READ: Joshua 24:1-31
The grave; and the barren (Otser) womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
Proverbs 30:16
Hebrew words are important in understanding the revelation God is trying to bring to us. One of these words is the word “Otser.” This Hebrew word means “To inclose, to hold back and to maintain”. It also means “To close up, to restrain, and retain”. In addition, it means “To shut up, to withhold and to stop”.
People suffering from this kind of barrenness hold back intentionally. They know a lot, but they hold back and refuse to be fruitful. Pastors with Otser barrenness have the finances and the anointing to break forth in ministry. However, they give their strength to other things like orphanages, schools and social work. Some of them are more concerned about being politically influential and socially acceptable than doing the work of God. The drive for ministry is restrained!
Such people can do many things for the Lord but are restrained. They hold back their talents even though they are usually experienced people who could do much more for Jesus. It is often because they have decided to give their strength and talents to other things.
If you are a pastor, you will notice in your congregation people who are leaders of Old Boys’ Associations or even political groups. They have time for politics, soccer, MBA, or PhD courses, and other activities. However, when it comes to the work of God, they are enclosed and restrained. They are reserved when it comes to prayer and worship, but vocal when it comes to discussing politics and other issues. These are the people suffering from otser.