Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 78

Radical Obedience, Politics and Change

If change will be transformational, it will require some radical elements. Transformation is rarely known to occur in a default evolutionary process without a bold trigger.  Instead, it often requires bold confrontation of present matters and a clarity that only comes when long existing and thick veils are finally torn off by greater forces.

During the period of the reign of Jezebel and Ahab, one sees a national bondage under religio-political evil that outlived prophets and many kings and must have seemed absolutely unstoppable until God decreed “enough!”.  God raises up the Prophet Elijah with great powers – but who feared Jezebel so much, such that even after God disgraced and Elijah killed her priests of Baal on mount Carmel, Elijah still flees as she makes a threatening appearance. I Kings 18:40. 1 Kings 191-3.  God eventually commands a process to put an end to national oppression in I Kings 19:15-17. A process that must begin after the death of Ahab.

1Ki 19:15  And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: 1Ki 19:16  And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.  1Ki 19:17  And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Elijah is given simple instructions to anoint three persons – Hazael, as King of Syria; Jehu as King of Israel and Elisha to take over as Prophet.  These are mission critical orders but the perhaps exhausted intimidated Prophet finds them tough to swallow.  We can understand why Elijah may not want to meddle in the politics of another nation, Syria –  as this will be considered in bad taste, but to directly name and anoint a King in Syria when another still reigned will be considered the extreme of folly. But why does Elijah not anoint Jehu as King of Israel?  Perhaps he did not like him or did not want to get dragged in the murky political waters of those days.  The simplest aspect of anointing Elisha is also disobeyed … understandably the sons of the Prophet who arrived many years earlier would have wondered why their leader needs to find another successor from nowhere and would have frowned at any attempt to be bypassed for a newcomer… Poor Elijah, God is merciful and has his contingency plans foretold in verse 17. Elijah arranges a series of qualifying test for Elisha, eventually passing his mantle and a double portion of his anointing …we are not told when Elisha is anointed, nor is there evidence to suggest God ordered Elisha to be tested.

Fear and disobedience does not stop the flow of a double portion even as these Prophets continually met the needs of widows, raised the dead and did many mighty acts but Jezebel’s ministry of national oppression established by fear remained undisturbed. She mocks knowing that fearful prophets cannot stop her. But eventually Jezebel’s time is up.

Hazael, now King of Syria (2 kings 9:15 ) attacks Joram, the son of Ahab at Ramah (2 Kings  8:28-29) but is only able to wound him leaving him sick in Jezreel after repeated onslaughts (perhaps the first outcome of Elijah’s disobedience) … Jehu is anointed not by Elisha but by Elisha’s assistance in a hasty ritual (2 Kings 9:30 …but that is enough to move God’s plan into high gear.  In 2 Kings 9 and 10 we read how Joram(Ahab’s son)  is killed by Jehu – what Hazael should have done earlier, Jezebel is also killed and then 70 other sons of Ahab …Jehu in subtleness, organizes a special Baal revival (2 Kings 10:18-19) to bring out all the Baal workers and slaughters them all.  But Jehu is too ethically weak to do all God has purposed 2 Kings 10:31-32 and Israel comes again  under the oppression of the Kings of Syria. … until the dying Elisha counsels another half-obedient King Joash (2kings 13:14-25) and the Syrians are defeated but only thrice. Still 1 Kings 19:17 is fulfilled.

In summary, while God has commanded a total solution to end evil, the best of men are men of like passions … fearful and selectively obedient.  Ministering to the needs of the hurting and fallen people … (Namaan – the Syrian and even Ahab are touched and repent for God is merciful 1 Kings 18 21:27) is a key part of that which the ever faithful God has ordained but still this is different from challenging the reign of a Baalist satanic oppression under Jezebel …  a lady confident to show up victoriously whenever she wishes …until challenged by the anointed confrontation that says your time is up.

Let’s also call a spade a spade … staying out of national politics at a time like this is simply another manifestation of the fear  of the unknown and fear of men as God used His Prophets in scripture to name even the leaders of Syrian Kings.  Jezebel eventually bows only to this bold anointing and the radical obedience of the man of God – Jehu who comes against evil to declare the word of God “Time up!”….

Perhaps you – reading this blog, are the Prophet who God has given a word to act on … be bold and declare it.  If God has sent you, He will surely back you up.  Come out of the closet.  Nations groan and liberation is delayed because of your fear and selective obedience.  Change tarries because of disobedience of God’s man – not the enemy.  Jezebel and Ahab must maintain the machinery of fear and intimidation to frighten off divine instruments of change from being what God has ordained …the Change.

Be at the rally of RCCG Apapa Family Excel 2013  themed “ Be the Change” … at Tafawa Balewa square on Sunday June 2nd …7.30 am. ministering Pastor E.A. Adeboye.  Something tells me this is going to be different and nations will never be the same.  Come and be blessed. Be the Change. This time it’s about you. God has ordained a change.

 

Jesus – the Friend in the Flames

As my mind travels memory lane I find myself also reflecting on the incident in the book of Daniel and I recall the melody of the first song I ever wrote.  It was in the late seventies, I was in my teens … I couldn’t remember all the lines but the theme was on  “The Friend” and now I revised most of the lyrics to reflect my stronger faith in Christ today … but the melody … lost over the years is suddenly so vivid in my mind … Below is the text in Daniel. The song is now titled “The Friend in the Flames”.

Dan 3:25  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Things were different in the late seventies, most of my friends were musicians, there was an innocent contentment, the band was a team …. All had a respect for the others gift … the music was simple … the arpeggios on the guitar and the piano were often enough and I could spend hours strumming away on the acoustic guitar oblivious of passing time. I do not recall a single disagreement, but we understood that the beauty of harmony requires the encouragement of the gift of others. I remember we performed a version of this song perhaps only once.  Its been so many years since I saw my old music pals/band members … Tunde May, Bisade Ologunde (Aka Lagbaja) , Sola Olugbesan are names that came to mind …and I wonder what the places we used to play look like now … Kuboye’s Jazz 38, Awolowo road or was it at Oduduwa Hall annexe or somewhere in University of Ibadan … we didn’t sing much about Jesus then …but we were only thankful that God had given us a gift to share with the many who cared to listen …(the amended lyrics follow)…

Everyone is looking around, trying to find a friend

A friend to stay and cool the flames.

Looking round … looking around, trying to find a friend

A friend to still the Lions … in the den.

Looking round Looking around, trying to find a friend when you’re in need

Looking round looking around, trying to find a friend … a friend in deed.

Jesus is the friend … much closer than kin

The friend who stays and cools the flames

Jesus is the friend … a friend until the end

The friend who stills the Lions … in the den

No more looking around, trying to find a friend when you’re in need

No more looking around …trying to find a friend … a friend in deed.

Jesus is the friend indeed … Jesus is the friend you need. (repeat…fade …)

Over three decades have passed, and almost everything seems strangely altered and life has become more interesting and sometimes convoluted … much like the music which has become so much more colourful.  I switched on the radio recently, trying to find a station to listen to some music in the traffic.  It was difficult discovering the melody of what I was listening to, the beat was too loud …and when I could find a station where I could pick the lyrics … I kept missing the poetry and didn’t always appreciate the  choice of words and the spirit behind the song …  not to talk of the strange versions of English now in fashion … I finally switched off the radio. These days I find myself enjoying making my own music to worship my God … and sometimes rediscovering my old tunes with my now croaky voice.  I do agree my voice has seen better days.

I wonder what music would be like ten years from now … very macabre I trust … given the trends.  I still thank God that even though so much will change and has changed and everything seems so much more complex than I remembered them to be … one thing has not changed and will never … Jesus is and remains forever the Friend who stays and cools the flames.  I pray that you will someday find that special Friend.- Jesus.

Pray for all going through their own flame experience. Please also pray for Sola Olugbesan  … my old band manager/studio manager … presently in medical distress.  All is well … Sola, the flame is quenched.  Amen

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Help at the Cross

Who is this man of Cyrene that was found to do what no one would do? How did they compel him … where were the other disciples? I find the verse below intriguing and troubling in that the Lord was tired and none would help him at his weakest, saddest and most painful moments. It seemed He would collapse and they observed He may not make it to Golgotha up the hill …and they started searching for someone to help. Surely a disciple would step out or at least one of the thousands that He healed or one of those He had raised from the dead would be grateful…

Mat 27:32  And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

I see sympathizers vanishing and disciples fading into the distance as soldiers ferretted through the crowd…”your King needs someone to carry His cross” …no one to be found.

The battered body of Christ was visibly so weakened … it was evident that a lamb was being sacrificed. It would have been considered a curse …a detestable pollution to touch the cross of a man sentenced to be crucified …to find a helper for Jesus, a stranger would have to be found and forced to do so. Simon who may not have heard His sermons, would have normally thought this must be a robber … a thief, yet he watched wondering what He did? How is it that no one could help Him? Why was He beaten so much that His entire body is lacerated with stripes and His frame seems about to fail … Mark 15:21 tells us Simon was coming in from a far country … a man of renown and means even as his parents are mentioned (God is not against wealth and fame). In Luke 23:26 we see that he was seized and forced to help Jesus.

No one to help Jesus – who fed thousands and raised many from the dead – who taught like no one could, who performed awesome signs and wonders? Can it be that He is alone? But this man Simon as he is forced to carry the cross was drawn to be immediately connected to God. Jesus looks at him and forces a smile through His marred face … now too tired to weep … as He welcomes this helper – He knew He was forced but it does not matter. Simon of Cyrene in joining his destiny to Christ’s receives the life changing touch that can only come from being connected to Christ. His life is no more the same.

Consider the following thoughts …are their roles no one wants to do, tasks in the Kingdom that others will ordinarily flee from … roles that are not celebrated or even considered as cursed. As you consider these roles, do not despise them or those that carry them. Do not say they are cursed or treat them as strangers …watching them piteously from afar. There are assignments that God must appear to compel His workers to take because even the most fervent disciple cannot find the grace to embrace them. Have you been seized, compelled by life into such roles in the Kingdom … can you see others laughing, mocking and sympathizing from a distance and exchanging theories on thisstranger in their midst. It would have been better if you did not have to be forced or seized by circumstances and issues to embrace God’s assignments. But God does not hold that against you. Not in the least. Look for what needs to be done that others in the kingdom consider bad luck and flee from … indeed there are coveted roles that many will give anything to be assigned to; you may do well to take your eyes off these and step into the more despised roles. In eternity, I suspect Simon the Cyrene will have his special recognition.

This devotional is for the rare worker who is not up but down. The pastor who definitely did not want to be a pastor … the minister who finds himself suddenly seized into and lumbered with strange burdens others do not go near, sharing truths others will not touch … the one who others have openly vilified and called cursed, unfortunate or contaminated. They hide from the cross he must carry as they are praying for Simon’s deliverance – but you, like Simon are not cursed …you are blessed …even in your prison cell sharing the gospel, or on the lonely street lending a helping hand …even if few accept your revolutionary message and you are isolated to do what God needs done. As you connect to God in this uncommon way … I assure you your life will never be the same. God will someday say thank you and well done in His own unique way. Keep fishing for souls and ministering succor to the pained. God bless you

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Much Ado about Pardons

The Nigerian media are once again abuzz …this time with the subject of Presidential Pardons granted to some distinguished gentry … an act of magnanimity which is expected to endear the President to blocs of interest key to revitalizing support needed for his agenda of transformational leadership.  Some will accuse Mr. President of forgiving also his friends  … while others simply say “what are friends for?”

Not being a politician, one does not pretend to fully comprehend the dynamics that culminated in this act of uncommon grace and it could be sadly accurate to conclude that the war against corruption by establishing deterring consequence for “untouchables” – has suffered a hard blow… more especially with the pardon of  Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha - governor of Bayelsa State in Nigeria (1999 -2005) – convicted of money laundering/thefts (not quite as cryptic a crime like plotting a coup) and who only colorfully narrowly escaped the firmer clutches of British Law enforcement. Another former governor with similar talents was convicted in the British courts. Why should he also, on his return, not be expectant of a pardon … so as to be able to offer us his services in elected office once more …now that he has fully repented?

Mat_27:21  The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

Barabbas and Jesus were once before the Governor Pilate and the opportunity to grant a pardon arose.  “Give us Barabbas” …they shouted ..  and what do we do with Jesus …”Crucify Him…”  Jesus was not pardoned because it pleased the Lord to bruise Him.  Alamieyeseigha and the others were far more lucky …still I suspect a part played by the voice of the people driving issues like this.  The citizenry have a way of imposing their preferences and leaving leadership with limited choice.  I sympathize and pray for President Goodluck Jonathan as I discern this may not be entirely his proposition. Do I mean that some Nigerians pressed for these pardons?   I only wonder at the unseen faces, discussions and strong representations in the compiling of the list of pardonees …and the Pharisees and other tribal elders who must have pushed their clandestine inputs.

Mar_15:11  But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them

We all seek to be pardoned and all may have committed one indiscretion or the other and it is virtue to wish for others as we desire for ourselves.  True complete forgiveness of wrongs, amnesty and fresh beginnings are acts that we sow to one day reap bountifully in joyful harvest .  But that is when we sow with the right heart and not when the seed is a mere manipulative tool to achieve a hidden agenda … like getting rid of the Savior.  Indeed, if these acts of Presidential pardons (unlike the pardon of Barabbas) represent seeds of genuine kindness they will produce good harvest for the future of our nation. One should not be hasty to pass judgments.

The pardon of Barabbas as we all know was only part of a plot of manipulation to murder Jesus.  Still, very little is heard of the freed Barabbas after his release while Jesus was crucified to later emerge and resurrect as the King of kings and the name above all names.  The clique of Pharisees and chieftains that consulted in the shadows for the release of Barabbas also came to woes and faded into history.  The people that chanted “give us Barabbas” also continued in darkness until their light came.  If Diepreye Alamieyeseigha emerges as a senator or even higher office it will only be because Nigerians want it to be so … and the consequence of that flavor of leadership for good or bad will be borne by Nigerian and not Chinese voters.  The people know their own well and make the choices for darkness or light.

Also, we must arrest prevailing paradigms that encourages the myth that government electoral office and titles and ability to obtain them are the only means of making societal contributions.   Gandhi would have none of these but made exceptional impact in his nation.  Christ had no titles, and no one would vote for Him.  He went on to sow His life and the pardon, not granted, did not stop Him.

In large, expensive and corrupt democracies, the trappings of electoral office and many board/other titles make them rife with temptations too juicy for most mortals to resist – especially after having once had a taste.  Little changes until government significantly shrinks in size, is made more efficient and less attractive. When electoral office is radically more accountable to the people, less powerful and lucrative and much more about sacrificial service and the judicial processes that maintain fairness and justice are permitted to independently thrive then we will see hope for a new polity. The common man on the street, paying the real price for bloated unaccountable government and leakages that will not be plugged – in the denial of basic infrastructure, affordable/decent housing, education, health-care etc…(in a rich and blessed nation), must demand for these changes. And by the way, who says an unpardoned convict can no more make a useful contribution? Jesus Christ was an unpardoned convict.

Rom_14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Pause for a minute. While sitting on the fence – consider these questions. What am I sowing as a child of Christ? Service, mischief, lies, bitterness, corruption, deception, selfishness  or confusion …there is a reaping coming …and what have I done with the salvation I did not deserve – God’s greatest of pardons that cost Christ His life?  How is our Christianity impacting our nation? What flavor of service are we rendering …for good or bad?  What sacrifices are we really making … and what have we done with the opportunities given to us to serve… what have we done with the influence we enjoy?  One senses the day of the Lord approaches …even nearer than we all think….to demand answers to these questions. Our faith remains our only hope as perhaps only this can force us to ask the questions that will lead to us breaking the mold of mediocrity and forge new contracts for our governance.

The special interest in the release of Barabbas differs significantly from the Nigerian scenario where there are intricate and different interests and relationships, but in both situations are convicts that received controversial pardons… at a time when revolutionary changes were imminent one way or the other.

Dan 5:17  Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

In conclusion, to remain on the path of destiny and honor and also for our life lessons to be complete, it is sometimes decent (like Daniel) to pay the full price and reject strange gifts and flee serpentine opportunities.  Other times we do not question God’s amazing and immeasurable grace.  But every time we receive His divine pardons we also hear Christ saying “Be free and forgiven but sin no more”.

Pray for the President – who we must continue to respect as the leader chosen by God for us at this time and his team – as the word of God commands us to do. To move forward, we should also be humble to release and forgive the past mistakes of others and envision new opportunities to start afresh as we also pray to God for our own forgiveness.  Lord!  Send your Holy Spirit to help, guide and comfort us.

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A Revelation of Divine Timelessness

God speaks to us through His word even as He spoke to prophets of old. The old paths are not obvious or directly accessible. Indeed they do require careful enquiry and prayerful study. You may not find them detailed on the more popular articles – nor will they always align with contemporary thoughts on correctness. The term “old” is both odious and distasteful to the palate of every generation. Teaching the old paths to one who neither asks nor seeks for it is like offering pearls to swine. But God has ordained a restoration of the old paths so that many may come to His promised rest.

Jer_6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Asking combined with a purposeful stance, a divine vision to return to God and obedience to walk right – will result in rest … a ceasing from waste and vain efforts. The path refers to a way of life, an approach to matters and a direction that leads to a goal. May our end be good. It does not mean being old fashioned but it does mean learning from saints of old and Bible heroes and understanding their motivations and how they coped with pressures to divide their heart. It means being always out of fashion which is not the same as being old or new … rather there is a imelessness in the kingdom style waiting to be discovered.

Those who departed from the old paths did not immediately find woe …who enjoyed great honor, wisdom and wealth for silver was like stones for all in the time of Solomon whose divided heart encouraged perhaps the worst paths of idolatry … until God mercifully had to raise discord to terminate his rule – even as God remembered and honors His promise to David to never take his mercy from Solomon. Following the ways of Solomon – expecting the same mercy is a wrong path. What kind of man is David for whom God binds himself to such a far reaching oath of love – even that which delivers a wild son?

David walked the old path. This is the path of true worship in the presence of God symbolized by his quest to reinstall the Ark of God in its right place … correcting even his own well-intended errors in the process. It is the path of repentance not justification of evil (for David erred often) and the way of loving God … seeking to please Him. The old path means living in complete obedience and seeking to honor God. The old path is the path of a close walk with God … a relationship that has the hands of God closely holding on to ours …leading us daily. The old path is the good way that leads to God’s rest.

In the time of Jeremiah, they said they will not walk therein. Why ? Perhaps the same reason as today …how can we think and behave as in ancient times? But our God is the ancient of days. Must we not change many things to reflect the times? But our God changeth not. There is a way that seems right to every new generation but which leads nowhere … but there are timeless principles locked in the word of God which God Himself must reveal and oftentimes never fully comprehending their value.

It is not enough to ask for the old paths, but we must also walk that path for our peace. Many know, teach and even argue for the old paths, but are trapped in a postmodern error. They usually confuse an improving quality of life for God’s pleasure. A study of the Bible reveals that God always had to raise revolutionary leaders like Nehemiah to bring the children of Israel back to the right path as they consistently deviated. You can argue that today there are even far more drivers that push and pull in many different paths. Indeed, God is still sending men like King Josiah to restore us His children to the old paths.

2Ki 23:25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

Men like Nehemiah and King Josiah brought reform through the authority given by God. The prophet Jeremiah must endure rejection as they declare “we will not walk therein” … Different types of divine instruments are playing vital roles as old paths are being restored in the body of Christ. Old paths are the timeless paths …ask for them.

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Love Letters to Mr. Sinner

Mr. Sinner woke up one morning to find three letters in his post box bearing strange stamps illustrating angelic beings and sealed at the back with an unusual sticker tape with the words … “sent to you from the heavenlies”  He quickly opened the first ….

Dear Mr. Sinner,

I am the angel sent to comfort you, to remind you that Christ died alone on the cross for you.  He did this for your sins which are forgiven.  He was the scape goat bearing your sins … sent to the wilderness never to be seen.  His blood cleanses completely, bringing you clean to come boldly to His throne of grace and mercy.  But my grace will lead you to live a holy life and no more to justify sin in your life and others.  My grace will enable you to serve me and proclaim your testimony of my mercy all over the world so that many will hear and be saved. I will be coming soon … remember this when the journey appears tough and you are weary … it will not be long.  Keep rejoicing knowing your name has been written in the book of life.  Remember Naboth – do not allow your inheritance (the precious things of God) to be bought for filthy lucre, fame or exchanged with Ahab’s largesse nor can you ever be part of Jezebel’s circus. Stand alone if you must, but go without fear to every assignment especially where you will not be welcome … I have made a way for every work that I have commissioned. Repent. Be courageous. Jesus loves you. Sincerely yours. Angel Gabriel.

Encouraged, he opened the next two letters.

 

Dear Mr. Sinner,

I am the angel sent to comfort you but must remind you that all your sins are all well known to us.  You are forgiven, but we cannot trust you with the congregation anymore …hence we have less risky situations more suited to your proclivities …knowing you cannot help your temper and other errant habits.  Do not despair for we have themed messages, choirs and music to cheer you up … and they will get even better by the day.  We have also faithful elders sent to watch your every move so do not think you can play any games. Be careful with your criticisms … knowing how weak you are – be accommodating of the weaknesses of others and  be especially quiet when you observe what you sense as moral decline … after all you are not better than them and I am sent to comfort and not frustrate sinners.  You can resume preaching …but you must preach only grace …and keep the sanctuary bubbling with pulsating beats and mirthful proclamations to encourage other sinners like yourself.  Do not make the church too grave and serious or you will soon find yourself preaching to your shadow.  Focus on your community and how you can improve your lifestyle and those of others and soon you will find the auditorium full. You are destined to write bestsellers and make the covers of Time Magazine. There is an eternal place reserved for you and all that listen to you …it is a place you will find most suited to reward your efforts and you will be surprised at the crowd that will be there with you.   Jesus loves you. Sincerely yours. Angel Gabriel

 

Dear Mr.  Sinner,

I am the angel sent to comfort you.  I have seen your noble efforts at missions and recognize the  great sacrifices you have borne to preach the gospel. But I am concerned about your heart and may have a different assignment for you.  It is time for you to  get a job.  Yes you heard right … a proper job. Earning a living is not sinful … you can also minister to so many people at your workplace.  I know you have lived modestly on the little funds raised to support your missions (I am not in agreement with your fund -raising methods) … but you have  also missed a vital training process for yourself in rushing out to minister to others when you have not walked in their shoes.  Go and get a job.  Train to build some skills.  Live by a budget and provide for your family.  The experience of ordinary living will make you humble and real to the issues around you.  Also, I am tired  of financially supporting all your church ideas ( many are not mine)  and do not want the stigma associated  with the  perception of you as a parasite  … but I know you mean well and are hurt by this perception.  As you serve me, you can wait on tables, write books, build tents or provide a cleaning service … there is dignity in labor.  Getting a job will teach you to wake up early with the help of the alarm clock … there are many souls waiting at the many work situations I have arranged. From your earnings, you will become the greatest giver to the mission …and then you can preach to others on giving.  You will be rewarded … remember that I look at the heart and not as others see.  Repent. Jesus loves you. Yours sincerely. Angel Gabriel.

 

Pensive, weary and puzzled, Mr. Sinner wonders which of these three letters did and which did not come from God. Which do you think?

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The Battle of Three Spirits

Most battles have more obvious lines drawn to enable clear identification of the attacker that must be stopped. But not always so.  There are unclear boundaries and many soldiers in uniforms too faded to ascertain whether they be on the Lord’s side or not.  We often think of the story of David and Goliath as an example of a clear cut case but a closer look provides insights.

Sa 17:37  David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

In the above text, one discerns three spirits at war or shall we say at play …, the spirit of the Philistine Goliath, the spirit of Saul and the Spirit of God on David.  These are like forces, persons or even institutions in a virtual field involving nations, mindsets and cultures …yet very real when considering implications of battle outcomes,

The easiest to identify of the three and perhaps understand … bold in its clear intent – is Goliath who has come against the agenda of God and to steal the joy and  peace, ultimately to enslave and kill.  Goliath is undisguised and must be stopped … indeed he is the anti-God adversary that makes no pretenses of an avowed intent to devour first with fear and dearth of truth and eventually with plagues, poverty, barrenness, bondage, disease and destruction. Goliath challenges the reign of the most High and proposes an alternative culture and mindset that must be imposed on captives – if unstopped.

The other spirit, is the spirit of Saul.  The agenda of this spirit is not as clear.  This spirit knows of God, speaks for God and even prays in the name of the Lord … asking the Lord to be with David.  But this spirit is sunk in a mire of lukewarmness … the shameless leadership that watches a young teenager approach what appears to be sure defeat.  Like that of Lot, this is a genteel compromised spirit enmeshed in a fallen environment and a darkened culture … too careful to take risks to challenge Goliath.  This is the master of alliances …craving popularity … perhaps scheming already to negotiate a truce with Goliath – should David fail.  The spirit of Saul instantly dislikes David … mocking him with the offer of armor that he knows too well he will not be able to lift. But the tepid spirit of Saul is cursed to be spit out as eventually happens.  But this spirit unlike that of Goliath is not the wicked adversary that must be beheaded …rather Saul is needed very much around to occupy the throne on which David must eventually sit.   Saul is needed to introduce David into his destiny and to complete the training of God’s elect in survival as David learns to fight the far more dangerous domestic battles. The spirit of Saul is the spirit that though clever and experienced, is paralyzed in compromise, greed and inner doubts.  Unlike Goliath, David is not sent to fight this spirit  - just like Abram does not fight Lot.  Instead, he must learn to wait on God , learn his lessons, and be perfected as he maneuvers around Saul as best as he can.  He will suffer far more anguish from the spirit of Saul than Goliath who is soon to be beheaded.

The Spirit of God is with David.  This is the Spirit of sure victory in the strength of the Lord.  This is the Spirit that moves forward for God… the Spirit of the reigning champion … the Winner … the Holy Spirit …that sets David apart to be different in victory where the older brothers and more experienced military fails.  The Spirit of God is bold, confident in the name of the Lord and declares the cause of Jehovah with no apology. This Spirit does not fit in the armor of the lukewarm and the correctness that turns God’s children into the laughing stock of the enemy. The Spirit of God discerns the lukewarmness of Saul … but David is focused on the Goliath that must be stopped  … as though he already knew Saul was already irrelevant.

God is raising a conquering army filled with soldiers like David, filled with His Spirit.  Jesus – the unconquerable conqueror leads the army. Goliath, Saul…watch out.

Prayer. Lord, keep me burning with the Holy Spirit of God

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Leadership, Critics and Counsel

We are quick to scorn the critic as the troublesome devil sent to frustrate noble constructions. A culture of silent acceptance of the ridiculous can slowly emerge until someone is bold to declare “the emperor has no clothes” to the chagrin of many. I have discovered that where the humility to say “I may be wrong” is lacking or avenues for listening and making changes are stifled, a terrifying darkness and silence takes over. Both spiritually and even physically. We come to accept stagnation, evil and corruption as the norm as though these are indeed unavoidable not recognising that these are outcomes of deliberate choices associated with our decisions.

Jezebel rules with Ahab as the puppet … supported by the priesthood of Baal. He has a neighbor Naboth who we can conclude knew the Lord – for he declares “The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my father’s unto thee” … Ahab, though the King, does not care much for the ways of God. It is not unlikely that Naboth had at other instances expressed other sentiments that challenged the incursion of the Baalist syncretism. No surprise Jezebel hated Naboth and could only rest in the satisfaction that he had been permanently silenced. The rest is narrated in I Kings 21 and Naboth is soon trapped, discredited and skillfully eliminated. Israel is plunged into even greater darkness. Jezebel laughs. Years later dogs will lick her bones.

In another scenario, Daniel pleads politely to Nebuchadnezzar …”let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility…” Daniel is ignored and twelve complete months pass as God does nothing waiting for Daniel’s counsel to be slowly ingested. After twelve months Nebuchadnezzar is transformed to a walking beast.

There is a scenario where the counsel of God was accepted. The unwilling Jonah after much persuasion is before the Ninevites and somewhat incoherently declares …”Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown…” The Ninevites understand immediately …they believe and proclaim a fast and change their ways. God spares them and Nineveh is not overthrown. Light comes to Nineveh.

The voice of one saying this is wrong is often the voice of a helper. God will often use vehicles we are set to despise to bring His most pivotal admonitions. Remember the rich man in hell asking that someone be sent to warn others about the eternal fire … but God reminds the rich man of the different messengers including the beggar at his door who must have irritated him so many times with divine thoughts on salvation, judgment and hell. We all love to heap to ourselves and be surrounded with people like us … too timid or fallen to see the light or pronounce the truths that sets free. Do not be quick to exclude the voice you do not wish to hear. But if you must – you will not be the first.

I Kings 22:17-18 “And he (Micaiah) said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd; and the Lord said, These have no master; Let them return every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?”

Micaiah is slapped and thrown into prison … meanwhile Micaiah has also told them that he saw lying spirits sent by the Lord to many other prophets to appease the king and lead him to his destruction. I Kings 22:20- 24. He is proven right.

Those who give counsel must do so not in pride but with tact making counsel and corrections easy to bear. Still, it is wise to have an ear that is tuned to receive critical counsel. Learn to hear God warning you to change and respond even when the voices come in irritant chords. Leaders overly sensitive to criticism are soon enamored and eventually ruined by flattery. Reflect on the following videos. Pray for your leaders as you watch the videos below. Lord, let there be light in the nations. Amen

2013 and its Great Divides

2013 is a year in which one discerns great global divides and when many nations, peoples and individuals and even the faithful have challenges to make far reaching choices. My prayer is that many come out of prevarications and boldly decide for Christ.

Luk_11:17   But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

Unholy Laws – Legislative Divides

How far does a nation need to go to protect the rights of groups who insist they are entitled to equal access to opportunities even when they have made decisions which the Bible and Christian tradition decry as unholy? The arguments that we can no more pass laws based on an ancient book or deny new social realities based on new social agreements on what is right and wrong are perhaps persuasive. The phenomenon of unholy laws is the new great legislative divider. Social options in reproductive rights, marriage and sexual behavior as we now see them may not be new but the demand for an overwhelming recognition and acceptance is unprecedented. The almost even divide in the polls on the issues is instructive. Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport recently reveals that 53% of Americans favor legalizing same-sex marriage and 48% favor legalizing marijuana. Societies have always placed a heavy premium on the wishes of its people …The Pharisees and Pilate wisely leveraged on this as the manipulated people echoed in unison …“Barabbas!”

The New Socialism

Obama emerges to run another term as the President of the United States of America in a keenly contested race. The wake of a close battle leaves a deep cleavage separating the mind sets of the people as what some see as a new godless socialism promises peace and prosperity. The cost of a divided America will perhaps emerge later as the razor edge of a superpower is finally blunted due to inability to respond unanimously to global crises and forced to always tread the less bold path of weak compromises. If America does not emerge from its economic stagnation, it will not be the President’s fault but the natural outcome of a house divided. How many will flock behind the new socialism, how many will oppose it and how many will be anchored steadfastly on to Christ?

Cosmic and Social Storms

More may be said about how to get ready and strengthen foundations for extreme weather situations but very little can be done when cosmic forces battle and humiliate human intellect. David aptly concluded in Psa_103:15  As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Thoughts are divided as some perceive these storms as early signals to help man adjust and refocus on His Creator and His expectations and begin to worship Him; while others sing que sera sera and a different more effective humanism emerges even stronger. Presidents sob when overwhelmed by forces of nature and social volcanoes…changes in laws and strengthening institutions to rescue will help but for most there are little changes in our hearts towards God even when social eruptions occur in nursery schools and we conclude even our toddlers are no more safe.

Arab Spring … Divided

That which perhaps started as a wave of democratization has developed into a different less restive situation as civil violence rages. 2012 established that the ousting of dictators does not equate to harmony and progress. Absence of the institutional clarity to usher in a new order of fairness only positions a fresh opportunity for the advent of worse demons waiting to seize the vacuum. The tense divide between secularists and more fundamental Islamists portends more unpredictable outcomes for the future.

Will rebel forces defeat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as Russia and China continue to oppose outside intervention. Will the Spring spread to the Gulf region or quietly fizzle out as Saudi-Arabia battles to keep its impatient youths happy. Who will be the winners in 2013 – Secularists, fundamentalist Islamists, western-backed monarchists or will we see new answers. A divided Spring continues to weaken growth intent and foster economic decline – the monster it was initiated to defeat. Will the minority voice of Christianity in the region find fresh opportunities for expression as more evangelism is targeted at these zones preaching eternal answers to old frustrations? Choices will impact outcomes.

Revival of Holiness

The greatest divide is in our faith … like for other divisions but only more deliberately orchestrated. The new faith of living for now and seizing the moment did not start in America as many think but perfects a brand of epicureanism that follows the maxims of Epicurus (341–270 B.C.E.). Epicurus held that pleasure is the end of all morality and that real pleasure is attained through a life of goodness, prudence, honor, and justice. Christianity which teaches that goodness, truth and the way is Christ is very different. While we are called to excel in secular exploits and the earth is the Lord’s and its fullness ours to enjoy, the end of Christianity is Christ and not pleasure. Many faith groups can no more emphasize this perhaps because of overwhelming pressures requiring a more practical response. The greater and far more important and compelling realities of the rapture, millennium and eternity in Christ bring a completely different perspective that is calling for a revival of holiness and a different consecration to be ready for a revolutionary agenda of Christ’s return and the pilgrim’s greatest joys.

How do we respond to all these divides? There needs to be choices. Choices come with their own consequences …for now and for eternity. The first month in the New Year is a good time to reflect on our deliberate choices. Decide for Christ afresh.

Jos_24:15   And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

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Love Came Down at Christmas by Okey Onuzo

Okey Onuzo

Christmas always has cherished memories for me right from childhood. My parents made us look forward to the three key festive occasions – Easter, Christmas and New year celebrations. As an active member of the children’s church, we acted nativity plays. I cannot forget the day I froze as a six year old while acting the angel that stopped Abraham from killing Isaac. Abraham had raised his knife to kill Isaac and I was the voice from heaven to stop him and I froze, tongue tied. But it has stayed with me and thank God angels are no men or else if the one that was sent had been tongue tied like me, the story would have been different. But the love of God that came down at Christmas was running in Abraham. His faith and loyalty to God propelled the dream of universal pardon and salvation through centuries of history until it became a reality in the humble home of Joseph and Mary of Nazareth and now in our lives.

Love came down from heaven to do three basic things for us.  The first is to reveal the love and mercy of God to us, a people accustomed to the judgment of God because of the eternal law of sowing and reaping – “Whatsoever a man sows, that is what he shall reap (Gal. 6:7) “   The second is to reveal to us that we must love God with all our hearts through obedience to His commandments and revelations to our hearts and through reverential worship that is due to Him alone – (John 14:15, 21 & 23). The third is to see how loving God can practically translate into loving our neighbors so that we can daily become God’s answers to the prayers of others. As we practice love and goodwill to our fellow men, we reach out to them and fight daily for their greatest good that is within our power. This is the way we are released from the twin scourges of selfishness and greed that is the bane of society to serve others selflessly. This is the self-denial taught by our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 9:23. The apostle Paul echoed this when he wrote: Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

We only begin to imbibe the true message of Christmas when we are able to selflessly reach out to others so that God Almighty can love them through us whether we are at work, at home or in church. When love controls our daily work, corruption and related evils will be far from us as we work tirelessly for the greatest good of our people. The love and sacrifice that came down at Christmas must envelope us as we go into the year 2013, that the dreams of our people for the actualization of nationhood propelled by the love of God and love for others can become a reality.

Dr. Onuzo is an acknowledged conference and seminar speaker in different parts of the world. He continues to be available for the work of the ministry despite his busy clinical work. He is also the Associate Pastor of the National Headquarter’s Church of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. He is married to Mariam, a medical doctor and they have four children: Dilichi, Chinaza, Dinachi and Chibundu

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