and Holy Communion.

The service opened with a vibrant, spirit-lifting worship session led by the church choir. Their ministration ushered the congregation into an atmosphere of reverence and expectancy, preparing hearts for an intense engagement with the Word of God.

Sermon Focus: Israelites in Egypt

The highlight of the service was the ministration of the Senior Pastor and Wuse District Overseer, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu, who delivered a compelling sermon themed “Israelites in Egypt”, anchored primarily on Nehemiah 9. The message explored how God transforms a people from obscurity to honour, from oppression to dignity, and from captivity to a reputable name.

From Nobody to Somebody, Nehemiah 9:10
Drawing from Nehemiah 9:10, the pastor explained how God performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and the Egyptians, “for You knew that they acted proudly against them. So You made a name for Yourself, as it is this day.”
He emphasized that Israel’s journey in Egypt illustrates a divine principle: God specializes in turning nobodies into somebodies for the sake of His name. Israel entered Egypt as a small family and emerged as a recognized nation, feared by kings and respected by nations.

The Foundation: A Faithful Heart, Abraham’s Example
Rev. Dr. Idowu reminded the congregation that Israel’s story did not begin in Egypt but with Abraham, a man described as having a faithful heart. Referencing Genesis 15:7–8, 13–14, he explained:

God called Abraham out of obscurity and made a covenant with him.

God foretold Israel’s affliction in a foreign land but also promised judgment upon their oppressors and eventual deliverance with great substance.

The sermon highlighted that a faithful heart attracts divine promises, even when fulfillment passes through hardship.

Israel in Egypt: Growth Through Affliction; Exodus 1:12–17:
Rev. Idowu gave a detailed, sequential explanation of Exodus 1:12–17, tracing Israel’s experience in Egypt:

Oppression Increased; Pharaoh afflicted the Israelites with hard labor.

Multiplication Intensified; The more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied and grew stronger.

Fear Gripped Egypt; Their growth threatened Egyptian dominance.

Systematic Suppression; Pharaoh attempted to weaken Israel through harsh policies and later through infanticide.

Rev. Dr. Idowu stressed a profound truth:
“In grief, they were glowing. In pain, they were prospering.”

This paradox, he explained, reveals that divine purpose often matures under pressure. Affliction did not destroy Israel; it positioned them for manifestation.

The Desperate Decree of Pharaoh
The sermon further examined Pharaoh’s desperate command that every Hebrew male child be killed. This, according to the Rev. Idowu, was a strategic attempt to terminate Israel’s future. However, it also became a setup for God’s glory, as divine preservation, courageous midwives, and God-fearing women frustrated Pharaoh’s agenda.

How God Gave Himself a Reputable Name; Exodus 12:29–36
Rev. Dr. Idowu devoted significant time to a verse-by-verse exposition of Exodus 12:29–36, describing it as the climax of God’s redemptive acts in Egypt:

The death of the firstborn; demonstrated God’s supreme authority over Egypt’s gods.
Urgent release; Pharaoh compelled Israel to leave.
Divine favour; The Israelites plundered the Egyptians, leaving with silver, gold, and clothing.
Vindication of prophecy; God fulfilled His promise to Abraham that Israel would leave with great substance.

Rev. Idowu explained that through these acts, God was not only delivering Israel but also establishing His own reputation among nations, as the God who keeps covenant and judges oppression.

Through Challenges to Inheritance
Linking Israel’s journey to the believer’s walk of faith, Rev. Dr. Idowu taught that inheritance of God’s promises often requires endurance through trials. Just as Israel passed through affliction to reach the Promised Land, believers must remain faithful through challenges to experience divine honour and dignity.

Prayers, Communion, and Prophetic Impartation:
The sermon transitioned into extensive and targeted prayers, addressing specific needs in the lives of congregants, destiny delays, long-standing struggles, and issues of identity, honour, and divine elevation.
The service culminated in Holy Communion, sealing the Word with spiritual impartation and thanksgiving, and bringing the powerful service to a reverent close.

The January 11 service at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, stood as a profound reminder that God turns affliction into advancement and obscurity into honour. Through faithful hearts, divine timing, and unshakeable purpose, God still gives His people and Himself a reputable name.

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.