The blood of atonement

Whenever we consider the nothingness of man, his inadequacies, inabilities and his efforts in futility to defend or preserve himself like Job's despondent prayer, then we see God's dealing with sin in judgment (Job 13:20-28). Then also comes this realization that man is incapacitated without God! God becomes so indispensable to man and he has no alternative to Him. Truly all must seek God but only through Jesus Christ who is already given to man (Romans 15:12). And as Job further recounted his ordeal (Job 16:13-21) and trauma that he encountered; his friends charged him not to talk knowing that it is wisdom for him to be quiet (Job13:5) most especially when there is nothing meaningful to say (Job 15:11-13). But it was quite unknown to Job that God permitted the evil engineered by Satan against him. Satan's evil intention was actually approved, endorsed and granted by God in order to prove Job's heart and see if he would misbehave or fail in his character. The devil on the other hand wanted to condemn him before God, so he plotted his evil schemes against him and all that he had. Evil do occur as a result of sin (judgement for sins) or as trial of faith as in the case of Job and other several saints of God. God rebukes and judges sin as He hates partiality (Job 13:10-11, Deuteronomy 32:4). Consequently, He needed to remind the children of Israel that there will be no peace or blessing for them as long as they continue to follow the dictates of their heart. He also promised to unleash severe punishment, plagues, prolonged sicknesses and curses upon them if they fail to observe and keep His commandment (Deuteronomy 28:58-59, 61-62). And they will know and easily understand that the evils that happened to them was as a result of their sins (Deuteronomy 29:19-21, 24-25, 31:16-17b).

The account of rebellion and sins of the children of Israel that plays out in Numbers 16:31-35 is an eye opener and it's worth noting. In Numbers 16:1-3, Dathan, Korah and Abiram took 250 leaders, representatives, men of renown among the congregation and accused Moses and Aaron of overbearing and exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord. They sinned by querying the audacity of Moses and Aaron his brother, so, Moses pleaded with the LORD for divine vindication, then judgment struck. The ground split apart under Korah, Dathan and Abiram; the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their household, and they perished from among the assembly. And a fire also came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who offered incense. The following day, the children of Israel gathered together and accused Moses of killing the people of  God-because of their brethren who died ( Numbers 16:41). Then, in verses 42-45, the cloud covered the tabernacle, and God told Moses to get away so that He may consume them in a moment, but Moses and Aaron fell on their faces and pleaded with God. It was very glaring that the people prompted the anger of God. Because Moses knew that God was poised for action against them, he asked Aaron to quickly take a censer, put fire in it from the altar and take it to the congregation to make atonement for them because the wrath has gone out from the Lord and the plague has started. So, Aaron, the priest made atonement for the people standing between the dead and the living until the plague stopped. It took the intervention of Moses and Aaron to stop the plague since atonement must be provided for every transgression (Psalm 65:3).

Bildad, one of the friends of Job in his admonition told him that God will not out rightly cast away the blameless but at the same time He will not uphold the evil doer (Job 8:20). Job in his response however revealed his unworthiness to query God but that he can only plead for His mercies (Job 9:2-4, 10-12b, 14-15). Even the rich king Solomon admits that riches do not profit in the day of wrath but it is only righteousness that delivers from death (Proverbs 11:4, 28). God will yet take responsibility for His people, for those who are truly His, and only those who serve Him will He be judged faithful to keep and help. The God of peace will bruise Satan under our feet shortly and ordain peace for us (Romans 16:20). And just like in the case of unsolved murder in Israel, the people must cry to God to provide atonement  for them. In Deuteronomy chapter 21 verse 8a "provide atonement for your people Israel, and atonement shall be provided on their behalf for the blood." God will not altogether give up on His people and that is why Moses needed to reveal His detailed ability so that the children of Israel could know what He is capable of "He will provide atonement for His land and His people" (Deuteronomy 32:43b). Therefore, regardless of our trauma, sorrow, anguish and pain; God will still be God. Moses acted wrongly in the time of distress and this was God's justifiable reason for disallowing him from entering into the promised land. And simply because of his fury God told him "because you did not hallow me in the midst of the children of Israel" (Deuteronomy 32:51).  Is God mindful of their plight, certainly, He was mindful of them and desire their relief, notwithstanding, He as God must be hallowed even in our unseemly circumstances.

Truly, the life of all flesh is in the blood, and it has been given upon the altar to make atonement for the souls of men, for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:19-22). To atone means to set right, even out, restore, remedy,  amend, redress, make up for, or make amend for sins for which there is need for shedding of blood. However, the only recognized blood of atonement in the new testament is the sinless blood of Jesus which is needed to remove all sin stains (Hebrews 9:13-14, Zechariah 9:11, Ephesians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:19-20, 1 John 2:2). It is in fact the blood of our redemption (Ephesians 1:7, Titus 2:14, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 12:24, Revelation 1:5). And it is only the blood of Jesus that gives permanent cure for sins since the blood of the bulls and goats under the old covenant cannot completely and permanently remove sin and its penalty (Leviticus 16:3-30, Hebrews 9:7, 10:3-4, 11-12, 1 Peter 3:18). Already, there had been prophesises concerning it (John 11:50, Zechariah 13:1), and when Jesus came, He validated it when He commemorated it at the Lord's supper (Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The blood of Jesus apart from the fact that it atoning for us, also fights, covers, shields and protect us from evil. Better still, the blood of Jesus is efficacious enough to deal with any problem man faces be it physical, mental, spiritual and so on. The blood stands in the gap and wades off all evil. It is indeed a sure defence as it preserves and delivers from destruction (Exodus 12:13, Zechariah 9:11-12). However, under the Levitical priesthood, a yearly sacrifice of animals must be made for sin removal "And Aaron shall make atonement upon its horn once a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonement" (Exodus 30:10). The children of Israel were mandated to carry out a continuous yearly offering of blood of animals for sacrifice for their sins and also at any other time they sinned (Leviticus 4:1-35, 5:1-13) but Jesus blood was offered once and for all (Hebrew 9:28).

God knows about our plight being fully aware of everything going on and He has the way out. The bible affirms that He knows about minute details of all events and activities either initiated by Him or caused by man or orchestrated by Satan as in the case of Job (Amos 3:6, Proverbs 24:12, Isaiah 45:7). And though Satan busy himself with his ministry of to and fro, back and forth as he restlessly wreak havoc, causing chaos, evil and calamity all over the world and troubling it (Job 1:7, 2:2), yet, God is in absolute control of everything, His power never diminishes. God is mindful of His people and He desires their wellness but only on one condition will He intervene in their affairs and give respite to their souls (Psalm 94:14-15). The condition is that men must seek to obey and fear God (Deuteronomy 5:9-10, 6:24-25). When there is deliberate desire to forsake sins, and return to God as Prophet Hosea encouraged the children of Israel to return to God in Hosea 6:1-3 "that though He has torn, He will heal and though He has stricken, He will bind up together again."  God will continuously contend with the ungodly who fails to repent of their evil ways, and judgment of sins will be the only thing that will turn away His anger (Colossians 3:25). And just like Balaam who desired to die the death of the righteous and have his latter end like the righteous (Numbers 23:10b), had this as a mere wish because he did not die the death of the righteous neither was his end like that of the righteous (Numbers 31:16, 18, Joshua 13:22). When evil persist, assuredly there will be judgment and destruction, but when men repent; mercy, forgiveness and restoration will follow.

Look and live

"Look to Me And be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other" Isaiah 45:22

The bible says the wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray, speak lies and have poison like that of the serpent (Psalm 58:3-4). And truly this venom of sin (serpent) is destroying lives today. Even children and youths are not exempted and so many lives have been ushered to untimely grave and eternity without Christ. Of course, this affirm the bible truth that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). So, whenever a person, or a group of people, or a nation sins, there will be a repercussion and that is death. Everyone who works certainly receives a pay which may be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or as agreed by both the employer and the employee. There is sure, a just, and a commensurate reward for every work done, and so is it for every sin committed. As this could be likened to the incident that occurred in the wilderness when the children of Israel spoke adversely against God and Moses their leader when they were discouraged because of the way (Numbers 21:4-5). Consequently, in verse 6, judgment came and God sent fiery serpents to bite them. But they soon admit their fault (verse7), they went to Moses and God instructed Moses to lift up a fiery serpent (a replica) of the one that bite them. God in love and mercy stepped in quickly and made provision for them from death and destruction, however, a condition must be fulfilled before they can live. In verses 8-9, "Then the LORD said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live. "So Moses made a bronze serpent and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived."  Anyone who is bitten by the serpent must look up to the brazen serpent hung on the tree by Moses, but failure to do so will result into death. Now, Jesus Christ has equally been lifted up for the salvation of entire human race and as many will look to Him will be saved (John 3:14-15). For He came with the intent to deliver His people from sins, Satan and all evil (Matthew 1:21, 1 John 3:8, Romans 10:11-13).

Since the time of Adam when the first man sinned, God instructed the serpent to bruise his heel, and man on the other hand to bruise the head of the serpent for this was God's just judgment for sin (Genesis 3:15). Satan has been busy preoccupying himself with troubling man since then but when Jesus (the second Adam) came, He fulfilled God's judgment on Satan (serpent) on the cross where He crushed his head. Jesus therefore became propitiation for sins that predisposes us to satanic assault. He is also our perfect sacrifice and replacement for our evils, sins and iniquity. When he hung on the cross, His side was pierced, and from there blood and water gushed out. And from His thorn crowned head, His nail driven hands and feet, and His broken (lacerated) body, blood flowed down (from His head to His feet) and with this blood, a basic requirement for sin atonement, He purchased redemption for humanity. For the bible says without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22). Having shed His blood, He declared "it is finished" then He yielded up the ghost. He broke the bonds of sin and sets us free by the pain and agony which He suffered. He died on the cross and gave His life for us so that we might live (Matthew 27:33-50, Mark 15:17-37, Luke 23:32-46, John 19:17-30, Isaiah 53:5). And anyone who will look up to that man of Calvary will live. As many will look to Him also will be healed for there the healing waters flow and there is life abundantly.

Though Satan is poised damning souls into hell fire as he continues his atrocities with his three fold agenda-to steal, kill and destroy. He steals the heart of men away from God, makes them to disobey God and be positioned for judgment. He also orchestrates and accuses them before God, kills everything of God in them and eventually kills them physically, and then destroys their soul in hell fire. The bible says the sting of death is sin and the strength of the sin is the law (1 Corinthians 15:56). What strengthen sin is the law because man will always prefer and delight to break the laws of God than keep it, and when sin is committed, there is an attended consequence of judgment. Sin is truly the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Sinning against God and disobeying His command releases the law that produces death into action according to Romans 8:12-13. Therefore, the law of death is activated by sin. But there is another law, it is the law of life in Christ Jesus which  is activated by the indwelling Christ (Romans 8:2). And when the law of life kicks into action immediately an individual renounces sin and Satan, forsakes, repents and asks God for forgiveness of his sins, then, a new law begins. Henceforth, he no longer fears death or consequences of sins because he has become a co-heir with Jesus who is life and the giver of life. The life of Christ flows in him and he can no longer carry death sentence (Romans 8:15-17a).

A lot is going on simultaneously in the world and many things are muddled up, everyone tries to justify his or her actions, yet, God's stand against sins of any form has not changed. God will overlook sin only on one condition, if man repents; but if man continues in sins, he will also continue to receive the wrath and judgment of God. Like the children of Israel, anytime they sinned, God will punish them by allowing their enemies to trouble and defeat them. But whenever they repent, He will forgive them and deliver them from their enemies. Moses needed to inform them that as long as they rebel and transgress against the command of the Lord, they will not succeed (Numbers 14:41). In verse 39, they mourned greatly (remorseful) as if they were truly repentant but not at all and that is why they paid dearly for their disobedience and self-will. Though men's heart is prone to straying away from God and disregarding Him, but the bible says the fear of God produces life (Proverbs 14:27). Any step taken outside the counsel, precept and ordinances of God will automatically leads to failure, shame and defeat if not death.  God is God, He has made His holy arm bare and His utmost counsel has He revealed. Paul, the Apostle also expressed his concern for the Corinthian church  whom he felt were being deceived from the simplicity that is in the gospel of Christ through craftiness and their mind was corrupted just as Eve was deceived by the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:2-3).

Many of the children of Israel knew the rejection of the Lord in the wilderness and they wasted away because they disbelieved God (Numbers 14:34). It is a terrible thing to know the rejection of the Lord, unfortunately, many of the children of Israel eventually died in that plague (Numbers 14:37). Had they believed; they would not have died in the wilderness. Because there is a sure place of refuge, indeed, a great deliverer; someone to turn to in the vicissitudes of life. Though Isaiah had said of Him that He is a God who hides Himself (Isaiah 45:15), yet, He is still the Saviour of the whole earth. We must therefore seek and look up to Him (Isaiah 45:22-23) for He will never forsake nor cast away those who look up to Him. He promised to save sincere seekers and whosoever will call upon Him. There is also pardon and forgiveness with Him, for He is ever gracious and merciful. God accepts the humble who will acknowledge his true spiritual state, seeks divine help, assistance and direction though there be turmoil and many are cast down (Job 22:29). God remains the only potent solution to our present dilemma in the world today, and He can effortlessly give a lasting solution to all our predicaments. If our efforts fail to yield expected result, then, we need to reconsider and turn to the Almighty God. But if we fail to surrender to Him, He will judge sin and eternal damnation will be the final end of all sinners for their unconfessed and un-repented of sins.

At a time in the land of Judah, Isaiah was sent to Hezekiah to prepare his house because he would die, but when Hezekiah prayed, God told him that He has seen his tears and heard his prayers (Isaiah 38:5). God will hear the sincere cry and prayer of the humble and give life in place of death. God will not contend forever, He would hear and not be hidden from His people (Isaiah 57:16, 18-19). Because God will hear, therefore, men must call upon Him. Even God instructed the Levites to make atonement for the children of Israel so that there be no plague among them particularly when they come near the sanctuary (Numbers 8:19). God has prepared the wicked for the day of doom (Proverbs 16:4) but only in mercy and truth will atonement be provided for iniquity (Proverbs 16:6). When we plead for His mercy, He will surely have mercy on us. But we will do ourselves a great disservice if we fail to yield to His Spirit promptings for God has given a universal call to all humanity and He has commanded us to look unto Him  (Isaiah 45:5a, 6, 18b, 21b-23). Certainly, God sees and knows about our predicaments, calamity and problems and there is no need contending with Him because doing so will incur His wrath (Isaiah 45:9). When the LORD God decides to show mercy, we must avail ourselves that opportunity and obtain His mercy. It behoves us to act in faith and obedience as we look up to our only source of help even at this crucial time when the world is ravaged and plagued with pandemic covid-19 virus. And that is the reason why God through prophet Isaiah challenged the complacent women and urged them to rise to the dire and pressing need of their time (Isaiah 32:9-18). And really, our loving heavenly father is the only one who can bear us, and He is willing, ready to embrace, carry and lift us up (Isaiah 46:4). He has a perfect solution for our plight because  no problem takes Him by surprise. So, when things seemed turned upside down, there is still a place of refuge and all we have to do is to look up to Him. However, when a child is soiled though crying for help yet he will first of all need to be cleaned up before anyone can carry him, so, will God not pamper sins, but He would desire that we are first cleansed, then, He will undertake for us, and remove the plague ravaging our world and alleviate our fears (Psalm 94:10, 12-15).

Wheh God arises and the battle is the LORD's (b)

It was a good ending for the children of Israel who eventually came to their promised inheritance after being let go by the Egyptians. Israel became God's choice possession, however, they were soon dislodged from their inheritance because of sin. They were troubled and tormented by the enemies because they rebelled against God. They went down again to Egypt and the Assyrians oppressed them. However, God arose in judgment against their oppressor because of the oath and covenant He made with Abraham. For God will not forever chide but He will have compassion on His people and arise to show them mercy because He has decided to favour them. And no one can restrain Him or stay His hands when He arises in zeal and step in to intervene for His people against their enemies, then, contention will cease (Jeremiah 50:24b-25) and He will repay the enemies for evil done against His people. The bible says in Jeremiah 50 verse 29b, "Repay her according to her works: According to all she has done to her. For she has been proud against the LORD. Against the Holy one of Israel." Judgment of God will come on evil perpetrators (Jeremiah 30:16, Zechariah 1:18-21). For the Lord is the God of recompense and He will surely repay (Jeremiah 51:54-56). The bible also says, ..."voice of those who flee and escape from the land of Babylon, Declare in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God. The vengeance of His temple (Jeremiah 50:27b-28b). And why is her judgement coming so swiftly? It is because she has done awfully against the LORD. Judgement will come on her gods, soothsayers, mighty men, horses, and chariots (weapons and instruments of war), and she will experience drought; because her water of defence will be dried up when God rises up against her (Jeremiah 50:38). 

In fact, it is the vengeance of His temple and only those who stand at the gate (judgement) like Phineas who would be able to turn away the wrath of God (Numbers 25:10-11, Isaiah 28:6). When Eliashib the priest conspired and allied with Tobiah to gain access to the things, places and people of God, the enemy successfully gained undue access through evil confederacy. Though Nehemiah was not around when the incident occurred, but immediately he returned, he took action and his reaction was noteworthy  (Nehemiah 13:4-9). If he had not taken that appropriate action, problem would have ensued. God will arise and not be appeased by anything when enemies of His people (enemies without) get support from enemies within to plunder and desecrate just as it happened in the case of Tobiah and Eliashib. God will arise and enter into judgement with the elders of His people and their princes (Isaiah 3:13-15). God is a God of mercy though but He still urges everyone to repent or face the consequences of his or her evil acts. It is either one submits to His hands or bear His wrath which is always furious. There is no need pleading for mercy when there is no turning away and forsaking of sins. The foremost prayer that God wants to hear is the prayer of penitence from anyone who realizes and acknowledges that he has sinned against God, and needs pardon and forgiveness in order to avert His wrath and judgment. God loves sinners, but hate their sins. He is their creator, He loves them and passionately desires that they turn from their evil ways, but if they fail to do so, that is, see themselves as sinners, confess their evil deeds, forsake them and genuinely repent, then, instead of receiving God's mercy and forgiveness, God will arise against them in judgment.

Habakkuk, the prophet also lamented the woes of his days because law was powerless and justice was delayed. The wicked surrounds the righteous and pervert judgment (Habakkuk 1:2-4). Consequently, he queried God's silence and tolerance of wickedness which would as well be seen as injustice because the wicked devours a person more righteous than him (Habakkuk 1:12-13, Isaiah 24:16). But God had repeatedly warned against violence and evil in His message to the house of David (Judah) and had commanded them to execute justice for the oppressed (Jeremiah 22:3, Ezekiel 46:18). God being just  and impartial will arise when the princes disobey Him because He sees the ways of men (Job 34:21). He will also hear the cry of the afflicted (Job34:28) whenever they cry out for help because of the multitude of their oppression. And here is the conclusion about the oppressors and God's judgment; God will repay everyone according to his work (Job 34:19), "Yet He is not partial to princes, nor does He regard the rich more than the poor. For they are all the work of His hands." Therefore, God will arise in battle against the enemies of His people (Isaiah 28:21). Babylon shall be plundered; her loud voice silenced and she will fall because God will plead the cause of His people who call on Him (Jeremiah 51:44, 35-36, 48). The Psalmist says in Psalm 55:19, "God will hear and afflict them, Even He who abides of old. Because they do not change. Therefore, they do not fear God." Also, in Psalm 58:10-11, the bible says, "The righteous shall rejoice when He sees the vengeance. Men will say surely there is a reward for the righteous, surely He is a God who judges in the earth."

For the LORD their God is the LORD of hosts and He will fight and avenge for His people. God's name is great in Zion and He has caused His judgement to be heard from heaven, He will arise in judgment to deliver the oppressed of the earth (Psalm 76:1-10). Prior to the time of Israelites release from captivity in Egypt, God told Moses "I am the LORD" (the controller, overseer, ruler, owner and the sovereign one in charge of the affairs of man) I appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name LORD, I was not known to them." (Exodus 6:2-3). Then, God told Moses to tell Pharaoh that "by these you shall you know that I am the LORD." Little wonder the magicians of Pharaoh tried to outmatched the LORD God of Israel but the could not. The hand of the LORD shall be known to His servants and His indignation to His enemies, hence, no one will strengthen himself in iniquity (Ezekiel 7:13b). Zephaniah also prophesied "For the Lord God will intervene for them and return their captives" (Zephaniah 2:7b). God will surely intervene for His people and deliver them because the enemies have reproached and made arrogant pride against them (Zephaniah 2:10-11a). The Lord is righteous and will do no unrighteousness, He brings His justice to light, He never fails (Zephaniah 3:5). And all we will have to do is to bow down and worship just like the children of Israel when they heard that God has decided to visit them. They believed God  who saw them in their affliction (Exodus 4:30-31) "And Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people. So the people believed; and when they had that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped."

And when God visits His people and takes over their battles, even strangers in their midst will envy them and desire to be joined to them. In Isaiah 51:3, the bible says, "the Lord will comfort Zion and make her wilderness like Eden. And her desert like the garden of the LORD." Though He was once angry but His anger is turned away. The mercy of God will cause a drastic turn around that will bring about a great positive change for them, and not only that, they would be settled in their own land and will no longer be dislodged from their inheritance. Another interesting thing that will happen as noted in Isaiah 14:3 is that the LORD will give them rest from their sorrow, fear and hard bondage in which they were made to serve. They will as well take them captives whose captive they were, and they will rule over their oppressors (Isaiah 14:2b). When God rises in battle and delivers His people, He will defend and make all their crooked path and places straight (Isaiah 40:4, 42:16) because His utmost goal is restoration and rest for His people. While Jesus was physically here on earth, they hated Him, mocked, ridiculed, and plotted to kill Him, but unknown to them that they are birthing (paving way) for the redemption of entire human race. They thought they have perfected their evil scheme to get rid of Him by requesting that He should be crucified (John 19:2-6). And their evil wish was granted, Jesus was crucified among thieves (John 19:14b-18). But when He declared "it is finished" after He has taken the sour wine, the glory and the beauty of the church emerge (John 19:29-30). And that is the reason why Paul, the apostle remarked that if the prince of this world know he would not have crucified the King of glory. If they had known the God of heaven and earth, the LORD, powers of darkness will not dare Him nor challenge the Lordship of His Son, Jesus Christ. If the enemies too know that God, the LORD will arise, fight and eventually bring the best out of the horrible situations caused by troubling His children, they would not have bothered them. 

When God arises and the battle is the Lord's

When the battle becomes the Lord's battle, His people will not lift a finger. One of such examples of God undertaking for His own is an incident that occurred in 2 Chronicles 20:1-24. Three kings came together to fight against Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king sought the face of God on behalf of Judah and he was instructed by God's prophet to sing praises. He needed not to fight at all and his enemies eventually helped to destroy one another, no one escaped. The matter of believing is crucial (2 Chronicles 20:20) and that's why God needed to reassure prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43:3 that "I am the LORD your God, The Holy one of Israel, your saviour; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place." Again, He reminded him that He is the LORD his God who divided the red sea, whose waves roared. The LORD of hosts is his name (Isaiah 51:15). God must arise and lift up His arm for the redemption of His people but someone need to call upon Him before He does (Psalm 10:2) just as David cried for God's help and intervention (Psalm 17:13, 7:6). It is necessary that man should entreat God to arise and several instances when people pleaded for God to arise on their behalf littered the bible (Psalm 83:17-18, 94:1-3). Just like Hannah who was mistaken for a drunkard told Eli that she was pouring out her heart to God in prayer. Little did the old prophet know that the woman was filled with sorrow and grieve. He knew nothing about the misery, taunting and trouble she faced from her rival who constantly and reproachfully challenged God in her life (1 Samuel 1:1-17). But Hannah turned the battle to the Lord and made a vow unto the God of Israel. Even a small child knows that the best way to get sympathy and gain attention  is by crying.  The persistent crying of the children of God, their groaning and yearning will surely bring their LORD (the sovereign one) who is both the Lamb (gentle and kind) and the Lion of the tribe of Judah (fierce and terrible) speedily into their situation. He will show up and come to aid His defenceless ones, for He, the LORD is their ever present help in the time of trouble.

Besides, God Himself promised to arise for the sake of the oppressed, the poor and prisoners whom the agents of darkness have detained (Psalm 12:5). Then will the redeemed sing joyfully as David sang after God arose and judged his enemies (Psalm 55:17-19, 58:10-11, 107:41-43). When God arises in judgment to deliver His people and the battle becomes the Lord's battle, He will both be their defender and their defence (Psalm 76:1-9). Also, whenever He arises, certainly there will be judgment on the enemies of His people (Exodus 7:4). Zion was still lamenting the havoc wreaked by Babylon when God responded in Jeremiah 51:35-36 and He promised to fight for His people because He is a God of recompense (Jeremiah 51:56b). Solomon also affirm that God will surely rise and defend the oppressed (Proverbs 22:22-23) for when He speaks, no one can contend against Him in battle. However, before He will arise and fight at all for anyone, the Lord must be God in the life of such a person, people or a nation. Every one knows even the heathen kings-Darius and Nebuchadnezzar to mention a few that God is above all the people. God is great in Zion (among His righteous people) to demonstrate His power, might and glory and show Himself  strong amidst them (Psalm 99:2). David emphatically told Goliath that the battle is the Lord's: "Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47b), though Goliath disdained him and cursed him by his gods.

Satan and his agents in their evil hearts scheme to always deal shrewdly with the people of God. For no just cause to hinder their progress and expansion (Exodus 1:7, 9-10), and it is not a surprise because this has been his theme from the foundation of the earth (John 10:10). The Egyptians plotted against the children of Israel, yet, the children of Israel grew as if potent energy was supplied to them in  their affliction  (verses 11-14) despite the fact that the enemy made their lives bitter with hard bondages. This affliction from the enemy will not last forever, when God looks upon His people and remembers them, the enemy should know that it is over (Exodus 2:23b-25, Jeremiah 50:33-34). Unfortunately for the Egyptians, they have helped to raise the deliverer of the children of Israel, Moses, who was nursed by his own mother at Egypt expense by divine arrangement Exodus 2:1-10. In Exodus 3:8, God told Moses that He has come down to defend His people, then the battle became real and fierce. As He wanted to deliver His people from the tyranny of Pharaoh and Egypt, the battle became more intense. God sees, hears, knows, so, in verse 9, He came down to deliver them because of their cry caused by oppression. God is set to bring His people out but Pharaoh would not easily agree (Exodus 7:4): "But Pharaoh will not heed you so that I may lay my hand on Egypt and bring out my armies and my people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgment."  In Exodus 8:18-19, his magicians admitted that it was the finger of God fighting them because they could not bring forth lice, yet, Pharaoh's heart was hardened because of the destruction determined against him by God. Other version renders it like this: "The magicians could not stand before Pharaoh (Exodus 9:11) because they were carrying the plagues of the almighty, yet, Pharaoh's heart was hardened because God has raised him up for that purpose (Exodus 9:16, 35).

No one can pacify God when He arises, for He will roar like a lion robbed of His whelp and prevail against His enemies. He will lay waste the mountain and hills because they cannot withstand Him, He said that He would pant and gasp at once. In Isaiah 42:12, He told the children of Israel to praise Him, then (He) God will act and not man, "He shall go forth like a mighty man, He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war (no negotiation with the enemy), no bending, no retreat, no succumbing but He will cry out, yes, shout aloud, because He is not afraid of the enemy. He shall prevail against His enemies." The enemies of His children are His enemies, so when human effort, skill, strength and ability fails, God takes over (Isaiah 42:13-15). And so when it was exactly 430 years of the children of Israel's captivity in Egypt, on the very day, God stepped in and intervened for them (Exodus 12:41, 51). God consummated His acts on the Egyptians with the death of their first born. One may begin to wonder how God knew and could identify the first born of animals and humans in Egypt. He could easily distinguish them because He created them (Exodus 12:29, Job 12:10).

And with this last blow, at least Pharaoh and his people will take God serious for once, and will let go the children of Israel from their bondage. Now, their enemy knows assuredly that God is at work, the Egyptians need not be told. So, the children of Israel were completely delivered from their long time enemy and freed from slavery (Exodus 13:30). Pharaoh eventually allowed the children of Israel to go when he saw the vengeance of their God (Exodus 13:31). The Egyptians realized that the release of the children of Israel is a must and it has to be done urgently, again, God gained for Himself honour. And later when the children of Israel will recount their experience, they would say: "for by strength of the hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, orderly rank out of Egypt led in the way of wilderness." However, Pharaoh and his army still stubbornly pursued them. When the enemy hardened himself, it is for his utter destruction without remedy (Exodus 14:23-25). It must indeed be an interesting scene to behold when God arises to fight for His people in the middle of the red sea. The bible comment in Exodus chapter 14 verses 25b, "for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians" God's final judgment was unleashed on the Egyptians. Now, they can on longer contend with or trouble the children of Israel again forever.

Usually, God is not disposed to fight anyone because He is loving and kind, but if anyone decides to contend with Him in battle, if he is still fortunate to be alive, he will live to have untold regrets, and troubling experiences that will leave indelible mark in his life (Isaiah 27:4) because God's judgment is righteous (Psalm 19:9b). Though the enemy may find a justifiable cause for plundering, fighting and devouring the people of God (Jeremiah 50:7), but God said in the same chapter (Jeremiah 50:20) that His people will be pardoned and their iniquity will no longer be found. The observance of Passover by the children of Israel before their exit from Egypt symbolizes their redemption, and it was God own way of spiritually setting them apart from the evils about to befall the Egyptians. Everyone partakes in it and this sets a seal of God upon them. In order to receive blessings or deliverance from the Lord, one must be pure, having clean hands and a pure heart. The hands not soiled with sins nor the heart defiled. It implies that one must be holy and totally belong to the Lord. And when God-the creator of the ends of the earth becomes the LORD over and in our lives, the battle become easy for Him to fight, win and conquer for us. For His promised deliverance is for those who know Him and put their trust and confidence in Him.

Where is the fury of the oppressor?

God speaks in Isaiah 51:13 through His servant the prophet to encourage and as well to challenge the children of Israel who were faint-hearted and easily disturbed by the enemies, "And forget the Lord your maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually everyday because of the fury of the oppressor, When he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor?" Isaiah also had already given an elaborate description of the evil acts of these oppressors and their coming disaster in Isaiah 29:19-20. Similarly, during the rebuilding of the wall at Jerusalem, the enemies wanted to be forceful participators. Sanballat became unnecessarily furious and indignant about the work (Nehemiah 4:1-3), however, Nehemiah would not allow him to further his evil intention. So, Nehemiah prayed to God because of the disturbance and the threat of the enemies (Nehemiah 4:4-5). Unknown to these wicked people, they failed to realize that they were provoking the God of Israel. In Nehemiah chapter 4 verses 7-8, they raged and conspired to attack the children of Israel rebuilding the wall. Even Shemaiah was hired by Sanballat and Tobiah as a secret informer, but they were all ashamed when the work was successfully completed (Nehemiah 6:10, 15-16). In the same vein, Goliath of Gath brag against the children of Israel for 40 days, vaunting himself and deriding them. Initially, he was feared and the children of Israel hid themselves from him, but when the time of his doom came, it was a young boy, David, whom he referred to as dog who finished him with a sling and a stone, so where is the fury of the oppressor? God also speaks through prophet Zachariah of being a defence and avenger of His children from their oppressors (Zechariah 9:4, 8 &16).

At another time, Sennacherib was a troubler and also an oppressor who challenged God to battle though he thought his threat and rage was against the people of God. Owning to the analysis of his conquest (Isaiah 36:18b-20) which Hezekiah rightly affirms in Isaiah 37:3, 18-20, Sennacherib message to the people of Judah through Rabshakeh was perplexing and disturbing. It was in fact a day of trouble, rebuke and blasphemy because for a desperate enemy to target fortified cities and take them is an indication that he is serious and not joking (Isaiah 36:18b). But unfortunately for him, he had a misconceived idea of the source of help and confidence of the children of Israel, and that results into a great defeat for him. He actually belittled the prowess of their God (Isaiah 36:7-10). He thought that the children of Judah trusted in Egypt, and if not in Egypt, it must be that they depended on God whose altar they have pulled down. Later, he thought it was Hezekiah who will deliver them, but in all, he miscalculated (Isaiah 36:14-15, 18). The enemy always seeks a league, evil alliance, condescension and submission (Isaiah 36:16). But wisdom is profitable to direct says Solomon, the people held their peace as the king had commanded them not to reply him a word. There is really no need to converse with him, "For the king's commandment was, Do not answer him" (Isaiah 36:21). When the enemy starts his babbling, the king's command is "Do not answer him" The children of Judah were quiet but sorrowful, so, King Hezekiah had to report the enemy to prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 37:1-5). And God did not keep them in the dark, He gave a swift response and assured His people victory over their enemy (Isaiah 37:6-7). Despite God's assurance of defending and fighting for His people, Sennacherib sent again the second time to terrify them. He had evil energy to oppose and disturb the peace of the people of God (Isaiah 37:10-13). He wanted to shake their trust and confidence in their unshakable God. And that's the tactics of the devil even today to shake our confidence in the almighty who has promised to deliver.

However, Hezekiah did the most amazing thing, he would not disturb the prophet of God again it is needless to do so though the challenges of this heathen king was overwhelming for him. He went into the sanctuary to seek the face of God concerning it (Isaiah 37:14-20), "God let's read this letter together for it is mind-boggling, see what this mere man wrote against you, though I will not dispute the fact that he has destroyed many, but I believe You are not his match. O God  see this man who has challenged You into a battle, You have to do something and stop his menace (paraphrased). Hezekiah decided to quickly turned the battle to God when he received the second letter from Sennacherib. And God being who He is "The man of war" who delights in fighting for His children whenever the enemy become furious and troublesome. Prophet Isaiah says of Him, "As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name. The Holy one of Israel." God immediately acted because the battle has now been handed over to Him (Isaiah 37:21-29). He commanded an angel to destroy 185,000 soldiers to prove to Sennacherib his nothingness (Isaiah 37:36). Because he has lifted his eyes on high against the Holy one of Israel and has reproached the Lord, your disturbance is too much and you must pay dearly for it, so judgment came immediately (Isaiah 37:33-38).

Even the apostles (2 Corinthians 7:5) and Jesus were not exempted. The Pharisees, Sadducees, rulers and chief priests of Jesus's days hated Him, they pestered Him sore and furiously seek every opportunity to get Him. The account in Luke 20:20 clearly reveal their evil scheme, "so they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and authority of the governor." But there is no need to be pretentious, apparently all their evil schemes were known to Jesus (Luke 20:221-23), He voiced out, Why do you test Me? He knew they were subtle, dubious, wicked and cunning, and all their aim was to catch Him. With divine perception, He replied them, and their evil scheme against Him was eventually aborted (verses 24-26). They were clever spies who closely and carefully monitored Him so as to capture Him, they are evil though they feigned themselves to be true but really they were not. According to Luke 14:1-6, "they watched Him closely," they watched to see His actions, dispositions, judgment, decisions and reactions in order to catch Him. They also wanted to restrict Him to healing the sick on every other day except the Sabbath. And it was as if Jesus too loves their trouble, despite their allegation, He repeatedly heal the sick and diseased on the Sabbath. And this sparked more fury and contention from the these spiritual leaders who fume with rage because He continuously upset them by healing the sick on the Sabbath day. They were wrath against their Messiah and Lord though they did not acknowledged His person. When the man with dropsy stood before Him and they watched to see what He will do, He posed a question to the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?"  Since that is the bone of contention, but they did not respond.

At another instance, the ruler of the synagogue was poised for action because Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath. He told His followers to come for their healing any other day apart from Sabbath: "there are six days in which a man can work, so you have to choose and decide on which of those days you will come for your healing and not on the Sabbath. Stop complicating this matter, if you sick folks didn't show up on the Sabbath, there will be no cause for alarm. And since you are the reason for this uproar, be warned and learn to change. As custodian of the Mosaic law, we must see to it that everything is done orderly, so from henceforth there should be no more miracles on the Sabbath" (paraphrased). To them, Jesus was a mere nuisance who wanted to establish Himself and do whatever He wishes (John 9:16, 5:18). But He was actually there teaching on the Sabbath before the infirmed woman was healed (Luke 13:10-14). So, when Jesus responded, they were dumbfounded but His followers rejoiced (Luke 13:15-17). Again, on another Sabbath day (Matthew 12:9-14), after Jesus had healed a man with a withered hand that they went out to plot how to destroy Him. Yet, they could not until when it was His appointed time to die. He continued to do more miracles, He preached, cast out devils, He did all He needed to do. He fulfilled God's eternal purpose for mankind-that is to reconcile men back to God before He was eventually crucified later in chapter 27. And He did not die permanently, but on the third day He arose and He is alive forever Hallelujah!

Passion for God

The book of Songs of Solomon reveals physical relationship that exists between two lovers. Also, in this book, two major characters featured most frequently: the beloved and the Shulamite. The beloved is the husband while the Shulamite is the bride. Both of them also typify Jesus and the church. Jesus is the beloved who is also the husband of the church while the Shulamite represents the church-the bride of Jesus. According to Song of Solomon chapter one verse two, Jesus is indeed the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley and He speaks of His bride-the church too in verse two: "Like a lily among the thorns, So is my love among the daughters." The Shulamite (the bride-the church) also recounts her experience with her beloved and says: "He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love" (Songs of Solomon 2:4). Their sweet union and relationship continued until very much later when the Shulamite hesitated to receive her beloved till he departed (Songs of Solomon 5:2-6). And now that he had left her, she gave out assignment to other maidens (daughters of Jerusalem) to help find her beloved. They were to assist her in search for her beloved but they needed to know why she was so desperate and passionate about him. And when she was asked, she responded because she could not hide her feelings and affection for her beloved (Songs of Solomon 5:10-16). In verse 16, it was glaring why she was passionate about him and her response is worth noting: "His mouth is most sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved. And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!" It's only you don't know but now you need to know that there is none like him. For He is altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me, this is my beloved, this is my friend (Songs of Solomon 6:3, 7:10, 8:7, Isaiah 24:15).

In like manner, Mary, the sister of Lazarus was very passionate about Jesus to the extent that she anointed His feet and wiped it with her hair-quite unusual but a notable act depicting her devotion, love, affection and reference for her Lord, saviour and master (John 12:3-8). But those around challenged her good deed and gesture though they never deemed it fit to accord the master honour in such a unique and significant way with their gifts, neither do they value Him so much to reference Him like she did, rather they decried the waste. Really, they are insincere, self-centred, covetous, and greedy not truly minding about the person of Jesus but their personal gains. Martha, the sister of Mary, on the other hand was cumbered with activities. She was busy with much serving while Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus beholding Him. She was learning and waiting on the master. There is rest, renewal and refreshing when we take time out to wait on the master. God's promised strength (Zechariah 10:6, 12) is received in His presence as we passionately desire Him. Even God, after creation rested on the seventh day and was refreshed, and that's why He instructed the children of Israel to observe the Sabbath day. Hence, everyone needs a Sabbath-a time to be alone with God and wait on Him (Exodus 31:16-17). God longs to have fellowship with man who hardly have time to spare because of His daily tight and busy schedule. Oftentimes, man restlessly moves from one activity to other, so God ordered a day of rest for him. Yet, it's only few who actually give out time for deep communion and fellowship that God desires.

Mary Magdalene unbelievably went to the tomb very early in the morning while it was still dark longing to see her Lord and master. And when she saw that the stone had been rolled away, she ran to call Simon Peter and other disciples. Mary would not go home till she sees the master (her risen Lord). So she waited crying,  curious, at the same time anxious to know  the where-about of Jesus. Though the disciples had gone back to their houses, Mary stood outside weeping and wondering what could have happened to her Lord. So, Jesus could no longer restrain but showed her first His resurrected body (John 20:10-11,14-18). Jesus would only be revealed and made known to those who seek Him. Later, the disciples followed Peter to go a fishing but unfortunately their effort throughout the night yielded nothing (John 21:3).Then, Jesus showed up, though they've soon turned back from Him but He will not out-rightly leave them for He is altogether lovely. He instructed them, they obeyed and the result was tremendous for they caught many fishes. Jesus had also provided a ready-made food for them so they could have enough to eat and spare. But He was indirectly telling them that He could sufficiently take care of their present needs (John 21:9) and supply their future needs too (John 21:10). He is truly the beloved who lovingly cared for them though they do not measurably reciprocate His love. He invited them to dine with Him and afterward asked Peter if he truly loves Him.

God gave a remarkable promise to the children of Israel that He would be personally committed to anyone who desires to engage himself with Him. We can then say that God has no favourites, but anyone  can make himself one of God's favourites (Jeremiah 30:21-22). It's so obvious in verse 22 that God said He will take interest in drawing him: "Then will I cause him to draw near. And he shall approach Me: For who is this who pledged his heart to approach me says the Lord. You shall be my people, And I will be your God." Also, Ezekiel 16;6-14 reveals God's benevolent act toward the children of Israel, His passion and desperate desire to woo them, it is indeed a beauty made perfect by the splendour of the king. God is ever longing and seeking for sincere, faithful and devoted worshippers and to these ones He would dare commit Himself (James 4:8a, Psalm 36:8-9). Man may be casual, insincere, hypocritical, dubious, selfish but not God. Many have turned aside, instead of seeking God they have substituted Him with other things and Romans chapter 3 verse 12-19 now characterizes their lives. Though they profess to come to the presence of God but they are evil. Others are compelled to come to God because of their undesirable situations. They are not wilfully seeking God for a richer fellowship and deeper knowledge of Him but they are seeking God like the psalmist in Psalm 42 and 43 because of their unpleasant circumstances. Yet, as many as will wait on God will receive His strength, grace, mercy and love. God desires that we cling to Him for our good just as He told the children of Israel that they may become His people, for re-known, for praise and for glory (Jeremiah 13:11b). Jeremiah's pertinent question also reveals his contrition and longing for God (Jeremiah 14:22), and since it is only God who can give shower, it is wise to wait on Him because His good intent for His people hasn't change.

Jeremiah was overwhelmed by the reaction of his people who despite God's numerous promises had no passion at all for Him. They believed the relationship between God and Jeremiah was cordial enough for God to be his God and not their God. Even when they needed direction, they came to him to pray to his God. Repeatedly they said this and it showed their mind-set. Note in Jeremiah 42:2...."pray for us to the Lord your God" also in verse three: "....that the Lord your God may show us," but Jeremiah redirected them back to God by his response in verse four and it's worth noting, he said: "I have heard, indeed I will pray to the Lord your God according to your words." They acknowledged Him as their Lord, yet, they referred to Him as Jeremiah's God. Their response in verse five showed their unwillingness to fully accept Him as their God as they said: "Let the Lord be a true witness between us, if we do not according to everything which the Lord your God sends us by you!" Really, they were insincere, they were playing pranks because they only wanted to know the mind of God concerning decisions and steps to be taken so as avert His wrath and judgment (Jeremiah 42:20-21). Though they eventually declared Him as their God but it was a fake declaration. In verse six, they said: "whether it was pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we send you"-a mere lip service. Bur the fact remains that they were so conscious not to fully commit themselves to God because of the propensity to stray away from Him again and again. And just like the power troubled kings of Judah who after serving God later in life misbehaved and commit blunders. For instance, Amaziah after serving God for several years came to bow down to the idols of the nation he conquered (2 Chronicles 25:2, 14-16).

But when darkness took over the land, the prophets and the priests going about not knowing what to do, Jeremiah was not self-assertive, he realized his nothingness and helplessness, so, he sought God for divine intervention (Jeremiah 14:18). Though a shepherd of God's people, yet, he was pulling hard after God (Jeremiah 15:19-21). God wants to be regarded as holy by anyone who approached His court irrespective of status or position. He told Aaron in Leviticus 10:3:"By those who come near me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified." Hence, no frivolity, carefree, looseness as we approach Him but utmost reference. The brothers of Shulamite counselled her about things she needed to note, those things that can affect or disrupt her relationship with her beloved (Songs of Solomon 2:15, 1:6). These are serious issues too that can easily interfere with our relationship with the almighty.

Another gospel (c)

Paul, the Apostle succinctly warned his followers in Colosse against empty words, deceit, vain philosophy and false teachings prevalent at that time (Colossians 2:8). He made them realize that the true gospel is unique and devoid of errors and fallacies. In like manner, the warning is for us today as it is written in the scriptures: ''Beware lest any cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.''  Similarly, Paul the Apostle in his letter to Timothy his son in the Lord emphasized the need for the truth and highlight its real import which is for instruction in righteousness. The scripture is also for reproof, correction, doctrine and direction (2 Timothy 3:13). Hence, any gospel that does not offer these is fake and their so called preachers and propagators are agents of the devil. They are evil men, impostors who love to deceive people because they themselves have been deceived by the devil (2 Timothy 3:13). And as we live in days when these scriptures are getting fulfilled to the letters in our own eyes, it is now more evident than ever before that many are already departing from the faith giving heed to deceiving and seducing spirits (spirit of error) and doctrines of the devil (1 Timothy 4:1-2, Jeremiah 5:30-31) propagated by the preachers of another gospel. So, he reiterated with no mincing words that Timothy should preach the word (truth). He was duty bound to preach the truth because many are prone to error. In 2 Timothy 4:2-4, he  also told him: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 

A true minister of God is therefore an instructor who also nourishes his followers. Timothy was properly nurtured, groomed and mentored by Paul the Apostle, and later he was charged with the responsibility of overseeing the flock of God in Ephesus, however, he must remain pure and undefiled by the sins of those who have gone astray (1Timothy 5:21-22). It was a noble charge because as he watches over himself, he was mandated to watch over others too.  Paul painstakingly emphasized the need for him to avoid false teachers who busy themselves acquiring worldly goods, and thus causing many to stray from the faith; in fact, he left no stone unturned: "If any teaches otherwise and does not conform to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and augments over words, from which come envy, strife, reveling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling of men of corrupt mind and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kind of evil; for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1Timothy 6:3-10). Truly, many have been cajoled by preachers of another gospel and were taught to believe that material riches and wealth determines wellness and true positioning in life forgetting that they brought nothing into the world, and surely will carry nothing out of it (1 Timothy 6:7). Even Jesus likened the preachers of another gospel to hirelings. He noted that they are fake as they are not real, they are thieves and robbers who never truly care for the sheep (John 10:1-2, 8). They do not enter in by the door and are deficient lacking characteristic traits of a good shepherd.  

There is a particular assignment for Timothy and that is to zealously guard what was committed to his trust. In 1Timothy chapter 6 verse 20, Paul, the apostle exclaimed: "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge." This is serious because there are many contentions against the truth, error paraded and displayed as truth by false teachers must be shun (2 John 8-10). O Timothy! You must not be loose or give in to these evil, rather concentrate on your assignment. O Timothy! Avoid every distraction and falsehood. With your knowledge and understanding of your assignment, you must be careful of the evil going on that no one dissuade you because to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The need for the truth is obvious now because of the way error is gaining popularity and is widely accepted as truth in many circles, yet, no remodelling, repackaging, sharpening, can ever make fake become the original. Original is always real! Regardless of the extent of its refurbishing, modification, panel-beating, readjustment that error may go through to make it resemble original, all these efforts notwithstanding; error will never become original. Counterfeit will ever remain counterfeit, and original will always be original though there may be little semblance, but sincerely fake is fake, and truth is truth. It is only when the Spirit of God breathes upon a life that it can truly experience the life of God and His power, then have meaning to be productive and not marred. Any life built on error is already marred and doomed for destruction. It is God alone who makes anew when the truth is embraced.

In his days, John the Baptist prepared the people for the revelation of their Messiah, his message was persuasive, hard on them, and many were convicted of their sins (Luke 3:3-4, 7-10). And when Jesus eventually came, as He preached, He did not pamper sin and sinners; neither did He condone the evil of His days though committed by the highly ranked spiritual leaders (Pharisee, Sadducee, Scribes and the High priests). His teachings were blunt and straight to the point. There were no additives, sweeteners, and add-ons to make it pleasant, it was indeed not palatable to them at all. It was such a very hard and troubling teaching for them that on several occasion they attempted to kill Him. The bible recorded that the people were filled with wrath "when they heard these things" they rose up thrust Him out of the city, led Him to the brow of the hill to throw Him down the cliff. I want to believe that He wasn't joking or chatting with them because they wouldn't have schemed to throw Him down if He was telling them what they love to hear. The evil people of His days plotted to kill Him because He preached the truth. Jesus is an embodiment of grace and truth (John1:14b, 17b) and He cannot do otherwise for He is committed to the truth. According to Luke chapter 2 verse 32, Jesus was sent a light to bring revelation to the gentiles and the glory of God to His people. Simply put, any gospel that does not project Jesus, reveal Him and declares His teachings is false and fake. It must not be tolerated for the predetermined counsel of God alone for His people must stand: "So that the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations." It is God's expectation and desire that righteousness (truth) not error will spread forth in all the nations of the earth.

Jesus was not spared by the devil; He was tempted of the devil for 40 days and 40 nights. He did not succumb to his suggestion to leave the preaching of the truth in pursuance of earthly glory, fame or wealth (Matthew 4:8-10). But this is what the preachers of another gospel teach their followers,  they teach them to make it quick in life even through dubious means, they propagate error, giving their followers false hope and assurance that God is with them even when sinning against Him (Jeremiah 6:13). But John the beloved exhorting the believers urge them to acknowledge and follow those who preach the truth (1John 4:5-6). The serious need of the hour is the ability to discern the truth form the error because damages done by these evil perpetrators are enormous (Hosea 6:9-10). They spread lies and multiply greatly, and instead of repenting, the more they increased the more they sinned against God (Hosea 4:7-8).  However, they failed to realize that the judgment of God is coming if they do not turn from their evil and pernicious ways (Hosea 4:9). For the evil of false teaching, judgment is coming on the unrepentant. God frankly told Ezekiel that He is a fair God though many misconstrue Him (Ezekiel 33:17, 20). Ephraim's apostate state and his altars to sin made God angry and He pronounced judgment on him (Hosea 8:11-13), so also will God unleash His wrath else these teachers and preachers of another gospel repent.