Our awesome God

Creation shows the power  of God and His glory all around. Our awesome God He's gloriously adorned, clothed with majesty, girded with strength and power (Psalm 93:1). He is the sovereign Lord who reigns and rules over all His creation (Psalm 104:1-2) even the kings of the earth fear Him (Psalm 76:12). The bible says, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19, 99:1-3, 96:10, 66:7, 97:1). He laid the foundation of the earth and stretched out the heaven like a curtain (Psalm 102:25, 104:2b, 5-6). The splendor of His creation further reveals His almightiness (Genesis 1:1-16, Psalm 104:8-22, 24, 8:1&3). His faithfulness declared in the heavens (Genesis 9:13). Our awesome God is immortal; He is from generation to generation, He will exist even when the creation ceases to be (Psalm 102:26, 1 Timothy 1:17, 6:16). He is fearful in His places (Psalm 29:3, 77:18, 2 Samuel 22:14). When the children of Israel saw the God of glory thundered and saw the lightning, they trembled and pleaded with Moses to leave them out of the scene (Exodus 20:18-19), however, the bible had explicitly noted what the fear of the Lord is. Yet, this awesome God is loving, good, true and merciful. Exuding His divine love; He creates light in our darkened heart (2 Corinthians 4:6, Job 33:4).

Our awesome God! He is so pleasant, generous and kind. He is El-Shaddai-the strong breasted one who like mother's breast quiets, satisfies, nourishes, and gives peace and rest to a baby. God came to Abram by His name El-Shaddai (the Almighty God) when he was 99 years old. And to him all hope was lost that he could father a child by his wife Sarai who was then 89 years old. He had consented to wife's advice and both of them have limited God thinking they cannot have children. The bible says," When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1). Though you think that I cannot make good the least of my promises, and you have gone your way to get Ishmael who was never in my plan and programme for you, now walk before me and be perfect, for I will not condone any  nonsense any more from you. God needed to tell Abram to pause and carefully consider His name El-Shaddai (the Almighty God), ever faithful, consistent, not wanting nor lacking and full of pleasant surprises. Our awesome God-the Almighty made covenant with him, assured him and changed his name; He also changed his wife's name (Genesis 17:2-19). Though God had already promised to give Abraham children soon after Lot departed from him (Genesis 13:14-16), but because he had not known God by His name Almighty (El-Shaddai) that's why he could agree with his wife to have a child through Hagar. Our awesome God supplies every need and satisfies the longing of every creature (Psalm 107:35-38). When the children of Israel cried and craved for flesh, they insulted Moses because there was no meat for them in the wilderness (Numbers 11:4-6). Moses thought he knew God too well because of the wonders he saw in Egypt, so, he asked God how He would provide flesh (meat) for hundreds of thousands of His people and God replied him "And the LORD said to Moses, "Has the LORD's arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not (Numbers 11:18-23, 31-32). It was indeed a rightful thing for him to ask how God would supply them flesh (meat) for the people, because he needed to be sure that the desire of the people would be granted and that they would have the meat they are longing for to eat.

Our God is awesome in His doing towards the sons of men (Psalm 66:5), a mighty terrible one against flood like enemies and that's why the psalmist exclaimed: "The floods have lifted up O LORD, The flood have lifted up their voice; The flood lift up their waves. The LORD on high is  (our awesome God) is mightier than the noise of many waters, Than the mighty waves of the sea." When the psalmist recounted the His awesome acts, he urged the people of the earth to reference and fear Him. He wrought unforgettable signs and wonders in Egypt that none could deny (Psalm 78:43-51) and brought His people out with an outstretched arm; what an awesome God (Psalm 89:13). He hardened Pharaoh's heart to pursue them so as to make Himself known (Exodus 14:4,8). Then, a miracle happened, God parted the sea and created a solid concrete inside it for His people to pass over (Exodus 14:19-22). The same sea-a route for the Israelites deliverance became the burial ground for the Egyptians. The Egyptians became defenseless at the middle of the sea; they were greatly troubled, their chariots could no longer move till His people pass over, who can resist this awesome God. They eventually perished with their horses and chariots; they sank as lead in the waters. No wonder Miriam led the worship of His almightiness in Exodus 15:1-16. There is none like Him nor can deliver like Him. Countless deliverances and victories He wrought for those who hope in His mercies. He spoiled the spoiler (the Midianites) and delivered His people from devourers. Our awesome God discomfited the host of Midian through Gideon and his 300 army. Indeed, it was "the sword of the Lord" (Judges 7:20-25, 8:3) for how could they have captured and destroyed the enemies who once ravaged them. God also delivered Zebah and Zalmunnah into his hands, and the children of Israel who were once afraid are now emboldened and empowered against their destroyer (Judges 8:12,21, Psalm 83:11-12).

Our awesome God is righteous in judgment for He is a righteous judge (Psalm 9:4b, 7-8). The psalmist says "For You have maintained my right and my cause, You sat on the throne judging in righteousness." He executes righteousness and justice for the oppressed (Psalm 103:6). Creation groans but God is not mocked and were it not for the intervention of Jesus and intercession of saints many would have been consumed (Romans 8:22, Galatians 6:7). Aaron succumbed to the evil wish of the children of Israel since he cannot dissuade them (Exodus 32:15, 21-22). How can a molded calf made from the ear and nose rings be their LORD who brought them out of Egypt? They have made themselves a god of gold (Exodus 32:31) and their new god has placed no demand on them (Exodus 32:6). Moses was still with God receiving instruction for them when God asked him to go down to see the stiffnecked people he brought from Egypt (Exodus 32:7-9, 33:5). And their rebellion dramatically played out when Moses and Joshua approached the scene. But our awesome God cannot be co-worshipped with any other god (Psalm106:19-22, Exodus 32:10). And that's why God further instructed Moses concerning the children of Israel that they must destroy every altar raised to any other god (Exodus 34:12-15). When Aaron and Miriam spoke against  Moses, the Lord heard it; our awesome God righteous in judgment kept them there for seven days, they couldn't progress in their journey due to Miriam's leprosy (Numbers 12:2, 9-10, 13-15).

Is it possible for someone to die before the Lord? Yes, it is very much possible. Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire which the Lord did not command and they died  (Numbers 3:4, Leviticus 10:1). According to Leviticus 10 verse 2, another fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, "So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD." Their carelessness and ignorance was not tenable enough an excuse to avert the wrath of God. They were not spared but paid dearly for taking God for granted and misapplying their Levitical duties. Even after the tragedy struck, Aaron their father was forbidden to mourn or weep for them (Leviticus 10:6-7). When he heard what God said, the bible remarked that he held his peace. Who is he to contend with God, can he query Him? Yet, hear God's response in Leviticus chapter 10 verse 3, He did not bulge that two sons of His high priest died in a day, it happened to Eli too (in the case of Hophni and Phineas). Who do we take God for? He is fearful in His places, awesome and terrible in His deeds and evil doers will not go unpunished. God has kindled His own fire and Aaron must not wail or lament for his sons. Our looseness with the things of God is an express indication of our lack of understanding of this dreaded awesome God. When men kindle evil fire they often forget that God also kindles fire (Leviticus 10:6b). In fact, our awesome God-the creator of fire, kindles fire and this is solidly backed up by scriptures (Numbers 11:1-3, 16:35, Ezekiel 20:45-48, 21:31-32). Judgment comes when sin is grave, God kindled fire, Sodom and Gomorrah was consumed by the fire that God kindled (Genesis 19:11-13, 24, Hebrews 2:2). Escape to the mountains! The angels warned as this is the only guarantee to be released from judgment, yet, Lot chose to stay in the plains where there were polluting and defiling powers, and he being caught up with the vileness and atrocities in the plain though not destroyed by fire was defiled (Genesis 19:17-18).

Our awesome God (c)

"Say to God, How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves unto You" (Psalm 66:3).

Our awesome God is awesomely awesome in power! Little wonder the psalmist says "Through the greatness of Your power shall Your enemies submit themselves unto You." Prophet Habakkuk further described His great acts towards His creation and men in Habakkuk 3:10-15. Knowing assuredly that God chooses and secures our inheritance, David praised (Psalm 108:1-5) and reminded God of His promises to Israel (Psalm 108:7-9), and later, he solicited for His help. Realizing his frailty and helplessness to combat and deal with dominant enemy that has potential to disallow him from occupying his possession, he cried out: "Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?" Obviously, he cannot overpower or conquer his contenders without the assistance of God. He desperately cried out to God for help in in verse12, "Give us help from trouble for the help of man is useless (vain)." He also rightly acknowledges that he needed God whose power none can resist: "Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies" (Psalm 108:13). When the Lord leads the battle, He renders the enemies incapacitated and they have no option than to quietly submit and surrender. For our awesome God avenges, He's furious, none can dare Him as He will not take it lightly with the enemies of His children. He is jealous of His heritage (Nahum 1:2 &6) and He carefully watches to preserve and keep them (Joel 3:16).

In the book of Judges 11:21-24, the people of Ammon eyed the lot of the children of Israel beyond Jordan and claim peace if it was returned to them. Interestingly, Jephthah gave detailed analysis of how God gave them the land that the people of Ammon was claiming (Judges 11:14-23). He told them everything that happened after they came out of Egypt; highlight their routes and their experiences on the way. So, Jephthah told them "as you can see this land was given to us by our God Jehovah who fought for us against Sihon king of Amorite, and you can only have what your god can give you. Why are you coveting and insistent on getting what does not belong to you? Should you then possess it? Despite his elaborate explanation, they were ruthless and refused to neither give up nor back our because God wants to deal with them. This is our inheritance and how we get it I have told you, but you did not want to let go what is not rightly yours, so, be ready to face the consequence of not letting the sleeping dog lie. And because of their hardheartedness (Judges 11:28), being poised for destruction, Jephthah consulted God, made a vow, secured God's backing and fought the people of Ammon. Unfortunately, the people of Ammon had soon forgotten how Og, king of Bashan, and Sihon, king of the Amorites who gathered armies against the children of Israel were defeated. So, God granted Jephthah's request, and intervened (verses 32-33) and with "a great slaughter" the people of Ammon were subdued before him. When the battle becomes the battle of the Lord, there is assurance of victory (Judges 12:3). God would not allow the enemy to disinherit His people of their inheritance. Indeed, through the greatness of His power shall His enemies submit themselves unto Him!

Jephthah took his life into his hands and crossed over to fight the people of Ammon. Though the children of Ephraim refused to help him (Judges 12:1-2), but wanted to share in the victory. They spoke angrily against Jephthah and wanted to burn his house down with fire. For him, another battle ensued after fighting the enemy without; there are enemies within who will not give him respite. Despite his plight of having to sacrifice his only daughter because of the vow he made to God, the people of Ephraim were not bothered at all. Their case is similar to the people of Ammon-they wanted what doesn't belong to them. They wanted to share in the victory of the battle they were not part of. They wanted praise ascribed to them and not God. They wanted to get the honour that Jephthah had already promised God. One may begin to wonder why did God allow the Gileadites to kill the Ephraimites, the answer is simple "they were not after God's glory" but for self acclaim. So, as many of them who were detected when asked to pronounce Shibboleth and could not pronounce it correctly were slaughtered (Judges 12:5-6). Unfortunately, 42, 000 Ephramites died in one day. God will not share His glory with anyone. So, the enemies within were also subdued. Even king Herod who dared to take God's glory was eaten up by worms (Acts 12:22-24). Our awesome God is terrible in praises.

As God was preparing another deliverer for His people, angel visited Manoah's wife (Judges 13:6) and Samson was born (verses 24-25). A time came when he sought after a woman of the Philistines (Judges 14:4) and this was occasioned by God to avenge His people because the Philistines had dominated them for so long. He met a lion o his way and the Spirit of the Lord moved upon him, he tore it apart, and killed it (Judges 14:16a). Later, when he was returning, he saw the carcass of the lion; took honey from it, ate it and used the occurrence to pose a riddle to the Philistines. And there was an agreement that Samson will give 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothing to whosoever unravel the riddle, and if no one could explain it, the philistines will give Samson 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothing. Everyone wants to defend what is his, the philistines are not ready to lose their garments, yet, they did not know the riddle posed to them by Samson. The Philistines therefore threatened to burn down Samson's wife and her father's house. No one will take our garment (verse 15b) "have you invited us to take what is ours? Is that not so? No one truly wants anyone to take what belongs to him. Samson eventually told his wife the riddle because she pestered him (verse17),  and the Philistines explained the riddle as though they truly know it. Samson was wrathful against them because of the subtlety, he went and killed 30 of them to fulfill the pledge of 30 changes of clothing to those who explained the riddle.

The Philistines believed they overpowered Israel by "Dagon" their god. They presumed their mastery over them was because of their god's backing not knowing that they were able to capture Israel and the ark because of Israel's sins. And until Dagon was found fallen twice do they realize that it was not ordinary thing and that they are in for trouble (1 Samuel 5:3-4). It later became more evident to them that something serious was happening, our awesome God was at work and till today no one tread the threshold of Dagon (1 Samuel 5;5). God dealt with them, they were not healed of their plagues until they returned the ark and gave glory to God of Israel (1 Samuel 6:6, 11-16). Yet, the Philistines would not give up but still pursued the children of Israel to Mizpah, where they were gathered according to Samuel's instruction with fasting and prayers in order to return back to God (1Samuel 7:7). The children of Israel were afraid and requested that Samuel should plead to God on their behalf. God heard Samuel and thundered (1Samuel 7:10, Isaiah 8:9-10), the Philistines were confused and the children of Israel overcame them. Not only were they subdued but they never trouble the children of Israel again all the days of Samuel (Joel 3:16, Nahum 1:15b). Our awesome God also restore to the children of Israel their land taken by the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:14).

Nebuchadnezzar, a heathen king set up an image of gold for everyone to worship, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to serve or bow to his image. So, in fury, he commanded that the furnace be heated up seven times more than it was usually heated, and that they be thrown into it (Daniel 3:16-21). Though their faith in God was tested but their response was remarkable. They  had confidence and absolute trust in God as they declare " our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and He will deliver us from your hand O king." However, their faithfulness to God was made known as they also declare "But if not, let it be known to you O king, that we do not serve your gods nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." O king Nebuchadnezzar hear and hear us very well this our unflinching determination against your decree, we are resolved not to bow to your idol even if our God decides not to deliver us, because it is a sin unto our God to worship  any idol. God honoured their faith and the unimaginable happened because they were unbending. These three Hebrews had an unusual encounter with our awesome God inside the fire. They were moving about and their body was not burnt nor their hair singed. Incredible! Those who put them in the fire were consumed due to the intensity of the fire but the people in the "real fire" were unhurt. Everyone was amazed; unbelievably there is another man with them in  the fire. God himself being the consuming fire that no fire can consume was right there with them. Nebuchadnezzar saw the greatest sight of his lifetime,  he was astonished and quipped: "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire ; and they were unhurt, and the form of the fourth is like the son of God." Then, he  quickly ordered that they should be brought out and he acknowledged the God of the Hebrews (Daniel 3:28-29).

Our awesome God (b)

Yours, O LORD is greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And you are exalted as head over all (1Chronicles 29:11).

Our awesome God! He has no match, no equal, and no rival. He is above all and awesome in His ways. He changes times and seasons and none can alter His predetermined counsel. The philosophers call Him the first cause, atheists  in their confusion, though they claim He doesn't exist but do know that there is a force (cosmic power) that controls the universe. And truly, God is behind these visible forces. He is the creator of the ends of the earth and by the greatness of His might, He stretches the heaven and the earth (Isaiah 40:26, 24:44b). That's why He rightly outline His credential in Isaiah 48:12b-13, "I am He-the First and the Last" the creator of heaven and earth, incomparable (Isaiah 46:5 &9), indescribable God of Judah (Yahweh), great and above all gods (Psalm 135:5). Job's description of His almightiness is very interesting, the beauty of His wonderful creation, His providence and nature are unfathomable (Job 9:6-10, 36:26-33) and later He reveals His omnipotence to him in Job chapter 38-40. So, He is worthy of our praise. The four living creatures and the 24 elders in heaven ceaselessly worship and accord Him great honour and glory (Revelation 4:8-11). He overturns things and no one can deride Him. Because He sits above the circle of the earth, He sees the secret things and nothing is hidden from His sight. From this-His exalted position, He thwarts every evil counsel just as He did when He overturns the evil plot of Balak against the children of Israel. In His magnificent power, He relegates the princes of the earth to nothing (Isaiah 40:22-25).

Though Balaam was hired to curse the children of Israel, but God turned the curse to blessings for His people, O what an awesome God!(Deuteronomy 23:4b-5). Even covetous Balaam cannot do otherwise  after he was cornered three times by an angel sent by God as an adversary to forbid his evil intention to curse the children of Israel. In an attempt to dodge the sword raised by the angel, his donkey crushed his foot against the wall. But in anger, he struck her (Numbers 22:23-25). He repeatedly struck his donkey, wondered why she misbehaved, not knowing it was because she saw an angel on their pathway. And the donkey too must have wondered about his master "If you can't see now that you have been blinded by greediness, I can see. I am doing my normal duty, and I don't deserve this unwarranted death."  Finally, all the donkey could do is to surrender, I am not part of this mess, please, let my life be precious in your sight angel of God (Numbers 22:26-27). Then, God opens Balaam's eyes (Numbers 22:31) after his donkey spoke (Numbers 22:27-30). After his ordeal, Balaam knew if he does otherwise, he would pay dearly for it. And after raising many altars, he could still not curse the blessed of the Lord (Numbers 23:19-20). God frustrates the devices of the crafty (Job 5:12-14, 9:4, 12:17-19). Though the stone was marked (sealed), the tomb was guarded by soldiers (Matthew 27:66) and covered with a big stone; yet, the Lord of glory arose. Nothing can hinder Him, the LORD of lords and the King of kings arose and those guarding Him became as dead men (Matthew 28:2-4).

Our awesome God is a warrior! He is the proven man of war El-gibbor. Fortified and backed up by this awesome God, nothing and no one can stand between the children of Israel and their inheritance. Because His children must pass, Jordan cannot restrain them (Joshua 3:11-14). Even the swelling of Jordan cannot hinder their passage, the waters stood as heap (Joshua 3:15-17, 4:18). The wall of Jericho is not strong enough to resist them (Joshua 6:20). And at Joshua's command, the sun stood still in the midst of heaven for a whole day because God defended and was fighting for His people (Joshua 10:12-14). The children of Israel got possession of Canaan land because of the awesome presence of God and His intervention (Psalm 44:2-3). So, they eventually entered Canaan, God delivered all their enemies into their hand and gave them rest round about (Joshua 21:44-45). While in Canaan, God gave deliverance and conquest to His people with unimaginable people and weapons. Ehud, a left handed man, Killed Eglon the king of Moab-oppressor of the children of Israel. (Judges 3:15-23). Shamgar with an ox goad killed six hundred men of the Philistines (Judges 3: 31). Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera and his army (Judges 4:1-9, 13-24), and no wonder she sang, "The Lord came down for me against the mighty" Indeed, He is a mighty deliverer. Gideon, Jephthah and Samson also wrought exploits, the awesome God fought for them and scatters their enemies with His might arm ( Psalm 89:10) for in His anger the earth shook and trembled ( 2 Samuel 22:8-13). Our awesome God is mighty to save and deliver, He released Paul and Silas from the prison after they prayed and sang praises, there was an earthquake and the foundation of the prison was shaken.

He also brought water from the rock for His people to drink (Psalm 78:15-16); He supplied all their need as He wonderfully brought them into their inheritance. He graciously dealt with Esther, a nonentity became a queen (Esther 1:19),  not because she was better than others but because God decided to favour her (Esther 2:8, 10, 15-17). Our awesome God gave Solomon rest roundabout (1 King 5:4), unlike David his father, he was a man of rest, he never fought any battle. Extending His love to generations of those that love Him, God also blessed Solomon with wisdom and riches beyond measure much more than David his father (2 Chronicles 1:9-12). He gave future and hope to the hopeless, so Ruth, the Moabites, gets her life secured when she covenanted with the awesome God of the Jews (Ruth 1:14-18, 4:15). He gladdens the heart of the barren what an awesome God! Hannah silenced the mockery of Peninnah when God remembered her and gave her Samuel. And her prayer of thanksgiving is worth noting in 1 Samuel chapter 2 verses 1-10. God also remembered the Shunammite woman (2Kings 4:14-17). He gives divine elevation (Job 5:11), He enlarges the coast of Jabesh (1 Chronicles 4:9-10); and our awesome God is still in the business of divine provision.

But when the children of Israel forget God who fathered them (Deuteronomy 32:17-18), forsook Him and His fear was no more in them (Jeremiah 2:19), He testified against them and delivered them up to their enemies (2 Kings 17:13-20). God hates every form of syncretism, sorcery and idolatry and He has repeatedly warned them against such practises (Deuteronomy 12:4, 13:6-10, 17:2-5, 18:10-13, 23:17). Yet, they delight in these detestable things and little did they know that God's eyes are not hidden from their ways (Jeremiah 16:17, Proverbs 5:21). Moses had told them in Deuteronomy 7:10 that God will repay and destroy those who hate Him. David's admonition that God should be greatly praised and feared above all gods was also disregarded, therefore, God became their enemy (1 Chronicles 16:25-26). In fact, God will not take it lightly with anyone who rebels against His command. Thus, it behooves us to tread carefully before the court of this awesome God. And that is the reason why David, a man after God's own heart further instructed, "Tremble  before Him, all the earth. The world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved "(1 Chronicles 16:30).  He is awesome in power and judgment! He made Pharaoh a sign to those outside, Korah, Dathan and Abiram became sign among the children of Israel when they rebelled against Moses leadership, and when the earth opened and swallowed them up, everyone feared and fled (Numbers 16:1-3, 12-14, 31-35). Even Ananias and Sapphira his wife were not spared but were sign among the new testament believers.

David, a man of war and exploits, trusted in the might of God and killed Goliath of Gath with a stone and a sling (1 Samuel 17:45-51). He refuted Goliath's decrees because he cursed him by his gods (verse 43), and our awesome God will not allow His name to be put to disrepute (verse 45-47). David's unique way of dealing with his enemies (either personal or national) is linked to God who has always been his strength, shield, defense, fortress, stronghold and help. Interestingly, David prevailed over all his enemies. God never allowed him to be defeated but gave him victory over them all and he won all the battles he fought (2 Samuel 7:9, 22:38-41). God established a covenant with him, even a covenant of salt (2 Chronicles 13:5). However, despite God 's great benevolence to David, yet, he did not escape the wrath of this awesome God who smote him with His rod of correction when he sinned by killing Uriah and taking his wife. He actually pronounced the judgment on himself when Nathan was sent to him by God (2 Samuel 12:5-6). Calamity struck and the first child born of his adultery with Bathsheba died though he prayed and fasted for seven days. But God in His mercy spared Solomon the second son, He loved him and gave him a name Jedidiah (2 Samuel 12:24-25). However, Amnon David's son committed incest with Tamar Absalom's sister (2 Samuel 13: 7-14) and at an opportune time on a revenge mission, Absalom ordered and killed Amnon because he forced his sister (2 Samuel 13: 26-29). Later, Absalom waged war against David his father, revolted against him and he was killed (2 Samuel 18:14). Lastly, Adonijah the fourth person died because of Abishag after he presumed to become the king ((1King 1:5-7, 2:23-25).

Knowing Him

There is a personal knowing-an encounter with God is an essential experience everyone should have. This implies a knowledge and understanding of the holy God. Oftentimes when God speaks, He is very direct and emphatic; He speaks with no mincing words. In the bible, God made His desire known to the children of Israel and His intent He clearly spelt out through the instrumentality of His prophets and priests. Again, they wandered away from God but in His infinite mercy, He reached out to them (Hosea 2:19-20). A wooing is definitely needed, they were first to be betrothed to God in righteousness and justice. Uncleanliness must be removed because they are dealing with an holy God. He will bring judgment on their enemies and deal with sins in their lives (1 Peter 4:2-3, Isaiah 5:16). The second stage of this phase of betrothal is betrothal of love and mercy (Exodus 33:6-7). God assures them that He would be betrothed to them in loving kindness and mercy. No one can truly love and care like God for His loving kindness is far greater and surpasses the love that exist between a man and a woman. Then, the betrothal of faithfulness and this is God's promised faithfulness to the children of Israel. Man may be unfaithful and unreliable but not God, for He is ever constant. However, this sequence is necessary and must be followed because it is a precursor to the true knowledge of God. A true knowledge of God is indispensable for everyone, in fact, it is the Spirit that rested on Jesus (Isaiah 11:2). And when someone has the knowledge of God, automatically he would have the fear of God.

But the sons of Eli were deficient of the knowledge of God. They were corrupt, they did not fear God because they did not know Him (1 Samuel 2:12). Due to anomalies in their priestly duty, a new priest is needed. Eli, their father unfortunately could not see very well. The dimness of his eyes (mostly due to advanced age) prevented him seeing the actual state of things in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:22-23, 3:1-2, 4:15). God had to call Samuel before the light went out completely in the tabernacle-before total darkness (physical and spiritual) covers the land (1 Samuel 3:2-3). But trouble ensued when the old prophet who knew how God speaks didn't know that it was God calling Samuel. The young man Samuel too was inexperienced; he didn't know and cannot rightly discern God's voice. So, he needed the intervention of the old prophet. Although Samuel was staying with this re-known priest of God, yet, he did not know God. This infers that closeness to a man of God notwithstanding is a guarantee for knowing God. Each and everyone will have to know God personally. But non conducive spiritual environment (contamination and pollutions), spiritual drought and so on hamper the knowledge of God. God withdraw Himself and there was gloominess and dryness as the word of God became scarce. Sins make the word of God to be rare (1 Samuel 3:1, Job 32:8) but God was trying to make Himself known to Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4-7). Eli eventually perceived that it was God after three times of God calling Samuel.

Unfortunately, the children of Israel too had a vague knowledge of God. They wanted the ark to defend them when they do not know the God of the ark. They substituted God with an ark (1 Samuel 4:3-4) failing to realize that the evil (continuous and steady sins) of the sons of Eli-Hophni and Phineas will prevent God from fighting for them. God does not defend evil. He's too holy to behold iniquity either among the priest or the laity. When God sniffs slightest sin, He departs. Both the children of Israel and the Philistines misconstrued God. The Philistines cursed and railed themselves because of the presence of the ark in the battle field. The children of Israel were rejoicing because they've brought the ark to the battle field not knowing that God cannot be confined into a vessel. The presence of the ark notwithstanding, 30,000.00 Israelites foot soldiers died and their defense-the ark was captured by the enemy (1 Samuel 4:10-11, Proverbs 1:7, 28-29). God is not under any obligation to assist them until they know Him as their God.

God got Moses attention through the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6), called him and he responded here I am not knowing that it was God calling him. God needed to introduce Himself to him. Due to his initial response, God made an elaborate description of Himself to Moses because he did not know God (Exodus 3:4&6). He reassured him again and again affirming that He is the Lord though He had not been known by that name (Exodus 6:3). But prior to this time, Moses had acted as the defender of the Jews, he killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:12). At another time, he wanted to help and resolve quarrel between two Israelites (verses 13-14, &17), there and then he discovered that his evil (killing) was known. So, he left Egypt, fled from the wrath of Pharaoh and stayed with Jethro. Now that God wanted him to go back to Egypt and bring back the children of Israel out of the bondage, he has a lot to deal with and he needed to know God. Firstly, he had no reputation, and in order to convince the children of Israel-his credibility must not be questioned, he must be sure who is sending him (Exodus 2:14). Besides, he needed to know God for himself. He has a desperate urge to know God more now and it's critical because of the enormity of his task. The gravity of his assignment necessitated his deeper knowledge of God (Exodus 3:11, 33:13, Daniel 3:10). The nature of exploits and wonders God would later do through him in Egypt requires a genuine knowledge of God (Exodus 6:6). More importantly, Moses needed to know God in order to avoid misrepresentation of Him that can cause confusion, contention or trouble. God knew all these, so he revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15). Although his mother who raised him for the Pharaoh's daughter must have told him about the God of the Jews, yet, his most vital responses to God undoubtedly reveals a need to know God and how to present Him to the children of Israel (Exodus 3:13, 4:1, 10).

Pharaoh was actually right to hold back the children of Israel because he didn't know God (Exodus 5:2). He overburdened them and laid more work on them regarding God's word to him as false words (Exodus 5:9). Moses, on the other hand is getting to know God more seeing the real display of His attributes-His omniscient (Exodus 3:18-19), His omnipotence (Exodus 3:20 &17) and omnipresence (Exodus 3:16) during his discourse with Him about the captivity and release of the children of Israel (Exodus 3:19-22), and he was encouraged to believe God. How could He have known everything that is happening to the children of Israel in Egypt if He is not the almighty God. Moses was convinced and persuaded that he was dealing with the God of heaven. For Moses, it is no longer the assignment that matters but God who is behind the scene. His appellation alone-the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:15-16) ginger him and he was more courageous to go. Similarly, Jacob had several encounters with God, yet, he didn't know Him. At Bethel, he set a pillar to worship God because there he dreamt and God appeared and spoke to him (Genesis 28:16-18). Later when God appeared to him, because he didn't really know God, he wrongly took Him for an angel (Genesis 31:11-13). He  played pranks to save himself from the wrath of Esau-his brother, he prayed in serious unbelief because he didn't know God ( Genesis 32:6-21). Afterward, he realized he needed God's intervention, so, he had to wrestle with God, and when he had encountered God, he knew Him, then he got his name changed  to Israel (Genesis 32:24-30, Hosea 2:23).

Paul the Apostle after his encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus constantly longed for more of God. He had a great passion for God and his goal is "That I may know Him"  (Philippians 3:10). Though one would have thought that he 's already having a deep knowledge of God. The issue of knowing God evidently became an important element of his prayer for the churches (Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 1:16-17). His request for them in prayer would be incomplete without an increase in their knowledge of God. Paul knew the significance of knowing God because he has been graced to have an insight into the mysteries of God. Mary Magdalene also longed for her master and would not leave the tomb until she sees her risen Lord. Paul discovered that the Athenians object  of worship has an inscription "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD" he, being a God's vessel to disperse knowledge (Proverbs 15:7a) used that opportunity to reveal to them the God they desire to worship without knowing (Acts 17:20-31). Compelled by the Spirit of God, Paul rebuked the spirit of divination operating in a girl hailing and announcing him because he could easily discern that though the girl had knowledge but not by the Spirit of God.

There is tendency for people in these last days to follow errors and lies because the true knowledge of God is scanty and in some places lacking. Many false prophets and teachers are now emerging who deceives, exploit, and lead people astray into damnable errors, and those who follow them will have the same end and judgment. The bible says many will follow them because they lack true knowledge of God (2 Peter 2:1-3& 15-17). Nature itself and the world system have made it in such a way that if someone is devoid of the knowledge of God, he will seek to have the knowledge of the devil. Interestingly, no one can stay neutral! Satan on the other hand makes it easy for those seeking him to have contact with and have access to myriads of false teachers and prophets parading themselves about (2 Peter 2:18-20). They have as clients those who have not known God at all (Isaiah 44:18-19); backsliders-who once knew God but abandoned him, these are untaught, unstable, always twisting the word of God (2 Peter 3:16). Judgement would be worse for backsliders-those who once knew God but abandon Him than for those who never have the knowledge of God though trapped and snared by these false teachers. Holy Spirit is given to convict the world of sins and whenever He convicts, He brings the knowledge of God so that people may know, fear and serve God faithfully.

Irrevocable decree

You yourself write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring, for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can revoke Esther 8:8

In Sushan the palace there was a man by name Haman. This Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite was advanced and promoted by king Ahasuerus and his seat above all the princes (Esther 3:1). Also, at the king's gate was Mordecai (a Jew) who would not boy or pay homage to Haman. Haman was greatly displeased, wrathful and purposed to deal with Mordecai, however, not him alone but all the Jews throughout the kingdom of Ahasuerus. So, Haman legislated to annihilate the Jews because of Mordecai. He notified the king saying "If it please the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed " and he gained the king's consent, "So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammadetha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews"......In the name of king Ahasuerus it was written and sealed with the king's signet ring"(Esther 3:9a, 10, 12). He, being so desperate to execute his evil plan against the Jews, sent letter through courier to all the provinces of king Ahasuerus to destroy, kill and annihilate the Jews in one day (Esther 3:13). Wherever his written decree got to in all the provinces over which the king reigned, there was great perplexity, weeping, mourning and fasting among the Jews (Esther 3:14-15, 4:3). But God intervened after Esther, Mordecai and the Jews in Sushan fasted and prayed to God. Having obtained the favour of God, Esther went in to the king and she also obtained his favour (Esther 4:16-17, 5:2). Then Queen Esther narrated her ordeal to the king during the banquet she prepared for king Ahasuerus and Haman, And Esther said, The adversary and the enemy is this wicked Haman!" So Haman was terrified before the king and the queen" (Esther 7:6).

Thereafter, a divine shift occurred as the king took off his signet ring which he had taken form Haman and gave it to Mordecai (Esther 8:2). Esther further pleaded and implored the king to counteract the evil that Haman has orchestrated and schemed against the Jews. Reversing evil decrees against the Jews became necessary because many things will be at stake until a new decree is effected. We recall that the decree issued by Haman has the king's seal, hence, a new decree has to be issued to alter every evil devised against the Jews. Even though at this time Haman was already dead, nevertheless, for the mere fact the his decree against the Jews was written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring, it must be executed unless it is reversed. So, king Ahasuerus instructed Esther to write as she pleases concerning the Jews.  To any extent you deemed fit and as you desire the king says, the signet ring (seal) is available to approve and sanction this new decree "You yourself write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with king's signet ring no one can revoke"(Esther 8:8). This will be the final writing to negate the former decree by the enemy against the people of God. In like manner, Satan like the wicked Haman has always been busying himself devising evil schemes continuously against the children of God just as he did in the case of Job when he requested that God should grant him permission to trouble Job (Job 1:9-12, 2:3 &6).

Evil decrees  against us as children of God must be revoked. The king granted Esther's request for another decree to counter the former decree by Haman. In Esther 8:13, "A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies." Interestingly, both decrees written and issued by Haman and Esther have the king's name and his signet ring, but Haman later lost the king's favour and his decrees can no longer stand. Consequently, his expectation, desire and judgment against the people of God failed (Esther 7:7-10). It is also worth noting that Haman was with king Ahasuerus dinning and winning together a day previous. However, on the second day of the banquet the king cannot be pacified and his wrath remain unabated until Haman was hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. His perfected evil plan without mercy against Mordecai and the Jews came upon him (James 2:13). So, Haman reaped what he sowed. He couldn't live to execute his evil agenda. His cunningly devised scheme against the Jews came to an abrupt end. It didn't see the light of the day though he stealthily got the king's approval to exterminate the Jews. Everything the enemy planned against the Jews did not happen rather it was reversed (Esther 9:1-3). The evil decree against the Jews was revoked and the Jews were happy (Esther 8:16-17). Literally, they were supposed to be annihilated but note verse 16 "The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honour."

On the other hand, Esther obtained the favour of the king, her decree concerning the Jews stands and she became a fragrance of life leading to light  (2 Corinthians 2:16, Esther 5:2-8). But prior to this time, she has sought the face of God along with her maidens, Mordecai and the Jews in Sushan the palace. So, the king gave Esther the house of Haman and he thought that she would be satisfied with this gift. But Esther would not be satisfied with ephemeral things until she sees evil decree against her people changed (Esther 8:6-7). Not at all, she would not be alive enjoying the goodies of the palace when her countrymen are annihilated throughout the 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia over which king Ahasuerus reigned. The determined counsel of God for the Jews must stand. Israel as a nation is blessed being a descendant of Abraham the friend of God. God has made pronouncement concerning Abraham that anyone who blesses him is blessed and anyone who curse him is cursed (Genesis 12:3). Also, when Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau to Padan-Aram, Isaac pronounced this same blessing upon him (Genesis 27:29 & 28:3-4) and this blessing transcends to his descendants the Jews. No Haman can therefore alter these pronouncement and destroy the Jews.

Meanwhile, in king Ahasuerus name and with his signet ring (seal) decree were issued and altered. Now we have the name of Jesus (the King of kings and Lord of lords) and in His name and with His blood (seal)  we can revoke and issue any decree  as we wish. The name and the blood of Jesus is potent enough to alter any evil decree or legislation. His name is higher than any other name (Philippians 2:9-10), well recognized in heaven and on earth, and His blood more powerful than king Ahasuerus signet ring . The bible says whenever the Almighty God decrees, no one can revoke His decrees (Psalm 148:6). The only irrevocable decree is any decree made in the name of Jesus and sealed with His  blood (Job 22:21 &28). As we know that the decree Haman made in king Ahasuerus name and sealed with his signet ring was revoked but God's decree no one can alter. And as for us, satanic decrees and judgment against us can be revoked (Lamentation 3:37) as it happened to Esther and the Jews in Sushan the palace (Esther 9:25). The bible (both old and new testament) remains our document with issued decree as it contains infallible covenant creed for believers.

There are several instances where Jesus issued irrevocable decrees though it often grieve the chief priests, Pharisee and the rulers in His days. On one occasion, after he made a clay of the spittle, He anointed the eyes of a man born blind and He said to Him "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.......so he went and came seeing" (John 9:6-7). The Pharisee confronted him, spoke endlessly and angrily against Jesus (the Son of God) who healed him. Give God the glory !We do not approve of the sinner whom you said that he made you see, so, don't acknowledge him  (John 9:16, 24). But verse 25 has  a very shocking truth, he told them, I care not about what you say of him but this one thing I know that-once I was blind but I see. This is the shortest sermon ever. He asked them why are they probing  and troubling him, and asked if they wanted to be his disciples (verse 27). Though you are confused, yet, He has opened my eyes. The most thrilling part of the scene was when he became a preacher to these hardened people (verse 31-34).  We can also vividly recall that after Pilate had a brief encounter with Jesus before His crucifixion, He wrote a title and put it on His cross. The chief priests came to him demanding that he should alter the writing, but  Pilate told them that what is written is written (John 19:19-22).

Nebuchadnezzar was a heathen king who later acknowledged that God rules in the affairs of man. He extolled God after he learn by experience that no on can taunt the almighty. Being a king himself, he cannot revoke God's decree against him; he was powerless and he cannot alter the pronouncement of the King of kings. He passed through divine judgment for good seven years, God executed His judgment on him (Daniel 4:17, 25-26, 32). Nebuchadnezzar did not realize the gravity of his offence, it never occurred to him when Daniel repeatedly warned him about the consequences of his of his actions and the interpretation of his dream. But he later realized who God is (verses 34-37) and gave one of the most powerful and smartest eulogy of the almighty God ever rendered. So brief, concise and weighty. God can revoke any decree but His decree no one can revoke.

Our complete and perfect sacrifice

God gave His only begotten son to become our complete and perfect sacrifice. This was an offering freely given to our world though sinful and evil. Prior to this time, God has made several efforts to redeem man but all failed. The prophets, priests, kings, scribes and even the law cannot tame man or curb his wide excesses. There is no perfection in the law! In short, neither the law nor its enforcers can free from sins, for wherever there is law, there is sin. According to Paul the Apostle, the knowledge of law makes room for sin because sin advantage in the law (Romans 7:7-8). People and nations of the world have  drifted away from God, even God's own people-the children of Israel. Sadly, there's no one who has not been plagued by sin. So, God made provision for remission of sins through the blood of bulls and goats. Unfortunately, the blood of bulls and goats offered by the Levitical priests cannot permanently atone and remove sins even the sins of the priests who offered the sacrifices. For it became a perpetual necessity, a basic requirement for the high priest to first of all offer sacrifices for the atonement of his sins before he could offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. "For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gift and sacrifices for sins. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins" (Hebrews 5:1&3). And since the Levitical priesthood was deficient (Hebrews 7:11), hence, an entirely different and a new priesthood is needed to offer perfect sacrifices. God therefore proffered a lasting solution (Jesus) to the problem of man (sin) in His overall scheme of plan to redeem man. Jesus became both the sacrifice (a sinless lamb of God slain before the foundation of the earth (John 1:29, Hebrews 9:25 &28a) and the priest (Hebrew 9:11-12).

So, Jesus came after the order of Melchizedek since it became necessary that the holy Lamb of God who needs no offering for sins must be sacrificed, "For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:14-17). This Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God is a typology of Jesus for he had no descent (Hebrews 7:1&3). Jesus also has no earthly father. Jesus, the Son of God was conceived by a virgin (Mary) after the Holy Spirit overshadowed her (Matthew 1:18-23, Luke 1:26-35), born in  a manger (Luke 2:4-7), grew up like every other children and it was recorded in the gospel according to Luke chapter 2 verse 40 "And the child grew and became very strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." Later, at age 30, being a fully grown man, He started His earthly ministry which culminated in His death on the cross. The Son of the living God was sacrificed for the sins of mankind. He decided to pay the price to ransom and redeem the world back to God. He bore the pains and the agony on the cross, indeed, it was a cruel cross. Yet, the Son of God bore it all and on the cross He died that we might live. And it was written of Him in the book of Isaiah 53:12, "Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors." His suffering and death was predicted (Isaiah 53:7-10) and fulfilled (Matthew 27:15-50, Mark 15:3-39, Luke 22:63-65, 23:13-47, and John 19:1-37) because to this end and for this cause the Son of God was born.

Despite the provision God made for the redemption of man, the world is in turmoil because Satan (the god of this world) does not want man to be free from his grips. He still holds bound his captives not wanting them to be released from his shackles. But God's intention is to pull us out and deliver us from the power of darkness and to bring us into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians1:7). That through Jesus we will be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in the light (Ephesians 1:11, Colossians 1:12b), though with no deserving merit. That His transformation power will work in us and make us who were once alienated and enemies in our minds by wicked works reconciled back to God (Ephesians 2:11-13). God freely gives us the privilege to be among the saints to enjoy His divine blessings. It was a complete package-redemption, salvation, restoration and deliverance all at once through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. For it is written "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil'' (1 John 3:8b). Jesus came to disarm and destroy the strength of the powers that rule over us. He removed all satanic entanglements from us; graciously brought us into light, and made us free. Jesus made a cheap mockery and display of nothingness of the powers of darkness according to Colossians 2:14-15, "having wiped out the hand writing of the requirements that was against us which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." In other words, they cannot rule over us again. By extension, He destroyed the league, label, union and the handling over transaction of our lives to Satan. Hence, there's full redemption through the atoning blood of Jesus.

Wherever or whenever there is sin, there must be shedding of blood for its remission. For it is written "And according to the law almost all things in heaven are purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrew 9:22). Since the New Testament era, Jesus is the only sacrifice ordered and ordained by God and His shed blood is the only blood God recognizes and accepts to atone for sins (Hebrews 9:12-15). Inasmuch as the blood of bulls and goats formerly offered in the old covenant cannot permanently take away sins (Hebrews 7:18 & 10:3-4). Therefore, Jesus become the mediator of the new covenant; the only one approved bridging the gap between God and man. And this He does by the means of His death so that anyone who comes to God through Him may receive the promise of eternal life. There is no alternative to the blood of Jesus and no other sacrifice will be acceptable from God. God's blessings (salvation, redemption, forgiveness, deliverance etc.) are for those who will boldly take a step of faith and act. God is ever liberal with His blessings, willing and ready to attend to anyone who will humbly seek Him.  But there is no shortcut to God, everyone must come to Him through Jesus Christ. God sees man only through the righteousness of the blood of Jesus. Every other route to God aside from Jesus is evil and demonic! Human skills, machinations, strategies and schemes will fail as these cannot equate or replace the blood and the sacrifice of Jesus. And that's why the song writer rightly puts: Oh, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow; no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus. It is henceforth needless to venture into ritual activity or engage in any form of  animal or human sacrifices. Anyone who does this is not offering or sacrificing to God but to Satan. And God will severely deal with anyone found guilty of this evil act. Such a person will incur the wrath and the judgment of God for He will not overlook it.

Jesus is now the only hope for the world. No one and nothing can give man eternal, enduring and real hope outside Jesus. Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Jewish believers exhorts and reveals to them the superiority of Jesus above their former practice "for the law made nothing perfect, on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:19). So, in Jesus we have not only better hope, but better covenant and better promises," But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry. Inasmuch as He is also a mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." These are all that the new priestly service of Jesus offers. Jesus has something to offer as a high priest just as high priests are appointed to offer both gift and sacrifices (Hebrews 8:3b). His sacrifice is better than the sacrifices of the Levitical priests because it is once in a lifetime. Previous covenant was faulty, hence, a need for a worthy replacement suitable enough to counter the deficiencies and the inadequacies of the former covenant. According to Hebrews chapter 8 verse 7, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second." The new covenant is hinged on the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. His sinless blood (perfect) is qualified to remove sins and thoroughly cleanse from all defilement. There is huge contrast between the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood (Exodus 29:1-21, Leviticus 6:1-7, 8:1-10) and the priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 7:22-28, 8:1-2, & 9:24-26). The priesthood of Jesus offers better hope, better covenant and promises that Levitical priesthood could not offer.

For the significant role Jesus played in God's redemption program, God was pleased with Him and allow all fullness to dwell in Him, "For it pleased the father that in Him all the fullness should dwell. And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:19-20). As it is also written in the gospel according to John chapter 1 verse 16, "And of His fullness we have received, and grace for grace."  All fullness dwell in Jesus, even the fullness of Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9 &Ephesians 1:23). God also exalted Him and gave Him a name above every other name (Ephesians 1:20-21, Philippians 2:6-10). Consequently, He is the head of the body (church). Jesus is the head of the church and that in all thing He might have preeminence (Colossians 1:18 &Ephesians 1:22). Jesus is not only the head of the church but He is also the head of all principalities and power. So, our completeness is in Him who is the head of all principalities and power (Colossians 2:10). 

The watchman

Our world is in dire need of intercessors as the devil is increasing his activities knowing he has limited time left. The church too being under a siege needs the prayer of sincere children of God as they remain the only solution to her mounting problems. However, in order to a worthy intercessor (watchman) and be truly qualify as God's instrument, it necessitate that such must be like the four Hebrew children in Babylon-in whom there was no blemish (holy, pure, chaste, no spiritual contamination). God wants to conscript into His army eligible warriors who will confront the gates of hell and salvage our world from ruin. Some of God's re-known watchmen and faithful intercessors are  Moses, Samuel (Jeremiah 15:1 &Hebrews 3:2, 5) and Jesus (Hebrews 7:25). Paul the Apostles was also a faithful intercessors who ceaselessly prayed for the church and the gentiles. Despite all he suffered for the course of the gospel, he endangered his life and he did more exploits than the rest of the apostles, yet, he had time to pray. He prayed often and fasted often too. His lifestyle was not with ease of accumulation of wealth or material goods (1 Corinthians 4:11-13, 2 Corinthians 11:26-27). Jesus, our perfect example of a great intercessor, in His attempt to introduce the disciples to the ministry of intercession called Peter, James and John and asked them to watch with Him. Stay here and watch with me the master said but the watchmen were busy sleeping (Matthew 26:36-40). He came thrice and each time He found them sleeping, so, He left them and went on with His prayers. But He can't leave us now because there's so much to be done with limited time frame. The church cannot afford to be complacent with the situation of the church negatively impacting our societies and nations at large. Hence, no one is exempted both the priests and the laity must be involved. Owning to the significant role of the watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7), the priests have the mandate to restore the backslidden nations and leaders to God as Jehoida and other priests did (2 Kings 11:17). However, wailing men and women  (laity) are to hold unto the hand that holds the heaven and the earth on behalf of the church and the nations. God is again saying, watchman, what of the night!

God desires that Zion should come into terms with Him but she takes delight in things that affords her pleasure and temporary satisfaction. as she's bent on tending to the world (Isaiah 32:9-15, 2 John 2:15-17). Instead of praying the church is full of activities and partying. She lay helpless  because she  refuses to wield the power of prayer and intercession. Alas! the church is sleeping and slumbering when she needs to pray the most. And the soul of Jesus is exceedingly heavy as it was when he was to go to the cross because of our carelessness and our prayerlessness. He paid a huge price even with His life though not easy, He did everything necessary for our redemption and He has also bequeathed so much authority to the church. When He said all power in heaven and on earth has been given to me, hence, we have no excuse (Mathew 28:18, Luke 10:19). Besides, God has given us assurance about the dominance of Jesus (Romans  15:12) and He affirmatively spoke concerning Him "for His name shall be exalted over all the earth." Therefore, we have all it takes to make tangible impact in the kingdom of God in these last days. But if the watchman fails in his responsibility, there will be doom (Acts 12:1-4). When persecution arose against the early church, Herod's violence led to the arrest of James. Initially, the church didn't take it seriously until James was killed and Peter was arrested. But when they saw the evil trend, the church did not allow Herod to further his evil scheme but prayed to God and strange deliverance took place (Acts 12:5-11, 4:24-31, Numbers 23:21). God's intention is that the opposition, persecution and the likes that the church faces should be fuel for revival and opportunity for prayer. In like manner, wake-up call signals now abound  everywhere. Apparently,  there is great need for prayer and intercession on behalf of the church than ever before. And as faithful watchmen, it is when our obedience is complete (to watchfulness in prayers) that we can demand submission and revenge of all disobedience (2 Corinthians 10:6).

Knowing the need for the hour, Jesus instructed his disciples to get a sword-be battle ready, no carelessness, frivolity, slumber or feebleness. It is not a mere statement that the disciples should get a sword. Jesus meant every word He uttered. In the gospel according to Luke  chapter 22 verse 35-36, "And He said unto them, "When I sent you devoid of bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything? "So they said, "Nothing" Then He said to them, Buy now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack, and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one."  Really, Jesus did not expect the disciples to get swords in order to kill and destroy, but He wanted them to realize the need for preparedness for warfare (an ongoing spiritual battle). Sword is a weapon of war and the disciples need to be fully armed more so that He would no longer be with them. The sword they need is the word of God-the sword of the Spirit which is inseparable from prayer (Ephesians 6:17-20). And this is what the psalmist also talked about in psalm 149:6-9. Besides, Jesus did not ask them to get the physical sword so they could defend Him because His father has legions of angels that can fight for Him. We recall how He healed Marcus whose ear was cut off during His arrest at Gethsemane (Luke 22:49-51, John 18:10-11).

Now is the time to quit running in the face of the giants rather we ought to look into the covenant that we have with God. God has established a covenant of salt with His people for dominion and power (2Chronicles 13:5). As we make ourselves available to God, He becomes our ability and we shall be filled with His presence, power and enjoy His provisions. If David never conquered bear, he wouldn't be able to confront and conquer the Goliath of Gath. If the children of Israel didn't take Jericho, it wouldn't have been possible for them to enter and possess Canaan. Even when battered by the enemy, our defensive mechanism is still to challenge him. If we run away from the devil, he will run after us, but if we stand our ground and resist him, he would flee. And that's what James meant when he said  "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  So, as we submit ourselves to God, we'll be able to boldly resist him and he has no alternative than to flee away from us. He doesn't flee yet because we have not taken it upon ourselves to resist him or possibly because we have not fully submitted to God (James 4:7). This reminds me on an incident that happened several years ago. Thieves and robbers informed people living in a particular residential area of their invasion. They actually notified them through written letters pasted on the walls of several houses in the area. So, on the day the thieves promised to come, members  and representatives of the association of landlords in the area together with the night guards fully armed (vigilante) stood outside waiting for the thieves. The thieves did not show up, probably they've seen the seriousness of the people to confront and attack them. When elders are at the gates, they easily turn battles away but when there are no elders at the gate, there is danger, and trouble can easily come in.

The devil is known for whom he is, always fomenting trouble and he does what he knows best to do-to attack and create confusion. His inborn nature is to oppose anything of God, he cannot do otherwise; hence, the church needs to pray against his dribbling tactics. He is ever furious to see progress in the things of God. Restoration of the saints to true righteousness gives him serious heart ache, and when he sees that the gap are closed (open doors to his activities), he gets angry (Nehemiah 4:7-9). When we seek the presence and the glory of God, things gets harder and not easier. And it becomes a battle because we make ourselves a cheap target of the enemy. When the devil wants the church to be silent in darkness, we need to watch in prayer (Isaiah 21:11, 62:6-7). When the strength of the labourers is failing them and the giants are fainting we need prayers. When the enemy cunningly bombards to frustrate and cause the work of the kingdom to cease, we need prayers (Nehemiah 4:11-12). Someone like Paul the Apostle despite his prayerfulness, tactfulness and vastness in the word  God says a great and effective door has opened to him, but there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9). When the enemy vows to enter into our midst and kill (Nehemiah 4:11, Psalm 79:1-2), the church needs to watch in prayer. Truly there are foes to confront but the God of the battle is with us to fight for us and give us the victory. The heroes of faith are also waiting to see our record since they cannot be made perfect without us (Hebrews 11:30). Surely we know that through Jesus we will conquer the devil and thwart all his evil counsel and operations in our generation.