Our Enraged World

 

Living in an enraged world can be really problematic and troubling. Many are furious, sad and daily living in rage against everything and anything that comes along their path. And it is so unfortunate that they do not realize that devil is behind all the chaos going on in the world. Nowhere seem to be truly peaceful and calm. Though some may experience relative peace for a while, but indeed it is not a perpetual one. The issues of insecurity is now trending even in the developed countries, though to some extent they have curtailed this unpleasant activities, yet, they do have issues occasionally with enraged people who go about in shooting spray for no just cause killing innocent people. A lot is going on, many are enraged against the government, economy, their environment even against themselves. The enemy has seriously dealt with our world, and virtually no nation is exempted. Stories of woes everywhere, horrible and terrific incidences, shocking and saddening news flung the newspapers and media, wars, killings, insubordination, violence, rioting and so on are the order of the day.

Oftentimes, when the spoiled realizes his state and wants to take back his possession and regain his rightful position, trouble ensues, because the enemy and wicked who has stolen will not want to give back what was stolen, seized or confiscated unless God intervenes. And so was the case of Ahab. There was no problem until when Ahab remembered that he needed to take possession of Ramoth Gilead from the King of Syria. There is wickedness everywhere, the vulnerable are being exploited, cheated and disinherited. Even the wicked are audacious, vaunt themselves unashamedly declaring that they want to have what belong to the righteous simply because of their previous success in spoiling the innocent ones. But Ahab was warned by God  through Prophet Micaiah not to engage in war with the king of Syria. But his true sense of judgement was beclouded by his 400 prophets who gave him assurance unknown to him that they were operating under the influence of a lying spirit (1 King 22:6, 20-22). 

However, Jehoshaphat could discern that something was wrong by the virtue of his walk with God (1 King 22:5, 7, 2 Chronicles 18:6). So he persuaded Ahab and requested that Micaiah should be brought. The messenger sent to Micaiah  warned him not to do any silly or awful thing and spoil the show because all the prophesies that have gone forth were good. And he too told them what they wanted to hear, but when they insisted, he told them God's verdict concerning their adventure, and this made the king of Israel to be angry against Micaiah and imprisoned him. It is indeed an enraged world where all you get for telling the truth is imprisonment. King Asa too was enraged because of God's prophecy concerning him, and he imprisoned the seer instead of repenting, so Asa died (2 Chronicles 16:7-12). But King Asa you once trembled at God's word when you were confronted and you brought Judah back to God. Your response was remarkable, and you and all Judah benefited from the right action you took then (2 Chronicles 15:1-19). And why can't you apply wisdom now and amend your ways. Is it because this issues only concerns you and not the entire people of the land, and you feel too big to take correction and repent.

Also, Zechariah, the son of Jehoida the priest, after the death of his father warned the children of Judah of their evil ways. They forsook God and served idols and he told them that they will not prosper. They were enraged including the king who masterminded his death (2 Chronicles 24: 21-26). But he told them the blatant truth. People are always enraged when told the consequences of their evil acts. In fact, they complicated the matter for themselves because God cheaply gave them to their enemies. Yet, these are the days when we need the true prophets of God though they are scare and often marked with scars. Zedekiah angrily smote Jeremiah because he did not follow other prophets to tell lies about Israel's captivity. Jeremiah was also imprisoned, cast into dungeon and fed with the bread of affliction (Jeremiah 37:15-21, 38:2-6).

Though perplexed, troubled, enraged and troubled our world may be, this does not move God because He has made known to man what is expected of him, and failure to comply means that man will continue to have horrible experiences in the world. The government are not helping the matters, rather, their evil decisions and actions is making millions of people to groan and cry how long. There is high level of evil sophistication, evil speed and scheme to make the gullible to fall into incalculable error. Many delight in oppression and looking for every available opportunity to cheat, manipulate and suppress others . Poor oppressing the poor is another mystery in our enraged world.  We are in a critical situation that if God does not help our world calamity is looming. 

It is indeed an enraged world where the righteous are being troubled by the enemy who is not happy because they are at peace with their God and making steady progress. Envious enemies plan to overrun them and alter their course. But God is faithful, He will not allow them to prosper in their evil pursuit. When darkness wants to forcefully rule the light and the evil ones want to manipulate, harm and subdue the righteous. And because God will not allow them to perpetrate their evil schemes against His children, they become troubled and enraged (Nahum 1:13). What an evil world! But who can heal this sick and troubled world. It is Jesus. He is the prince of peace who alone can give peace to a troubled heart though many still abhor and passionately hate Him, yet, He is the solution to this embattled world. Man feels secure when he can manage his affairs but gets frustrated when he cannot proffer needed solutions to his pressing needs. He often manifest transferred aggression for his predicaments and unresolved issues. And anyone who mistakenly crosses his path at that time, on such he would pour his wrath and anger. 

But man will continue to languish in pain and no help will come until the prince of peace is involved. Technology, though good has made the situation worse, and from time to time, it reveals the helplessness of man. Having tried medical sciences, neurology, and other discoveries, all these notwithstanding, solution to man's problems seem far away. Who can heal the evil that plague our world, who can clear away the troubles that embitter our soul, it is Jesus, He is the one. But when man gets to his wits end, he will certainly seek for God. The inward hole, an unfilled vacuum that leaves man in great despair can only be filled by Jesus. If we embrace Him who paid the full price for our redemption, submit to His lordship and control, there will be a great turnaround in our world. God has made perfect solution for us, but it behooves each and everyone to ask this from Him.

Crossing the Rubicon-there is no way back

When God redeems a life, it is for a purpose and His intention is that such a person will continue in fellowship with Him. Salvation from sin and acceptance of the Lordship of Christ is not the end of the journey, but a beginning of a journey that is hoped to end with God in eternity. God expects our continued walk and in this He takes delight. No intermittent or in and out is allowed in this journey (Galatians 2:18). And there is no need for fear, anxiety, speculations or reconsideration. Jesus gave a stern warning to His followers because He knew some of them are skeptical and they did not really know what they were putting themselves into, so He needed to tell them that "No one having put his hand on the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62). Solomon, the wisest king also alarmed that we should beware of them that are giving to change. Though many things are changing, the world, its system, people, but God remains constant, He is unchanging and His standard uncompromising for all human race (1 Tim 2:19). It was a crucial matter and Jesus needed to ask His disciples if they too are going back because at a time many could not endure His sayings, but they unanimously answered that they have no where to go for He has the word of life (John 6:60, 66-67). Having crossed the Rubicon, there is no way back. God has decided a lasting journey for His followers which must not end abruptly (Psalm 85:8, 1 John 2:28, 2 Peter 2:20-21). A song writer succinctly puts:

At the cross you knelt and were converted 

Jesus saves your soul that happy day

Now that He has led you from the broad road

Never leave the straight and narrow way

Don't turn around to the things you've left behind

All those bridges you've burned don't try to find

Set your face like a flint and walk right unto the promise land

Don't turn around to the things you've left behind.

Though circumstances of life and situations at times may propel someone to think otherwise. There are personal life challenges, unfavourable economic conditions and the god of this world wants everyone to bow in order to get the crumbs that he offers. Each day presenting its own trouble, the road seem weary and the journey bleak, and the devil in particular is making the journey hard and difficult for the beloved children of God. He programmes various things along our path to dissuade and discourage  finest believers. He does not care about the number of years that you have put into your service and walk with God. His utmost aim is to make one unfit and end the journey to heaven abruptly. There are  many casualties already on the way to heaven. Satan keep placing things to entice, deform, seduce, manipulate and distorts believer's journey knowing fully well that without his trouble we will have a safe and easy passage to our eternal abode. The intensity of his battle against the saints is getting stronger and fiercer as the coming of the Lord approaches. With his threats, he wants us to succumb, be troubled, reconsider our way and turn back. Although the journey may be getting lonesome, wearisome and troubling, but God still comforts the weary and the fainting, and He has promised to give all the necessary support and the needed grace and help that will see us through. For He is the custodian of grace to scale through this evil and wicked world, and in Him we see and receive the light that will brighten our path as we journey day by day (Galatians 2:21, Matthew 28:20).

But we will never back out or turn back from our journey to eternity (Philippians 2:12b, 3:14). Jesus has already forewarned us that in this world, there will be tribulation (John 16:33) because we are opposed to the world and to Satan. But there is an assurance that we should cheer up for He has overcome for us. This is now the time to get closer to God than ever, longing and panting after Him. These are the days when our resolutions and affirmations to love, fear, serve, and follow Him to the end must be firm, strong and resounding than ever (Ephesians 5:15-17). It is our resolve that matters, because devil will continue to do his atrocities, and with his enticing baits will desire to lure vulnerable souls to follow his dictates and destined destructive and pernicious ways. But God wants to succor us and aid us in our hour of need though Satan desperately hates us, and does not want to see us make it to heaven. Henceforth, our prayer will be the wordings of a song-strengthen all the ties that binds me, closer, closer Lord to thee, every bridge is burned behind me, thine I ever more will be.

Going back and forth, Satan accused Job before God, and he troubled him to the extent that he began to curse the day that he was born. And this was simply because Satan wanted him to renounce God. He busy himself every moment hunting for people to throw down. To worsen the situation is the chaotic condition in which the world is right now, and no one truly seem to know the way out. Evil is becoming like a norm and the wicked ones are waxing stronger doing dubious things. And the believers are not exempted from troubles posed by the god of this world. As they desire to live godly and be different, they are tagged, and looked down upon as if they do not belong. And they are truly not of this world though they are in the world. Devil has been permanently defeated on the cross when Jesus declared "It is finished." Jesus paid for the redemption of the souls of all human race to bring us back to God. But Satan is daily seeking and wanting to get back to himself those who have chosen the way of the cross that leads to heaven. Although Peter denied his Lord and master but he repented and wept bitterly, but Judas who betrayed his Lord for 30 pieces of silver was only remorseful but not repentant, he ended up hanging himself (Mark 14:72, Matthew 26:75, 27:3-5). So, as the world beckons, and Satan throw his darts, our flesh weak and almost getting tired of the way, we need to ask for fresh grace and divine cord to tie and bind us closer to God. For our eternal salvation is much closer than when we first believe.

I choose Christ

God has graciously bless mankind with the ability to make choice. And as free moral agent, he can decide on what he wants and how he wants to live his life. God will never enforce His will on anyone though He has made plain the destination of any chosen path. There are those who choose to be children of God, with them God is well pleased. They enter into sonship through Christ Jesus for the bible says "As many that received Him to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name" (John1:12). Hence, they are grafted into the family of God and they enjoy every benefit that belongs to each member of the family. It is needless to say that the glory of God will be evident on them, as God becomes their father, and they His children will radiate His glory and aura. And the truth about their experience borders on their choice, that is the path they have decided to take. They choose and receive Jesus as their Lord, Saviour, Master and King and He in return impart unto them the nature of God, and lavish the blessings and glory that the kingdom of God affords unto them. Aside this, whenever anyone chooses Jesus Christ, he receives and has life, there is a lifting from death and all that produces death to life abundantly in Christ Jesus for He is the giver of life (1 John 5:12).

However, some choose to be slaves of God for so they call themselves. This according to them is a sign of humility, for it is not fit to be called children of God. How can they equate themselves to the level of being called children of God, they feel it is improper but really it is a display of ignorance for God wishes that all to be His children. A slave has limited access and right to the property of the father, only the son does. Blinded by religion, this choice has hindered them to receive from the father of all flesh-their creator and God. Buttressing this, the issue of Abraham who made a mistake by impregnating his Egyptian maid servant Hagar comes to mind. Abraham consented to the suggestion of his wife Sarah who thought she was too old to give him a child and felt that God cannot make good His promise to them (Genesis 16:1-2). But God eventually fulfilled His promise to Sarah (Genesis 18:9-15) and Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1-7). However, Ishmael, the son of the bond woman had grown and was a thorn in the flesh of Sarah together with his mother Hagar. And on two occasions God needed to intervene.  The first occasion was when Hagar despised her mistress and fled (Genesis 16:7-12), the angel of God met her and told her to return and be submissive to her mistress.

Also, in Genesis 21:9-10, on the day that Isaac was weaned, Abraham made a feast for him but Sarah saw Ishmael scoffing. So, Sarah insisted that Abraham should send away the bond woman and her son from Isaac, but this was displeasing to Abraham (Genesis 21:10-12, Galatians 4:7, 31). Abraham obeyed when God intervened and told him to listen to Sarah, so he sent them away. God kept His promise and took care of Ishmael who grew in the wilderness and later became a great nation because he was of the seed of Abraham. There cannot be peace but continuous rivalry which is based on the mentally that they posses. Though Ishmael was circumcised being a token of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:23), yet, he was sent away because he was a son of a slave and he cannot co-inherit with the true son-heir of the covenant (Genesis 21:10,Galatians 4:21-30). God's intervention and response was premised on His covenant with Abraham that only in Isaac his seeds shall be blessed.

Another category are those who choose to be outright enemies of God. They frankly and boldly declare that they hate God expounding their various reasons. These are those who have given themselves over to Satan, they are loyal to him, both in the open and in the private carrying out his orders. They prefer to serve him and wage war against the true children of God. They choose their path and assuredly know that their end can never be with God in heaven. They are opposed to God and His way, and this modern age has helped them to delve into more evil as they seek and search for vanity. Their lord and master (Satan) whom they are devoted to constantly grant their desires giving them wealth, power, positions, and what have you.  They have all the goodies of this world but at the expense of their soul. But despite their achievements, many of them died miserably due to frustration, confusion and depression. After gaining all, yet, they lack true peace and satisfaction. Some unfortunately commit suicide, taking their own lives because they cannot meet the terms of agreement with Satan which they feel is too demanding. Indeed, it is only the yoke of Jesus that is easy and His burden light. And since they are  bounded with oath and covenant under which they feel that they cannot be released, they suffered in silence all through their lives. And those who cannot bear it who are often overwhelmed by the assault and torment of demons and powers of darkness contemplate taking their own lives in order to be free from affliction. But the bible says in Proverbs 20:30 "the blow that hurts cleanse away evil as do stripes the inner depth of heart." Jesus receives the blow on our behalf, and He is the healer of all heart diseases including depression. There is no hope for those seek strange powers. In fact, there will be no solution for man until he turns away from Satan and earnestly seeks God (Isaiah 8:19).

The next category are those who serve idols and other gods that God forbids. God repeatedly warned the children of Israel not to serve the gods of the land of the heathen that cannot deliver them (1 Samuel 7:3-8, 10, Exodus 20:3-5, Psalm 81:9-10, Jeremiah 10:6-11). Some do not even believe that there is any God anywhere, they are their own god. They choose to satisfy and live for themselves. They do what they like as they believe that they cannot obey the commandment of God. But the bible says in 1 Timothy 5:6 that they that live in pleasure are dead while yet they live. And like the sons of Eli who will not yield but are hardened and hard-hearted, not even heeding the voice of the father, because the LORD desired to kill them (1 Samuel 2:25). And as Joshua, the successor of Moses brought the children to Israel to a serious decision making "choose you this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15. The offer is also before you today to make a choice, and I want to believe that you have the capacity to choose and do the right thing by the grace of God. 

Unfortunately, some choose this transient world that its creator says will soon pass away with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:9-11). They want everything that the world has to offer. They love to be in vogue, move with the latest trend and be at the centre of world's activities. They love the world's music, politics,  ungodly people and the god of this world-mammon that induce them to have unending desire and cravings for wealth, and God is never in their thought. They only need God when they have problem, and immediately they get solution to their problem, they bid farewell to Him. But the bible repeatedly warned against the love of this world (James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17, Proverbs 11:28). God has decided to turn to hell nations that would not serve Him not just individuals (Psalms 9:17). So, anyone may decide to gratify himself with what the world offers, but there cannot be true satisfaction until each and everyone finds his bearing in God. The dainties of this world cannot produce the true joy and happiness that the heart yearns for. Truly, the world has more to lure and charm but I choose Christ according to the song composed by C. Harold Lowden.  Dear friend, if I may now ask, what choice are you making in life-to be a child, slave, an enemy, a god unto yourself, or have you decided to choose this horrible world. You must make a good choice today. 

Is the church ready for revival?

This is a candid question that needs to be asked now as there is no time in the history of the church and in any generation that we have the church so diverse and divided. Even the enemy preys on our division, and he further divides us so that we cannot stand to fulfill the end time purpose. So much is going on, so many denominations, yet, their impact cannot be felt on the nations of the world. There is so much laxity, works and acts of faith are gradually fading out, now it is seeing is believing, no patience in hope, and no free service for things done for the cause of Christ. Everyone seeks to be recognized and rewarded. Some  will even give their gift or render service so that they may be considered for better position in the church. A lot of anomaly and sincerely the tide is changing. It is so serious that in some assemblies everyone is a Christian, so there is no need to preach salvation or check out the basis of the faith claimed by the members of such congregation. Unfortunately, many churches are becoming domains of witches and powerful occultists where exchange and transfer of virtues and destinies of innocent, vulnerable, simple minded and lighthearted ones are steadily going on by both their leaders and other members. But sincere Christians are being discriminated against just like Joseph who was cruelly hated by his brethren for his bogus dreams. And his enemies (siblings) said that they would see what will become of his dreams (Genesis 37:19-20). And many also like Joseph right form inside the church have been stripped of their clothes of many colours (Genesis 37:23). Can Satan cast out Satan was the question Jesus asked the confused and blinded leaders of His days, the scribes who mistook Him for a magician using Beelzebub spirit to cast out evil spirit, and really it is logical as no one will expect Satan to tamper with his own kingdom except he does so in order to deceive people (Mark 3:23-26). And with this state of the church can we truly say that the church is fit for revival. 

Besides, there are evil enforcers everywhere with deceitful heart troubling people with demonic prophesies (Proverbs 17:20a, Exodus 23:6-7). Many also delight in falsehood (both leaders and followers) and this are the days when evil is thriving fast and hypocrites are increasing in the church (Isaiah 9:17-19). But God spoke through Prophet Jeremiah calling those who do the work of the Lord deceitfully cursed. There are those also who are bargaining and trading their souls for lies unlike Agur,the son of Jakeh,whose utmost desire before his death is removal of all falsehood. The high priest were unhappy with the exploits of the Apostles after the riddance of lies and falsehood in  Acts 5:17-19. Yet, the truth cannot be bound (verse 25), and that was why Gamaliel carefully advised his council mate to  leave the disciples (verse 38-39). Since it is God's prerogative to decide how judgement will be served. And if God is not pleased with Peter bringing judgement on sin, He would not have allowed his shadow to heal the sick afterwards (Acts 5:1-11, 14-15, Proverbs 1:17-19). Yet, there are those who do not want God's judgement but they persistently do things that will bring His wrath on them. 

Many are truly poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity like Simon, the sorcerer who instead of repenting of their evil and pernicious ways would not but will like to subtly manipulate the anointed of God to get what they are not qualified to carry (Acts 8:23-24). Intense and horrible manipulation is going on everywhere even in the church and this is a serous sign of witchcraft. Evil and dubious persons hiding under the canopy of the church, pretending to be holy and righteous but they can do anything just to get money and fame. They are so desperate for position and recognition,they are mainly in the church to use it as avenue to amass wealth. Truly, many are filled with the eastern ways (Isaiah 2:5-6). For some, they just want to be heard despite the fact that they have nothing meaningful to say while the bible says  A fools voice is known by many words (Ecclesiastes 5:3b, 9:17). The church is in a serious state of dilemma and can she win her battles this way? I want to believe your answer is No just as mine. Can she be ready for revival in this condition. The church is likened to God's disheartened vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-4, though planted, pruned, watered, yet, it brings forth wild grapes while God's expectation is for her to produce good fruit. And we know that bible affirms that the fruit of the Spirit is exhibited in goodness, righteousness and truth, and when these traits are not found there is problem (Ephesians 5:9, Romans 14:17)). And since there is a charge to reprove every activity of darkness and expose them, we cannot be partakers with evildoers bearing evil fruits (Ephesians 5:13).

 Many are taking God for granted saying we are in the time of grace and they can do anything that they like. But grace is not liberty for sin, rather it is the divine enablement to do what pleases God. We do often forget that this same God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but spared only Lot and his family (Genesis 19:12, 17, 24). He had also destroyed the entire then world he created but spared only Noah and his family (Genesis 7:1-24). The same God is still in control of the whole universe and He can do as he pleases to this wicked world. It seems we are not conscious of the fact that if not for Jesus intercession for us before the father, the judgment of God on us could have been worse. We have permitted darkness long enough but with the emergence of the true light-Jesus beaming in our hearts, the church must realize that now she must put on the armour of light, walk circumspectly, and cast out all pollutions in order to fully put on Christ (Romans 13:12-14). Hezekiah's plea to the Levites resonates his desire for thorough purging and cleansing of the temple. He urged them to "carry out the rubbish from the holy place" (2 Chronicles 29:3-5, 11-15). Then, after repair, offering and observance of Passover, further reforms began in the land (2 Chronicles 31:1). It is the cleansing of the church that must precedes revival and God's outpouring. There is so much dross to purged form the church today before we can experience revival (Isaiah 1:15).

Hence, God's intervention for thorough cleansing must be sought as He promised. God was personally involved in the process because of the horrible state of the people of Israel (Isaiah 1:21-27). He will undertake the issue of cleansing and purging of the church because the reproach of the church must be taken away, and it is indeed the reproach of the nations. The church cannot help the world and be a blessing to the  nations if she is unclean. However, there is an obligation for the church during this process of cleansing to be submissive under the pruning hands of God, and like a wife who she is (bride of Christ) to her husband in all things. Because Jesus, the husband is to present the church-His bride chaste, spotless, and holy without any wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). The church must be truly devoted to Him. Total submission to the Lordship of Christ is a basic necessity after cleansing before the outpouring and revival that the church so much desire (Isaiah 32:15-20, 33:14-16).

The anointing and the anointed

When God anointed David as the king over Israel, immediately battle started. No one knew him when he was in the wilderness fighting lion and bear that wanted to kill his father's flock. God groomed him in the secret and made him well prepared to lead His flock, the children of Israel, and to be army who will later fight the battles of the LORD. His preparation was uniquely based on his experiences and all that he encountered from childhood. He was not cared for by his father and this showed when his father could not remember to mention his name among his sons when Samuel asked for his children. David was completely out of his mind, and this evidently showed that David was on his own, if not for the LORD of Host that was with him. Though he was secretly anointed, but the battle he needed to fight for God to give him prominence was an open one. Nothing was hidden again to him, his anointing and victory over the enemy who despised the army of the Lord, Goliath of Gath, brought him more trouble and trauma  than he expected. From one enemy to another, battle to battle, but the LORD of Host was with him and his victory was sure. Then Saul, the king of Israel, rose up  against him and became his arch enemy because of his victory over Goliath.

And when Saul died, one would think that an end has come to his battle but not at all. Though the bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:8 that there is a time of war and a time of peace, but for David, the anointed, it seems to be an unending time of battle. Also, the bible affirms in Psalm 46 verse 8.....that the Lord makes the war cease to an to an end, but little did David know that God's anointing on him attracted more enemies, he on the contrary was inviting more seemingly unconquerable enemies, but his God eventually defeated them all and gave  him victory and rest (1 King 5:4). Still new in his office as the king of Israel, gathering himself together to oversee the people of God, with enormous task to undertake for himself and the people of God he was leading. Yet, the Philistines were all out after him. The wicked lying in wait at the dwelling of the righteous (Proverbs 24:15). The wicked plot against the righteous, seek accomplices to perfect their evil work (Proverbs 1:10-19) not knowing that they are paving way for their own destruction. 

There was an evil mobilization, an unusual alliance and demonic rage against the anointed of the Lord. And it seemed as if they were all idle and not engaged with any meaningful thing. They encouraged themselves against just one man. The bible records it that when the Philistines-a whole nation heard that David was anointed as king over Israel, all the Philistines went out to search for David. An unholy arousal began amidst the enemy of God, propelling them to fight against the anointed and chosen servant of God. But it was not unusual that such should be expected. It was simply because they were intimidated by his new office though he had not yet gone out against them in any battle (1 Chronicles 14:8-9, 15). But it was obvious that they were mindful of their pitiable condition- that David being king over Israel will curtail their dominance over Israel. So, before he would venture to attack him, they decided to quickly combat him. But on his side was God. David trusted in God and received clear instructions from Him, and this was  the secret of his success in all the battles of his life. David would always ask for guidance from God so that he would not waste his energy on battles that God could easily fight for him. No need for him to struggle as he was greatly helped by God. 

God dictated when and where he went throughout all the battle he fought in his lifetime. At a time, God told him...."when you hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees.... (1 Chronicles 14:15). The sound of the host of Lord that went before him into the battle, then, you go and attack the Philistines. God's host goes before his anointed, and the anointing over him always give him unique victory over any kind of foe. He did not just act presumptuously in warfare. How could David have defeated many people mightier and stronger than him if not for the anointing of God upon his head. He took 20, 000 of his enemies' soldiers and hamstrung their chariot horses (1 Chronicles 18:3-5). And when Hanum and the people of Ammon hired chariots and horsemen against him from Mesopotamia, Syria, Macaah and Zobah, they were all disconfitted before the anointed of the Lord both the helper and the helped because the anointing will always make the difference (1 Chronicles 19:6-9, 17-19).  Unlike the children of Israel who presumptuously went to dislodge the inhabitants of the land God promised them after they initially hesitated to go though forewarned by God through Moses that they should not go. But they went and the occupants of the land pursued them out and they fled.

There is perplexity and grim on many faces because of increased pollution both physical and spiritual everywhere and the world is becoming tougher and unsafe to live in. Issues around the world and the nations are unpleasant. Rifts, war, destructions, confusion, cheating, suppression, apparent disregard and disrepute for anything attached to God. The wicked and evil ones wanting to forcefully suppress and hold back the godly, they want to conform them to their own dictates and design. Truly the world is going insane after evil and who will tame this uncultured world and bring it back to its senses before it is too late. Horrible and weird things are going on among the youth even the children and adults are not exempted. The wicked are becoming more wicked experimenting with lives and properties of the vulnerable, wasting and destroying precious things. They do not seem to care and fear God and desist from evil. Rather success in one evil is leading them to adventure into more evil and wickedness, and the land is polluted with blood. The evils of our days are terrible and unimaginable as many are filled with the eastern ways just as the scripture says. Yet, the mandate of God is to defend the fatherless and rebuke the oppressors as David did. David was used by God to put an end to the oppression of the Philistines against the children of Israel which had been going for long time unchecked. God never intend that any of His children should be mesmerized by the evil ones but to be delivered from their grips through the instrumentality of His anointed ( 1saiah 9:4-7, 1 John 3:8, Jeremiah 1:10, Ezekiel 7:13).

It took Moses, God's anointed servant to disgrace the gods of Egypt, he disarmed the charmers of Pharaoh and discomfited his magicians. They came out boldly and told Pharaoh "this is the finger of God."  For who can contend with Him in battle or who has hardened himself against God and prospered. God is still God and no power can take His position or have its hold on the lives of His children. He proves His supremacy as He rendered the gods of Egypt impotent when He led His people out with an outstretched arm (Deuteronomy 26: 8,11:4,  Exodus 7:3). Shortly after they left Egypt, the children of Israel on their way to the promised land, pitched their tents and camped in the plains of Moab on the side of Jordan across from Jericho when Balak, the king of Moab sighted them. So, he engaged the services of Balaam to curse them for him. The evil one monitoring and plotting against the people of the Lord. Balaam instructed Balak to erect altars which he did three times, but on these three occasions, they could not carry out their evil schemes against them (Numbers 23:1-4, 8-11, 23:13-15, 19-26, 24:3-9). Evil coalition, reinforcement, confederacy, conspiracy, association, alliance, bond, agreement, networking, regrouping, fortification, cunning craftiness and alignment notwithstanding cannot sustain the enemies of God's anointed  for long against His anointed people because their God is with them to defend them (Psalm 114, 118, Isaiah 27:4, Proverbs 11:21, 31, Numbers 25:16-18). And now, Jesus Christ, the anointed one has come and has won for us total victory when he disarmed principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). Haleluyah !!!

The paradigm shift (b)

At a time in Israel when Elisha was the prophet, Samaria was besieged by Benhadad the king of Syria and his army (2 Kings 6:24-33). Then, the situation grew worse and became intense to the extent that women were killing and eating their own children because of the great famine that was in the land. Further problem ensued between two particular women who have agreed to the killing and eating of their children. One was loyal, she released her child as promised and they killed and ate him, but when it was the turn of the second woman to release her child to be killed so they could eat him, she failed to release him. So, the first woman whose child was killed and eaten did not hesitate to cry out to the king for his intervention because she felt cheated, and when she realized that despite all her effort she was on the losing side, she informed the king who himself was helpless about her plight. Unfortunately, she pressed the wrong button; the response of the king was shocking though worth noting, for he said "If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or from the wine press?" A helpless king needing help himself yet thronged by helpless folks, but he would not be self-deceived, he quickly made it clear to the woman that he was not the right person to solve her problem. Still unfortunately today, hopes and expectations of many are in man whose breath is only sustained by God. It is only a fool who puts his confidence in man even God declares woe on such (Jeremiah 17:5, Isaiah 30:1-2, 31:3). Then the king tore his garment (2 Kings 6:30), a sign of despondency, worthlessness and helplessness. And in humiliation, he passed by the wall, and the people looked at him for he had sackcloth (mourning garment) on. Apparently, the king was sad about the condition of his people whom he could not help and was desperate for solution, the people too pitied him though they could not help him.

If is God at work, then it is needless to turn to man for help or assistance. How can a mere mortal stop the almighty? The enemy mounting a siege and people eating their own children were both curses pronounced by God in Deuteronomy 28:52-53, 57, hence, it is only God who can avert the situation if the people will call upon Him and ask for His mercies, and if they will take appropriate steps towards removing sins that could possibly be the reason for their trouble. But both the king and the people had sought wrong solutions for solving their problems, and that made it more chaotic and troubling. The king wanted to kill the man of God while the women thought it was a good bargain to kill and eat their own children though they later realized that it was not. It is even a curse to eat your own child; it is absurd, quite abnormal. Yet, no amount of human skill, effort or scheme can equate God's intervention. Man may try but his expertise will only earn him failure and futility, because the best of man is not a match with God! When men's heart fail them, there is only one way out of their predicament and that is God and God alone. And when God is involved, He proffers a lasting solution to any problem. But the wicked will not want to comply with divine terms, this simple remedy he will not want to do but will prefer to cut corners, dodge the issue of repentance and forsaking of sins, therefore, his wickedness will continue to hunt him. He will even prefer to get quick solution through demonic means and satanic manipulations, however, since God is not in it, it will never last, though it may seem a perfect solution but it is only superficial and temporal, only what God does will remain forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). How many dare God today entering into evil unions and covenants, making bargain with Satan and his hosts, delving into witchcraft, occults and the likes instead of asking for mercy and forgiveness of sins that could be the reason for their plagues and siege from the enemy. Instead, man has devised cunning ways to circumvent the judgment of God thinking within himself that he can go scot free. 

So the king with burning rage sent his messenger to kill Elisha. His aggression was wrongly channelled as he wanted to exterminate the major voice of God in the land of Israel at that time. And certainly, that was not the solution; his needless effort to attack the man of God while leaving undone what he should have done. Instead of asking Elisha for God's mind about the situation and possible instruction, rather he schemed to kill him; yet, he had no idea of the solution to the problem. But when Elisha knew about his plot against him, he hid himself from the wrath of the king who wanted to cut off his head. However, before he went into hiding, he told the elders sitting in his house "Do you not see how the son of this murderer has sent someone to take away my head? Look, when the messenger came, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door. Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?.........and the king said, and why should I wait for the LORD any longer?" When the wicked hunt after the righteous to kill and destroy him just as the king sent his messenger to kill Elisha, he will never realize that he is compounding his problem and calling for further wrath and judgment of God. If it had not pleased God to eventually intervene through His servant, the prophet the situation would have gone worse. Jesus declared woe on the evil people of His days that they were those who kill the prophets sent to them (Matthew 23:29-37, Luke11:47-51), still they came with clubs to arrest Him (Matthew 26:55). Evil will continue to abound as the agents of darkness fortify themselves to oppress the righteous and manipulate the godly in order to have their evil wishes and desires granted and done. But a charge was given not to walk as the gentiles walk in the futility of their minds (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Saul, the first king in Israel was rebellious against God who had also forsaken him, but he thought within himself that he was engaging in a godly act and not a disservice by sending out the mediums, sorcerers, spiritists and the likes from the land (1 Samuel 28:3). And after the death of Samuel because God will no longer communicate with him, he requested again for the mediums whom he had just driven out (1 Samuel 28:3b, 5-7). Since he could no longer have contact with the God of heaven who chose him to become a king over His people, he disguised himself, the deceived and deceiver both later could not be hidden  (1 Samuel 28:9-13). Saul who would not listen to Samuel and obey God's command through him while he was alive found it comfortable and pleasant to hear from demon conjured from the earth having the form of Samuel. At least, if he could not receive from the God of heaven he could consult a séance because he needed direction regarding his battle with the Philistines. However, despite his effort, he did not receive a good message but he comforted himself by the persuasion of his servants who urged him to eat his last meal from a séance (1 Samuel 28:22-25). When someone fails to hear God, he would be receptive to Satan who operates with no mercy. So many are hesitant to take steps that will advance their relationship with God; they make light things most important and precious and trivialize essential issues regarding their relationship with their maker. Yet, man cannot be left in a vacuum, it is either he is of God or of Satan.

It is obvious that when the sanctuary and the people of God are desolate, His priests, saints and servants must beg for His mercies (Daniel 9:14, 17-19), for sins bring reproach (Daniel 9:16). Man has only one thing to do and that is to repent and align his ways with God as God will not bend His will for anyone. Man needs to diligently search out his errors, omissions and wrong doings, beg for God's mercies, forsake his evil ways and be willing to do God's dictates. For God still commands everyone everywhere to repent (Acts 3:19, 17:30). And as God is wrapping up His end time agenda for the world, the devil is also doing his own. The battle is getting tougher and harder because as the Lord is longing to get man's attention, Satan on the other hand wants to forcefully lay claim on him too. There is already a shift in the spirit and God will not struggle with those who wants the devil to control them because of the fringe benefits he promised them. However, the wisest thing to do because of the imminent judgment is to quickly get on the Lord's side. Although many may believe that God is not mindful or see the evils they are perpetrating, even the wicked elders in Israel were deceived to believe so (Ezekiel 8:12, 9:9), but God will soon frustrate their counsel and bring swift destruction on them unless they repent.

 

The paradigm shift

Believers are yet to be seen as trouble shooters like Paul the Apostle (Acts 24:5) and this is an express indication that we are not yet ready for revival. And truly many do not desire it and it is certain that they cannot experience it. Why do we have so much confusion and pollutions all around even in the church? It is simply because the Holy Spirit has been relegated to the back seat. Anytime and anywhere there is heat, the viper will come out. Just don't set the fire if you don't want to see the viper. The handiwork of viper, a venomous beast as seen in the case of Paul at Malta quickly comes to mind (Acts 28:3-6). Though the literal fire brought out the viper that they expected to kill Paul, but when they saw the true fire that comes from God operating in him, and what it can do, the same people who expected evil to befall him called him a god as they had a change of mind. Jesus had aforetime prophesied what will happen to the disciples and the latter day saints (Matthew 10:17-24). If they did the same to Jesus, obviously His followers should not expect anything less (Matthew 10:23a, 25b-26). Though He commanded them to flee, yet, they are safe and secured with the master, hence, no need for fear, hiding or denying Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33, 39). And though storm may rage, there may be troubles and perplexity while serving just like Paul, the Apostle encountered, the sure encouragement was "for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me" (Acts 27:25, 34) attesting to the words of Jesus that the hair of the heads of the disciples are numbered (Matthew 10:30-31). Jesus also after he had just finished preaching and performing miracles went to pray (Matthew 14:14-23), but the wind went contrary (Matthew 14:24) and the boat was in the middle of the sea. But nothing could stop the master, so, He began to walk on the sea. The devil meant harm because it did not cease boisterous even when He bided Peter too to walk on the water. He almost sank when he looked away from Jesus to the waving sea (Matthew14:28-31), but the wind later ceased when they got into the boat and seeing the miracle, the people acknowledged that He is the son of God (Matthew 14:32-33).

Micaiah, the prophet was persuaded to speak encouraging words like other prophets who said good things, but all of them without exception told lies (2 Chronicles 18:10-12, 14). However, Micaiah did not follow other prophets to tell lies but he frankly declared to the king the mind of God, though hated (2 Chronicles 18:6-7), but, a vessel of God's judgment to erring king (2Chronicles 18:13, 15-21). So cunning Ahab disgusied himself and went to the battle ignoring the counsel of God through Michaiah, he was eventually killed by a straying bow (2 chronicles 18:33). There is a shift in several places all over the world, and though many are rebelling against the light (the true light-Jesus)and doing what they please, yet, God in heaven will not be silent (Job 24:13-14, 21, Isaiah 5:15-16). Job acknowledged that the fear of the Lord is to depart from evil and wickedness, and that coming to this conclusion ensures true living. But whenever man disobey the words of God, he opens himself up for terrible destruction oftentimes with no remedy expect he repents and amend his ways (Jeremiah 42:13-16, Ezekiel 11:19-21). God's judgment is unleashed when divine expectations are unmet (Luke 13:6-9). Whenever innocent blood is shed, God does not overlook or pardon evil perpetrators because the shed blood cries out to God for justice (2Kings 24:4). Then God executes judgment among His people in anger (Ezekiel 5:15) and in fury and with furious rebukes because of the crimes of blood in the land (Ezekiel 7:23-27). The most unfortunate thing is that when God releases His wrath, it affects the righteous too who fail to stand up for the nation to breach the gap (Ezekiel 21:3-4, 9:4), and it is always disastrous as destruction and desolation results. 

To avert the wrath of God, there is just one sensible thing to do. Like Job, a man recokened righteous by God, yet, he would not be presumptious but asked for God's dealing and intervention putting himself under serious constraints, begging for God's mercy (Job 6:24, 9:14-15). Knowing that repetition is for emphasis, Isaiah 2:11 was repeated in Isaiah 2:17 and this infers that no highminded will survive it. For He God will be a swift witness against the agents of darkness (Malachai 3:5). In Deuteronomy 32:10-12, Moses recounted what God did for Israel how He sheltered them when there was no strange god in them, but later He needed to hide himself from them because they have followed stranged gods and demons (Deuteronomy 32:15-17, 32:20b). How can they do what displeases God and still seek His favour? That is not possible for God cannot be sided with evil. Then comes the wrath and judgment of God on His people, His predetermined counsel against their evil (Deuteronomy 32:24, 32:39-43). At another time, Judah sinned (1King 14:22-24), so God instigated the king of Egypt against Judah to spoil her. The treasures of the Lord's house (gold and silver) were removed but Rehoboam replaced the gold shield with bronze (1King 14:25-27). But how can we equate the quality of gold with bronze; besides, he would not leave them permanently there in the temple, all these treasures has to be carried in when needed and out after use (2 Chronicles 12:9-12, 1King 14:28), though they were not completely destroyed, yet, they suffered for their evil.

But if anyone professes to have Jesus, there must be a shift, a divine lifting from death and all that it produces to abundant life in Christ Jesus who alone is the source and giver of life (1 John 5:12). The revelation and manifestation of Jesus is to take away sins (Matthew1:21, 1 John 3:5). Hence, anyone who claims to have encountered God does not live for himself but for God (2 Corinthians 6:15). Living in reverent fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and this Solomon advocated for, Job also alluded to it that it is the wisest thing to do (Proverbs 16:16, Job 28:28). It behooves everyone therefore to esteem God's fear above any otber thing (Amos 5:15, 23-24). Another issue needing a paradigm shift relates to our abiding in Christ. In the gospel according to John chapter 15 verses 2b, 4-5,Jesus himself declared that He will take away any branch in Him that does not bear fruit. However, it takes someone who constantly abides and is attached to the vine to bear fruit. He alone can grow, multiply and have great achievements just as it happens in the natural. No branch can stay alive for long by itself or multiply without its attachment to the stem from where it receives nourishment that comes from the root. Even the children of Israel did not promise to blindly follow Joshua, they gave him a condition which must be fulfilled before they can follow and obey him. And the condition is-if the Lord God Yeshua is with him (Joshua 1:16-17, Hosea 11:10-11,Colossians 2:5b). Apparently, there is problem of identity crises now as supposed believers do not reflect Christ whom they proclaim to know and worship, and no amount of explanation will suffice. And basically there is no way anyone can resemble Him whom he does not relate with, or have any close link or contact with, so the real problem is that many do not know him so they cannot abide in Him.