In recent times we have seen tremendous fluctuations in the social, political and religious spectrum. What has also been gleaned leaves a lot to be desired when evaluating it in respect to what should be happening in the Christendom.
The mind boggling events have left in the “minds” of keen observers a rather shocking picture of what is shaping up. It is true that prophetic value attached to the times we find ourselves living in cannot be gainsaid. Interpretations on the prophetic has left many a scholar divided making it hard for all of us to see things as they should be viewed from the same page, since the bible speaks in unison, and the Spirit of God reveals to us what does not get captured by mental inclination. The question will be “what does this potent to the seeker of truth”? Let us examine the same comparing it with situations as they were when people with the same desire lived in times of great prophetic fulfillment.
Understanding 'times' as did the sons of Issachar who the bible says understood times and were bound to tell Israel what she needed to do, is a great thing these days, and should be emulated for we have the Spirit of God. 1chronicles 12.32 and Romans 8.4
Few people had the privilege of knowing what was unfolding prior to the birth of Christ in those days preceding his ministry. Among those who had the chance to know about the events leading to Christ birth were, Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and prophetess Anna. I will not detail at length what each went through in life in order to be part of the history that changed religious foundation, but will only pinpoint one example to illustrate the point.
I will honestly say not all of us are part of what shapes the "religious world," not all religious folks relate in tandem with what is to shape it either, only few with an insight into heavenly matters have an inkling on the goings on that touch favorably on heavenly establishment, and the Kingdoms' master plan. The scribes and religious leaders were on the wrong page of history, though interestingly these men were convinced beyond reproach in their parochial wisdom that they were defending the famed Jewish religious institution. They missed a great opportunity. They fought one of the greatest spiritual wars ever waged against a great master and lost it, though they believed the battle had been won by crucifying him on the cross.
Jesus waited patiently for the right hour to kick- start the grand heavenly program that God put in place. He had come to sound a clarion call; this he never did by whims, but followed well laid down pattern that saw him triumph when circumstances were dictating otherwise. He never succumbed to any of the challenges, but surmounted every obstacle to the very end.
We have the Spirit of Christ within us, as compared to folks who lived during those old times. One vivid thing that stands out was the emotional approach exhibited by the Children of Israel, and which clearly took centre stage during Christ’s time. This was due to the single fact, that most of them were carnally inclined, seeing things with earthly lenses than being led by the Spirit. When our savior saw the emerging of John the Baptist to herald his first advent, he knew right away his time had come, and went to him to be baptized. Confirmation was sounded immediately when the Spirit of God like a dove lighted on him, with the voice speaking “this is my son in whom I am well pleased." The Spirit led him in the wilderness to be tempted for forty days. After forty days, he overcame the tempter coming back triumphantly to set what will change, and alter history of the Jewish nation.
We need to understand our times. There is need to ask ourselves, why are we experiencing the perils, conflicts, economic meltdown, political squabbles, selfishness, and lack of morals, hatred, malice, sickness, poverty and other things happening today? What is God saying to us after repenting and wailing every day? There is great need to evaluate, and take stock of our spiritual lives and see where the rain started beating us.
Jesus did not change his message to suit what the larger audience was demanding. He bonded with the idea of salvation to mankind, loved it, cherished it lived it to the end, and wrestled control from the enemy who was not budging. He laid his life down, not driven by selfish intent, rather sticking to heavenly agenda to the end. He saw many disillusioned people just as we have many today, he saw many in chains needing deliverance, and as sheep herded around without a shepherd, he saw Israel in that manner. This was his driving force, and no amount of intimidation from religious circles or political dictates of the day were going to stop him or blur his cause.
Today it is evident and we are agreed to some extend that many did start well, but along the way the vision was clouded as a result of many things that distracted the right start. We are giving in to greed, love for money, and other selfish interests, which have made the word we preach of none effect. The word should have effect and the word is profitable if duly embraced and followed to the later.
There will always be a people who will guide others in times of great perils. This is always a small group that will never allow itself to be sold to whims and agendas that do not honor God. They are vilified, criticized, seen as social outcasts, and with no well cut conventional and traditional taste. Prior to the news about his birth, it seemed as though God had stopped communicating with people in the nation of Israel. That is not the case as we see God revealing to Simeon in the temple how he was not going to die before he sets his eyes on the savior. This goes to show us who are expectant of God’s great move in our time that though things look messed up in religious sphere, we have a people God is going to use to draw back his people to the right causes.
Many people are going through various forms of agonizing aspects. Some have lost hope, others battling to save lives which have been destroyed by diseases. Money markets are threatened by imminent economic collapse and jobs are being lost. We hear of people being homeless, others suffering from depression. In times such as these we need a voice that is bold enough to sensitize people on what the Word of God entails and the promises galore enshrined in it.
We need to put on Christ, and have the love he had, care for those who need to be cared for, reach out to those in pain, not manipulating them, and taking advantage of their situations, making them worse than prior to what they were. The world needs to see the love of God spread, and his son preached according to the command he gave. Moses told the children of Israel “if you shall listen to my commandments diligently which I command you this day to love God as I have commanded you this day and serve him with all your heart and soul, then the Lord will send you in due cause the latter rains, that you may gather corn, wine and oil” Deuteronomy 11.32.
If we are going to do the same, and to love God and observe his commands, for sure he will bless us. He will send the latter rain, and we shall be full in every aspect, but if we do not observe what needs to be observed, then instead of blessings curses will rule. Moses said to children of Israel I have put before you blessings and curses, and it was incumbent upon them to choose either blessings or curses. Let us read the times and understand them, after which we shall do what is acceptable in the eyes of God. There is no situation no matter how it looks like that is too complex for God; despite the situations fury, with God everything is possible. I am seeing the sick recover, those afflicted being visited upon by God and salvation coming a people’s way as the truth is discoursed without fear and compromise.
We need to continue believing in God no matter the dictates coming from various fronts with negative intent; we have to stand on the principles of Christ to the end. And he is going to confirm his word with signs following. Only those who have purposed in their hearts to walk in this path will realize what is expressed in the word of God.
For revival to come, and get the desired results then we need to step in the unknown not according to the imaginative human mind, and when we capture it, tap into the spiritual realm, seeing those things the world is not seeing today.
Dr. Ephantus
