There shall be no foreign god among you, Nor shall you worship any foreign god. Psalm 81:9
These days, many are treading on dangerous path though feel secured and unharmed because of the graciousness and the loving kindness of God which they've constantly enjoyed. Because God lavishly bestowed on us so great His mercies, some taking it for granted dabbled into evil and regrettably dammed their souls. God cannot be mocked for whatever a man sows that he will reap. Little wonder the bible says: "He rains ruin upon the strong, So that fury comes upon their fortress."(Amos 5:9). For many, in a bid to get a position or retain power; gain control and dominate others have committed various atrocities. They are involved in dubious practices, occultism, deception, falsehood (camouflage) of all shades and subsequently uncertainties now characterize our world. And this desperate desire for fast and quick results; tussle for power, fame and money has led people and nations into chains and captivity of darkness. The old order is crumbling fast and our world is now getting complicated by the forces and systems in place. To worsen this, sense of false security is now rampant. There's no true regard or fear of God in the hearts of many, only few seem to be truly taking careful thought of their actions. Recall that the psalmist says: "My flesh tremble for fear of You, And I am afraid of your judgement." (Psalm 119:20). However, it seems as if we are no longer mindful of God's judgement! Even believers are so affected, many are getting disturbed, agitated, distracted and frustrated because of the current political and economic situation. While some are prone to compromise their faith, others are already yielding to temptation.
God is outrightly not in the scene and everyone does as he pleases not minding the repercussion, or possibly believing that God does not see and will not require it from them: "Yet, they say, The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand" (Psalm 94:7). The bible also says in Proverbs chapter 15 verse 3, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping on the evil and the good." Up till now, many are substituting the living God with idols and demonic spirits in order to empower and fortify themselves and this is false security! The bible says in Psalm 96 verse 5, "For all the gods of the people are idols, But the LORD made the heavens." implacable, unbending, resolute and determined to pursue personal agenda that boosts ego and engender pride despite God's passionate plea for repentance and renunciation of evil. And so proudly have they invented evil, forgetting that whosoever is proud is cursed (Psalm 119:21). It has gone so terribly bad now that many are entering into evil covenants, like Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-9) using diabolical powers and making satanic bargains just to get their evil wishes ad desires accomplished. They fail to realize that when anyone covers himself with any power not of God, it is a false security, an effort in futility ! The scriptures says in Jeremiah 2:13, "For my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns-broken cisterns that can hold no water." David also speaks of their doom in psalm 16 verse 4, "Their sorrow shall be multiplied who hasten after another god." Satan desires to be worshipped either directly or indirectly in these last days and many have willfully submitted themselves unto him. Little wonder the atmosphere is tense and contaminated; our land terribly polluted with increased ritual killings, human and animal sacrifices and massive blood shed that God hates, for that's why God charged the Israelites against blood shed (Numbers 35:33-34).
There's great intensity of satanic activities going on, fortified strongholds are established, local and international evil powers have been contacted, consulted and used for empowerment. Our land is indeed defiled and cursed (Ezekiel 36:18, Isaiah 24:4-6). The shed blood of the innocent ones are crying for justice and vengeance. There's darkness, gross darkness that's covering the earth (Isaiah 60:2). And really, there is a spirit in the air promoting evil, killings and the like. Yet, we are incapacitated though various degree of disasters, tragedies and evils are happening because the evil powers consulted by the wicked people need blood to service their evil covenants. We do know that when things around are been touched negatively, satanic powers are operating. And as believers, we need to act promptly and plead for God's intervention. The children of Israel have also been going back and forth into idolatry (Judges 2:10-13). Despite God's repeated warnings (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, Isaiah 8:19), an entire generation did not know the Lord but constantly disregard God's instruction (Deuteronomy 7:1-5). At a time, Prophet Jeremiah reveal to them the counsel of God but they rebelled and told him that they wouldn't obey God. In Jeremiah chapter 44 verse 16-17: "As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! But we will certainly do whatever has gone out of our mouth, to burn incense to the queen of heaven and pour our drink offerings to her, as we have done, we and our fathers, our kings and our princes, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we have plenty of food, were well-off, and saw no trouble." However, Jeremiah in his response (verse 21-28) made known the reason why God's stern position is unmistakable so that they would not have a false hope or security.
Apparently, many are ignorant of the fact that God rules in the affairs of men (Daniel 4:17). The bible says, 'The LORD has established His throne in heaven. And His kingdom rules over all." God wants to be involved in the activities of men. David, a man after God's heart acknowledges this in Psalm 33 verse 11: "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generation." Solomon also remark in proverbs 19:21, "There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel-that will stand." Though many are forcefully exerting energy and using all available resources to ensure and establish their evil passion, yet, God's intention and purposes are unchanging. In fact, countless evil schemes, devices, machinations and manipulations and so on are going on. And many are thoughtless of their outrageous and dangerous decisions and actions. Like Abimelech, there are those who are lusting after and desiring what God does not want to give them. Jotham, the only surviving son Gideon who escaped death gave a parable concerning Abimelech's conspiracy with the people of Shechem and the killing of the remaining sons of Gideon in his desperate desire to rule. Jotham likened Abimelech to a bramble tree that has no strength or support but can consume and be easily consumed. In Judges chapter 9 verse 14-15, "Then all the trees said to the bramble, You come and reign over us! And the bramble said to the trees, if in truth you anoint me as king over you, Then come and take shelter in my shade: But if not, let fire come out of the bramble. And devour the cedars of Lebanon!" Abimelech eventually died a tragic death (Judges 9:20, 46, 53) after destroying the people of Shechem as foretold by Jotham (Judges 9:20, 44-45, 47-49, 52).
However, the psalmist says, "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God. (Psalm 146:5). The reason is mainly because God is the source and supplier of true security but He can only help and assist those who trust in Him. The psalmist further buttressed his point making us realize that "He (God) does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy." (Psalm 147:10-11). Prophet Isaiah similarly counselled in Isaiah 45 verse 22, "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." When everyone and everything fails God cannot and will not, for He is the provider of all that we may ever need. After a notable miracle was done, Peter and John were arrested and brought to question by the Sahendrin. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter responded and called the attention of the rulers and the elders of Israel to the truth and fact they have been perfectly dodging (Acts 4:11-12). So, he said, you builders (leaders) have rejected the Jesus (the chief corner stone), this stone you cannot avoid, for He will remain prominent and indispensable being our true surety and security though cleverly you have despised and rejected Him. Jesus will remain the only solution to the problems and plight of men!
